To spend less time at the cooker, choose according to the tasks you want to hand over to an appliance. A multi-cooker mainly programmes the cooking, while a cooking food processor can also prepare ingredients, depending on its functions and accessories. If your current equipment already takes care of cooking, a food processor without a heating function could meet your chopping or blending needs. Or you could stick with your existing utensils if you don’t want another appliance to store and clean. This distinction reflects the uses described by Que Choisir.
For rice, slow-cooked dishes or meals with a sauce, your main priority is to programme the cooking, without expecting the appliance to chop or blend the ingredients. That’s how Que Choisir describes using a multi-cooker.
You want to chop, blend or mix ingredients for your recipes, then cook them using the same appliance. The accessories you need and how easy they are to clean matter just as much as the programmes, as Que Choisir points out when discussing cooking food processors.
If your saucepans or oven already meet your cooking needs, consider whether you’d make use of an additional appliance with a heating function. Que Choisir presents a food processor without a heating function as another option for preparation tasks.
First, distinguish between the cooking you want to programme and the preparation tasks you want the appliance to handle. Then consider the space available, the quantities you need to cook and how much cleaning you’re happy to do after each meal.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Programmable cooking | Programmes suited to your dishes and how much attention they need while cooking. | For everyday meals, I want to be able to start cooking without staying by the cooker. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this kind of programmable cooking. |
| Preparation and cooking in one appliance | Functions that are useful for your recipes and the accessories actually included. | When a recipe involves chopping or mixing before cooking, I’d rather do both in the same appliance. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this combination of preparation and cooking. |
| Space available | Room for the appliance and its accessories; whether built-in cooking is useful if you already have cooking equipment. | My kitchen is already well equipped: I mainly want to make preparation easier without adding more appliances to store. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise saving space and choosing equipment for specific tasks. |
| Capacity and cleaning | Maximum fill level for your recipes and cleaning instructions for each part. | To use the appliance regularly, I need a capacity that suits my household and cleaning that’s manageable after a meal. This would be the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
The maximum fill level may be lower than the stated capacity, particularly to prevent spills. So the figure shown isn’t enough to tell you how many portions you can make.
Check the limit in the instruction manual and the quantities given in recipes designed for that model.
According to Que Choisir, a multi-cooker mainly handles cooking and generally doesn’t mix food. You may still need to chop or blend ingredients yourself, or use another appliance.
Think of two or three meals you regularly make and list the preparation and cooking steps before choosing between a multi-cooker and a cooking food processor.
A particular function on a cooking food processor may require a specific accessory. The bowl, lid, blades and other parts also need space and regular cleaning.
Check exactly what’s included with the version you’re considering, the cleaning instructions for each part and how much storage space you’ll need.
Some accessories that are useful for your recipes may be optional, depending on the version.
Recipes can help you get to grips with an appliance, but access arrangements vary. Que Choisir points out that guided recipes aren’t essential for using a cooking food processor.
Check the terms for accessing recipes and make sure the manual settings suit the way you like to cook.
Moulinex describes Cookeo as a range of multi-cookers focused on programmable cooking, including pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking, depending on the model.
Magimix describes Cook Expert as a range combining cooking with preparation tasks, including chopping, kneading and whisking, depending on the configuration.
Vorwerk describes Thermomix as a range of cooking food processors that combine preparation, cooking and weighing, with guided recipes depending on the model and associated services.
Lidl describes Monsieur Cuisine as a range of food processors that combine preparation and cooking, with guided recipes on some models.
These appliances meet two different needs: combining preparation and cooking with a cooking food processor, or mainly programming the cooking with a multi-cooker. Compare their functions and dimensions with your recipes and the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a food processor that combines preparation tasks with cooking.
The product name mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check the usable capacity for your recipes and the accessories supplied with this version.
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Worth considering if your priority is programmable cooking rather than having the appliance chop or blend ingredients.
This electric pressure multi-cooker is described as a 7-in-1, 3.8 L model that makes up to four portions. Check the maximum fill level, as well as the voltage and plug type for the version you choose. Follow the instructions for releasing the pressure before opening.
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Worth considering for programmable everyday cooking if the stated 5.7 L capacity suits the quantities you usually make.
The product name describes a 7-in-1 multi-cooker with slow cooking, steaming and four customisable presets. Check the maximum fill levels, plug and voltage for the version supplied. Don’t open the appliance while it’s under pressure.
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Worth considering if you want to programme different cooking modes without needing a food processor that chops or blends.
The product name lists a 6 L nominal bowl capacity, nine menus, two pressure levels, a 24-hour timer, and frying and voice functions. Check the usable quantity for your recipes, the language of the instructions and the care guidance.
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Worth considering if you cook several portions at once and have room for a bowl with a stated capacity of 8 L.
The product name mentions 1,200 W, twelve preset menus and rice, steam and slow-cooking modes. Check the maximum fill level, cleaning instructions, voltage and plug type for this version, and follow the instructions for releasing the pressure.
A multi-cooker mainly programmes the cooking, while a cooking food processor combines cooking with preparation tasks. According to Que Choisir, a multi-cooker generally doesn’t mix food. If you want to chop, blend or whisk with a cooking food processor, check the functions and accessories included with the model you’re considering.
Not necessarily: the nominal capacity doesn’t always match the quantity you can cook. Check the maximum fill levels and the quantities given in recipes for the model, rather than relying on the litre figure alone to work out how many portions you’ll get.
Check which parts you’ll need to wash after making your usual recipes and which are dishwasher-safe. Check the instructions for the bowl, lid, blades and accessories separately, as they may differ.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, as explained by the ministry responsible for the economy. Keep your proof of purchase and the description of the advertised functions so you can report any discrepancy to the seller.