If you want to alternate between saucy dishes, rice and steamed food, choose a multi-cooker with programmes that suit your recipes. Also check the usable capacity, which may be lower than the stated capacity depending on what you’re cooking. If you mainly cook grains, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food, a specialist appliance may be all you need. Connected guidance can help you follow recipes, but it’s still important to compare the cooking functions, programming options and cleaning requirements.
The right type of appliance depends first on the meals you want to set cooking, and then on when you’ll be ready to serve them.
A delayed start, an automatic programme or a switch to keep-warm mode can save you from standing over the hob for the whole cooking cycle. Choose between a multi-cooker, slow cooker and rice cooker based on your recipes, then check the instructions for any ingredients prepared in advance.
If you switch between saucy dishes, rice and steamed food, check the modes each multi-cooker actually offers. For family meals, consult the manual for the permitted fill level for your recipes, rather than relying solely on the capacity marked on the cooking pot.
For rice and simple sides, a rice cooker with the programmes you need for your meals can save you from choosing an appliance with functions you won’t use. Check the stated portion sizes and how much storage space it will need.
Start with the meals you usually make: their cooking method will determine the type of appliance you need, while programming, capacity and cleaning requirements will help you choose between models.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking methods | Look for the modes your recipes need: rice, steaming, slow cooking, browning or pressure cooking, depending on the model. A slow cooker is designed for low, slow cooking, while a food steamer is intended for food cooked in its baskets. | I make different dishes throughout the week, or mainly cook rice, slow-cooked dishes or steamed meals. |
| Programming | Check the automatic programmes, delayed start and keep-warm function separately. Follow the manual and food hygiene guidance if ingredients need to wait before cooking. | I want to start a cooking cycle without having to keep adjusting it, then serve the meal at a time that may vary. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated portion sizes with the fill limits for each recipe. For example, Que Choisir notes that a 6 l cooking pot may have a 4 l limit for some dishes. | When cooking for several people, I need enough room for the dish I’m making; for smaller quantities, I also consider how much space the appliance takes up. |
| Cleaning | Check how easy it is to reach the cooking pot and lid. Check dishwasher compatibility for each part separately, along with the instructions for handling the hot cooking pot. | If I cook several evenings a week, I want to know which parts will need hand-washing after each meal. |
| Recipes and guidance | Compare built-in recipes, on-screen instructions and manual settings. For connected features, check which app is compatible and exactly what the model can do. | I prefer to follow guided steps, or I already know the settings for my recipes and don’t need an app. |
The fill limit may depend on the recipe. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 l cooking pot limited to 4 l for certain dishes, so the stated capacity alone won’t tell you how many portions you can make.
Check the fill limits in the manual for the dishes you make most often.
For the Cookeo+ Connect CE859800, Moulinex lists built-in recipes, step-by-step instructions and remote cooking monitoring. These guidance features don’t replace checking the cooking modes, capacity and cleaning requirements.
Decide whether you’ll use the app or guided recipes. If not, compare the functions of a programmable, non-connected model first.
A slow cooker, rice cooker and food steamer don’t make the same dishes. Their timers and programmes don’t make their cooking methods interchangeable.
Make a note of a few meals you cook regularly, then check that the appliance you’re considering has the functions you need for each one.
The cooking pot, lid and accessories may all have different care instructions. Cleaning is especially important if you use the appliance several times a week.
Check the washing instructions for each part and make sure any items you might need to replace are available.
These examples highlight features to compare across specific product ranges; they don’t necessarily apply to every appliance from each brand.
The Cookeo range is worth considering if programmes and recipe guidance are important to you.
The brand offers pressure multi-cookers and programmable rice cookers, among other appliances. The right choice depends on the recipes you want to make.
The SCCPRC507B digital slow cooker is designed for meals that need to cook slowly.
Its food steamers and rice cookers are worth considering for specific needs, rather than opting for a single multi-cooker.
This selection includes multi-cookers, a rice cooker and a food steamer for preparing meals without constant supervision. Compare their features with your recipes; there’s no dedicated slow cooker in this list.
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Worth considering if you’d like to make different types of dishes with a multi-cooker. The product description lists 12 preset menus and 1200 W of power. Check the manual for recipe-specific fill limits, pressure-cooking instructions and the programming features you need.
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This multi-cooker is worth considering for varied meals. Its stated capacity is 5.7 L. If you want to plan dinner in advance, check the manual for the delayed-start function, how keep-warm mode works and the permitted fill level for your recipes. Also check the plug type.
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For a household that mainly cooks rice and simple dishes, the product description lists a delayed start, keep-warm function, steaming basket and 860 W of power. The listed modes also include porridge, soup and cake. Check how long the keep-warm function runs and the permitted capacity for each dish.
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Worth a look if your meals mainly involve steaming several ingredients. Check that the tiered layout suits your portion sizes, and check the timer, cleaning instructions and whether the plug is compatible with your household sockets.
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This size of multi-cooker may suit households that prepare several portions. Compare its modes with the dishes you usually make and check the manual for usable capacity, delayed start, keeping food warm after cooking and pressure-cooking instructions. Also check the plug type.
Yes, as long as you use a programme suited to the recipe and follow the manual. Que Choisir explains that automatic programmes adjust factors such as cooking time and heat. You should still follow the model’s fill limits and instructions, particularly for pressure cooking.
Compare your portion sizes with the permitted volume for the recipes you plan to make, rather than relying on the stated capacity alone. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 l cooking pot that can only hold 4 l for some dishes; the manual will specify the limits for your model.
No. A programmable model may be suitable if its programmes and settings work for your recipes. For the Cookeo+ Connect CE859800, Moulinex lists step-by-step instructions, an app and remote monitoring. Choose these features if you’ll use them, but don’t mistake them for an extra cooking mode.
Only use it under the conditions and for the length of time specified in the manual; it isn’t a general food storage method. Anses warns that poor storage conditions can encourage bacteria to grow. Follow food hygiene guidance when serving the dish and storing leftovers.