Start by choosing according to the genuinely usable capacity, the dishes you prepare most often and the tasks you want to delegate. A programmable multicooker is ideal for meals you can start and leave to cook, while a cooking robot is mainly worthwhile if you also need to chop, blend or weigh ingredients. Also check the filling limits, handles and dishwasher-safe parts of the exact model.
You often prepare rice, vegetables, slow-cooked dishes or recipes with a sauce, and want programmable cooking that manages the cooking time and heat once started. UFC-Que Choisir describes automatic programmes as being able to control these settings.
It is worth checking the usable capacity rather than relying solely on the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, says that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may be limited to 4 L of cooking capacity depending on the recipe.
If you regularly need to blend, chop, weigh or mix ingredients before cooking, a cooking robot may suit the way you cook better than a multicooker designed mainly for cooking.
Choose this if: you want to add the ingredients, start cooking rice, a dish with sauce, a slow-cooked meal or steamed food, then return when it is time to eat.
Bear in mind: programmes do not replace checking the filling limits or following the lid instructions for pressure-cooking recipes.
Choose this if: you also want to weigh, chop, blend, knead or mix ingredients in the same appliance before cooking.
Bear in mind: the main bowl’s capacity may limit some larger preparations, so compare it with the recipes you usually make.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Programmable cooking | Check that the programmes suit your recipes, whether a delayed start would be useful and whether a keep-warm function is included. For pressure cooking, follow the locking and steam-release steps in the instructions. | I want to be able to start a recipe and get on with something else while the appliance manages the cooking time and heat. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the filling markers with your soups, rice, pulses and pressure-cooked dishes. Also measure the available space on your worktop or in your cupboard. | I want to prepare the right number of portions without choosing a bowl that is too bulky or exceeding the permitted level. |
| Care and handling | Check the bowl, lid, basket and accessories separately: removable parts, handles, dishwasher compatibility and the cleaning procedure for the exact model. | After an everyday meal, I want to be able to empty, clean and store the appliance without complicated handling. |
A bowl cannot always be filled to its stated capacity: recipes and the required safety margin may reduce the permitted quantity. UFC-Que Choisir specifically cites the example of a 6 L Cookeo bowl limited to 4 L of cooking capacity.
Check the instructions or filling charts for the exact model against the recipes you make most often, particularly soups, rice, pulses and pressure-cooked dishes.
Chopping, blending, weighing and guided-recipe functions are useful only if they match the way you cook. An appliance designed for programmable cooking may be all you need for meals that can be started and left unattended.
Choose a cooking robot if you frequently prepare ingredients in the appliance. Otherwise, compare the programmes, capacity and accessories of multicookers first.
Ease of care depends on the bowl, lid and accessories. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the value of handles, which help you avoid gripping a hot bowl by the edges with oven gloves.
Check the product page and instructions for handles, removable parts, dishwasher compatibility and the method for cleaning the lid.
The Cookeo range focuses on guided recipes, everyday meals and cooking with minimal supervision.
Depending on the model, Instant Pot multicookers combine pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming and keeping food warm.
Thermomix is aimed at people who want to combine ingredient preparation, guided cooking and steaming in one appliance.
These Joybuy options cover programmable multicookers in a range of capacities, including compact, family-sized and keep-warm models.
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For family meals that can be started and left to cook with the keep-warm function.
7-in-1 multicooker with pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, rice cooking and keep-warm functions. The bowl, lid and accessories are stated to be dishwasher-safe. When pressure cooking, check the filling limits specified for each type of food.
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Worth considering for larger quantities or meals you want to programme in advance.
Stated 8 L bowl, 12 preset menus, 24-hour delayed start and a keep-warm function stated to last for up to 12 hours. Check the filling markers, overall size and dishwasher-safe parts before buying.
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A spacious option for households preparing several portions and with room to dedicate to the appliance.
7-in-1 multicooker with pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing and steaming. Stated dimensions are 30,9 × 41,5 × 29,8 cm and weight is 8,1 kg. The bowl, lid and accessories are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
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A compact option for small to medium-sized households and more limited worktop space.
Stated 3,8 L bowl, 12 smart programmes and pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming and keep-warm functions. Stated dimensions: 35,1 × 31,8 × 25,6 cm. Check the filling limits and dishwasher-safe parts for this variant.
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For smaller quantities and kitchens where every centimetre of worktop space counts.
Rice, porridge, soup, steaming and cake programmes, with 24-hour delayed start and automatic keep-warm function. Stated dimensions: 220 × 245 × 215 mm. Allow 40 cm above and 10 cm on the sides during use.
Do not rely solely on the figure shown on the bowl. Compare the maximum permitted volume for the recipes you usually make. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, states that a Cookeo bowl advertised as 6 L may cook a maximum of 4 L depending on the recipe.
No. It is useful if you regularly prepare vegetables, fish or steamed accompaniments. For occasional use, prioritise usable capacity, programmes and ease of care, then check that the basket is included with the exact model.
Check the bowl, basket, lid and accessories separately. Some parts may be dishwasher-safe, but the electrical body must be cared for in accordance with the instructions. ADEME points out that correct use and maintenance help prevent operating faults.
Search for the brand and exact model on RappelConso, the official French website for dangerous-product alerts. Compare the model, batch or identifiers shown in the recall notice rather than relying only on the product range’s commercial name.