Choose a cooking food processor if your meals involve chopping, blending or mixing in the appliance before or during cooking. If you prepare ingredients separately and mainly want to set a cooking programme and get on with other things, consider a multicooker instead. Keeping separate appliances makes sense if you rarely use integrated functions. In every case, check the usable capacity, included accessories and cleaning requirements of the model you’re considering.
If you already prepare your ingredients, a programmable multicooker lets you start cooking in the pot without needing the appliance to chop or mix. Que Choisir highlights this use in particular for programmed cooking.
If you make soups, sauces or doughs that need blending, mixing or kneading, a cooking food processor is worth considering. Check that the accessories you need for your recipes are included with the model you choose.
Compare the usable capacity and fill limits, not just the stated capacity of the bowl or pot. If you plan to steam food, also check which basket is included and how much space the whole appliance will take up.
Consider it if: you regularly use the integrated food-preparation functions before or during cooking.
Keep in mind: the accessories you need to clean and store vary by configuration. Que Choisir only tests additional accessories when they’re included.
Consider it if: you prepare your ingredients separately and mainly want to programme cooking in the pot.
Keep in mind: you’ll generally need to stir dishes yourself when required. The pot’s stated capacity isn’t always the same as its permitted cooking capacity.
Consider them if: your pans, oven and food-preparation appliances already cover the steps you carry out most often.
Keep in mind: you won’t have a pot-based cooking programme for recipes where you’d like to reduce the amount of hands-on cooking.
| Criteria | What to check | How it suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Programmed cooking | Look for programmes suited to your recipes, along with time and temperature settings. Check whether it has a delayed start or keep-warm function if you plan to use these. | I want to start cooking and then get on with something else, using a programme suited to the dish. |
| Integrated food preparation | Check which tools are actually included for chopping, blending, whisking or mixing. A programmable pot doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance will mix the food. | Do my recipes require me to prepare ingredients in the same appliance, or can I do this separately? |
| Usable capacity | Compare the total capacity, stated usable capacity and the fill limits in the manual for each recipe. Check the steam basket’s capacity separately. | I cook several portions at a time and need to be able to prepare them without exceeding the limits for the dish. |
| Cleaning and storage | Find out which parts need washing after the recipes you usually make, which are dishwasher-safe according to the manual and how much space the accessories need. | If I cook often, I want cleaning and storage to fit into my routine. |
A multicooker can programme the cooking without chopping, blending or mixing the ingredients. If your recipes call for these steps, you’ll need to do them separately.
Make a note of the steps involved in a few of your usual weeknight meals, then compare them with the functions and accessories actually included.
The capacity shown for a pot doesn’t necessarily reflect how much you can cook in it, particularly under pressure or with ingredients that expand.
Check the usable capacity and fill limits in the manual for the recipes you plan to make.
The bowl, lid, blades and accessories can all add extra washing and storage after a meal.
Check the details for the exact model to see which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be washed by hand.
What’s in the box and how you access recipes depend on the configuration you choose.
Check that the accessories you need for your meals are included, and find out the terms for any recipe service you’re interested in.
Some accessories are sold separately, and recipe services may also have their own access terms.
Moulinex offers Companion cooking food processors and Cookeo multicookers. Compare the two ranges depending on whether you want to prepare and cook in one appliance or mainly programme the cooking.
The Thermomix TM7 is designed for people who want to combine food preparation, cooking and guided recipes in a cooking food processor.
The Cook Expert XL is a cooking food processor worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking for several portions.
These options include a cooking food processor for preparing and cooking in one appliance, as well as multicookers focused on programmed cooking in the pot.
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Worth considering if you want a cooking pot rather than an appliance with integrated food-preparation functions. The model name indicates pressure cooking, an air-frying lid and integrated scales. Check the manual for the permitted filling level for your recipes.
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This cooking food processor is worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance. Its name mentions integrated scales and a large touchscreen. Check which accessories are supplied, the usable capacity and which recipes are available with this configuration.
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For cooking in the pot on a set schedule, the product name lists 24-hour programming, 9 menus and 2 pressure levels. Check the fill limits in the manual and the language of the instructions supplied with this model.
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Worth comparing if you cook several portions and want a programmable pot. The product name lists 1200 W and 12 programmes. Check the usable capacity, fill limits and electrical compatibility of this configuration for your home.
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This multicooker is suited to those looking for pot-based cooking, with a stated capacity of 5.7 L. If your recipes require automatic chopping or mixing, check for these functions separately. Follow the fill limits in the manual, particularly when pressure cooking.
Not if you also expect the appliance to chop, blend or mix your ingredients. A multicooker mainly programmes cooking in the pot and doesn’t generally mix food. It’s better suited to you if you prepare those ingredients separately.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir states that the 6 L Cookeo pot is limited to 4 L for cooking. Check the manual for your model, as the limit also depends on the recipe.
Identify the accessories your recipes call for, such as a blade, whisk, mixer or steam basket, then check that they’re included in the configuration you’re buying. Que Choisir explains that its tests only cover additional accessories when they’re supplied.
No, it depends on the model and the part. For the Thermomix TM7, Vorwerk states that the removable parts listed in its documentation are dishwasher-safe, while the base with its screen must be cleaned by hand. Always follow the instructions for your own appliance.
No, check the terms for the specific model you choose. Vorwerk’s three-month Cookidoo offer for the TM7 is reserved for new subscribers, while Moulinex states that the Extra Crisp accessory for the Cookeo Touch Wifi is sold separately.