A dedicated baby food maker can be useful if combining steaming and blending makes preparation easier. If your current appliances already do both and produce the texture you want, it could simply duplicate what you have, as Que Choisir points out. For very small portions, also check the minimum usable quantity, how much handling is involved and how easy it is to clean: a large capacity alone won’t answer that question.
You have an appliance for cooking and a mixer or blender. Before adding a dedicated baby food maker, you want to know whether it will genuinely save you steps; Que Choisir highlights the risk of buying something that duplicates what you already own.
You want to steam and blend in one go while achieving the texture you want, without choosing a capacity that is mainly useful when making several portions.
You want to compare the materials of the parts that come into contact with food and find out exactly what can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
If you already have appliances for cooking and blending, start by checking how straightforward these steps are with your existing kit. Then compare how much you prepare at a time with the cleaning involved in using a dedicated baby food maker.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding duplication | Identify which appliances already handle steaming and blending, then compare the steps involved. | If my appliances already let me make a purée without any fuss, I’d rather not add a specialist baby food maker; around 28% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Texture and workflow | Look at the blending controls and check whether steaming and blending happen in the same bowl or require you to transfer the food. | When moving from steaming to blending and adjusting the texture, I want to keep the number of steps between the two to a minimum; this would be the priority for around 22% of consumers. |
| Very small portions | Compare the capacity of the steaming basket and bowl, then check the instructions for the recommended minimum quantity for steaming and blending. | When I’m making just one small purée, I want the appliance to work well with that amount, not just with several portions; around 28% of consumers would put this first. |
| Materials and cleaning | Check the materials of the parts that come into contact with food, and distinguish between the parts that are dishwasher-safe and the base, which needs to be cleaned another way. | If I have to clean the appliance after every use, I want to know which parts to wash and how; this would be the priority for around 22% of consumers. |
A steamer and a blender you already have may cover the two main functions. Que Choisir says that a baby food maker could then simply duplicate what you already own.
Work through the steps involved using your existing appliances before deciding whether a dedicated model would make things easier.
An extra appliance also takes up space in your kitchen.
A capacity designed for several portions doesn’t tell you, on its own, how the appliance will work with a very small quantity.
If you plan to make just one portion, check the instructions or ask the manufacturer for the recommended minimum quantity for steaming and blending.
Extra functions won’t necessarily make it easier to prepare purées, especially if your other appliances already do the job. Que Choisir recommends thinking about how useful they’ll really be.
Prioritise steaming, blending, practical capacity and cleaning first. Only look at other functions if you expect to use them.
Dishwasher compatibility applies to specific parts: Philips says the main unit of the relevant Avent models is not dishwasher-safe, while Béaba says the body of the Babycook Néo must not be immersed in water.
Check which parts of your chosen model are dishwasher-safe and clean the base as instructed in the manual.
The Babycook range includes the Solo, Duo and Néo models. Béaba lists the Babycook Néo with a 1 250 ml glass bowl and a 1 000 ml stainless steel basket.
The Nutribaby range includes the One, (+), XL and Glass versions. Babymoov describes the Nutribaby (+) as having two steaming baskets and three blending speeds.
According to Philips, the SCF883/01 baby food maker uses a bowl that you turn over to switch from steaming to blending.
No, not necessarily. If your current appliances already let you steam food and blend it to the texture you want, a dedicated baby food maker could simply duplicate what you have, as Que Choisir points out. It’s most useful if it genuinely makes preparation or cleaning easier.
Check the recommended minimum quantity for steaming and blending rather than relying on the maximum capacity alone. Read the instructions for the model you’re considering or ask the manufacturer before you buy.
It depends on the model and the part. Philips says the components of its Avent SCF881/01, SCF885/01 and SCF883/01 models are dishwasher-safe, except for the main unit with its cord. For the Babycook Néo, Béaba also distinguishes between the washable parts and the body of the appliance, which should be wiped clean without immersing it in water.
Check the stated materials for the bowl, basket, blades and lids of the model you choose, then follow its instructions for use and care. Information about the material of one part doesn’t necessarily describe the other parts of the appliance.