For rice, soups, slow-cooked dishes and meals with a sauce, a programmable multi-cooker is often all you need if the ingredients are already prepared. Choose a pressure cooker with guided recipes when you want help choosing and following recipes, or a cooking food processor if chopping, mixing or kneading also needs to be automated.
You mainly prepare rice, slow-cooked dishes, soups or meals with a sauce, and want to hand over control of the cooking time and heat. Que Choisir states that once the programme has started, there is no need to keep an eye on the hob for hours.
Automatic programmes and step-by-step instructions can reduce the number of settings needed for everyday recipes. Moulinex specifically presents the Cookeo+ as a model with built-in recipes and guided cooking.
If you want to chop, mix or knead in the same appliance before cooking, a cooking food processor is a different type of solution. Moulinex states that the Companion can chop, mix and cook ingredients.
Choose this if: you mainly cook ingredients that have already been chopped and want to start rice, soup, stew or a saucy dish without staying by the cooker.
Bear in mind: chopping, adding ingredients and sometimes stirring will still need to be done manually.
Choose this if: you want pressure cooking and guided recipes for weekday meals.
Check: the actual cooking capacity, as the bowl’s stated capacity does not always match the permitted fill level.
Choose this if: chopping, mixing or kneading needs to be automated as well as cooking.
Bear in mind: there will be more functions and accessories than with a multi-cooker designed mainly for cooking.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal supervision | Programmes suited to your recipes; time and temperature settings; delayed start if you would use it. | I want to add the ingredients, choose a programme and get on with something else while the food cooks. Que Choisir points out that this level of autonomy applies to the specified ingredients and programmes. |
| Keep-warm function | Whether the function is included; the stated duration for the exact model; and the instructions for use and storage in the manual. | Dinner may be delayed, but I do not confuse keeping food warm with storing it safely. L’Anses reminds us that poor food storage can encourage bacteria to develop. |
| Usable capacity | Graduation marks; fill limits according to the recipe; accessories needed for your usual portions. | I want to prepare the right amount without relying solely on the stated capacity. Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L. |
| Ingredient preparation | Chopping, mixing or kneading functions; the bowl’s usable capacity; accessories supplied. | If I also want to prepare the ingredients, I will compare a cooking food processor rather than a simple programmable cooking appliance. |
The bowl’s capacity is not necessarily the amount of food that can be cooked. For the 6 L Cookeo, Que Choisir states that the maximum cooking capacity is 4 L; the limit also depends on the recipe.
Compare the graduation marks and fill limits in the manual for your soups, saucy dishes and pressure-cooked recipes.
A multi-cooker mainly automates cooking and does not generally stir food. If chopping or mixing is essential, some tasks will still need to be done by hand.
Make a list of the tasks you want to delegate before buying. If chopping, mixing or kneading are on it, also compare cooking food processors and their usable capacity.
Appliances do not all offer the same programmes or accessories. A steam basket, spatula, measuring cup or trivet can affect which recipes you can make from the very first use.
Check the list of included items for the exact model and disregard functions that do not match your needs, such as air frying if you are not looking for it.
Depending on the model, some accessories may need to be purchased separately.
The keep-warm function does not replace the instructions in the manual or good food-safety practices. L’Anses highlights the risks associated with storing food incorrectly.
Serve the dish without unnecessary delay and refrigerate leftovers in line with good storage practices.
The Cookeo range falls into the guided pressure multi-cooker category, while the Companion belongs to the cooking food processor category and also prepares ingredients.
Tefal offers multi-cookers designed for rice, slow cooking and simple recipes, as well as the Fast & Delicious pressure-cooking model.
These Joybuy options include programmable multi-cookers and models with keep-warm functions for rice, soups, slow-cooked dishes and meals started in advance.
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For everyday meals using pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing or steaming, with a Keep Warm function.
5.7 L bowl, seven functions and four one-touch programmes; adjustable time and pressure settings.
When pressure cooking, do not fill the bowl beyond around two-thirds, or half full for foods that expand, such as rice or beans.
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A size suited to small and medium-sized households that want to programme everyday dishes and serve them later.
3.8 L stainless-steel bowl, 12 programmes, digital panel, delayed start and keep-warm function listed.
Check the fill limits in the manual; the product details also give conflicting power ratings for this model.
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Suitable for compact rice, porridge, soup or steaming preparations, with delayed start and a switch to keep-warm listed.
Pre-set programmes, touchscreen and removable non-stick bowl; the product details state 2 L of uncooked rice.
Leave at least 40 cm of clearance above the appliance and 10 cm at the sides during use.
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For preparing family meals in advance, with pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming and sautéing functions.
12 pre-set programmes, 24-hour delayed start and a keep-warm function advertised for up to 12 hours.
The product details mention both 8 L and 8 quarts: check the capacity of the exact model and the fill limits before use.
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An option for family meals or preparing several portions, with four customisable pre-set buttons.
Stated capacity of 7.1 L, with pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing and steaming functions; dishwasher-safe parts listed.
Check the manual if delayed start or keep-warm is essential, as well as the fill limits for each recipe.
For the specified recipes and programmes, yes: once started, the appliance manages the cooking time and power. Que Choisir does, however, point out that this does not replace preparing the ingredients, filling the bowl correctly or following the instructions in the manual.
No. The stated capacity does not necessarily match the permitted fill level. Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L; check the graduation marks and the model’s manual for each type of recipe.
First check which accessories are useful for your recipes: a steam basket, measuring cup for rice, spatula, ladle or trivet. They vary by model, so check the list of included items for the exact model.
Use this function within the limits stated in the manual; it does not replace good food-storage practices. L’Anses reminds us that poor food storage can encourage bacteria to develop: serve the dish without unnecessary delay or refrigerate leftovers appropriately.
A cooking food processor is the better choice when you also want to automate chopping, mincing or mixing. A standard multi-cooker focuses mainly on cooking and does not generally mix food automatically.