Choose according to which parts of dinner you want the appliance to handle. A programmable multi-cooker can switch between several cooking modes, while a rice cooker or slow cooker may be all you need for a regular repertoire. A cooking food processor can also help with ingredient preparation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can leave it unattended while it cooks. In every case, check the usable capacity, the programmes available on the model you choose and how to clean its different parts.
If you alternate between casseroles, vegetables and starchy sides, a multi-cooker can bring several cooking modes together in one pot. For family meals, compare the quantities allowed in the manual rather than relying on the stated capacity alone.
If chopping, weighing, mixing or kneading are regular parts of making dinner, a cooking food processor’s preparation functions may matter just as much as its cooking modes. Before planning to leave the kitchen, though, check the instructions on whether it needs to be supervised.
If your meals mainly feature rice, grains or slow-cooked dishes, a dedicated appliance may do the job without adding lots of functions. Choose one based on the recipes you actually make and the parts you’ll need to clean.
Start by separating cooking from ingredient preparation. An appliance that manages the cooking once it’s started won’t necessarily take care of all the steps beforehand.
Consider it if: you regularly switch between different types of cooking in the same pot.
Bear in mind: the stated capacity isn’t always the permitted capacity for every recipe, particularly when pressure cooking.
Consider it if: you also use its preparation functions or guided recipes.
Bear in mind: supervision instructions and the bowl’s usable capacity may limit how well it suits your dinners.
Consider it if: your meals often involve the same type of cooking.
Bear in mind: a dedicated appliance won’t necessarily replace pressure cooking or ingredient preparation.
| What matters to you | What to check | What shoppers are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Range of cooking modes | Check the manual for modes that suit your recipes, then look at the cooking times you need to set. | If I make different dinners, I want to be able to start cooking without having to keep stepping in. Around 36% of consumers may prioritise this versatility. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the maximum fill level and the portion sizes given for the dishes you plan to make, not just the pot’s capacity. | I need enough room for my usual recipe, whether I’m serving my household or saving portions for later. Capacity would be the top consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredient preparation | Check for built-in weighing, chopping or kneading functions, and consider whether guided recipes would be useful for you. | When dinner also involves preparing ingredients, I want to bring those steps and the cooking together in one appliance. This may be a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Simplicity and cleaning | Choose the cooking method you need and check the cleaning instructions for the pot, lid and accessories. | If I often make the same dishes, I prefer controls suited to that use and parts that are easy to clean. Around 14% of consumers may put this need first. |
The capacity shown on an appliance doesn’t always match the amount you’re allowed to cook in it. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo pot, which allows a maximum preparation volume of 4 L.
Check the fill levels for the model you’re considering against the dishes you usually make, particularly if you plan to pressure cook.
A cooking food processor adds ingredient-preparation steps, but these may not count for much if your dinners mainly involve cooking rice or leaving a dish to simmer.
Think about your last few evening meals. If you rarely chop, weigh or knead ingredients, compare a dedicated appliance and a multi-cooker too.
The instruction may apply to the pot but not necessarily to the lid, seal or accessories.
Read the care instructions for each part separately, for the exact model you’re planning to buy.
A pot designed to work in its appliance won’t necessarily be suitable for use elsewhere. Instant Pot states that the inner pot of its Instant Superior 7,1 L slow cooker must not be used on a hob or in an oven.
If your recipe involves searing or finishing a dish outside the appliance, check the permitted uses in your model’s manual.
The Cookeo range includes pressure multi-cookers, with modes and guided recipes that vary by model.
Instant Pot offers pressure multi-cookers as well as appliances designed more specifically for slow cooking.
The Thermomix TM7 is designed for households looking to combine ingredient preparation, cooking and guided recipes.
The Cook Expert XL combines cooking and preparation in a food processor designed, in particular, for larger quantities.
SEB offers rice cookers and slow cookers for more specialised cooking.
These Joybuy appliances cater for three different needs: cooking rice and grains, making meals in a pressure multi-cooker, and preparing ingredients with a cooking food processor. If you want to spend less time in the kitchen, check the supervision instructions for each model.
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Worth considering if rice or grains feature regularly in your dinners. The product name specifies a 5 L capacity, a steam basket and a slow-cooking function. Check the manual for the permitted quantities for other dishes and the conditions for using the delay-start function.
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Worth a look if you want to switch between cooking methods in an appliance with a large stated capacity. The product name specifies 8 L, 1 200 W and 12 preset menus, including settings for rice, steaming and slow cooking. When pressure cooking, follow the manual’s fill limits and steam-release instructions.
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Worth considering for dinners that alternate between pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming. Instant Pot France lists these modes for the Classic 5,7 L; this variant is described as a 7-in-1 multi-cooker with four customisable presets. Follow the manual’s instructions on liquid quantities, fill levels and steam release.
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Worth considering if you’d also like to weigh ingredients and follow recipes on the screen. This model isn’t suitable if your priority is to leave the appliance while it’s running: its instructions say not to leave it unattended. Also check the quantities it can handle for your recipes, and take care when cleaning the blades.
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Worth a look if you’re after a pressure multi-cooker with a large stated capacity. The product name specifies 7,1 L, a 7-in-1 design and a stainless steel inner pot. Check the manual for the permitted quantities for your recipes, and make sure it includes the scheduling or keep-warm functions you need.
No, the stated capacity isn’t necessarily the permitted cooking capacity. Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo pot is limited to a maximum preparation volume of 4 L. Check the markings and instructions for your model and recipe.
A programmable multi-cooker can handle certain cooking stages once it’s started, depending on the modes available on your chosen model. You must still follow the instructions on supervision, filling and steam release. A cooking food processor, such as the Robby featured here, may need to be attended while it’s running.
A dedicated appliance is worth considering if your dinners mainly feature rice, grains or slow-cooked dishes. SEB describes its New Classic rice cooker as suitable for automatic cooking of rice and grains. If you also need steaming or searing, check the specific modes available on a slow cooker.
No, dishwasher compatibility needs to be checked for each part and model. Instant Pot France says the inner pot and lid of the Classic 5,7 L are dishwasher safe; check the instructions separately for the seal and accessories.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual, whether new, second-hand or refurbished, according to the Ministry of the Economy. If the appliance you receive doesn’t match its description, contact the seller under this guarantee. Its terms are separate from a retailer’s returns policy for change of mind.