u/Murky-War-116

A couple weeks ago, I made a post here looking for multicooker recommendations because I trashed my old Aroma cooker and wanted something that functioned more like a real pot with a removable lid instead of a hinged one.

I live in a very small studio apartment with basically no real kitchen, tiny sink space, and limited storage, so I need one appliance that can handle most of my cooking without needing to buy extra pots and pans. I mostly make one-pot rice dishes, soups, stews, etc., so I just need something versatile and reliable enough to be my main cooker for at least the next year.

After doing a ton of research, I narrowed it down to these two:

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 10-in-1 Multicooker (Also at Walmart)

Ninja 10-in-1 Everyday PossibleCooker 6.5qt (NOT the Pro version)

Important: I’m talking about the regular Ninja PossibleCooker, not the Pro version. A lot of reviews keep mixing them up.

I like the Beautiful one because it honestly looks nicer, seems less bulky, the metal lid, and would blend into my apartment better, but I’ve heard mixed things about long-term durability. The Ninja seems sturdier, but I keep seeing different opinions depending on whether people are reviewing the Pro or regular version.

So honestly:

Which one would you recommend between the two?

Have you used either and what are your opinions or watch out signs for them.

And if neither, should I just go for the Ninja Pro instead?

I’m looking to get a new rice cooker and would really appreciate some advice, especially from people who cook a lot of one-pot meals.

I previously had an Aroma digital multicooker and it lasted me about 2–3 years (even after I dented it lol), but there are a few things that made me not want to repurchase it:

• The hinged lid drove me crazy. I have limited vertical space, and opening it was always awkward with cabinets above.

• Cleaning the lid was honestly a struggle. Since it’s attached, I had to tilt the whole cooker at weird angles just to wash it properly especially when cooking oily or saucy meals.

• The “multi-function” cooking wasn’t reliable. I’d sauté (garlic, tomato paste, etc.), then switch to rice mode, and it would sometimes shut off early and go to “warm” because the pot was “too hot”. That completely defeats the purpose of one-pot cooking.

Now my situation. I live in a very small studio with limited space and even though I have an air fryer and single burner, I prefer the simplicity of one-pot cooking when I’m tired.

What I’m looking for:

• No hinged lid (or at least easier to clean)

• Works well for one-pot meals

• Easy to clean in a small sink

• Budget under $150

Main question:

Can a basic rice cooker handle one-pot meals, or do I need a multicooker that can properly do sauté → cook without shutting off?

Any recs? Trying not to fight my appliance every time I cook 😭

Trying to Replace My Aroma Cooker — Beautiful or Ninja?