A programmable multi-cooker is a good choice if you switch between different cooking methods and want to minimise adjustments while preparing meals. If you mainly cook rice and steamed sides, consider a rice cooker instead; for dishes that need a long, slow cook, a slow cooker may be a better fit. Either way, compare the usable capacity, the programmes that suit your recipes and the parts you’ll need to clean.
Your choice depends less on how many programmes are listed and more on the meals you regularly prepare and how much time you can spend cooking.
If you want to get a meal started without staying by the hob, check the total time your recipes take, including ingredient preparation. Automatic programmes mean fewer adjustments during cooking, but they won’t remove any manual steps required by the recipe.
A programmable rice cooker is worth considering if you mainly prepare rice, grains or steamed vegetables. Compare the portion guidance for the exact model and consider how much space it will take up in your kitchen.
If you want to switch between saucy dishes, steamed food and other recipes, look for the modes that match your cooking and a capacity suited to the number of portions you need. The volume shown for the cooking pot alone won’t tell you how much you can cook.
Start with the recipes you usually make, then check how much you need to cook and what’s involved in cleaning up afterwards. A cooking food processor is only worth considering here if you also want to prepare ingredients, for example by chopping or kneading them.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Time and supervision | Check the manual steps in your recipe, preparation time and cooking settings. If you plan to use them, check separately whether the appliance has a delayed start and keep-warm function. | In the evening, I want to start cooking without having to keep adjusting the time or temperature. |
| Cooking capacity | Check the filling limits and recommended portions in the instructions for the exact model. To illustrate how much capacity can vary, Que Choisir cites a 6 L Cookeo pot with a cooking limit of 4 L. | I sometimes cook several portions, so I need a usable capacity that suits my recipes, not just a large pot on paper. |
| Recipes and functions | Compare the meals you make regularly with the listed modes: rice, steaming, slow cooking, browning or pressure cooking, depending on the model. A soup programme on a rice cooker doesn’t mean it also has browning or pressure-cooking functions. | Our meals are mainly rice and steamed vegetables, or a wider variety of dishes. I want functions I’ll actually use. |
| Cleaning and handling | Check which parts are removable and which are dishwasher-safe, one by one. Read the instructions for handling the hot cooking pot and caring for its coating. | After a meal, I’d like to cut down on washing up without overlooking the need to let the appliance cool and follow the cleaning instructions. |
The maximum cooking level may be lower than the stated capacity. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo pot with a 4 L cooking limit. That difference matters if you’re preparing several portions.
Check the filling limits for the exact model in its instructions, particularly for saucy dishes, pulses and pressure cooking.
Chopping, grating and kneading functions won’t add anything to your meals if all you need the appliance to do is cook. Magimix describes the Cook Expert XL Connect as an appliance that also prepares ingredients. That’s a different need from cooking with less supervision.
If you already prepare ingredients another way, compare the programmes and cleaning requirements of a multi-cooker or rice cooker first.
Rice, soup or slow-cooking programmes don’t guarantee that either of these functions is included. The difference matters when your recipes start with browning or call for pressure cooking.
Make a note of a few recipes you cook often and check the required modes on the product page and in the instructions for the model you’re considering.
An automatic programme doesn’t mean you can handle hot surfaces carelessly or store perishable ingredients incorrectly. Anses warns that poor food storage and cross-contamination can encourage bacteria to grow.
Follow the appliance and recipe instructions. For the Mijot’Cook, SEB specifies that it must be plugged into an earthed socket. Let the appliance cool before cleaning it.
These ranges illustrate different ways to cook; their features aren’t necessarily shared by every model from the same brand.
The Cookeo range combines several cooking methods in a multi-cooker designed for a variety of meals.
The brand’s programmable rice cookers come in different sizes and offer menus to suit a household’s meals.
The Mijot’Cook is a useful option to consider for meals that rely on slow cooking.
The Cook Expert XL Connect is an option for those looking for a cooking food processor that also prepares ingredients.
This selection includes programmable multi-cookers and rice cookers for everyday meals. Start by choosing according to your recipes, then check the portions, functions and instructions for the exact model.
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A multi-cooker to consider if you prepare a variety of meals during the week. The stated pot capacity is 5.7 L; check the filling limits for your recipes before choosing this size.
If you want to programme the cooking start time, check the model’s instructions to see whether it has this function.
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Worth considering if rice, porridge, soups and steamed sides feature regularly in your meals. The product name lists a 4 L capacity for 3 to 4 people, delayed start, a keep-warm function and a steaming basket.
If easy washing up is a priority, check the cleaning instructions for each part.
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Compare its stated 8 L capacity with the quantities you usually cook, rather than judging it by the number of people you’re feeding alone. The product name lists 12 menus and rice-cooking, slow-cooking and steaming functions.
Before buying for use in France, check the voltage, plug and filling limits in the model’s documentation.
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Worth considering if your recipes call for pressure cooking and programmable settings. The product name lists nine menus, two pressure levels and a 24-hour timer; the product page distinguishes between a 6 L pot and a stated usable capacity of 5 L.
Check the voltage and plug for use in France, as well as the care instructions.
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An option to consider if your meals mainly feature rice and sides, and you’d also like to steam or slow cook. The stated capacity is 2.8 L, so compare it with the portions and recipes you actually make.
If delayed start or the keep-warm function would help you plan your meals, check for these features in the model’s instructions.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir cites a 6 L Cookeo pot with a cooking limit of 4 L. Check the instructions and the limits for your recipes before working out how many portions you can make.
No. Anses warns that poor food storage, a break in the cold chain or cross-contamination can encourage bacteria to grow. Follow the appliance and recipe instructions, especially when using perishable ingredients.
Check whether the cooking pot is removable and exactly which parts are dishwasher-safe. Also read the care instructions for the coating and let the appliance cool before cleaning it, as directed in the manual.
Check the model’s instructions first. The SEB Mijot’Cook manual requires an earthed socket and says not to use an extension lead; it also explains the conditions to follow if you choose to use one anyway. Place the appliance on a stable, level surface too.