Choose a programmable multi-cooker if you cook in several different ways and want the appliance to manage the heat and cooking time once you’ve started it, following the recipe’s steps. If you mainly make slow-cooked dishes, a slow cooker is a more straightforward choice; if rice and steaming are your priorities, consider a rice cooker instead. A cooking food processor is worth considering if you also want to prepare ingredients, for example by chopping or mixing. In every case, check the usable capacity and the instructions for the specific model.
If you take turns making rice, dishes with sauce and steamed vegetables, compare the cooking modes actually available on each multi-cooker. Also check that its usable capacity suits the quantities you usually cook: UFC-Que Choisir, for example, distinguishes between the Cookeo bowl’s capacity and its cooking limit.
If you like preparing soups, stews or sauces ahead of time, it’s worth comparing a programmable slow cooker with a multi-cooker. Slow cooking is its main function, so check how you programme the meal on your chosen model and which steps still need your attention.
If these are the dishes you make most often and space is limited, take a look at compact rice cookers. Tefal, for example, describes a 2 L Pop model with a delayed start and keep-warm function. Check that the programmes on your chosen model also cover your other recipes.
Start with the dishes you cook most often, then check which steps the appliance can handle, how much it can cook and what day-to-day cleaning involves.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking type | Compare the dishes you want to make with the model’s programmes: pressure cooking and a range of modes for a multi-cooker, slow cooking for a slow cooker, or rice and steaming for a dedicated appliance. Check which steps in each recipe need to be done by hand. | I want to start a prepared dish, then get on with other things at home without having to keep adjusting the heat. |
| Programming | Know the difference between a timer, delayed start and keep-warm function: they aren’t interchangeable. Check the manual to see which recipes and conditions of use are supported. | Mealtimes can vary. I’m looking for functions that suit my routine, without assuming that delayed start is suitable for every ingredient. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the maximum fill level for your recipes with the stated capacity and the space the appliance takes up. UFC-Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L. | I sometimes cook several portions, but a large bowl is only useful if I can use the capacity I need and store it easily. |
| Ingredient preparation | Check what needs doing before and during cooking: chopping, mixing, blending or kneading. For a cooking food processor, check the functions and accessories included with the exact model. | My ingredients are often ready to use. I only need a cooking food processor if its preparation functions are useful for the recipes I make regularly. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts can be removed, how they should be washed and how to handle the hot bowl. Don’t assume all accessories are dishwasher-safe. | After a meal I’ve prepared ahead, I want to be able to clean and put the appliance away without having lots of parts to wash. |
The amount you can cook for a recipe may be less than the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a 6 L bowl that is limited to 4 L for cooking.
Check the fill levels allowed in the manual against the portions you need, particularly for liquid recipes or ingredients that expand.
A soup, steam or slow-cook setting doesn’t mean the appliance will chop the ingredients or stir the food when needed.
Go through a recipe you regularly make, step by step, and check which tasks you’ll still need to do by hand with the model you’re considering.
Chopping, mixing and kneading functions won’t add much if your ingredients are already prepared.
If cooking is your main priority, first compare multi-cookers, slow cookers and rice cookers based on the dishes you actually make.
Handling the bowl after cooking and washing the accessories are part of everyday use, and the details vary from one appliance to another.
Check the instructions for the exact model to find out which parts are removable, how to handle the hot bowl and whether the parts are dishwasher-safe.
The Cookeo and Companion ranges make it easy to compare a multi-cooker that handles cooking with a cooking food processor that also has ingredient-preparation functions.
The brand’s rice cookers come in a range of sizes worth comparing if rice and steamed sides feature heavily in your meals.
The TimeSelect CSC066X is an example of a slow cooker designed for recipes that need to cook slowly.
These models include programmable multi-cookers, a compact appliance focused on rice and a cooking food processor. Start by choosing based on the recipes and tasks you want the appliance to handle.
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Worth a look for a range of recipes you can start ahead of time. The product title lists 24-hour programming, nine menus and two pressure settings. Check the fill limit and which steps in your recipes need to be done by hand against the manual.
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Consider this if you want to combine several cooking methods in one appliance. It has a stated capacity of 6 L; check the manual for the permitted volume for your dishes, how to programme it and which parts need cleaning.
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Worth comparing if your meals are mostly rice and simple dishes. Check the amount allowed for each recipe, the programmes you need and the space required: the instructions specify at least 40 cm of clearance above and 10 cm at the sides.
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Worth considering if your recipes also involve preparing ingredients. Check which accessories you need and what the cooking instructions require before relying on this appliance to cook a meal while you get on with other things.
Not necessarily: the maximum fill level depends on the appliance and the recipe. UFC-Que Choisir says a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L. Check the limits in your model’s manual.
A programme can manage the heat and cooking time once it’s started, as UFC-Que Choisir explains for multi-cookers, but it won’t eliminate any steps in the recipe that need to be done by hand. Choose the right programme and follow the instructions for setting up, filling and using the appliance.
Not for every recipe. Tefal describes rice cookers with slow-cooking programmes, while Crock-Pot presents the TimeSelect CSC066X as a programmable slow cooker. Compare the settings, permitted capacity and cooking times suited to your dishes rather than relying on the programme name alone.
Consider a cooking food processor if you regularly want to chop, mix, blend or knead as part of your recipes. Moulinex describes these functions for the category, but their availability and the accessories needed depend on the model. If your ingredients are already prepared, focus on comparing the cooking functions instead.