To chop or mix ingredients and then cook them in the same bowl, compare the functions and usable capacity of a multifunction cooking food processor. If you already prepare your ingredients, a multicooker may be all you need for cooking or slow cooking. A cooking stand mixer is a better fit if kneading and whisking are still your priorities. In every case, check how much space it takes up, which parts need washing and what you need to do to access recipes.
You want to prepare ingredients and cook soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes in a single appliance. Check which functions are actually included and how easy the accessories are to clean. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that models do not all offer the same functions or capacities.
You already have a way to chop or blend ingredients and mainly want to control the cooking in a pot, possibly under pressure. Your priority should be to check the cooking modes and instructions for the specific model.
You regularly use a dough hook or whisk, but would also like to heat or slow-cook food in the bowl. Check which tools are included and which accessories are available for the model you choose.
Choose this if : you want to prepare ingredients and then cook or slow-cook them in the same appliance.
Consider : how many accessories you will need to handle and wash, as well as the usable capacity.
Choose this if : you already prepare your ingredients and mainly want a pot for cooking, browning or slow-cooking.
Consider : the pot does not replace a cooking food processor’s chopping, whisking or kneading functions.
Choose this if : you regularly knead or whisk and would also like to heat or slow-cook food in the bowl.
Consider : preparation accessories vary by bundle and may be sold separately.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing and cooking | The preparation and cooking functions of the specific model; which accessories are actually included. | I want to chop or mix ingredients and then cook without using several appliances. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise this all-in-one approach. |
| Cooking with your own utensils | The available modes, whether pressure cooking is included and the usable capacity. | If I already prepare the ingredients elsewhere, I mainly want a pot for cooking or slow-cooking them. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise cooking ingredients they have already prepared. |
| Space and cleaning | The dimensions, the space needed to open the lid and the cleaning instructions for each part. | I want to be able to set up, move and clean the appliance without making everyday cooking more complicated. Space and maintenance come first for around 20 % of consumers. |
| Access to recipes | Which recipes are available, the manual functions and any account or subscription requirements. | I prefer to know which recipes will remain available and whether a digital service is required before I choose. This matters to around 20 % of consumers. |
A multicooker is built around a pot and cooking programmes. If your recipe calls for chopping or blending, you may still need to do that step with another appliance or utensil.
Start with the steps involved in your recipes and the appliances you already own, then check the functions of the exact model you are considering.
You may still need a separate appliance for food preparation.
The nominal volume and maximum fill level can differ. For the older Companion XL HF807E10, Que Choisir Ensemble stated a usable capacity of 3 L. This figure applies to that model, not the entire range.
Compare the usable capacity stated for your chosen model with the quantities in your recipes.
Access to a recipe service may have its own terms and conditions, separate from the general use of the appliance.
Vorwerk states that a Cookidoo subscription is required to access all the detailed steps and features of the service. Check the terms and renewal arrangements before relying on this guidance.
A subscription may mean ongoing costs if you choose a paid service.
Que Choisir Ensemble’s comments on the weight or cleaning of the Companion XL HF807E10 relate to this older model and do not automatically apply to other Companion models.
When comparing appliances, check the specifications and instructions for the specific model you are considering.
The Companion range combines food preparation and cooking, while Cookeo is mainly designed for cooking in a pot.
The Cook Expert range includes standard, XL and connected versions.
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart range combines cooking and food preparation with recipes available on screen.
The Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking with guided cooking through Cookidoo.
The Cooking Chef experience KCL95.424SI combines stand mixer functions with cooking in the bowl.
These appliances are options for cooking in a pot. Consider them if you prepare ingredients separately and mainly want to cook or slow-cook them.
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Worth considering if you prepare ingredients separately and want a programmable cooking pot. The title lists a capacity of 6 L, 9 menus, 2 pressure levels and a 24-hour timer.
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Consider this if you prepare ingredients separately and want to select settings on screen; check that the available programmes suit the recipes you make.
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Worth considering if you want to cook in a multifunction appliance after preparing the ingredients separately; check that the available modes suit the dishes you make.
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Worth considering for cooking in a pot with app-based controls. The title lists 9 functions, a capacity of 5,7 L and sous vide cooking.
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Consider this if you need a cooking pot for several portions. The title lists a capacity of 7,1 L, 7 functions and a stainless steel inner pot.
Not necessarily. For the older Companion XL HF807E10, Que Choisir Ensemble stated a usable capacity of 3 L. Compare the usable capacity of your chosen model with its fill limits and the quantities in your recipes.
No. Check the instructions for each part individually. Vorwerk states that some washable parts of the TM7 can go in the dishwasher; this does not automatically apply to the whole appliance.
It depends on the recipe service you want, not on the entire appliance category. Vorwerk states that a subscription is required to access the detailed steps and all Cookidoo features. Check the service’s terms before relying on its guided recipes.
Follow the instructions for your specific model, especially for filling, the lid, heat and steam. The TM7 instructions highlight the risks associated with steam, hot condensation and hot surfaces, particularly around children. For a pressure multicooker, also follow the instructions for its lid.
When a professional sells goods to a private individual, the legal guarantee of conformity applies under the conditions set out by the DGCCRF; it is separate from a commercial guarantee. The DGCCRF also explains that the CE marking reflects the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the requirements applicable to the products concerned: it is not an independent certification.