If your main aim is to start cooking in the bowl and spend less time keeping an eye on dinner, start by comparing multicookers. Choose a cooking food processor instead if you also want to prepare ingredients in the appliance, taking into account the space it needs, the accessories to clean and how you can access its recipes. A food processor without a heating function is suitable if food preparation is your priority and you already use another appliance for cooking.
If you don’t mind preparing the ingredients yourself, a multicooker lets you set a cooking programme in the bowl. Que Choisir describes this as a way to avoid staying by the cooker once the appliance has been set up correctly.
A cooking food processor is worth considering if chopping, mixing or steaming is a regular part of your evening meal routine. Compare the accessories included with the specific model, as well as the space needed for the appliance and its storage.
If your hob, oven or casserole dish meets your needs, a food processor without a heating function can take care of tasks such as chopping, grating or kneading. Cooking will remain a separate step.
Start with the dinners you make most often: the preparation needed before cooking will help you choose a category, while capacity and cleaning will help you narrow down the models.
Consider one if: you want to set a cooking programme in the bowl in advance, without expecting the appliance to chop or grate ingredients.
Bear in mind: ingredient preparation is a separate step; follow the cooking modes and filling limits in the instructions.
Consider one if: you regularly use both food preparation and cooking functions for the same meal.
Bear in mind: the bowl and accessories take up space and may mean more items to wash after dinner.
Consider one if: you spend more time chopping, grating or kneading than cooking, and already have an appliance for cooking.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to use and keep an eye on your cooking appliance separately.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Programmable cooking | Cooking modes to suit your recipes, time and temperature settings, and guidance on supervision and filling. | In the evening, I want to start a regular cooking programme without having to stay by the appliance the whole time. |
| Food preparation | Chopping, mixing, grating or kneading functions that are actually available; the accessories needed and included. | My meals often start with vegetables to chop or ingredients to mix. If I already have a cooking appliance, an integrated heating function may not be essential. |
| Capacity and space | Usable capacity and filling limits, the appliance’s dimensions, and storage space for the bowl and accessories. | I sometimes make several portions, but the appliance also needs to fit in my kitchen and work well for the quantities I usually prepare. |
| Guided recipes | Built-in recipes, app access, subscription terms and whether you can use the functions you want without a connected recipe collection. | Guided instructions would be useful; I want to know the terms on which I can access them with the model I choose. |
| Cleaning and repairs | Parts used for each meal, cleaning instructions, stated availability of spare parts and repair arrangements for the model. | If I cook several evenings a week, cleaning and storage need to fit into my routine. |
A multicooker that runs a set cooking programme won’t necessarily chop ingredients. Equally, the accessories on a cooking food processor won’t be much use if you don’t use them.
Make a note of the preparation tasks and cooking modes you need for a few regular dinners, then compare the functions of specific models.
The two figures can differ: Magimix lists a total capacity of 4,8 L and a usable capacity of 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect.
Compare the usable capacity and the filling limits in the instructions with your usual portions, including when you’re cooking a small quantity.
Services vary by model. Moulinex advertises a free app for the Companion XL YY4591FG, while Vorwerk says new TM7 customers need a Cookidoo subscription.
Check the built-in recipes, app terms and which functions you can use without following a connected recipe.
If you plan to use Cookidoo regularly with a TM7, factor in the subscription Vorwerk lists for new customers.
The main unit isn’t the only thing you’ll need to store: the bowl and accessories take up space too. If you plan to keep an appliance for a long time, access to spare parts and repair services also matters.
Measure your worktop, the clearance beneath your cupboards and your available storage space; then check the repair terms for the model you’re considering.
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing categories and related services; features vary between models.
Cookeo is designed for cooking in the bowl, while Companion combines food preparation and cooking. Compare the functions and capacities of individual models.
The Thermomix TM7 is aimed at people who want to combine food preparation, cooking and guided recipes in one appliance.
The Cook Expert XL Connect is a cooking food processor worth considering if you regularly prepare large quantities.
Que Choisir includes Monsieur Cuisine among the cooking food processors to consider when comparing categories.
This selection includes multicookers for cooking in the bowl and a cooking food processor that combines food preparation and cooking. Compare them based on the tasks your evening meals involve, and don’t assume that a programme means any appliance can be left running unattended.
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A multicooker to consider if your priority is cooking in the bowl for evening meals. Its stated capacity is 5,7 L; if you want to delay the start of cooking, check that the function meets your needs. Also check that the plug is compatible with your UK electrical supply.
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This multicooker has a stated 24-hour timer, nine menus and two pressure settings. When deciding how much to cook, take the filling limits into account rather than relying on the total capacity of 6 L alone. Also check electrical compatibility and that the documentation is in a language you need.
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Its stated 8 L bowl may appeal to households cooking several portions; the title also lists 12 pre-set menus. Before choosing this capacity, check the filling limits for your recipes, the space required and compatibility with your electrical supply.
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This programmable electric cooker combines a 6 L bowl, built-in scales and a lid designed for air frying. Check that these functions suit the meals you regularly make, then check the filling limits, dimensions and electrical compatibility before buying.
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This cooking food processor is designed for meals that involve both food preparation and cooking; its title lists an XL bowl, scales and a large touchscreen. The instructions say not to leave it running unattended, so don’t choose it if you want to walk away for the entire cooking time. Also check that its plug is compatible with your UK electrical supply.
Yes, if you need to cook in the bowl, but not necessarily if you also need to prepare ingredients. If you want to chop, mix or knead using the same appliance, check the functions and accessories on a cooking food processor.
Compare the usable capacity and filling limits with the quantities you cook, rather than relying on the total bowl size alone. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 4,8 L and a usable capacity of 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect.
No, the terms depend on the model and service. Moulinex advertises a free app for the Companion XL YY4591FG; Vorwerk says new TM7 customers need a Cookidoo subscription. Check the terms for the specific model and your account.
Work out which parts you’ll actually use for each dinner — the bowl, lid, blades or accessories — then check their cleaning instructions. Also consider where you’ll store them: the number of functions alone won’t tell you how much there’ll be to clean up after a meal.