Multifunctional products for the home have plenty to recommend them: they promise to save you time and free up space. But versatile doesn’t always mean useful day to day. A student living in a studio flat, a large family and a fitness enthusiast will all have different storage needs and expectations.
Before buying multifunctional kitchen utensils, a handy appliance or a wellbeing accessory, a few simple checks can help you avoid disappointment.
A product described as “multifunctional” may offer lots of uses, but that doesn’t mean they’ll all be useful to you. The key question is simple: how many of its features will you actually use? A manual vegetable chopper you take out every week will often be more practical than a sophisticated appliance that sits at the back of a cupboard.
Photos can give you the wrong impression of how compact a product is. Check the actual dimensions, weight and the space needed around the appliance. For electrical equipment, the power should also suit the intended use: a small portable cooking pot won’t meet the same needs as a 5 l family-sized model.
Blades that are difficult to remove, a delicate coating, non-removable parts or components that take a long time to dry can quickly turn a handy product into a chore. Before you buy, look for a design that’s easy to take apart, a surface that’s simple to clean and clear instructions.
For utensils that come into contact with food, check that they’re suitable for food use. Choose materials that are easy to clean, such as stainless steel when specified by the manufacturer. Keep blades out of children’s reach and store them somewhere dry.
For electrical appliances, check for the CE marking, instructions in French, safety guidance and details of the manufacturer or the responsible person in the European Union. Please note: the CE marking doesn’t guarantee that a product is suitable for every use. It indicates that the manufacturer declares the product complies with the applicable requirements.
A 2 l capacity may be enough for one person or a couple, while a 5 l model is better suited to family meals. Also think about where you’ll store it when you’re finished: a detachable cable, stackable accessories or integrated handles can make a real difference in a small kitchen.
For home fitness equipment, check the adjustment levels, stated maximum load, floor space required and locking system. Never exceed the permitted load. For heated wellbeing accessories, check the maximum temperature, battery life, shut-off control and usage recommendations.
The products below cater to a range of needs: cooking in a compact space, equipping a family home or creating a home fitness area. Always check the product listing for dimensions, what’s included in the box and delivery terms.
Why it’s a good choice for this profile : These scissors combine several everyday tasks in one handy tool: snipping herbs, preparing certain foods and opening bottles. They’re especially well suited to kitchens where every centimetre of storage space counts.
Each function is directly related to meal preparation. The detachable design makes cleaning easier, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stainless steel blades described as rust-resistant, a non-slip handle, plus an integrated nutcracker and bottle opener.
Why it’s a good choice for this profile : With a stated capacity of 5 l and a steaming basket, this cooking pot is designed for households that make several portions or enjoy trying different cooking methods.
The stated uses are clearly defined: simmering, steaming, boiling and keeping food on a low heat. Make sure you follow the cooling and cleaning instructions.
Stated power of 1 200 W, two heat settings, a removable steaming basket and a non-stick coating specified by the manufacturer.
Why it’s a good choice for this profile : This bench is designed for anyone looking to do a range of strength exercises at home, with enough adjustment options to vary their position.
Check the adjustment options and stated maximum load before setting it up. The manufacturer recommends locking the pins and never exceeding the stated limit.
Backrest adjusts to 7 positions, height adjusts to 11 positions, and the cushion is described as sweat-resistant.
Why it’s a good choice for this profile : This compact set is ideal for beginners who want to start strength training at home without having to store several pieces of equipment.
The four configurations are clearly defined: dumbbells, a barbell, a kettlebell base and push-up handles. You’ll still need enough space around you to exercise safely.
Set stated to weigh 20 kg, with non-slip handles and components that can be combined to reduce the number of accessories you need to store.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, regularly updated list of products that meet these exacting selection criteria and European safety rules.
Choose a compact piece of equipment that’s easy to store and genuinely useful several times a week. A small-capacity electric cooking pot, an adjustable dumbbell set or stackable utensils could all do the job. Measure the available space before you order.
Follow the instructions, never exceed the stated capacity or load, and let electrical appliances cool down before cleaning them. Dry metal utensils thoroughly and avoid using abrasive sponges or accessories on non-stick coatings.
It depends on the power, how often you use the product and how long it runs for. For an electrical appliance, compare its power in watts with the programmes you expect to use. A more powerful model may heat up faster, but its energy use also depends on how long each cycle lasts.