Choose a programmable multicooker if you alternate between casseroles, rice, steaming, browning and pressure cooking, and want to leave the timing and heating to the appliance. However, check the genuinely usable capacity, which is often lower than the stated volume. A slow cooker is suitable for dishes planned several hours in advance, while a dedicated cooker or cooking robot is better suited to more specific uses.
Automatic programmes, delayed start and keep-warm functions can reduce the need to monitor the hob when the recipe is compatible with the selected setting. In an OpinionWay survey for Lustucru, conducted among 1,020 French people aged 18 and over in August 2024, 61% said they spent 30 minutes or less preparing dinner on a weekday evening.
For one or two people, a compact model is worth considering when space is limited. Moulinex positions its 3 L Cookeo Mini for two people, but Que Choisir points out that a bowl’s nominal capacity does not always match its genuinely usable volume.
A large slow cooker or higher-capacity multicooker may be suitable for soups, stews and meals prepared in advance. Check that the usable volume and cooking method match your usual quantities and intended recipes.
Start with the recipes you usually make, then check the genuinely usable capacity, cleaning requirements and information specific to the model you are buying.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Time and monitoring | Programmes suited to your recipes, control over cooking time and heat, delayed start and keep-warm functions where these features are confirmed. | I want to be able to start cooking and get on with something else during dinner. In the August 2024 OpinionWay survey for Lustucru, 61% of French people aged 18 and over said they prepared dinner in 30 minutes or less on a weekday evening; this figure measures reported preparation time, not the use of a multicooker. |
| Usable capacity | Fill limits in the instructions, the quantity that can genuinely be cooked depending on the recipe, and the size of the bowl. | I am looking for an appliance that suits my portions, without buying a large bowl that is rarely used or running out of space for planned meals. |
| Cleaning and parts | Bowl, basket and accessories explicitly stated to be dishwasher-safe; parts references, catalogue and repair terms for the exact model. | After dinner, I want to keep washing-up to a minimum and be able to replace wear parts if necessary. |
| Compatibility and safety | Specified plug and voltage, instructions suitable for the intended market, guidance specific to pressure cooking and CE marking where applicable. | I want clear instructions and an appliance suitable for my home’s electrical installation. |
A bowl that is too small limits casseroles and portions to keep, while a large bowl can be cumbersome for smaller meals. A safety margin is necessary and depends on the recipe.
Choose according to your usual portions and dishes, then check the fill limits in the instructions, particularly when pressure cooking.
Slow cooking is designed for dishes prepared several hours in advance; it does not meet the same need as pressure cooking when dinner has to be ready quickly.
A slow cooker is suitable for soups, stews and long-cooking dishes. If certain quick-cooking functions are essential during the week, compare a pressure multicooker instead.
Parts availability is not automatic across every product category. A repairability promise is only useful if it applies to the specific model and the ordering process is accessible.
Before ordering, look for the after-sales reference, parts catalogue, repair terms and the period stated by the manufacturer or seller.
A bowl, seal, basket or lid may need replacing during the product’s lifetime; availability varies by model.
Chopping, kneading, whisking and weighing functions add accessories to store and clean. They are only worthwhile if ingredient preparation is genuinely part of what you need.
Choose a cooking robot if you want to automate both preparation and cooking; otherwise, a simpler multicooker or slow cooker may be sufficient.
Moulinex offers pressure-cooking Cookeo models, from the compact 3 L size to the 6 L version, as well as the Companion cooking robot when ingredient preparation also needs to be automated.
Instant Pot is an option for comparing different capacities and functions such as rice, steaming, slow cooking, sautéing, yoghurt and keeping food warm.
Crock-Pot is aimed at people who prefer soups, stews, roasts and other slow-cooked dishes rather than quick pressure cooking.
This selection brings together Joybuy appliances covering programmable multicookers, a cooking robot and a compact model for more limited recipes.
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For varied weekday meals with pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and keep-warm functions.
Stated nominal capacity of 5.7 L, stainless-steel bowl, seven modes and four one-touch programmes. The bowl, lid and accessories are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
When pressure cooking, follow the indicated fill lines, particularly for foods that expand.
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A size designed for households preparing several portions or organising meals in advance.
Stated nominal capacity of 7.1 L, up to eight portions, with pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing and steaming functions. The bowl, lid and accessories are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Stated dimensions: 30.9 × 41.5 × 29.8 cm; check your storage space and the fill limits in the instructions.
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This option is designed for family meals and larger batches, with advance programming.
Stated 8 L capacity, up to ten portions, 12 programmes, delayed start of up to 24 hours and keep-warm function for up to 12 hours. Pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming and sautéing functions are listed.
This size may be excessive for one or two people; check the bowl’s cleaning requirements, the dimensions and the pressure-release instructions.
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Worth considering when weighing, mixing, kneading or chopping ingredients is just as important as cooking them.
Stated features include integrated scales, mixing blades, whisk, kneading tool, chopping disc, touchscreen and automatic programmes. The 4.5 L bowl offers a stated usable capacity of 3 L.
Its accessories increase the cleaning required; delayed start and keep-warm functions are not listed in the information provided.
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A compact model for meals centred around rice, porridge, soups and steaming.
Stated features include rice, porridge, soup, steaming and cake programmes, a 24-hour delayed timer and keep-warm function. Stated dimensions: 220 × 245 × 215 mm; 220-240 V power supply and instructions including French are indicated.
Pressure cooking, sautéing and browning are not confirmed; also check the care requirements for the non-stick bowl before buying.
No. Nominal capacity does not automatically correspond to the amount that can genuinely be cooked. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo limited to a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L depending on the recipe; check the fill lines and the instructions for your model.
A programmable slow cooker is suitable if several hours of slow cooking are acceptable. According to Crock-Pot, the TimeSelect can be programmed up to 12 hours in advance and switches to keep-warm mode; to shorten certain cooking times, consider a pressure multicooker instead.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir explains that multicookers generally do not mix food automatically. If chopping, mixing or weighing is part of your routine, a cooking robot with dedicated accessories is more suitable.
Look for the exact model reference, whether a parts catalogue exists and the period stated by the manufacturer or seller. The DGCCRF explains that, outside product categories subject to a specific obligation, manufacturers and importers are not systematically required to offer spare parts; therefore, check the terms applicable to the model you choose.
The legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for goods sold by a professional to an individual in France, including new appliances. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the seller must provide goods that conform to the contract; contact them first if the product has a fault or does not match the description.