To speed up preparation
You often chop, grate, slice, blend or knead, but prefer to cook using your existing appliances. Consider a food processor before choosing a bulkier cooking appliance.
What will you use it for?
To prepare and cook in one appliance
You want to handle preparation and cooking in the same bowl for everyday meals. Compare the usable capacity, accessories, overall size and any recipe services.
To start cooking with minimal supervision
You regularly cook rice, stews, steamed dishes or pressure-cooked meals, and mainly want to automate the cooking time, temperature or keep-warm function. A multicooker does not replace chopping tools.
Buying priorities
Food processor
Choose it if: you want to reduce preparation tasks without needing built-in cooking.
Bear in mind: cooking will still need to be done on the hob, in the oven or in a separate appliance.
Cooking robot
Choose it if: you will genuinely use preparation, mixing and cooking in the same appliance several times a week.
Bear in mind: compare the usable capacity, accessories, overall size and recipe services for each model.
Multicooker
Choose it if: your priority is to programme the cooking of stews, steamed dishes, rice or pressure-cooked meals.
Bear in mind: ingredients will generally need to be chopped and prepared separately.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks to automate | Identify the tasks you do most often: chopping, grating, slicing, mixing, kneading, cooking or monitoring. Check that the advertised functions cover these tasks. | I want to reduce the steps that take the most time. If chopping is central to my cooking, a multicooker alone will not meet this need. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable capacity where it is provided, then match it to your usual portions and the type of recipe. Do not compare the bowl’s total volume alone. | I want to prepare my usual quantities without making extra batches or filling the kitchen with an unnecessarily large pot. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure your worktop and cupboards with the bowl, lid and accessories in place. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe for the exact model. | My appliance needs to stay accessible or be easy to put away after use, without making cleaning feel like a chore. |
| Recipes and connectivity | Check the recipes included, the connection required, whether an account is needed, optional accessories and the terms of any subscription. | I want to know what remains usable without a connected service and whether the recipe guidance genuinely suits the way I cook. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Expecting a multicooker to chop ingredients
A multicooker mainly automates cooking and monitoring. It will not meet your need to grate, slice or chop when these tasks are part of your regular routine.
List the three tasks you repeat most often. If chopping and grating happen before cooking, compare food processors and cooking robots first.
Brands worth considering by appliance type
Bosch
Worth considering for a food processor without built-in cooking, particularly for chopping, mixing, grating and slicing.
- The MultiTalent 8 MC812M844 features a 3.9 L bowl and accessories that can be stored in the bowl, according to Bosch Home Appliances France.
- Accessories and functions must be checked model by model, and cooking remains external.
Moulinex
The brand covers two distinct uses: Companion cooking robots for preparation and cooking, and Cookeo multicookers for programmed cooking.
- The Companion XL and Cookeo+ demonstrate two different formats, with capacities and modes specified by Moulinex France.
- A Cookeo should not be treated as a chopping appliance; check the capacity, accessories and available space for each appliance.
Magimix
A model to consider for households that prioritise a high-capacity cooking robot with several bowls.
- The Cook Expert XL features a 3.8 L usable capacity, according to Magimix France.
- Warranty terms, spare-parts availability and included accessories must be confirmed for the chosen model and seller.
Vorwerk
A connected cooking robot for shoppers who value a screen, cooking modes and the Cookidoo ecosystem.
- The Thermomix TM7 offers cooking modes and guided recipes via Cookidoo, according to Vorwerk France.
- Accessing recipes from the appliance may require an internet connection; check the terms of the associated service.
Instant Pot
Worth considering for pressure, steam or slow cooking rather than ingredient preparation.
- The range includes pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking and baking, among other functions, according to Instant Pot France.
- These appliances are not designed for grating, slicing or chopping.
Joybuy products
Joybuy options for preparing and cooking meals at home, including cooking robots and multicookers suited to different needs.
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Robby Smart cooking robot with XL bowl and built-in scales
For preparing and then cooking recipes in the same appliance, with an advertised usable capacity of 3 L for 6 to 8 people.
4.5 L bowl, 20 temperature settings, 7-inch screen, built-in scales and advertised accessories. Check the space required: the appliance measures 40 × 26 × 36 cm and weighs 9.4 kg.
Wi-Fi is advertised for updates and new recipes; check the terms of access to content in France.
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Robby multifunction cooking robot with scales and touchscreen
An option for reducing chopping, mixing and cooking tasks when you regularly prepare meals for up to six people.
3.5 L stainless-steel bowl, eight automatic programmes, built-in scales, touchscreen, manual mode and advertised rinsing programme.
Check the storage space needed for the chopping and steaming accessories, as well as the terms relating to recipes via Wi-Fi.
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Cecotec GM H Deluxe Fry 6 L multicooker
Worth considering if you mainly want to programme family meals with less supervision.
6 L pot, 19 advertised functions, five pressure levels, 11 temperatures up to 200 °C, programming for up to 24 hours and built-in scales.
It does not replace a food processor for chopping, grating or slicing; follow the fill limits and steam-release instructions.
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Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L Daydream Blue
Suitable for everyday pressure, slow or steam cooking when ingredients are chopped separately.
Advertised 5.7 L capacity, seven cooking modes, four one-touch programmes and dishwasher-safe parts.
For pressure cooking, check the fill level, minimum liquid quantity and seal maintenance. Also check the power rating if it matters for your installation.
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KitchenCook Kyoto white 2 L multicooker
A format worth considering for small quantities and kitchens where space is limited.
2 L pot, touchscreen panel, preset programmes, delayed start of up to 24 hours, keep-warm function and advertised removable non-stick pot.
This model does not advertise functions for chopping, grating, slicing or blending. Maintain the specified clearance of 40 cm above and 10 cm at the sides.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor replace a cooking robot?
Not if you need built-in cooking. A food processor prepares ingredients, for example by chopping, grating, slicing or blending, while a cooking robot combines these tasks with cooking. If you already cook on the hob, in the oven or with a multicooker, a food processor may still be the most suitable choice.
Can a multicooker replace chopping tasks?
Generally speaking, no. A multicooker controls cooking, including pressure cooking, steaming, simmering or keeping food warm depending on the model, after the ingredients have been prepared. If you chop ingredients frequently, plan to use a knife, vegetable chopper or separate food processor.
Which capacity should you compare: total volume or usable capacity?
First compare the usable capacity stated for the model and recipe, then match it to the quantities you actually cook. Moulinex states a 3 L usable capacity for the Companion XL mentioned, while Magimix states a 3.8 L usable capacity for the Cook Expert XL mentioned; these figures alone are not enough to compare every recipe or configuration.
Are guided recipes always included without recurring charges?
No. Check the service linked to the exact model, the trial terms, whether the subscription is optional and which functions are available without a connection. Vorwerk states that an internet connection is required to access Cookidoo recipes from the Thermomix.
Must the repairability index be displayed for all kitchen robots in France?
Do not assume so. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the repairability index applies to certain categories of electrical and electronic products, while the durability index is gradually replacing it for specific categories. Check the information displayed and the availability of spare parts for the exact model.