Choose a cooking robot if you want to chop, mix and cook in the same appliance for soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes or steamed recipes. A food processor is a better choice if you already have the cooking equipment you need, while a multi-cooker is mainly suited to programmed cooking after the ingredients have been prepared.
You prepare soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes, steamed recipes or doughs, and want to reduce the need to transfer ingredients between chopping, mixing and cooking. Check that the required functions and accessories are included with your chosen model. Que Choisir specifically assesses these uses in its cooking-robot test protocol.
For family meals, entertaining or batch cooking, compare the usable capacity rather than the total volume alone. Moulinex states a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion HF840110, while Magimix states 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL.
If you already own a hob, oven, casserole dish or slow cooker and mainly want to grate, slice, chop, blend or knead, a separate food processor may make more sense. You will then need to cook the food in another appliance.
Worth considering: if you regularly prepare recipes that require chopping, mixing, kneading, slow cooking or steaming.
Check: the usable capacity, supplied accessories, appliance footprint and the terms for accessing guided recipes.
Worth considering: if preparation is your priority and your existing cooking equipment is already suitable.
Bear in mind: preparations must be transferred to a hob, oven, casserole dish or another appliance for cooking.
Worth considering: if the ingredients are prepared elsewhere and autonomous cooking is your priority.
Limitation: do not assume that chopping, grating, slicing or kneading functions are included.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs and expectations |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking | Check the chopping, mixing, kneading, slow-cooking and steaming functions. Distinguish between a multi-cooker's cooking programmes and integrated preparation functions. | I want to reduce the amount of handling between several appliances while preparing a variety of recipes. In the Que Choisir survey published in 2020 among 1,695 subscribers who owned kitchen robots, 52% of respondents felt they saved time in the kitchen and 49% said they had broadened their repertoire of recipes. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the genuinely usable capacity where it is published, then take the weight and dimensions into account with the bowl fitted. | I want to prepare my usual quantities without having to make several batches, while keeping an appliance that fits my worktop and storage space. |
| Accessories and storage | Check the contents of the box: blades, whisk, mixer, steaming basket, slicing discs and other accessories. Also check how much space is needed to store them. | The tasks that matter to me, such as grating, slicing, whisking or steaming, must be possible with the configuration I buy. |
| Cleaning and guided recipes | Check the cleaning instructions for the parts and the terms for accessing recipes, apps and updates. Find out whether a subscription is required to retain certain services. | I am looking for an appliance that I can clean easily after use and whose recipe ecosystem genuinely suits the way I cook. |
A multi-cooker mainly automates heating, cooking times and certain cooking programmes. You may still need to chop, blend, grate or knead ingredients separately for a multi-step recipe.
Make a list of the steps you want to carry out in the appliance. If chopping, blending or kneading is essential, check the precise functions and accessories of the robot you are considering.
Total volume and usable volume are not always the same. A bowl that is too small may mean preparing several batches, while a large-capacity appliance may require more space.
Base your comparison on the usable capacity where it is stated, then measure the available space with the bowl and accessories fitted or stored.
Grating, slicing, blending, pressing or steaming functions may depend on accessories specific to a model or configuration. Que Choisir explains that additional accessories are only assessed when they are supplied.
Before buying, check the detailed contents of the box and distinguish between included, optional and compatible accessories.
A supplementary accessory may require a separate purchase, depending on the model and offer.
Full access to guided recipes, updates or certain functions may depend on the terms of the associated service. Recipes that are poorly suited to users' menus are also among the reasons for lower usage cited by respondents to the 2020 Que Choisir survey.
Try the interface and review the recipe catalogue before making this service a deciding factor, then check the access terms that apply to the model.
According to Vorwerk, the Thermomix TM7 is a connected cooking robot with a 2.2 L bowl and on-screen access to Cookidoo.
The Companion range combines preparation and cooking; Moulinex states a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion HF840110.
The Cook Expert XL is designed for extensive preparation with cooking, chopping, grating, slicing, kneading and whisking functions stated by Magimix.
According to Lidl France, the Monsieur Cuisine Smart is a connected alternative with a touchscreen, automatic programmes and video-guided cooking.
The CS 4200XL illustrates a preparation-only option without integrated cooking for households that already have separate cooking appliances.
These Joybuy options are cooking robots designed to combine preparation and cooking in one workflow.
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For family-sized preparations combining chopping, mixing, kneading, cooking and steaming.
Stated total bowl capacity of 4.5 L and usable capacity of 3 L, with integrated scales, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, reversible disc and steaming baskets.
Its stated dimensions are 40 × 26 × 36 cm and it weighs 9.4 kg, so make sure you have a suitable space. Also check the terms for accessing recipes, as the stated number varies between the product details.
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For preparing and cooking varied meals in one appliance, with stated steaming and slow-cooking functions.
Stated 3.5 L stainless-steel bowl, suitable for up to 6 people, with integrated scales, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, eight automatic programmes, manual mode and a rinsing programme.
The accessories for chopping, grating and slicing are not specified in detail: check the contents of the box and the care instructions before buying.
No. A cooking robot adds integrated cooking, while a food processor is mainly used for chopping, grating, slicing, blending, kneading or whisking. Check the included accessories: do not assume that cutting, blending or pressing functions are available if the relevant accessory is not supplied.
No. Where the manufacturer publishes it, it is better to compare usable capacity. Moulinex states a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion HF840110 and Magimix states 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL, while Vorwerk states a maximum bowl capacity of 2.2 L for the TM7. Always compare these figures with the type of recipes and quantities you prepare.
No. Access to a guided-recipe platform may depend on the manufacturer's terms. For Cookidoo, Vorwerk states that a renewable annual subscription provides access to the features for 12 months; check the applicable terms before buying and distinguish free recipes from full access to the service.
Choose a model that clearly states which parts can be cleaned and whether they are dishwasher-safe, then consult the model's instructions. Que Choisir recommends considering ease of maintenance and includes repeated washing of bowls, lids and accessories in its test protocol.
Used electrical and electronic appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, returned to a retailer or given to a social and solidarity-economy organisation. The ministry responsible for ecological transition also lists in-store take-back schemes, whose terms depend in particular on the product and the retailer.