People who want to keep an eye on their cooking less
You’re mainly looking for preset programmes or a keep-warm function, and perhaps pressure cooking, depending on the model. Chopping ingredients isn’t a priority.
Who are these appliances for?
Households that want to prepare and cook with one appliance
You want to chop, blend, knead or mix before cooking, and are happy to check which accessories are included and which parts need cleaning.
People who already have cooking appliances
You’re happy with your hob, oven or casserole dish and mainly want help with food preparation, without replacing your cooking appliances.
What should you look for?
For weeknight meals, the key difference is often which step you want the appliance to handle: preparing the ingredients, cooking, or both. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between multicookers, which don’t generally stir food, and cooking food processors, whose functions vary by model and accessories.
Cooking food processor
Worth considering: if you often prepare ingredients before cooking and want to combine those steps in one appliance.
Bear in mind: available functions depend on the accessories, and several parts may need cleaning.
Programmable multicooker
Worth considering: if you mainly want to set everyday cooking programmes with less hands-on attention.
Bear in mind: chopping and, generally, stirring will still need to be done separately.
Separate food processor
Worth considering: if your cooking appliances are already doing the job and you mainly want to chop, grate or knead.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need another appliance for cooking.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking with less hands-on attention | Check which programmes and settings are available on the model you’re considering, particularly pressure cooking or keep-warm if you need them. | When dinner needs to cook while I get on with something else, I’d prioritise cooking controls over integrated chopping. Around 31% of consumers put this need first. |
| Combining preparation and cooking | Check what the appliance can do and which accessories are actually included, particularly for chopping, grating or mixing. | If I often prepare ingredients before cooking them, I’d rather avoid transferring them between appliances. Combining these steps is the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Portion sizes and available space | Compare the usable capacity for your recipes with the appliance’s dimensions, including the lid and accessories. | I want to make my usual portions without giving up too much space to a bowl and its accessories. This balance comes first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Everyday cleaning | Check the manual to see which parts can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe. | After a weeknight dinner, having too many parts to wash could put me off using the appliance regularly. Around 15% of consumers prioritise manageable everyday cleaning. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “multifunction” means automatic food preparation
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a multicooker doesn’t generally stir food. So, even with a timed cooking programme, you may still need to chop, mix or grate the ingredients yourself.
Break down three meals you often make, then check which steps each model can actually handle.
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Choosing a bowl based on its stated capacity alone
Usable capacity can vary depending on the recipe and fill limits. A large bowl also takes up space, even when you’re only cooking small portions.
Compare the permitted quantities for the dishes you make and measure how much room you’ll need for the appliance, its lid and accessories.
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Assuming a function is included
Grating, slicing or certain recipe services may depend on the model, an accessory or a subscription. A function advertised for a product range won’t necessarily be available on every model.
Check exactly what’s in the box and the terms for any digital features you plan to use.
A recipe subscription may mean keeping track of a renewal. Check the terms before choosing your appliance.
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Only checking how to clean the bowl
Blades, seals, baskets and other accessories may need to be cleaned separately. A rinse programme doesn’t necessarily wash every part.
Check the manual for the exact model to find out which parts can be removed, how to wash them and how to access spare parts.
Brands to know for these uses
Moulinex
The Cookeo and Companion ranges offer two distinct approaches to consider: programmable cooking in one appliance, and food preparation and cooking in the other.
- Moulinex lists different cooking modes for its Cookeo models, while Companion combines cooking modes with food preparation accessories.
- The Companion accessories available and included vary by model, so check the exact reference before assuming a function is included.
Vorwerk
Thermomix combines food preparation, guided cooking and access to the Cookidoo recipe platform.
- Vorwerk describes Cookidoo as a service for guided recipes and meal planning.
- Full access to Cookidoo requires a subscription. Check the terms if you plan to use these features regularly.
Magimix
The Cook Expert range combines cooking with food preparation using different bowls and accessories.
- Magimix lists the Cook Expert Connect as having a 3.5 L stainless steel bowl, with a total capacity of 3.5 L and a usable capacity of 2.5 L.
- Compare the portions you can make and the accessories you’ll need with your recipes. Some additional accessories are available as optional extras.
Silvercrest
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart is a cooking food processor worth considering if an integrated scale and guided recipes matter to you.
- Lidl lists this model as having a 4.5 L stainless steel bowl, an integrated scale and dishwasher-safe accessories.
- Check the exact model and its availability before buying, as well as the washing instructions for the parts you’ll use.
Appliances for preparing or cooking
These Joybuy models cover two of the uses discussed above: combining food preparation and cooking in a cooking food processor, or programming cooking with a multicooker. First, decide which step you want the appliance to handle, then compare capacity and cleaning requirements.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with XL bowl, scale and large touchscreen
Worth considering if you want to prepare and then cook with the same appliance, and follow recipes on its screen.
The model name highlights its integrated scale, XL bowl and large touchscreen. Compare the usable capacity with your portion sizes, and check the manual for cleaning instructions for each part, as well as the plug and electrical compatibility before using it in France.
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Midea 9-in-1 8 L pressure multicooker, 1,200 W
Worth considering if your priority is setting cooking programmes rather than preparing ingredients in the appliance.
The product name lists 12 preset menus. Before choosing this 8 L bowl, check how much space you’ll need, the fill limits for your recipes, the cleaning instructions and electrical compatibility for use in France.
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Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L 7-in-1 multicooker, Daydream Blue
This model is for people looking for several cooking modes, without relying on integrated chopping or stirring.
The product name mentions four customisable programmes, slow cooking and steaming. Follow the fill markings for each recipe and check the plug details before using it in France.
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Instant Pot Rio XL 7.1 L 7-in-1 multicooker with stainless steel bowl
Worth considering if you want a 7.1 L bowl for cooking several portions, while keeping food preparation separate.
This model is described as a pressure multicooker with a stainless steel bowl. Check the permitted quantities for each recipe, the space available and whether the plug is suitable for your setup. Follow the manual when opening the lid and releasing steam.
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Robby cooking food processor with scale, touchscreen and 680 recipes
Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking, and use recipes displayed on the appliance.
The product name lists an integrated scale, touchscreen and 680 recipes. Check the usable capacity for your portions, which parts need washing after the rinse programme, and electrical compatibility before using it in France.
Frequently asked questions
Can a multicooker replace a cooking food processor?
Not if you need to chop, blend or knead in the same appliance: a multicooker is mainly designed for cooking. UFC-Que Choisir points out that it doesn’t generally stir food. If you’re considering a cooking food processor, check which food preparation accessories come with the model you’ve chosen.
How do you choose the bowl capacity?
Start with the quantities you actually cook, then compare them with the limits given for your recipes, rather than looking at the stated capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir notes that multicookers need room for food to expand and that usable capacity varies depending on what you’re making.
Do guided recipes always require a subscription?
No, it depends on the model and service. In France, Vorwerk requires a subscription for full access to Cookidoo. Before choosing an appliance for its recipes, check which features you can use directly and the terms of the associated service.
What should you check for cleaning up after dinner?
Check every part you use, not just the bowl: the lid, seals, blades, baskets and other accessories may each have their own cleaning instructions. Consult the manual for the exact model to see whether they’re dishwasher-safe and whether a rinse programme means you’ll still need to wash anything separately.