Choose a multi-cooker or cooking food processor if you want to combine cooking and, depending on the model, preparation in a single appliance. A combination of appliances is better suited when your sessions alternate between slow-cooked dishes, blended preparations and crispy cooking. In that case, compare the genuinely usable capacity, space required and ease of cleaning rather than simply counting the number of functions.
You mainly cook complete meals to portion out for the week and want to spend less time monitoring the cooking. The usable capacity of the bowl or cooking pot, rather than its stated overall volume, becomes crucial. UFC-Que Choisir points out that multi-cookers need a safety margin.
You want to limit the number of appliances left out permanently in the kitchen. Compare the versatility you will genuinely use, the accessories that need storing and the parts that need cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering the space required and maintenance before buying.
You already have a solution for sauces or boiling, but want to speed up chopping, blending or roasting. A food-preparation appliance or air fryer can then complement your existing equipment without necessarily replacing your main appliance.
Start with the quantities you actually prepare, then check which steps you want the appliance to handle and how much space it will take up between sessions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the maximum fill level, usable volume for each recipe and stated number of portions. For soups, sauces or pressure cooking, do not rely on the litre figure alone. | I want to prepare enough portions without exceeding the cooking pot’s limit or having to run several cycles. |
| Functions you will genuinely use | Check cooking, chopping, blending, grating, kneading and steaming separately. Guided recipes and programming do not automatically replace the mechanical or heating functions you need. | I would rather have an appliance that handles the repeated steps in my weekly preparation than a long list of functions I rarely use. |
| Storage and maintenance | Measure the space on your worktop and in your cupboards. Check the accessories supplied, removable parts and model-specific cleaning instructions. | I want to be able to get the appliance out easily each week without storage or washing up becoming a chore. |
| Consumption in real-world use | Compare appliances using the same recipe, quantity and a similar cooking time. UFC-Que Choisir’s test of a small quiche lorraine recorded average consumption 36% lower for air fryers than for a mini oven, a result linked to that specific test method. | I want to assess consumption for the portions I cook, without assuming that one appliance will always use less energy. |
A cooking pot cannot always be filled to its full stated volume. Choosing based solely on the number of litres may mean running several cycles or still needing a second appliance.
Compare usable capacity, fill limits and the portions specified for your usual recipes, rather than just the volume shown.
Favourable results depend on the recipe, quantity, model and appliance used for comparison. A result observed for one specific preparation is not a promise for every use.
Assess the air fryer using the portions and recipes you will actually cook, comparing it with your oven or mini oven under similar conditions.
An air fryer may duplicate some of the functions of an oven, while a food processor may overlap with a chopper or blender. Unused accessories reduce the value of a specialist solution.
Take stock of your existing appliances and choose equipment that addresses a frequently missing step: cooking, chopping, grating, blending or creating a crispy finish.
Also allow for worktop space, accessory storage and the extra cleaning time.
Insufficient information about the appliance, seller or warnings can make everyday use, after-sales support and handling a problem more difficult.
Before paying, check the seller’s identity, instructions, warnings, electrical compatibility and applicable compliance information. The DGCCRF states that CE marking expresses the manufacturer’s commitment to European requirements; it is not independent certification.
A useful benchmark for comparing, within one brand, a Cookeo multi-cooker focused on guided cooking and a Companion cooking food processor that combines preparation and cooking.
A good fit for households looking for a cooking food processor that combines guided cooking and a wide range of functions in a single appliance.
An option for needs focused on blending soups, sauces, smoothies or desserts rather than cooking a complete dish.
These Joybuy options mainly cover cooking food processors and multi-cookers designed to combine the preparation or cooking of several portions in a single session.
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For households that want to prepare and then cook in the same appliance during their weekly session.
4.5 L bowl, with 3 L usable capacity stated to serve 6 to 8 people, integrated scales, 20 temperature settings, eight programmes and steaming baskets.
The stated 3 L usable capacity may require several batches for very large preparations. Also check whether the recipes and Wi-Fi functions are useful for your needs.
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Suitable if chopping, grating, kneading and cooking all need to happen in one appliance.
3.5 L bowl stated to serve up to 6 people, eight programmes, integrated scales, touchscreen, built-in recipes and a rinse programme.
The 3.5 L bowl may require several cycles for very large quantities. Check the accessory care instructions before buying.
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A versatile cooking option for complete meals, grains, steaming and slow-cooked dishes.
6 L stated capacity, 19 modes, five pressure levels, pressure cooking, steaming, roasting and an air-frying function with basket included.
The 6 L figure refers to nominal capacity: check the fill limits for each recipe. No chopping or blending function is described.
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Suitable for family meals prepared in one cooking pot, including sauces, grains and steamed vegetables.
5.7 L capacity stated to serve up to 6 portions, with pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing, steaming, yoghurt and keep-warm functions.
The fill limit reduces the available volume for expanding foods or pressure cooking. No chopping, mincing or blending function is described.
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Worth considering if you want to combine the cooking of large quantities of slow-cooked dishes, rice, soups or pulses.
8 L cooking pot stated to serve up to 10 portions, 12 programmes, pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, searing, 24-hour delayed start and keep-warm function for up to 12 hours.
Nominal capacity does not confirm the usable volume for every recipe. Chopping, grating and blending functions are not described.
No. Nominal volume does not always correspond to usable volume: you need to leave room to prevent spills. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the maximum level and portions specified in the instructions, particularly for liquid dishes and pressure cooking.
Not necessarily. It is suitable for roasting, grilling or crisping portions that fit the basket, but it does not automatically replace an oven for large dishes or liquid preparations. According to UFC-Que Choisir tests, consumption can be lower for some small recipes, but you should compare this with the quantities you cook yourself.
No, unless you do not need integrated cooking. A multifunction food processor is useful for chopping, grating, mincing and blending, while a cooking food processor also cooks. If you already own a multi-cooker or another cooking solution, it can be a suitable preparation companion.
Check the seller’s identity, product listing, warnings, instructions and electrical compatibility. Where CE marking applies, the DGCCRF states that it represents the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting European requirements; it does not replace careful checking of the information provided.
In France, electrical and electronic appliances come under the WEEE scheme. Take them to a suitable collection, reuse or treatment facility rather than throwing them away with household waste.