Start by choosing according to the volume actually permitted for your recipes and the type of cooking you want: a guided pressure-cooking model is suitable for complete meals, while an appliance with a steaming basket and a range of programmes is better for more varied menus. Don’t confuse nominal capacity with usable volume: UFC-Que Choisir, for example, states that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may be limited to 4 L of cooking capacity, depending on the recipe.
You’re looking for cooking that continues after the programme starts, with a simple recipe, a timer or a keep-warm function. According to an OpinionWay survey for Lustucru, conducted among 1,020 French people aged 18 and over in August 2024, 61 % say they spend 30 minutes or less preparing dinner on a weekday evening.
Check the actual permitted cooking volume, not just the number of litres shown. Expanding foods, sauces and pressure cooking can reduce how much you can fill the bowl.
A bowl, lid and removable dishwasher-safe accessories can make everyday cleaning easier. However, always confirm this compatibility for the exact reference you choose.
Worth considering: if you want recipe instructions and weekday meals suitable for pressure cooking.
Bear in mind: filling limits and steam-release instructions vary by recipe and appliance.
Worth considering: if your menus alternate between rice, soups, steaming, slow cooking, yoghurt, desserts and reheating.
Bear in mind: a programme does not necessarily replace stirring, browning or adding ingredients as required by the recipe.
Worth considering: if you prioritise a stainless-steel inner bowl with pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking and keep-warm functions.
Bear in mind: check the reference, included accessories, instructions and the storage space required.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Time available in the evening | Check the automatic or guided programmes, keep-warm function and the steps to complete before starting. Pressure cooking is suitable only for the recipes and instructions provided. | I want to be able to start cooking and then get on with something else before the meal. In the August 2024 OpinionWay survey for Lustucru, 61 % of French respondents aged 18 and over said they spend 30 minutes or less on dinner on a weekday evening. |
| Usable volume and portions | Compare the MAX mark in the instructions with your usual recipes. Check the specific limits for rice, pulses, soups and foods that swell or foam. | I’d like to prepare enough for the household or keep portions for later. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may be limited to 4 L of cooking capacity, depending on the dish. |
| Cleaning after the meal | List the parts that need washing: bowl, lid, steaming basket, seal and condensation collector. Check dishwasher compatibility for the exact model. | I’d rather reduce the number of items to clean after dinner. Removable parts advertised as dishwasher-safe may matter more than the total number of programmes. |
| Safety and pressure | Check the CE marking, model-specific documentation, filling levels and the minimum amount of liquid required. Follow the specified checks for the seal or steam channel. | I want to use the appliance with clear instructions, particularly when releasing the pressure. The French authorities remind consumers that electrical appliances may present risks of burns, fire or electric shock. |
An overfilled bowl may overflow or exceed safety limits. UFC-Que Choisir states that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may be limited to 4 L of cooking capacity, and this limit varies according to the recipe.
Work out portions based on the maximum volume permitted in the instructions for your usual dishes, especially rice, pulses, soups and preparations that foam.
Programmes can manage the time and temperature, but initial browning, adding ingredients, stirring or serving may still be necessary. A multicooker is not a food processor that chops and stirs automatically.
Choose an appliance and recipes that match the level of involvement you’re happy with, then check the available modes and recipe steps before buying.
The time saved during cooking can be lost if the bowl, lid, steaming basket, seal or condensation collector is difficult to maintain. Dishwasher compatibility depends on the model and the individual parts.
Before ordering, check the instructions or product information for the exact reference and identify the removable parts. Only rely on dishwasher compatibility when it is explicitly stated.
Steam and incorrect use of pressure can cause burns. The French authorities also highlight risks associated with electrical equipment, including electric shocks and fires.
For an appliance bought in France, check the CE marking and ensure the documentation is suitable for the model, then follow the filling levels, required liquid quantity and handling instructions.
The Cookeo range brings together smart pressure-cooking multicookers for people looking for guided everyday meals. The Cookeo+ CE851HF0 is listed as having a 6 L capacity and being suitable for up to six people.
The SpheriCook RK745800 is aimed at households that alternate between steaming, rice, soups, slow cooking, yoghurt and desserts, with a steaming basket.
Instant Pot multicookers combine pressure cooking with multiple functions. The 5.7 L Classic is presented as suitable for everyday meals and preparing larger quantities.
This selection features a programmable Joybuy multicooker for preparing everyday meals with pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and a keep-warm function.
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For meals that can be started and left to cook, its product description lists pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and keep-warm functions.
The product title states that it offers 11 functions, 1,500 W and a nominal capacity of 7.6 L. Check the instructions for the volume that can actually be used for each recipe and the filling limits; two lids are supplied, so you’ll also need suitable storage space.
The stated capacity refers to the bowl, not necessarily the volume permitted for every recipe. UFC-Que Choisir specifically states that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may cook a maximum of 4 L; preparations that swell or foam often require additional room. Check the MAX level and the limits stated in the instructions before planning family-sized portions.
No. It can automate a programme after the ingredients have been added, but some steps remain manual depending on the recipe. Browning, stirring, adding ingredients or serving may be necessary, even with guided recipes, delayed start or a keep-warm function.
Check the exact reference, then confirm whether the bowl, lid, steaming basket and accessories are dishwasher-safe. Tefal states that the removable parts and accessories of the SpheriCook RK745800 are dishwasher-safe; Instant Pot states this for the bowl and lid of the 5.7 L Classic, and Moulinex for the bowl and steaming basket of the Cookeo+ CE851HF0.
Read the instructions for your model, follow the filling indicators and the required amount of liquid, and avoid hot surfaces and steam when opening or releasing the pressure. Pressure-cooking instructions warn of a scalding risk if the appliance is used incorrectly and specify checks particular to the appliance.
CE marking is compulsory for products covered by the applicable European regulations and represents the manufacturer’s commitment that the product complies with the relevant requirements. The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control explains that it is not an independent certification; you should also check the seller’s identity, the documentation and the warnings supplied.