People who want to get dinner started
You want to start cooking and then get on with other things at home. Programmes suited to your dishes, the keep-warm function and the instructions for use matter more than the number of functions advertised.
Who are these appliances for?
Households preparing several portions
You cook in larger quantities, so you need to compare your recipes with the permitted fill level, not just the capacity printed on the cooking pot. Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a 6 L pot but a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L.
People who care about easy cleaning
If washing the cooking pot, lid and accessories after every meal puts you off, check how they come apart and how to clean them before choosing. Que Choisir includes handling and cleaning in its multi-cooker testing process.
What should you look for before buying?
Programmable multi-cooker
Choose this if: you switch between different cooking methods and want to start a programme suited to each dish.
Bear in mind: some steps, such as browning or stirring, may still need you to get involved; follow the instructions for your model.
Electric slow cooker
Choose this if: you mainly make soups, stews and other slow-cooked dishes, and want to set the cooking time.
Bear in mind: slow cooking does not meet the same needs as a quick pressure-cooked meal.
Food processor
Choose this if: as well as cooking, you want to automate preparation tasks such as chopping or mixing.
Bear in mind: check how much space you will need, which accessories suit your recipes and how to clean them.
Traditional cooking
Choose this if: your saucepans, stockpot or oven already suit your recipes and you mainly want to organise your meal preparation more effectively.
Bear in mind: you will need to manage more of the cooking steps and timings yourself.
If you want an appliance that can cook while you get on with other things at home, identify the main priority that will influence your choice, then check it against the model you are considering.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Useful programmes | Modes that suit your recipes; steps that still need to be done by hand. | If I make different dishes throughout the week, I want to be able to start the cooking programmes I actually need without having to juggle lots of settings. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this level of automation, tailored to their recipes. |
| Capacity and size | Minimum and maximum permitted fill levels; space needed to store the appliance. | When cooking several portions, I need enough capacity for my recipes without taking up unnecessary worktop space. This would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and handling | Removable parts that are dishwasher-safe; how to lift out the hot cooking pot. | After a meal, I don't want washing up and handling hot parts to become a chore. Around 21% of consumers would make ease of cleaning their top criterion. |
| Meal planning | The difference between a timer, serving time and delayed start; ingredients permitted by the instructions. | If I want a meal ready at a particular time, I need to be able to plan the cooking without leaving perishable food at room temperature. This careful approach to planning would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing cooking pot capacity with cooking capacity
The permitted fill level may be lower than the nominal capacity. Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a 6 L pot that can hold a maximum of 4 L for cooking.
Compare the fill-level markings in the instructions with the quantities in your largest recipes.
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Choosing based on the number of programmes
Functions you never use won't make up for the absence of a mode you need for your usual meals.
Make a note of a few recipes you cook during the week and check which modes are available for each, as well as which steps you will need to do yourself.
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Assuming delayed start keeps food fresh
Setting a meal time does not make it safe to leave perishable ingredients at room temperature for a long time.
Keep these foods chilled until the appropriate time and follow the instructions for using the timer.
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Assuming every part is dishwasher-safe
Cleaning instructions vary by appliance and by component, including the cooking pot, lid and accessories.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and how to take them apart and handle them after cooking.
Brands to know for these uses
Moulinex
The Cookeo range is a good example of a programmable multi-cooker. For the Cookeo+ CE851A10, Moulinex lists a 6 L pot, 150 built-in recipes and modes including pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking.
- Worth considering if guided instructions and these modes suit the dishes you make regularly.
- Check the permitted cooking capacity and programming conditions in the instructions for the model you choose.
Crock-Pot
Crock-Pot offers programmable electric slow cookers for dishes that take longer to cook. The brand highlights a meal-time planning function on its TimeSelect CSC066X model.
- The CSC066X and CSC060X models list timer and keep-warm functions.
- Check the functions and food safety instructions for the model you choose; a slow cooker is not a substitute for fast pressure cooking.
KitchenAid
Que Choisir names KitchenAid among the brands whose multi-cookers can be fitted with an optional stirring arm.
- This may be worth considering if stirring during certain recipes would be useful for you.
- Check that the accessory is compatible with and included for your chosen model, and find out how to clean it.
Programmable multi-cookers on Joybuy
These appliances are programmable multi-cookers designed to help you vary your everyday meals. Compare their advertised functions with your recipes, then check the instructions for each model for fill levels, safety and programming.
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Midea 9-in-1 pressure multi-cooker, black
Worth considering if you want to switch between several cooking modes for everyday meals. The product name lists 12 programmes and a power rating of 1,200 W; check the exact capacity and permitted fill level in the instructions before planning your portions.
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Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L, Daydream Blue
Worth a look if you want pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming in one appliance. This model is advertised as 7-in-1, with four customisable presets; check the instructions for fill levels and pressure-cooking guidance.
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Cecotec GM H Deluxe Fry 6 L, with air fryer lid and scales
Compare it with your recipes if you want a programmable pressure cooker with the accessories listed in its name. Check the permitted fill level, the instructions for the air fryer lid and the conditions for using the timer.
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Cecotec Model D 6 L, with frying function and voice control
Worth considering if you want to choose from the nine advertised menus and two pressure settings. The product name mentions a 24-hour timer; check the instructions to find out what it controls and which ingredients can be used when setting a programme.
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Instant Pot Rio XL 7.1 L, stainless steel pot
Worth a look if you want a pressure multi-cooker advertised as 7-in-1, with a stainless steel pot. Compare the permitted fill level with your recipes and follow the instructions for steam release and opening the lid.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cook while I do other things at home?
A multi-cooker or slow cooker can keep a dish cooking after you start a programme, as long as you use it according to the model's instructions. Before you leave it unattended, read the guidance on supervision, fill levels, the lid and steam; some recipes still need you to get involved.
Can I leave fresh ingredients in the pot until the delayed start?
Having a delayed-start function does not, by itself, make it safe to leave perishable food at room temperature. Keep it chilled until the appropriate time and check the instructions for the appliance to see which ingredients and timings are permitted.
How can I avoid choosing a pot that's too small?
Compare the quantities in your recipes with the maximum permitted fill level, not just the nominal capacity. Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a 6 L pot but a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L; check the limit for the model you're interested in.
What should I check to make cleaning easier?
Check which parts of the model you choose can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe. Also find out how to lift out the pot and clean the lid: a claim about the pot does not automatically apply to the other parts.