Sunbeam HP5520 Slow Cooker vs Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker

Capacity and Family Fit

The Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker offers a larger 6L capacity compared to the Sunbeam HP5520 Slow Cooker’s 5.5L, making it better suited for bigger families or batch cooking. The extra half-litre allows for more generous portions or meal prep across multiple days. While both are designed for family-sized meals, the Philips model’s 6L size provides greater flexibility for dishes like large roasts, soups, or pressure-cooked stews. The Sunbeam’s 5.5L is still ideal for households of six to eight people, but falls short when preparing meals intended for larger gatherings or long-term freezing. For those prioritising volume and versatility in portion sizes, the Philips model clearly outperforms.

Power and Cooking Speed

The Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker features a 1300W power rating, which enables faster pre-heating—up to 25% quicker than previous models—making it significantly faster during meal preparation. This higher wattage supports quicker heat-up times, especially beneficial for busy lifestyles where time efficiency matters. In contrast, the Sunbeam HP5520 lacks a specified power rating, relying instead on its traditional slow-cooking method, which inherently takes longer. While the Sunbeam excels in gentle, hands-off cooking, the Philips model delivers speed without compromising performance, offering a modern advantage for users who want results in less time. The difference in cooking speed is not just theoretical—it translates directly into practical time savings during daily use.

Cooking Versatility

The Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker stands out with 1300W power and 7 preset pressure cooking settings, enabling it to function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, steamer, baker, and yogurt maker—all in one device. It supports multi-cooking modes beyond basic slow cooking, including searing and baking, giving users far more culinary options. The Sunbeam HP5520, by comparison, only offers low, high, and keep-warm settings, limiting it strictly to slow cooking and warming. It cannot sauté, steam, or pressure cook. For someone seeking a single appliance that replaces multiple kitchen tools, the Philips model is vastly superior. The Sunbeam remains focused on simplicity and reliability, but at the cost of versatility.

Safety and Smart Features

The Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker includes nine safety protection systems, such as pressure control and lid-locking mechanisms, ensuring safe operation even during high-pressure cooking. Its automatic keep-warm function maintains food readiness for up to 12 hours, eliminating the need to monitor temperature after cooking. These smart features provide peace of mind and convenience, particularly for multitaskers or those who cook in advance. The Sunbeam HP5520 lacks any mention of advanced safety systems or automated functions beyond the basic keep-warm setting. While it does have a simple keep-warm feature, it doesn’t specify how long it lasts. The Philips model’s integrated safety and extended keep-warm functionality make it more suitable for modern kitchens where safety and automation are valued.

Non-Stick Coating and Durability

The Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker uses a 5-layer ProCeramic+ coating on its inner pot, described as five times more durable and scratch-resistant than conventional non-stick surfaces. This enhanced coating ensures better longevity and consistent heat distribution while simplifying cleaning. The Sunbeam HP5520 features a removable ceramic pan, which is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, but no details are provided about its coating durability or resistance to scratches. Without information on material strength, the Sunbeam’s ceramic insert may be more prone to wear over time. The Philips model’s ProCeramic+ coating represents a clear upgrade in both resilience and performance, making it more suitable for frequent or aggressive use.

Price and Value Comparison

The Sunbeam HP5520 Slow Cooker is priced at A$49.00, while the Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker costs A$129.00—a difference of A$80.00. This means the Sunbeam is about 61% cheaper than the Philips model. At A$49.00, the Sunbeam offers a highly affordable entry point into slow cooking, ideal for those on a tight budget or looking for a simple, dedicated appliance. However, the Philips model, despite its higher price, delivers significantly more functionality: it can pressure cook, steam, bake, and make yogurt—functions the Sunbeam cannot perform. When considering value per feature, the Philips model justifies its premium price through expanded capabilities, whereas the Sunbeam remains a singular-purpose device with minimal added features.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Sunbeam HP5520 Slow Cooker if you want a budget-friendly, reliable appliance for straightforward slow cooking without complications—ideal for families of six to eight who value simplicity and low upfront cost. It’s also excellent for those who prefer hands-off cooking and don’t need additional functions. However, if you seek a versatile, future-proof kitchen tool that can pressure cook, steam, bake, and keep food warm for up to 12 hours, the Philips Viva Collection All-in-One Multicooker is the superior choice despite its higher price. With 6L capacity, 1300W power, and 1300W-based speed advantages, it offers far greater functionality and long-term utility. Given the Philips model’s bestseller rank of 5 and the Sunbeam’s rank of 4, both are popular—but the Philips earns its position through broader capability, making it the better investment for active cooks.