If your main aim is to start cooking in a pot without staying by the hob, begin by comparing multi-cookers: you’ll generally still need to prepare the ingredients yourself. A cooking food processor is worth considering if you’d also like to chop, blend or mix, provided its accessories, usable capacity and size suit the recipes you make. If you’re already happy with your cooking appliances, a food processor could take care of the preparation without replacing them.
If you have time to start dinner but can’t keep an eye on it for long, think about how much time you spend preparing the ingredients and how much you spend by the hob. An appliance that automates cooking won’t necessarily do the chopping for you.
If you’re cooking several meals at once, compare the usable capacity and fill limits with the recipes you usually make. The bowl’s or pot’s total volume won’t necessarily match the amount you can cook in it.
If you already have a cooking appliance that does the job, consider which preparation tasks you’d like help with. Measure the space available for the food processor, its bowl and its accessories before making room for another appliance on your worktop.
First, decide which steps you’d like to hand over to an appliance. Then check the quantities it can handle, how easy it is to clean and how much space it needs for the recipes you actually make.
Worth considering: for dishes suited to pot cooking, when you want to spend less time keeping an eye on them.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to chop the ingredients and, depending on the recipe, carry out some steps yourself.
Worth considering: if preparing the ingredients also takes up time and the model’s functions suit the recipes you make.
The trade-off: check the bowl, accessories and how they need to be cleaned and stored.
Worth considering: if your appliances already cook the way you like and you mainly want help with chopping, grating or mixing.
The trade-off: a food processor won’t cook your food or keep an eye on it while it cooks.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking | Check which recipes work with the model’s programmes, which steps need your attention and what the instruction manual says. | I want to be able to get on with something else while dinner cooks. |
| Preparation | Check which tasks you can do with the accessories actually included: chopping, blending, mixing, grating or kneading, depending on the model. | It’s mainly chopping or mixing that holds me up before dinner. |
| Capacity | Compare the total volume, usable capacity and fill limit for your recipes — don’t confuse them. | My usual portions, or the amount I prepare for several meals, need to fit in the appliance. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts of the exact model can go in the dishwasher and how to clean the electrical unit. | I’d rather not end a one-pot dinner by washing lots of bowls and accessories. |
| Space and recipes | Measure the appliance with its bowl in place and allow for storing the accessories. If you’re interested in guided recipes, check the terms for accessing the service. | My kitchen has limited space, and I’ll only use guided recipes if the service works for me. |
A multi-cooker can handle a suitable cooking process, but it won’t necessarily peel, chop or mince the ingredients. So it may not solve the problem if those steps take up most of your time.
Write down the steps involved in a few of your usual dinners. If preparation takes the most time, compare the functions of a cooking food processor or a food processor; if keeping an eye on the cooking is the issue, start by looking at multi-cookers.
A fill limit may mean you can prepare less than the stated volume of the bowl or pot. This matters particularly when making larger portions or certain recipes.
Before choosing a size, check the usable capacity and the limits for the specific model and cooking method you have in mind.
Bowls, blades, baskets and discs take up space, even when you’re not using them. Cleaning requirements vary by part and model; UFC-Que Choisir points out that a multi-cooker’s electrical unit should be wiped with a sponge, not put in the dishwasher.
Measure the space with the bowl in place, allow room to store the accessories and check the instruction manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.
A preparation task advertised for an appliance may depend on a specific accessory or access to a recipe service. Vorwerk, for example, describes the first three months of Cookidoo as an offer for new subscribers only.
Check the list of included accessories and the terms for accessing the recipes you plan to use.
A recipe service or an accessory you need may require a separate step after you buy the appliance — check the terms of the offer you choose.
These examples show different approaches. Always compare the specifications of the exact model or variant rather than assuming they apply to an entire brand.
The Cookeo and Companion ranges offer a choice between a multi-cooker focused on cooking and a food processor that combines preparation and cooking.
According to Vorwerk, the TM7 combines several preparation and cooking functions with a guided recipe service.
The Cook Expert models combine preparation and cooking, with different usable capacities depending on the variant.
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart featured by Lidl combines preparation and cooking programmes.
This selection includes multi-cookers for one-pot meals and a cooking food processor designed to help prepare ingredients. Compare the listed functions with your recipes and follow the instruction manual for each appliance, especially when pressure cooking.
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Worth considering if you want to make meals in a large-capacity pot: this model is listed at 7,1 L. Check how much you can use for your recipes and follow the instruction manual on filling and releasing steam.
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Worth a look if you want a cooking food processor that can also help prepare ingredients. The model name mentions built-in scales, a large touchscreen and 750 recipes. The product instructions say not to leave the appliance unattended while it’s in use.
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An option for one-pot cooking if you’re looking for a model listed at 5,7 L. Prepare the ingredients before starting, and check the instruction manual for fill limits and guidance on opening the lid and releasing steam.
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This multi-cooker, listed at 5,7 L, can be compared with other one-pot cooking options. If WiFi connectivity is a factor in your decision, check exactly which controls are available and follow the instructions for use — don’t assume it lets you control cooking remotely.
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Worth comparing if you want to programme one-pot cooking: the model name lists a 24-hour timer and two pressure settings. Before buying, check that the plug and voltage are compatible in France ; consult the instruction manual for fill limits and pressure release before use.
For a suitable recipe and a correctly set programme, a multi-cooker can handle the cooking without you having to watch the hob constantly, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. You’ll still need to prepare the ingredients and follow any steps and safety instructions in the manual for your model.
The total volume won’t necessarily be the amount you can cook. Compare the model’s usable capacity and fill limit with the portions and recipes you plan to make.
No : it depends on the part and the model. UFC-Que Choisir says that some multi-cooker pots and lids are dishwasher-safe, while the main electrical unit should be wiped with a sponge. Check the manual for the exact model before washing any parts.
Not on its own : a food processor helps you prepare ingredients, but it won’t cook them. It’s a better fit if you’re already happy with your cooking appliances and chopping, mixing or kneading is what takes up your time.