Choose a programmable multi-cooker if you switch between rice, slow-cooked dishes and other types of cooking. A slow cooker is better suited to long, slow cooking, while a rice cooker is designed for a more specific need. If you want to get on with other things once cooking has started, check the programmes, usable capacity and instructions for the specific model. Delayed start and keep-warm functions don’t override safe-use and food hygiene guidance.
If you cook rice one day, a dish with sauce the next, or a steamed recipe, a programmable multi-cooker lets you leave the cooking stage to a programme once you’ve prepared the ingredients. Choose its settings to suit your recipes and follow the instructions for the appliance.
If your meals mainly involve planned slow cooking, a digital slow cooker with a timer and keep-warm function is worth considering. Check that its capacity and settings suit the dishes you make.
If you mainly cook rice, a dedicated rice cooker means you won’t be paying for cooking modes you rarely use. If you’d also like to make a wider variety of dishes, compare it with a compact multi-cooker that suits the quantities you cook.
Start with the dishes you cook most often, then look at the programming options, the actual usable capacity and how easy the model is to clean.
Worth considering: if you want to switch between several cooking modes after preparing the ingredients.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to follow the instructions for the programmes and, on applicable models, pressure cooking.
Worth considering: if you mainly make dishes with sauce that cook slowly over several hours.
Bear in mind: this isn’t designed to meet the same needs as pressure cooking or a range of cooking programmes.
Worth considering: if your main use is cooking rice automatically.
Bear in mind: other recipes depend on the model, so don’t assume it’s a substitute for a multi-cooker.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Programming | Check the instructions for the programmes, delayed start and keep-warm conditions, particularly when using perishable ingredients. | I want to start cooking and then get on with something else around the house, without confusing automation with a lack of safety instructions. Around 33 % of consumers would prioritise this approach to cooking. |
| Capacity and handling | Compare the maximum fill level for each recipe, the number of portions and how easy the cooking pot is to handle. | To cook my usual quantities, I need to be able to fill and move the cooking pot without relying solely on the stated capacity in litres. This would be the top priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Cooking modes | Check that the modes suit the dishes you make regularly: rice, slow cooking, steaming or, if needed, pressure cooking. | If I make different recipes every week, I’d rather have modes I’ll actually use than a long list of functions. Around 27 % of consumers would put how well it suits their meals first. |
| Cleaning | Find out which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and whether wear-and-tear parts can be replaced. | After cooking, I want to clean the pot and lid without a lot of fuss, so I can keep using the appliance regularly. Around 13 % of consumers would prioritise ease of cleaning. |
The cooking pot’s capacity isn’t always the same as the amount you can cook in it. Que Choisir cites a 6 L Cookeo cooking pot with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L; limits can also depend on the recipe.
Check the fill levels given for the dishes you usually make, particularly those that expand or might boil over.
Delayed start isn’t a way to preserve food. Anses stresses the importance of keeping food cold to limit the growth of micro-organisms.
Maintain the cold chain, and only use delayed start with these ingredients if the instructions explicitly explain the conditions for doing so.
A cooking programme doesn’t replace a food processor’s chopping or blending functions. Les Numériques distinguishes these tasks from those of a multi-cooker.
If you prepare the ingredients yourself before cooking, compare multi-cookers. If you also need to chop or blend in the same bowl, look at food processors separately.
Dishwasher compatibility applies to the parts specified for each model, not necessarily the whole lid, seals or electrical components.
Check the care instructions for the specific model to see whether the cooking pot, basket, lid and seals are dishwasher-safe.
The Cookeo range includes the Cookeo Mini CE880410, which Moulinex describes as suitable for two people, and the 6 L Cookeo+ CE85B510.
The SCCPRC507B digital slow cooker is designed for slow cooking, with two heat settings and a timer advertised for up to 20 h.
Tefal offers different types of appliance, including the Classic 2 RK103811 rice cooker and the Fast & Delicious CY505E10 multi-cooker.
These Joybuy appliances cater to two of the needs covered here: making a variety of dishes with a multi-cooker or focusing on rice with a dedicated rice cooker. Compare the features and instructions for each model before choosing.
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For households looking to switch between different types of meal after preparing the ingredients.
The product title lists 1 200 W and 12 preset menus, including rice and slow cooking. Check the permitted fill level and the conditions for delayed start and keep-warm in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for programmable cooking and several menus for meals prepared in advance.
The product title lists nine menus, two pressure settings and a 24 h timer. Check the instructions for usable capacity, pressure-cooking guidance and whether it has a keep-warm function if that matters to you.
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For switching between pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming, rather than limiting the appliance to a single recipe.
The product title describes a 7-in-1 multi-cooker with four customisable presets. If you want to delay the start of cooking, check whether this is possible and under what conditions in the instructions. Also follow the guidance on opening the lid under pressure.
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Worth considering if cooking rice is your main need, rather than making dishes that require a wide range of modes.
The product title mentions a steam basket and delayed start. The capacity and feature details for this model don’t match across the available information, so check the permitted amount of rice, programmes and programming conditions before buying.
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For cooking rice, with the option to keep it warm after cooking.
The product title lists a 12 h keep-warm function. Check the quantities of rice and portion sizes that suit your household, as well as the keep-warm instructions. The cooking pot’s capacity alone won’t tell you how many meals it can make.
Only do so if the model’s instructions explicitly explain the conditions for this use, and make sure the cold chain is maintained. Anses reminds us that keeping food cold limits the growth of micro-organisms: delayed start is no substitute for storing perishable ingredients safely.
Don’t assume that it does. The duration, operation and types of food covered depend on the model. Check its instructions and follow food hygiene guidance, even if keep-warm switches on automatically.
Follow the instructions for your specific model and programme rather than assuming that all multi-cookers can be used unattended. In particular, check the fill limits and guidance on the lid, steam and pressure cooking.
The legal guarantee of conformity may apply to a faulty item bought from a professional seller, whether it’s new or second-hand. According to the Ministry of the Economy, you have two years from delivery of the item to take action. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller.