People who plan dinner around their schedule
If you prepare the ingredients in advance, check how to set the start time or cycle duration, and what the appliance does once cooking is finished. These features vary by model.
Who are these appliances for?
Households cooking several portions
The capacity shown on the bowl doesn’t tell you how much you can actually cook. Compare the usable capacity with the filling limits for your recipes.
People who prepare the ingredients too
A cooking food processor is worth considering if chopping, mixing or kneading is a regular part of your meals. If you mainly want to automate the cooking, these attachments may be unnecessary.
What should you look for before choosing?
Start with the dishes you cook and when you can get them going: these three types of appliance don’t handle the same stages of the process.
Multi-cooker
Worth considering: if your dinners call for several cooking methods and you prepare the ingredients separately.
Keep in mind: check the permitted fill level for each recipe, particularly when pressure cooking.
Slow cooker
Worth considering: for soups and slow-cooked dishes that you can start early enough.
Keep in mind: the slow cooking time needs to fit around when you leave and when you eat.
Cooking food processor
Worth considering: if you also want to chop, mix or knead with the appliance you use for cooking.
Keep in mind: the attachments mean more parts to handle and clean.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking schedule | Know the difference between a timer and a delayed start. Check the adjustable duration, the programmes suited to your dishes and what happens at the end of the cycle, including whether it keeps food warm. | I want to start cooking at the right time, then get on with something else without having to keep changing the settings. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the total capacity, usable capacity and limits for each programme or recipe. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo bowl with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L. | When cooking several portions, I need to know how much of my dish will actually fit in the bowl. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable, and whether the bowl, lid and accessories are dishwasher-safe. | After dinner, I’d rather not have lots of parts to wash after making a simple dish. |
| Preparing ingredients | List the tasks you do regularly, such as chopping, blending or kneading. Les Numériques distinguishes these tasks from the cooking handled by a multi-cooker. | If I already have the equipment I need for chopping and blending, I can prioritise an appliance that meets my cooking needs. |
| Instructions for use | Read the instructions for the exact model: filling, positioning, steam and precautions during the cycle. A timer doesn’t replace these instructions. | I want to get on with something else while my food cooks, while still following the instructions for the model I choose. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on the bowl’s capacity
You can’t necessarily fill a bowl to its stated capacity. Que Choisir cites a 6 L Cookeo bowl with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L.
Estimate your usual portion sizes, then check the filling limits for the recipe and programme you plan to use.
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Assuming a timer means you don’t need to take precautions
An automated cycle doesn’t mean you can ignore the appliance’s instructions. For example, the Magimix Cook Expert instructions say not to start a cooking programme with an empty bowl.
Read the instructions for the exact model you’ve bought before using it for the first time, and follow the filling and safety guidance.
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Choosing a cooking food processor for features you’ll rarely use
Food preparation attachments are most useful if you use them in your regular recipes; they also mean more parts to maintain.
Make a note of the tasks you want the appliance to handle. If that’s just cooking, compare multi-cookers and slow cookers first.
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Overlooking safety notices when buying second-hand
RappelConso has published recalls in France for specific rice cooker models, citing risks of electric shock, fire or burns.
Compare your appliance’s identifiers with the RappelConso notices, including the model and batch details where provided. If your appliance is affected by a recall, follow the official instructions.
Which ranges should you compare?
Moulinex
The Cookeo and Companion ranges are designed for different uses: automated cooking on the one hand, and ingredient preparation as well as cooking on the other.
- According to Moulinex France, the Cookeo+ CE85B510 offers a delayed start, automatic pressure release and automatic keep-warm function.
- Moulinex France lists 14 programmes and five attachments for the Companion XL HF80DB10; check which ones suit your recipes and which parts you’ll need to clean.
Crock-Pot
The SCCPRC507B is a slow cooker to consider for dishes whose long cooking time fits your schedule.
- Crock-Pot France says this model has a digital timer that can be set for up to 20 hours.
- A slow cooker is designed for slow cooking, so you’ll need the right tools for tasks such as chopping or blending ingredients.
Magimix
The Cook Expert XL Connect combines food preparation and cooking; it’s worth distinguishing between its two capacity figures.
- Magimix lists a total bowl capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L for this model.
- The Magimix Cook Expert instructions say never to use the cooking programme with an empty bowl.
Multi-cookers available on Joybuy
These models are designed for cooking meals using different programmes; the KitchenCook Kyoto is more focused on rice and a few specific recipes. To choose between them, match their programmes to the dishes you make and check the instructions for the timing features and filling limits you need.
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Midea 9-in-1 8 L pressure multi-cooker, 1200 W
Its 12 listed menus may appeal to households that cook a variety of dishes. Before choosing it for its 8 L capacity, check the permitted fill level for your recipes. If you plan to programme a cooking cycle, also check the instructions and power supply voltage.
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Cecotec Model D 6 L pressure cooker with voice control
Its product name lists a 24-hour timer, nine menus and two pressure settings. If you need dinner to start or stay warm at a specific time, check separately whether it has a delayed start and what happens when the cycle ends. Also consult the instructions for pressure-cooking fill levels.
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Instant Pot Rio XL 7.1 L
This multi-cooker has a listed capacity of 7.1 L. If you’re cooking larger meals, check the usable capacity for your recipes. If dinner depends on a delayed start or the keep-warm function, confirm that these features are available on the exact model.
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Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L Daydream Blue
Its listed capacity of 5.7 L gives you a starting point for comparing portion sizes, but it isn’t the fill limit for every recipe. Check the instructions for the permitted amount and, if you want to set a start time, see whether it has a delayed-start function.
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KitchenCook Kyoto white 2 L multi-cooker
This size may suit you if your meals mainly consist of rice and recipes covered by its programmes. Check the usable capacity for dishes other than rice, as well as the space needed around the appliance and the precautions for steam, before making room for it in your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Does the stated capacity match the amount I can cook?
Not necessarily. Que Choisir cites a 6 L Cookeo bowl with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L. Check the filling limits for your model, recipe and chosen programme.
Can a multi-cooker replace a cooking food processor?
Not if you expect it to chop or blend ingredients. Les Numériques distinguishes these tasks from the cooking handled by a multi-cooker. A cooking food processor offers a wider range of food preparation features, provided you’ll use them.
Does a timer mean I can cook without taking any precautions?
No. Follow the instructions for the exact model, particularly the fill limits and guidance on heat and steam. For example, the Magimix Cook Expert instructions say not to use the cooking programme when the bowl is empty.
How can I check for a recall in France?
Search RappelConso by brand and model, then compare the identifiers and batch number in the notice with those on your appliance. If you find a match, follow the official instructions before using it.