Choose a programmable multi-cooker if you mainly prepare complete meals and want to spend less time monitoring the cooking. A cooking food processor can also chop, mix or knead, while a multi-function rice cooker is suited to a narrower range of dishes. In every case, check that the features match your recipes, the usable capacity meets your needs and you have enough space. No programme means you can skip preparing the ingredients or following the instructions.
If you make soups, slow-cooked dishes, vegetables or grains, a multi-cooker’s programmes can reduce the amount of active monitoring needed. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this hands-off cooking starts only once you have added the ingredients and started the programme.
Let the number of meals you plan to make guide your choice of cooking pot, as well as how much space you have to store the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a 6 L pot that can cook a maximum of 4 L. The stated capacity alone therefore doesn’t tell you how many portions it can make.
If chopping, mixing, grating or kneading takes up a significant amount of your time, look at what a cooking food processor can do and which accessories you’ll need. Magimix lists these tasks for its Cook Expert range; check what the version you’re considering can do.
Start with the dishes you make most often. Programmable cooking, ingredient preparation and a focus on rice call for different features. Then check the portion sizes and space required.
Worth considering: if you regularly want to get soups, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food cooking after preparing the ingredients.
Bear in mind: available settings and filling limits vary by model and recipe.
Worth considering: if chopping, mixing or kneading matters as much as cooking in the meals you usually make.
Bear in mind: check that you have room for it in your kitchen and follow the monitoring instructions for your chosen model.
Worth considering: if your meals are mainly based around rice, grains and a few simple dishes.
Bear in mind: its programmes may not replace pressure cooking or the food preparation functions of a cooking food processor.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking with less monitoring | Programmes suited to your dishes and cooking time settings; don’t assume the appliance has a delayed start function. | When I get home late, I want to get a meal cooking without standing over the hob. Around 37% of consumers put cooking with less monitoring at the top of their list. |
| Portions and space | Usable capacity or filling guides, then the appliance dimensions and the space needed to open the lid. | I need a pot that suits the meals I make, so I can cook several portions without taking up unnecessary kitchen space. This is the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredient preparation | Which tasks the exact model can perform and which accessories are included to do them. | If I often chop or mix ingredients before cooking, I’m looking for one appliance that can handle both steps. Around 18% of consumers prioritise this kind of versatile food preparation. |
| Specific programmes and cleaning | Useful programmes for rice and grains, how the parts are cleaned and whether replacements are available for the model you’ve chosen. | When my dinners mainly revolve around rice or grains, I prefer specific functions to programmes I won’t use. This simplicity is the main thing around 18% of consumers are looking for. |
The total capacity isn’t always the same as the amount you’re allowed to cook. UFC-Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo pot can cook a maximum of 4 L; limits also depend on what you’re preparing.
Before choosing a size, compare the usable capacity, maximum fill levels and the portion sizes you usually make.
A multi-cooker mainly takes care of the cooking once you’ve added the ingredients. Depending on its functions and accessories, a cooking food processor can also chop or knead.
Make a note of the tasks you actually do before cooking to work out whether the food processor’s functions would be useful to you.
Some uses promoted as part of a range require an accessory that isn’t included with the appliance you’ve selected.
Check what’s in the box and whether the accessory is compatible with the exact model before relying on that function.
For some Cookeo models, Moulinex’s Extra Crisp accessory may be sold separately.
Pots, seals and steam-related parts need to be maintained in line with the model’s instructions. The DGCCRF notes that electrical appliances can present risks including burns and fire.
Check which parts are compatible with your chosen model, read the instructions before use and check RappelConso for any recalls.
The Cookeo range includes electric multi-cookers focused on cooking programmes and, depending on the model, pressure cooking.
The Cook Expert Connect is for people who want a food processor that combines cooking with food preparation tasks.
The brand offers both pressure multi-cookers and rice cookers with more specific functions.
This selection includes programmable multi-cookers for evening meals and a cooking food processor for anyone who also wants to prepare the ingredients. Compare each appliance with your portion sizes and usual dishes, and check the monitoring instructions in its manual.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-cooker to get evening meals cooking after you’ve prepared the ingredients.
The name gives a stated capacity of 5.7 L. Check the filling limits for your recipes before deciding how many portions it can make.
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Its larger stated capacity is worth comparing with your needs if you cook several portions.
The name gives a capacity of 7.1 L, but the filling limits for your recipes determine how much you can use. Remember to allow enough room to open the lid, too.
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Worth considering if you want one appliance to prepare ingredients and cook, rather than just handle programmable cooking.
The name mentions built-in scales and a touchscreen. The manual advises against leaving the appliance unattended while it’s operating, which is worth bearing in mind if you want to step away during cooking. Also check that the bowl’s usable capacity suits your portion sizes.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a programmable multi-cooker and plan to use the features listed for this version.
The name lists a 6 L pot, an air fryer lid and built-in scales. Check the filling limits, what’s included in the box, and that the plug and electrical specifications are suitable for your installation in France.
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Compare it with other multi-cookers if you prepare large quantities and have enough space.
The name lists 12 preset menus, a stated capacity of 8 L and a power rating of 1200 W. Check the filling limits for your recipes, then make sure the plug and electrical specifications are suitable for your installation in France.
Not necessarily: the number of portions depends on the recipe and the permitted fill level. UFC-Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo pot can cook a maximum of 4 L. Compare the guides for your chosen model with the quantities you usually prepare.
Follow the monitoring instructions for your appliance: an automatic programme doesn’t replace the manual. In particular, observe the filling limits and instructions on positioning, the seal and steam-related parts. You can check RappelConso for any recalls relating to your model.
Check which parts can be removed, how to clean them and whether compatible parts are available for the exact model. Moulinex lists parts including valves, pots, condensation collectors and handles for some Cookeo models; check compatibility before placing an order.
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity allows you to ask the seller to repair or replace goods that don’t conform to their description. The French Ministry of the Economy states that this must be done within 30 days of your request at the latest. A manufacturer’s repairability commitment may also apply, but it doesn’t replace this legal guarantee.