Less time keeping an eye on dinner
You prepare simple ingredients and would rather select a programme than watch the cooking constantly. Que Choisir describes multi-cooker programmes for dishes such as rice and slow-cooked meals.
Who are these appliances for ?
Prepare ingredients in the same appliance
You often chop, blend or mix ingredients before cooking and want to know whether these functions would be genuinely useful to you. Que Choisir distinguishes between the food-preparation functions offered by different cooking food processors.
Cooking several portions
You’re preparing a family meal or extra portions and need to compare how much food you can actually cook. Que Choisir points out that a bowl’s stated capacity does not always match the amount you can use in a recipe.
What should you compare before buying ?
Start with the recipes you make each week, then compare the features, usable capacity and cleaning tasks involved.
Programmable multi-cooker
Choose this if : your ingredients are ready and you mainly want to automate the cooking of recipes suited to its programmes.
Bear in mind : a multi-cooker generally won’t chop and mix ingredients in the same way as a cooking food processor.
Cooking food processor
Choose this if : your meals regularly involve chopping, blending or mixing ingredients in the appliance before or during cooking.
Bear in mind : compare the accessories included, how they’re stored and cleaned, and how much space the appliance needs.
Electric multi-function pressure cooker
Choose this if : pressure cooking is a priority for your recipes, and you don’t regularly need to chop or blend ingredients in the appliance.
Bear in mind : programmes and filling limits vary between models, so follow the instructions for use.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking with less supervision | Programmes that suit your recipes, any steps you’ll still need to carry out, and delayed-start or keep-warm functions. | When my ingredients are ready, I want to start cooking without having to stay beside the appliance. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise cooking that needs little supervision. |
| Food preparation built in | The tasks you carry out each week and the accessories actually included for chopping, blending or mixing. | If my recipes often involve preparing ingredients before cooking, I check that the appliance can do those jobs. Around 25 % of consumers put built-in food preparation first. |
| Amount you can cook | The filling limit and number of portions stated for the recipes you have in mind, as well as the appliance’s dimensions. | For a family dinner or extra portions, I compare the amounts I can actually cook rather than just the stated capacity in litres. Around 19 % of consumers prioritise cooking several portions. |
| Washing up and storage | Which parts are dishwasher-safe according to the instructions, how to clean the lid, and how much space the accessories need. | After a meal, I want to know which parts I’ll need to wash and put away. Easy cleaning is the priority for around 13 % of consumers. |
| Useful features | The functions and accessories included, any cost involved in accessing recipes, and information about replacement parts. | I’d rather avoid features I won’t use regularly and keep the utensils I need for food preparation. Around 12 % of consumers prioritise features that suit the way they cook. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing bowl capacity with the amount you can cook
The amount you can actually cook may be less than the stated capacity and depends on the recipe. If you need more than the applicable filling limit allows, you may have to cook in batches.
Check the filling limit and number of portions for the recipes you actually make.
Cooking more than the applicable limit allows may mean extra batches.
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Choosing a cooking food processor when you only want to leave the cooking to the appliance
A multi-cooker and a cooking food processor don’t handle the same steps. You may not use the food-preparation functions if you already prepare all your ingredients separately.
Make a list of your weeknight recipes and check which ones really require you to chop or blend ingredients in the appliance.
Accessories also need to be stored and cleaned, even if you rarely use some of the functions.
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Mistaking delayed start for a food-preservation function
Programming the appliance does not keep perishable ingredients chilled. Anses states that leaving cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours increases the risk of micro-organisms multiplying.
Store food separately and follow the appliance instructions and food hygiene advice.
Brands to consider, depending on the features
Moulinex
The Cookeo Touch Wifi CE902800 is designed for guided pressure cooking, while the Companion HF840110 combines food preparation and cooking.
- Moulinex states that the Cookeo CE902800 has a delayed-start function and automatic keep-warm function.
- The Cookeo doesn’t replace the Companion’s chopping functions; compare the two models against the steps in your recipes.
Instant Pot
The Duo range is an example of an electric multi-function pressure cooker for recipes centred on pressure cooking and other cooking methods.
- The Instant Pot Duo 5,7 L product information lists pressure, rice, steam and keep-warm modes, among others.
- These functions and the stated capacity apply to this model; check that they suit your recipes and portion sizes.
Magimix
The Cook Expert Chrome Mat is designed for regular use combining ingredient preparation and cooking.
- Magimix states that this model has a 3,5 L bowl and accessories that are dishwasher-safe.
- Check that the capacity suits your recipes and that you have room for the appliance and its accessories.
Silvercrest
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart is a guided cooking food processor worth comparing against the features you need.
- This model lets you consider an appliance that combines guided recipes and cooking in one place.
- The specifications for the Smart Blanc don’t necessarily apply to other Monsieur Cuisine models; check the filling capacity and features of the exact model you’re considering.
Cooking appliances for weeknight meals
This selection brings together appliances that let you programme or hand over the cooking during the week, from rice cookers and pressure cookers to cooking food processors. Compare their functions and capacities against your recipes.
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Cecotec Model D, 6 L pressure cooker with frying and voice control
Worth considering if you want to programme cooking and use several modes in an electric pressure cooker.
The title states that it has a 6 L bowl, 9 cooking menus and two pressure settings; the stated usable capacity is 5 L. The product information lists a 24-hour timer.
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ochama 2 L rice cooker, 7 functions, 500 W
Consider it for cooking rice or porridge, with timer and keep-warm functions.
The title states that its capacity is suitable for 2 to 3 people and that it has 7 cooking functions; a steam basket and rice spoon are listed as included. The description advises against immersing the body of the appliance or blocking the steam vent.
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Instant Pot Plus WiFi Smart 5,7 L
Worth comparing if you want a pressure multi-cooker with several cooking modes and Wi-Fi app control.
The title lists a sous vide function and app control. The product information describes pressure, slow-cook, rice and steam modes, among others, as well as an automatic switch to keep-warm mode at the end of cooking. Don’t open the lid while the appliance is under pressure.
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Robby multi-function cooking food processor with built-in scales
Worth a look if your recipes involve preparing ingredients and then cooking them in the same appliance, including chopping or mixing.
The product information lists a 3,5 L bowl, 8 automatic programmes, built-in scales, a touchscreen and over 680 integrated recipes. It warns that the blades are sharp and the bowl gets hot during cooking.
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Midea 8 L electric multi-function pressure cooker, 12 menus
Worth comparing if you want to programme cooking in advance and prepare several portions in a multi-function pressure cooker.
The title states a capacity of 8 L and a power rating of 1 200 W; the product information lists 12 programmes, a 24-hour delayed-start function and automatic keep-warm. For foods that expand, the product information recommends not filling beyond the halfway mark; take care when using pressurised steam.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a cooking food processor for a simple weeknight stew ?
Not necessarily. If you already prepare the ingredients and mainly want help managing the cooking, start by comparing the programmes on a multi-cooker. A cooking food processor may be a better fit if you regularly chop, blend or mix ingredients for your recipes. As Que Choisir’s guides explain, features vary between models.
Can a bowl advertised as 6 L always cook 6 L of food ?
No. Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo bowl advertised as 6 L, where the amount you can cook may be limited to 4 L; the limit also depends on the recipe. Check the filling limits for the model you choose.
Can I leave perishable ingredients waiting all day using the delayed-start function ?
Don’t confuse delayed start with chilled storage: check how the ingredients should be stored and don’t assume the appliance will keep them cold. Anses states that the risk of micro-organisms multiplying increases when cooked food is left at room temperature for more than two hours.
What should I check when cleaning an appliance I use often ?
For the exact model, check which parts are listed as dishwasher-safe, then count how many accessories need cleaning and storing. The bowl being dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean that every other part can go in the dishwasher.
Who is responsible for a lack of conformity after buying from a business in France ?
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to purchases of goods by private individuals from professional sellers, whether the goods are new, second-hand or refurbished. The French Ministry of the Economy distinguishes this legal guarantee from commercial warranties.