For preparing and cooking dinner
You often make dishes with several steps and want to know which ones a cooking machine can combine, without assuming it will make the whole meal without your input.
Who are these appliances for?
For speeding up chopping and slicing
You cook with your usual frying pans or saucepans and mainly want to chop, grate or slice ingredients more quickly.
For taking portions and space into account
You need to fit quantities, cleaning and storage around your kitchen and routine, and may prefer a specialist appliance to a versatile model.
What to compare
Start with the tasks you repeat during the week, then check the usable capacity, included accessories and care instructions for the specific model.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing and cooking | Preparation and cooking functions, included accessories, usable capacity and tasks that still need to be done by hand. | If I often make a dinner that involves mixing and cooking, I want to know which steps can genuinely be done in the same appliance. Around 36% of consumers prioritise combining preparation and cooking. |
| Chopping ingredients | Included grating or slicing discs, dishwasher-safe parts and the maximum quantity the appliance is designed to handle. | If I keep cooking as usual but spend time chopping or grating, I mainly want to make this preparation easier. Around 29% of consumers prioritise separating preparation from cooking. |
| Portions, cleaning and storage | Usable capacity for your recipes, limits for particular foods, dimensions and care instructions for the parts. | In a small kitchen or when making several portions, I want the quantity prepared and the cleaning to fit my routine. Around 21% of consumers prioritise getting the portions, upkeep and space right. |
| A specialist task | Dough capacity and accessories for a stand mixer, or the capacity and programmes of a heated blender. | If my meals are mainly homemade doughs or soups, I’d rather check the appliance designed for that task than choose functions I’ll rarely use. Around 14% of consumers put a specialist task at the top of their list. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing bowl volume with usable capacity
The stated volume does not always match the amount of food you can prepare in one go. For the Cook Expert Chrome Mat, Magimix lists a 3.5 L bowl and a usable capacity of 2.5 L.
Compare your usual recipe and portion count with the usable capacity or the limit specified for the ingredient in question.
If a step is missing, you’ll need to keep using another appliance or choose a suitable accessory.
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Assuming all accessories and recipes are included
What’s in the box and how you access recipes depend on the model and any associated service. Compatible accessories are not necessarily supplied with the appliance.
Check the list of included accessories and the terms for accessing recipes before treating these functions as deciding factors.
Depending on the model, a suitable accessory or ongoing access to a recipe service may require a separate step or purchase.
Brands to consider for different uses
Moulinex
The Companion and Easy Soup ranges are designed for different needs: a variety of preparation and cooking tasks with one, and soups and compotes with the other.
- Moulinex says the Companion HF80CB10 has 14 programmes and five accessories.
- The Easy Soup LM841B10 has five programmes and a 1.2 L capacity; it does not replace the chopping functions of a food processor.
Bosch
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3401M is designed to prepare ingredients before they’re cooked separately.
- Bosch lists a 2.3 L bowl, cutting accessories and dishwasher-safe parts.
- The stated maximum dough quantity is 0.8 kg; the product information does not describe any integrated cooking function.
Kenwood
The kMix KMX750ARD is worth considering if kneading, whisking and mixing are your main tasks.
- Kenwood says this model comes with a whisk, dough hook and K-beater, and has a stated bread dough capacity of 1.35 kg.
- The availability of other functions through compatible accessories does not mean those accessories are supplied with this model.
Magimix
The Cook Expert combines cooking with some preparation tasks, such as grating and slicing.
- For the Cook Expert Chrome Mat, Magimix lists a 3.5 L bowl and a usable capacity of 2.5 L.
- Capacity and functions vary between the XL and Connect versions, so check the exact model reference.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 combines preparation and cooking with guided recipes in the Cookidoo ecosystem.
- Vorwerk lists a 2.2 L bowl capacity and says the TM7 uses Cookidoo 3.0.
- Subscription terms may matter to new customers. Check the applicable terms before making recipe access a deciding factor.
Joybuy products for these uses
This selection focuses mainly on cooking meals and preparing ingredients with a multifunctional appliance. The listed functions and capacities vary by model.
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Cecotec Programmable Cooker Model D, 6 L
For meals that involve several cooking steps, this cooker lists a frying function and a voice function.
The title states a 6 L capacity, nine menus and two pressure levels; the product information lists a usable capacity of 5 L. Never force the lid open while the cooker is under pressure, and follow the fill lines, particularly when cooking foods that expand.
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ochama Food Processor, 750 W, 1.8 L
For preparing ingredients before cooking them separately, this food processor lists blending, chopping, slicing and grating functions.
The title states a power rating of 750 W, a 1.8 L bowl and grating discs. Check which accessories are included and how the parts should be cleaned.
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Instant Pot Rio XL, 7.1 L electric multi-cooker
For cooking a meal in different ways using one appliance, this model is described as a 7-in-1 multi-cooker with a stainless steel inner pot.
Its stated capacity is 7.1 L. When pressure cooking, close the lid properly and keep your face and hands away from the steam valve.
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Robby multifunctional cooking machine with built-in scales and touchscreen
For combining some preparation and cooking tasks, this model lists built-in scales, a touchscreen and more than 680 guided recipes.
The blades are described as very sharp, so handle them carefully when fitting, removing and cleaning them. The bowl and its contents get hot during cooking; use suitable protection when handling them.
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Midea 9-in-1 electric multi-cooker, 8 L, 1,200 W
For planning meals with different cooking methods, this multi-cooker lists 12 preset menus and a 24-hour delay start.
The title states a capacity of 8 L and a power rating of 1,200 W. When pressure cooking, never force the lid open, follow the fill lines and keep children away while the pressure is being released.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a cooking machine will really save me a step at dinner?
List the tasks involved in a meal you often make, then check the functions and accessories supplied with the exact model. An appliance that chops does not necessarily cook, and the functions available vary from one model to another.
Does the capacity in litres match the amount I can use for a meal?
Not always: for the Cook Expert Chrome Mat, Magimix lists a 3.5 L bowl and a usable capacity of 2.5 L. For a stand mixer, check the stated limit for the type of dough you’re making.
Can all the parts of a food processor go in the dishwasher?
No. Only the instructions for the specific model will tell you which parts are dishwasher-safe. Bosch lists dishwasher-safe parts for the MCM3401M; this does not automatically apply to the motor unit or parts from other models.
Could access to guided recipes depend on a subscription?
Yes, the terms depend on the model and service. Vorwerk says the TM7 uses Cookidoo 3.0 and mentions a subscription for new customers. Check the terms that apply to how you plan to use it before buying.