An electric multicooker can replace several kitchen appliances, but not all models are equal or suited to the same needs. Between promises of speedy cooking, ‘all-in-one’ programmes and generous capacities stated on the packaging, certain details can make the difference between a smart purchase and an appliance that is impractical for everyday use.
Before buying an electric pressure cooker, consider its genuinely usable capacity, how much space it takes up, how easy it is to clean and the safety features it provides. Here are the criteria to review to find a model suited both to your kitchen and your cooking habits.
A 6- or 8-litre pot cannot always be filled to the brim, particularly when pressure cooking. Ingredients that expand, such as rice, pulses and certain grains, need additional space. The 6-litre Cecotec’s product details, for example, state a usable capacity of 5 litres.
For one person or a couple, an appliance that is too large takes up unnecessary worktop space and can make small preparations more awkward. Conversely, families should avoid overly compact models if they want to cook several portions at once.
A 7-in-1 multicooker can combine a pressure cooker, electric slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, ‘sear’ function and keep-warm function. However, the number of modes alone is not enough to assess how easy it is to use.
Instead, check for a clear display, manual time adjustment, delayed start and programmes suited to the recipes you usually make. A dozen poorly explained programmes will always be less useful than a few clearly labelled controls.
The cooking pot, lid, sealing ring and valve should be easy to remove and clean. Dishwasher-safe parts can make maintenance easier, but always consult the instructions to find out which components are actually suitable.
A sealing ring that retains odours or a valve that is difficult to remove can quickly become a nuisance. It is also worth choosing appliances for which spare parts and warranty terms are clearly stated.
Capacity alone does not determine how much space an appliance will take up. Measure the depth available on your worktop and leave enough clearance around the appliance to allow steam to escape.
A versatile appliance may offer pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, keeping food warm and making yoghurt. Some models also add air frying, sous-vide cooking, roasting or even dehydrating.
A programmable multicooker with a delayed start can be useful if you prepare your ingredients in the morning and want a meal ready by dinnertime. For regular use, a steaming basket, stainless-steel pot and intuitive controls are often more useful than a long list of functions you will never use.
An electric pressure cooker uses steam under pressure. At a minimum, make sure it includes the following features:
Never force the lid open while the appliance is under pressure. Follow the filling markers, particularly the lower limits specified for rice, beans and ingredients that expand. Unplug the appliance before cleaning it and never immerse the electrical unit.
Why it suits this profile : its six preset menus and 5-litre capacity make it easy to get started without having to juggle a multitude of manual settings.
The dedicated menus let you get started without getting lost in complex programming. The product details also present the pressure-release system as a safety feature.
A 5-litre capacity, six one-touch menus and a combination of pressure cooking and slow cooking.
Why it suits this profile : its two lids and extensive range of functions are designed for households that want to vary their cooking methods without buying multiple appliances.
The product details explain the filling limits, temperatures and precautions associated with the two lids. However, make sure you have plenty of storage space.
A 7,6-litre capacity, air-fryer function, sous-vide cooking, steaming, roasting and a 304 stainless-steel pot.
Why it suits this profile : its large capacity is ideal for generous portions, family meals and batch cooking.
The product details distinguish between the container’s total capacity and its filling limits. This is a useful check to avoid overestimating the amount you can actually prepare.
An 8-litre capacity, 12 preset menus, a delayed start of up to 24 hours and a keep-warm function advertised for up to 12 hours.
Why it suits this profile : its compact size frees up worktop space while bringing together seven cooking functions.
Its compact dimensions and 3,8-litre pot are better suited to smaller households than an oversized family model.
12 programmes, a stainless-steel pot, an LED display and parts advertised as dishwasher-safe.
We have put together a complete, real-time updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.
Consumption depends on the appliance’s power, cooking time, quantity prepared and electricity tariff. A more powerful model is not necessarily more expensive for every recipe: operating time and the selected mode also play a part.
To keep costs down, use the amount of water specified in the recipe, avoid leaving the keep-warm function on unnecessarily and prepare several portions when the pot’s capacity allows. Check the power rating in watts and consider it alongside how often you plan to use the appliance.
It can provide pressure cooking while generally offering additional programmes such as slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming and keeping food warm. It requires an electrical socket and must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Its lifespan depends on how often it is used, how well it is maintained and the condition of the sealing ring, valve and lid. Inspect these components regularly, clean the channels and replace worn parts with compatible components. The models featured benefit from the minimum two-year statutory guarantee in the European Union, without prejudice to any additional rights provided for under national law.
A 5 to 5.7-litre model is generally a good starting point for preparing several portions. If you often cook large quantities or regularly entertain, a 6- to 8-litre appliance will give you more capacity, provided you have enough space to install it.