A programmable multi-cooker is a good choice for weekday meals if you genuinely switch between several cooking methods and want to spend less time keeping an eye on things once cooking has started. If your meals mainly revolve around rice and you’re short on space, consider a compact rice cooker instead. If you also want to chop, blend or knead, look at food processors with cooking functions. Either way, check the usable capacity for your recipes and which steps you’ll still need to do by hand.
The right appliance depends less on how many programmes it offers and more on the meals you make regularly and the steps you want it to handle.
You switch from rice to slow-cooked or steamed dishes and want to start cooking without having to stay by the appliance. Check which recipes still require you to brown ingredients, stir or add them part-way through.
You cook for several people or prepare meals in advance. The cooking pot’s stated capacity alone won’t tell you how much you can cook for each recipe.
You’re short on space and mainly cook rice, grains or simple dishes. In that case, it’s worth comparing a compact specialist appliance with a multi-cooker whose settings you’re unlikely to use often.
Start with the meals you usually cook, then check the functions, how much you can cook and how much space the appliance needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking with less supervision | Compare the settings suited to your dishes, the keep-warm function and, if needed, the delayed start. If you’re considering pressure cooking, read the operating instructions too. | When weekday meals come one after another, I want to start cooking without staying by the pot, while still knowing when I need to step in. Around 40% of consumers would put this level of cooking autonomy first. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fill limits for each recipe and compare them with your usual portions, rather than relying on the stated capacity alone. | If I’m cooking for several people or making food for the next day, a pot described as large still needs to hold the amount my dish requires. Portion capacity would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Space and focused menus | Measure the space available, including room to open the lid, and focus on the programmes you’ll actually use. | With little storage space and meals mainly based around rice or grains, I’d rather look at a specialist appliance before adding lots of functions. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this combination of compact size and focused menus. |
| Preparing ingredients | Consider whether you regularly need to chop, blend or knead as well as cook, then check the bowl’s usable capacity. | If my meals also involve preparing ingredients, automating the cooking alone doesn’t meet my main need. Around 10% of consumers would put food preparation and cooking functions first. |
You can’t always use the full stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the permitted quantity depends, among other things, on the fill limits. A model may therefore suit some recipes but be too small for others.
Estimate the quantities you need for your regular dishes, then check the fill guidelines and the manual for the model you’re considering.
A programme can manage the heat and cooking time without preparing all the ingredients. UFC-Que Choisir notes that multi-cookers generally don’t stir food.
Before choosing between a multi-cooker and a food processor with cooking functions, think about which tasks you want to avoid: stirring, chopping, blending or kneading.
Dishwasher compatibility may apply to the cooking pot and some accessories, but not necessarily to the lid or seal.
Check the cleaning instructions for each part and confirm which accessories come with the version you’ve chosen.
These range examples can help you find the functions you’re looking for. The features mentioned apply only to the specific models listed.
The Cookeo+ combines pressure cooking with guided recipes and has a stated capacity of 6 L.
The range includes the Classic Mini 3,8 L and the Pro 7,6 L, with features that vary by model.
The Pop rice cooker is an option if you’re looking for a compact appliance for simple dishes.
The Cook Expert is a food processor with cooking functions, suited to meals that also involve preparing ingredients.
This selection includes multi-cookers for a range of cooking methods, a food processor with cooking functions for preparing ingredients as well, and a compact appliance to consider if your menus are more focused. The stated capacities don’t replace the fill limits for each model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-cooker for a variety of weekday meals, provided its usable capacity suits your portions.
This version has a stated nominal capacity of 5,7 L. Check the fill limits for your recipes and follow the steam-release instructions.
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Worth considering if you want several programmes in an electric pressure cooker for the meals you usually make.
The product name lists 1200 W and 12 programmes. The capacity is shown in both litres and quarts in the information for this version. Before buying, confirm the exact capacity, usable volume, and the power supply voltage and frequency.
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Worth comparing if you cook larger quantities and want a multi-cooker rather than a specialist appliance.
The stated nominal capacity is 7,1 L. Check the permitted quantity for your recipes, the space the appliance takes up and its voltage range before choosing this size.
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Worth considering if preparing ingredients is just as important as cooking for your weekday meals.
This version is described as having an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. The stated number of recipes varies across the product information. Also check the power supply voltage and which steps require your input.
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Worth comparing with larger multi-cookers if you prefer focused cooking and are short on space.
The name states 2 L. Check what this capacity means for your dishes and portions. The chosen spot should also meet the clearance requirements specified for the appliance.
Not necessarily: the nominal capacity may be greater than the amount permitted for a recipe. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo with a cooking limit of 4 L. Check the model’s fill guidelines and the instructions for the dish you’re making.
Generally, no. UFC-Que Choisir says that multi-cookers don’t usually stir food. Even with an automatic programme, some recipes still need preparation or hands-on attention.
It depends on the model and the part. Moulinex says the Cookeo+ cooking pot and steam basket are dishwasher-safe. Instant Pot says the Classic Mini’s inner pot and steam rack are dishwasher-safe, but the lid should be washed by hand. Check the instructions separately for the cooking pot, basket, seal and lid.
Contact the retailer and keep your proof of purchase. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity in France applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to an individual. It is separate from any retailer’s returns policy.