Hamilton Beach 37518 vs Instant Pot ZEST-20
Head-to-head: Hamilton Beach 37518 ($50, Mid-Range) vs Instant Pot ZEST-20 ($50, Mid-Range). We compare features, rice quality, pros & cons to help you decide.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hamilton Beach 37518 | Instant Pot ZEST-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $49.99 |
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Brand | Hamilton Beach | Instant Pot |
| Badge | Best Large Capacity Budget | Best Budget Large Capacity |
Pros & Cons
Hamilton Beach 37518
✅ Pros
- + Massive 20-cup capacity for big families or meal prep
- + Built-in steamer basket for complete meals
- + Heat/Simmer function handles soups and beans
- + Digital timer with delay start
- + Under $50 — exceptional value for the features
❌ Cons
- − No fuzzy logic — basic digital heating only
- − Brown rice is decent but not as soft as pressure models
- − Large footprint takes up significant counter space
- − Inner pot is thin compared to Japanese brands
Instant Pot ZEST-20
✅ Pros
- + Massive 20-cup capacity handles family meals and meal prep
- + Handles rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and grains with dedicated presets
- + Ceramic-coated pot is more durable than basic non-stick
- + Delay Start up to 24 hours
- + Auto Keep Warm maintains serving temperature
❌ Cons
- − No fuzzy logic — digital but basic heating algorithms
- − Ceramic coating requires silicone/wood utensils only
- − Large body takes significant counter or storage space
- − Rice texture slightly inconsistent at max capacity
Grainy's Verdict
We recommend the **Instant Pot ZEST-20** for most buyers. The Instant Pot Zest isn't trying to be a fancy Japanese Micom cooker. It's a workhorse. If you need to cook HUGE batches of rice, quinoa, or oatmeal for a large family or weekly meal prep, this is your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hamilton Beach 37518 better than the Instant Pot ZEST-20? ▼
The Hamilton Beach 37518 has a higher rating (4.5 vs 4.5) and is our pick for Best Large Capacity Budget. However, the Instant Pot ZEST-20 offers different features and may suit specific needs better.
Which is cheaper, Hamilton Beach 37518 or Instant Pot ZEST-20? ▼
The Instant Pot ZEST-20 is cheaper at $49.99 compared to the Hamilton Beach 37518 at $49.99 — a difference of $0.00.
Should I buy the Hamilton Beach or Instant Pot rice cooker? ▼
It depends on your priorities. Choose the Hamilton Beach 37518 if you value massive 20-cup capacity for big families or meal prep. Go with the Instant Pot ZEST-20 if massive 20-cup capacity handles family meals and meal prep matter more to you.
Read the full reviews: Hamilton Beach 37518 Review • Instant Pot ZEST-20 Review