If you already prepare the ingredients, start by choosing which cooking task you want to delegate: pressure cooking, slow cooking or cooking rice and keeping it warm. A food processor cooker stands out if you also want to chop, blend, mix or knead. In that case, compare the usable capacity and how easy it is to clean, rather than just the number of programmes. The automatic functions described by manufacturers are not enough to establish whether an appliance can be left running while you are out: follow the instructions for the model in question.
If you prepare the ingredients but want to spend less time keeping an eye on the cooking, your recipes will point you towards different functions: pressure cooking, slow cooking or automatic rice cooking. Moulinex presents Cookeo Touch as an appliance that guides you through the steps and takes care of the cooking. That does not mean the preparation requires no input from you.
If you want to chop, blend, mix or knead as well as cook, the functions listed by Magimix for Cook Expert and by Vorwerk for Thermomix TM7 are worth comparing. Also consider the working capacity and the cleaning involved.
If you cook several portions at once, check the limit for each type of preparation. For example, Magimix gives a working capacity of 2,5 L for soups or slow-cooked dishes in the standard Cook Expert; the stated bowl volume does not necessarily reflect how much you can make.
Start with the tasks you genuinely want to delegate, then check the quantity you can prepare, how easy the appliance is to clean and which accessories you need for the exact model.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who considers it most important |
|---|---|---|
| How much of the cooking is taken care of | For your recipes, distinguish between guided cooking, a timer, a delayed start and keep-warm functions. They are not interchangeable. | If I mainly want to reduce the amount of attention needed while food is cooking, I check which steps I still need to do and which modes suit my recipes. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise delegating the cooking. |
| Help with preparation | Check which tasks the appliance actually handles, such as chopping or kneading, and which accessories are required for the version on offer. | If I also want to automate some preparation steps, I compare the functions I will genuinely use and how to clean the parts involved. Around 24 % of consumers prioritise help with preparation. |
| Quantity per preparation | Compare the working limits for your recipes with those of the exact model, rather than relying solely on the stated bowl volume. | If I want to make my usual quantity in one go, I check the capacity for the dish I am making. Around 18 % of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Cleaning and space | Check what needs cleaning after each programme, the appliance’s dimensions and the space needed to access its accessories. | If space or cleaning time matters in my kitchen, I check where the appliance will fit and how to look after it after use. Around 18 % of consumers prioritise maintenance and available space. |
| Total cost and after-sales support | Check exactly what is included in the pack, which accessories are optional and the terms of any commercial extended warranty. | If total cost or protection in the event of a fault affects my decision, I distinguish between included accessories and paid extensions on the one hand, and legal guarantees on the other. Around 11 % of consumers prioritise total cost and after-sales support. |
Usable capacity can vary depending on what you are preparing. For the standard Cook Expert, Magimix gives a capacity of 2,5 L for soup or a slow-cooked dish, although the bowl is listed as 3,5 L.
Compare the limits for the dishes you make, rather than relying only on the number of litres shown in the product name or description.
Making more than the working capacity allows may mean cooking in batches and handling the appliance more often.
Moulinex states that the Extra Crisp accessory is sold separately for the Cookeo Touch Wifi Noir variant. Do not assume this function is available with another version without checking its product details.
Check the model reference, compatibility and exact contents of the pack before buying.
The accessory you need for your intended use may have to be bought separately.
For the Cook Expert, Magimix says that the Rinse programme must be followed by a full clean.
Consider every cleaning step needed after use, including for any accessories you have used.
You will still need to allow time for cleaning after the programme.
The legal guarantee of conformity is separate from a commercial extended warranty. Service Public states that the guarantee covers relevant defects for two years from delivery of the goods, subject to its conditions.
Before paying for an extension, compare the additional cover on offer with your legal rights.
An extension may mean paying for cover whose additional value you should assess.
The Cookeo Touch range may appeal if you want guided pressure cooking. Check the functions available on the exact model.
Cook Expert may suit you if you plan to use its food preparation functions as well as its cooking functions.
The Thermomix TM7 combines weighing, preparation and cooking functions, as described by the manufacturer.
The MaxiCook 22750-56 is worth considering if you want a timer-controlled slow cooker for making several portions.
The Classic 2 RK103811 is designed for a specific need: cooking rice and using a steam basket.
This selection includes programmable multicookers and rice cookers for different cooking tasks you may want to delegate.
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Worth considering if you are looking for a pressure multicooker with pre-programmed cooking menus.
Stated capacity: 6 L; 24-hour timer; 9 cooking menus; 2 pressure settings; described as suitable for up to 12 people.
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Worth a look if you want a compact multicooker described as suitable for preparing up to four portions.
Stated capacity: 3,8 L; 7 functions; described as suitable for up to 4 portions.
Listed functions include pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and keeping food warm.
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Worth considering if your main need is to schedule rice cooking.
Stated capacity: 3 L; 12-hour delay timer; described as suitable for 1 to 3 people.
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This multifunctional cooking machine is worth considering if you are looking for a versatile appliance.
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Worth a look if you want to schedule rice cooking and use a steam basket.
Stated capacity: 4 L; delayed start and keep-warm functions listed; described as suitable for 3 to 4 people.
The title also lists a non-stick inner bowl, a rice paddle and a steam basket.
No. Magimix says you should rinse it with clean water and then give it a full clean. The manufacturer recommends running the rinse programme immediately after use; also follow the instructions for any accessories you have used.
Choose a spot that can accommodate the appliance’s official dimensions: 33,6 cm high, 25,3 cm wide and 40,5 cm deep, according to Vorwerk France. Allow extra room to access the accessories and follow the setup instructions in the manual; these dimensions alone do not specify the clearance required.
Anses states that leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours after cooking increases the risk of micro-organisms multiplying. This recommendation does not specify how long an appliance can keep food warm: follow the instructions for its keep-warm function and store leftovers accordingly.
No. You do not need a commercial extended warranty to benefit from the legal guarantee of conformity that applies to purchases from a professional seller. Service Public states that the guarantee covers relevant defects for two years from delivery of the goods, subject to its conditions. Consider an extension for any additional cover it offers, without confusing it with this legal right.
No. Magimix lists the standard Cook Expert bowl as 3,5 L, but gives a working capacity of 2,5 L for soup or slow-cooked dishes. Check the limits for the specific model and preparation rather than assuming the same difference applies to other appliances.