I know from past surveys that many of our readers use Instant Pot-style multi-cookers in their RVs, so I thought this little experiment—comparing the name brand to a cheaper knock-off that claims to do the same thing—might be of interest.
Instant Pot was the original big name in multi-cooker appliances, and, for a while, it was pretty much the only game in town. These days, though, consumers have plenty of choices.
Most multi-cookers, even the basic models, can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, and more. Most also include a sauté function, which means you can prepare an entire meal in a single pot—always a plus in an RV.
Even the name-brand Instant Pot doesn’t last forever. My old one gave me about five years of service before it finally died. As I went to order a replacement, someone suggested I look at a knock-off brand called DUMOS, available for a fraction of the price—about $50 compared to roughly $140 for a comparable Instant Pot.
I hesitated. But after comparing reviews, I noticed the cheaper option scored similarly to the name brand, so I decided to give it a shot.
Knock-off brand vs. Instant Pot: My findings
When I opened the box, I was surprised by just how closely the DUMOS resembled the Instant Pot in both design and function. In fact, I didn’t even need to read the instructions—the controls were intuitive because they worked almost exactly the same way.
Performance-wise? So far, they seem equally capable. Both have all the functions I regularly use. Both have high, medium, and low levels for pressure cooking and slow cooking. I have not experienced any difference in actual function.
I can’t speak to long-term durability, yet, since I’ve only been using the DUMOS for about a month. But given that my name-brand Instant Pot only lasted five years, I wasn’t exactly blown away by its “longevity.”
Where the Instant Pot wins
That said, the Instant Pot does come out ahead in a few areas. However, whether those differences are worth paying an extra $100 for is debatable.
1. Better build quality
The Instant Pot’s electronics feel more robust. It uses a thicker, three-prong power cord, while the DUMOS has a thinner, two-prong cord. The cheaper unit works fine so far, but the Instant Pot definitely feels more substantial.
2. Detachable power cord
The Instant Pot’s power cord detaches, making the appliance’s exterior easier to clean and slightly easier to store in tight RV spaces. The DUMOS cord is permanently attached.
3. Different gasket design
The inner gasket on the DUMOS is the same size, but it’s held in place differently with small silicone prongs. That makes me suspect Instant Pot replacement gaskets may not be interchangeable, but I don’t know for sure. The only reason this would be a concern is when you need to replace the gasket, as I am sure it’s easier to find those for Instant Pots.
Final verdict
Aside from the differences mentioned above, these two handy cooking gadgets perform identically.
In a pure head-to-head comparison, the Instant Pot wins on build quality and convenience features. But does that justify spending an extra hundred bucks?
For me, no.
Since the name brand didn’t exactly wow me with longevity, I was willing to take a chance on the cheaper alternative.
If the DUMOS falls apart in six months, I may change my tune—but for now, I’m calling it a surprisingly solid budget alternative.
I’ll report back down the road if longevity becomes an issue.
Order from Amazon
RELATED
- RV Instant Pot recipes: Delicious baby back ribs in under 1 hour
- Instant Pot recipes for a hungry RVer
- Slow cooker to Instant Pot conversion: Recipe adaptation
- Did someone say bacon? Instant Pot bacon-wrapped turkey – Yum!
- It’s time to rethink RVing with an Instant Pot
RVDT2909
I’ve had an Instant Pot for almost 9 1/2 years. It’s still going strong and I love it. I use it often!
I would probably replace with the same brand if/when this one quits working.
We have five instant pots, of various sizes, scattered between the house and rv, I’ve seen at least three of them in use at one time. The first I bought as a gift, the rest we’ve bought either on Marketplace or thrift stores. They get used constantly and have never given any trouble, I think the oldest one is about ten years old. It’s great technology, it will be interesting to see if the knockoffs are just as good.
I have never had nor used one. As a senior citizen a stove top, microwave and on rare occasions a crock pot has served me well. I see no reason to add another user of space that I don’t know how to use and have always gotten along without.
Probably all made in the same Chinese factory, just one has been designed to a cheaper level of components.
We have 2 Instant Pots; the first is one of the originals with a non-detachable cord and no yogurt function. The only thing that has gone wrong with it so far is that the “I’m done” beep usually doesn’t sound or only partially sounds. Otherwise, it is still fine. I bought the second one for the yogurt function. I’m impressed that it will sterilize milk with no stirring and no sticking, ever! IMO, that’s worth the extra price.