If you want to switch between rice, slow-cooked dishes and steaming in the same bowl, choose a programmable multi-cooker with settings to suit your recipes. If you mainly cook rice, a rice cooker is a more direct fit. For dishes that need a long cooking time and can be started in advance, consider a slow cooker; for steaming different foods separately, choose a food steamer. Check the usable cooking capacity, cleaning requirements and the space you’ll need. These cooking appliances don’t automatically replace a food processor that chops or blends.
You want to cook rice, a dish with sauce or steamed food in the same bowl, without having to keep an eye on it. Que Choisir describes programmes that control cooking time and power. If you also need to chop or blend, check the food preparation functions separately.
You’re primarily looking for an appliance dedicated to rice, with a keep-warm function and, depending on the model, a delay-start timer. The product information from Xiaomi France, Tefal France and Moulinex France lists rice cookers with features of this kind. Check what’s included on the model you choose.
You start soups, stews or roasts early enough for them to be ready at mealtime. A programmable slow cooker suits this kind of routine, but it isn’t the right choice if you need fast pressure cooking.
Choose this if: you switch between several types of cooking in one bowl.
Bear in mind: more cooking modes don’t mean the appliance will prepare ingredients for you, or that you can use its full stated capacity.
Choose this if: rice and grains make up most of the food you cook using a timer.
Bear in mind: extra programmes don’t necessarily offer the same functions as a pressure multi-cooker.
Choose this if: you can start a long-cooking recipe early for a planned mealtime.
Bear in mind: slow cooking won’t suit you if you want to get dinner ready quickly.
Choose this if: you want to steam several foods at once in separate baskets.
Bear in mind: this appliance isn’t designed for slow cooking or pressure cooking.
For everyday meals, start with the type of cooking you’ll use most, then check that the capacity, controls and cleaning requirements suit the recipes you make regularly.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Variety of cooking options | Check for the modes your recipes need and settings for time or temperature. Don’t assume the appliance can chop or blend. | If I cook rice, dishes with sauce and steamed vegetables in turn, I want to switch between cooking methods without needing lots of appliances. Around 33% of consumers put this versatility first. |
| Capacity for your portions | Compare the stated capacity with the maximum fill level for your recipes, then check the portion guidance for the model. | If I’m cooking for my household or preparing several meals to store, I need to know how much will actually fit in the bowl. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Rice cooking and compact size | Look at the rice programmes, delay-start timer, keep-warm function and external dimensions. | If I mainly cook rice and grains, I’d prefer an appliance designed for that purpose that fits in my kitchen. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Cleaning and storage | Check the cleaning instructions for each part and measure the space needed for the appliance and its accessories. | If I cook often, cleaning up after a meal and finding space for the appliance matter as much as the cooking itself. Around 20% of consumers put these factors first. |
The stated capacity doesn’t always match the amount you can cook. For example, Que Choisir notes that a 6 L Cookeo bowl has a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L.
Check the fill-level guidance and instructions for the recipes you make, especially when using liquids or ingredients that expand.
A cooking programme doesn’t mean the appliance will automatically chop, grate, blend or mix. Que Choisir distinguishes these preparation tasks from the cooking functions of multi-cookers.
Before choosing between a cooking appliance and a food processor, identify the steps you actually want to automate.
If those steps are still needed, you’ll need to keep or use a separate appliance that’s designed for food preparation.
The bowl, lid, valve and accessories may all have different care instructions. A non-stick coating doesn’t mean that every part can go in the dishwasher.
Read the manual for your model to see which parts can be removed and how each one should be cleaned.
A slow cooker is designed for long cooking that starts in advance. It doesn’t do the same job as a pressure multi-cooker when speed is your priority.
If you start cooking early in the day, compare the programming options on slow cookers. If you want pressure cooking, look at the modes and instructions for the multi-cooker you’re considering.
The brand lets you compare a Cookeo multi-cooker with an Inicio rice cooker, depending on whether you make a variety of meals or mainly cook rice.
The models mentioned offer two distinct options: a 2 L rice cooker and a 6 L pressure multi-cooker.
Consider the brand’s multi-cookers if you want to combine pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming.
The TimeSelect CSC066X is aimed at people who start slow-cooked dishes in advance, rather than those looking for pressure cooking.
The rice cookers mentioned are worth comparing if rice, programming and keeping food warm are top of your list.
These appliances are mainly suited to cooking a variety of meals in a multi-cooker; the rice cooker is a better fit if you mainly cook grains. If you need a meal to start cooking at a specific time, check whether your chosen model has a delay-start function. This is separate from its other cooking programmes.
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Worth considering if you want to combine several types of cooking in one bowl.
The product title lists an 8 L capacity, 1,200 W, 12 preset menus and a non-stick bowl. Before buying, check the maximum fill level, dimensions, cleaning instructions, and that the voltage and plug are suitable for your home.
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Worth a look if your meals call for several menu options and pressure cooking.
The product title lists nine menus, two pressure levels, plus frying and voice-control functions. If you want to plan meals in advance, check exactly how the timer works. Also check the care instructions for the parts and electrical compatibility with your home.
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Worth comparing if you want one bowl for pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming.
The product title describes a 7-in-1 multi-cooker with four customisable presets. If you need to delay the start of cooking, check that this function is available on the exact version. Follow the maximum fill levels for your recipes.
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Worth considering if you want a larger stated capacity for preparing a variety of dishes.
The product title describes a 7-in-1 7.1 L pressure multi-cooker. Compare its maximum fill level with your recipes and check for a delay-start function if you plan to programme the start of cooking.
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Worth a look if you mainly cook rice and want to be able to delay the start of cooking.
The product title lists a 4 L capacity, a recommended serving size of 3 to 4 people, a delay-start function, keep-warm function and steamer basket. Check how long you can delay the start, how much space you’ll need and the cleaning instructions for each part.
No. You need to follow the maximum fill level for your recipe. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo bowl that can cook a maximum of 4 L. Check your model’s manual to find the right quantity for your dishes.
Not for those preparation tasks, unless the model you choose specifically includes those functions. Que Choisir describes a multi-cooker as an appliance focused on cooking and notes that these appliances don’t generally mix food. Check that it has the functions your recipes need before replacing another appliance.
No. The time limit and the programmes it applies to depend on the model. Xiaomi France and Tefal France list delay-start timers of up to 24 h on some rice cookers, while Crock-Pot France says the TimeSelect can be programmed for a meal up to 12 h in advance. Also check the model’s instructions for the ingredients you plan to cook.
Check the manual for each model and look at the instructions for the bowl, lid, valve and accessories separately. Dishwasher-safe guidance for one part doesn’t automatically apply to the others, even if the bowl is removable.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to contracts between a consumer and a professional seller in France. According to Service-Public.fr, the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered. This mandatory protection is separate from any commercial guarantee.