If you prepare the ingredients before starting your meal, begin with a programmable multi-cooker: it handles the cooking, but usually not chopping or mixing. A cooking food processor is a better fit if you regularly use its food-preparation functions and are happy to clean and store the extra accessories. In either case, check the usable capacity and the instructions on whether the specific model needs to be supervised.
You prepare the ingredients, start a programme and get on with something else, within the limits set out in the instructions. A multi-cooker with the right settings for your dishes can do the job without necessarily handling the preparation.
Sometimes you cook a small amount, sometimes more. Check the usable capacity and the fill limits for different recipes, rather than relying on the stated number of litres alone.
If chopping, mixing, kneading or grating is a regular part of your meal preparation, a cooking food processor with the right accessories can bring more steps together in one appliance.
Consider it: when the ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want a programme to take care of the cooking.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to chop ingredients and, depending on the recipe, do some mixing or add ingredients yourself. Que Choisir notes that multi-cookers generally don’t mix food.
Consider it: if you often need to prepare ingredients and the functions on your chosen model suit the recipes you make.
Bear in mind: accessories for these tasks take up space and mean more parts to clean.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Programmed cooking | Settings suited to your dishes, plus a delay-start or keep-warm function if you need one. | Once I’ve added the ingredients, I want to get on with other tasks without constantly adjusting the cooking. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise leaving the cooking to the appliance. |
| Usable capacity | The usable volume, portion sizes and fill limits stated in the instructions for your recipes. | When meal sizes vary, I want a bowl that suits the quantities I actually cook, rather than relying on the stated capacity alone. Around 30% of consumers would make capacity their priority. |
| Preparation and cleaning | Which tasks the included accessories can handle, and how to clean and store all the parts you use. | If I often chop or mix ingredients before cooking, I want to know whether bringing those steps together really makes meal preparation easier. Around 30% of consumers would put integrated food preparation first. |
The total capacity isn’t always the same as the amount you can cook. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo bowl with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L.
For the dishes you make, compare the usable capacity and the fill levels in the instructions, particularly for foods that expand or are cooked under pressure.
A cooking programme won’t necessarily chop the ingredients, add ingredients when the recipe calls for them or mix the food.
Think about which preparation tasks take up your time before choosing a cooking food processor. Then check that the version you’re considering includes the accessories you need.
Knowing that the bowl is dishwasher-safe doesn’t tell you whether the lid, blades or other accessories are too.
Make a list of the parts you’ll use for your usual recipes and check their cleaning instructions and storage options.
Extra accessories can also mean more time spent cleaning after each meal.
The terms of any warranty offered by a brand are separate from the statutory guarantee of conformity. In France, the Ministry of the Economy notes that the latter applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business.
Keep your proof of purchase and the product description. If the product doesn’t match that description, contact the business that sold it to you.
The Cookeo and Companion ranges are designed for different needs: guided cooking with the former, and food preparation as well as cooking with the latter.
The Cook Expert range combines food-preparation and cooking functions. Usable capacity varies by version.
The Cookit MCC9555FWC combines cooking with food-preparation tasks, including an integrated scale and chopping accessories listed by Bosch.
This selection includes multi-cookers designed primarily for cooking, as well as a cooking food processor for anyone who also wants to prepare ingredients in the appliance. Compare their functions and instructions with the meals you usually make.
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Worth considering if you prepare ingredients in advance and want to programme the cooking.
The product name lists nine menus, two pressure settings and 24-hour programming.
Check electrical compatibility, cleaning instructions and whether French-language instructions are available for this version.
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This multi-cooker is worth comparing if you want to start cooking once you’ve added the ingredients.
Its name describes a 7-in-1 appliance with slow cooking, steaming and four customisable presets.
Check the instructions for usable capacity and fill limits. If you want to delay the start, check that this function is available on the version you choose.
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Worth considering if preparing ingredients matters as much as cooking them. It’s not the right choice if you want to leave the appliance running unattended.
The product name mentions a large touchscreen. Before buying, check that it has the accessories you need for your recipes and that it’s electrically compatible.
The instructions for this product say that it must be supervised while in use.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a multi-cooker for meals of varying sizes, without assuming you can fill it to its stated capacity.
The product name describes a 7-in-1 model with a stainless-steel inner bowl.
Check the instructions for usable capacity and fill limits. Also confirm that it has delay-start and keep-warm functions if these are important to you.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for preset programmes to help plan everyday meals.
The product name lists 12 programmes and a power rating of 1,200 W. However, the descriptions give two different capacity figures: 8 L and 8 quarts. Confirm the exact total and usable capacity before choosing.
Also check electrical compatibility and the cleaning instructions for this version.
No. The stated capacity isn’t necessarily the usable capacity for a recipe. Que Choisir cites a 6 L Cookeo bowl with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L. Check the fill levels in the instructions for the model and dish you have in mind.
It can take care of some of the cooking once you’ve added the ingredients, but according to Que Choisir, it generally won’t chop or mix them. Bear in mind the steps involved in your recipe and follow the appliance’s supervision instructions.
Check every part you’ll use, not just the bowl. Bosch says the bowl, lid and accessories for the Cookit MCC9555FWC are dishwasher-safe; the instructions may differ for other models.
If you bought it in France from a business, contact the seller under the statutory guarantee of conformity and keep your proof of purchase and a copy of the product listing. The Ministry of the Economy notes that this mandatory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business.