If you want to switch between rice, slow-cooked dishes and other everyday meals with less supervision, a programmable multi-cooker is the first option to consider. If you mainly make slow-cooked dishes, look at slow cookers instead; a cooking food processor is only worth considering if you also plan to chop or mix ingredients. Usable capacity, programming options and the instructions for each cooking method are all key factors.
You want to cook rice, a dish with sauce or steamed food without constantly keeping an eye on the pot. A multi-cooker lets you compare these uses in one appliance, as long as you check the programmes on the model you’re considering.
Soups, stews and other slow-cooked dishes are regulars on your menu, and you know in advance when you’ll be eating. In that case, it’s worth comparing a dedicated slow cooker with a more versatile multi-cooker.
If chopping, mixing or whisking is part of what you need, a food processor with cooking functions is another option to compare. Its accessories do, however, mean more items to store and clean.
Start by choosing an appliance based on the cooking methods you actually use. Then check what the timer lets you do and whether the usable capacity suits your portions.
Consider it if: you switch between cooking rice, slow cooking and other methods in a removable pot.
Bear in mind: features and filling instructions vary by model, particularly for pressure cooking.
Consider it if: your meals mainly consist of soups, stews and other planned slow-cooked dishes.
Bear in mind: its specialism doesn’t replace pressure cooking or the food preparation functions of a cooking food processor.
Consider it if: you also want to chop, mix or whisk as part of your recipes.
Bear in mind: the accessories take up space and need extra cleaning.
Stick with it if: you prefer to use your existing cookware and want to monitor and adjust the cooking yourself.
Bear in mind: you may not get the programmes and keep-warm function of a dedicated appliance.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Meal programming | Check whether the model offers a delayed start, a cooking-time setting and a keep-warm function; take into account any ingredients that need to be kept chilled. | If I want to start cooking at the right time without staying near the appliance, timing matters more than the number of modes. Around 45% of consumers prioritise being able to plan meals with less supervision. |
| Cooking methods | Check which modes are actually available for rice, slow cooking, steaming or pressure cooking, as well as any manual settings that are useful for your recipes. | When I switch from rice to dishes with sauce, I want the available cooking methods to suit the meals I usually make. This variety is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Capacity and cleaning | Compare the permitted cooking volume with the stated capacity, then check which parts need washing and how much storage space you’ll need. | When I’m making portions for my household and want to avoid extra handling, usable capacity and cleaning matter more. Around 22% of consumers say these are their main concerns. |
You can’t always fill a pot to its stated capacity. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo pot with a maximum cooking volume of 4 L; the limit also depends on the recipe.
Check the filling limits in the manual, particularly when cooking rice and ingredients that expand.
Anses warns that poor food storage and breaks in the cold chain encourage bacteria to grow. So using a delayed start doesn’t mean you can ignore the correct storage conditions for your ingredients.
Only use this function for ingredients that can safely wait for the planned period, and follow the recipe and manual instructions.
A food processor with chopping and mixing functions meets a broader need than simply cooking rice or slow-cooked meals.
If you don’t plan to use these functions, start by comparing a multi-cooker and a slow cooker based on the recipes you make.
Extra accessories also take time to clean and need space to store.
The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking is not a certification mark. On its own, it tells you nothing about how easy the appliance is to clean or how after-sales service works.
Before ordering, read the manual, identify the seller and check the commercial warranty terms and repair options separately.
Two ranges to compare, depending on whether you mainly want to cook or also prepare ingredients: Cookeo and Companion.
Pressure multi-cookers to consider if you also want to cook rice, soups and other dishes using dedicated programmes.
A range of slow cookers to consider if slow-cooked meals are a regular part of your menu.
These appliances are worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-cooker for rice, slow-cooked dishes and other everyday meals. Check their exact features and instructions before choosing rather than assuming they all offer the same programming options.
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Worth considering if you cook rice and slow-cooked meals for several people and want to be able to plan when cooking starts.
The product description states that it has a 1,200 W rating and 12 preset menus. For pressure cooking, check the filling limits in the manual, particularly when using ingredients that expand.
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Consider it if rice and slow cooking feature in your recipes and you’re interested in app control.
The product description specifies a 5.7 L pressure cooker. If you need to schedule when it starts, check the delayed-start function in the manual for this Pro WiFi version, and follow its instructions for filling and releasing steam.
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Compare it for meals involving rice or slow cooking if you’d also like to look at its app-related features.
The product description mentions sous vide cooking. Before relying on remote control or a delayed start, check the manual for this model to see exactly which functions are available.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule the cooking of slow-cooked dishes or rice and plan to use its extra accessories.
The product description includes an air fryer lid and built-in scales. Check how much space these items will need, the pressure-cooking instructions and how to clean the different parts.
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Consider it if you’re looking for slow cooking for stews and other slow-cooked dishes, as well as a keep-warm function.
The product description states that it has four customisable programmes. If rice or a delayed start is essential for your meals, check the relevant functions in the manual for this model before choosing.
No. The model must offer this function, and the ingredients must be safe to leave for the planned period. Anses warns that poor food storage and breaks in the cold chain encourage bacteria to grow, so don’t leave ingredients that need to be refrigerated in the pot.
Follow the filling limits, the required amount of liquid and the instructions for opening the appliance in your model’s manual. For the Instant Pot Pro models in 5.7 L and 7.6 L sizes described in its guide, Instant Pot France specifies at least 250 ml of liquid to generate steam. This guidance doesn’t replace the manual for another version.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo pot with a maximum cooking volume of 4 L, and explains that the permitted volume varies depending on the recipe. When working out portions for your household, follow the markings and limits in the manual rather than relying on the stated capacity alone.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking is not a certification mark. To assess a product, also check the manual, the seller’s identity, the commercial warranty terms and the repair options, and don’t confuse the commercial warranty with your legal rights.