Best 6-quart multi-cookers under $40

Top pick: the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1, 6 qt. It's the one to buy if you want a multi-cooker that just works: pressure cook, slow cook, rice, steam, sauté, yogurt and keep warm, with the timer and stainless finish that make it easy to live with. It's also the only pick here sold by several stores, so you have a fallback if one is out.

Who the others suit:

• Haysky 16-in-1 6QT — if you want the longest feature list for the money and don't mind a single seller.
• Simenmax 6qt — a plain, no-frills pressure cooker for basic beans, stews and rice.
• Options 6 Qt. multi-cooker — if you'd rather have a ceramic pot than a nonstick one.
• Elite Black 6qt — a simple stainless model when you only need the essentials.

Skip the 12-in-1 Simenmax if the cap is firm — it runs over.