Choose a programmable multi-cooker if you alternate between saucy dishes, steaming, browning and pressure cooking; a slow cooker is better suited to dishes that need a long, slow cook, while a rice cooker is the right choice if your main focus is rice. A cooking robot makes sense if you also want to weigh, chop or mix ingredients, but check the usable capacity, the programmes actually available, cleaning requirements and the space it needs.
A multi-cooker can bring several everyday cooking methods together in one pot. However, compare the genuinely usable capacity, programmes and keep-warm function rather than focusing solely on the stated capacity. Que Choisir describes multi-cookers as programmable appliances with a removable bowl that generally offer several automatic programmes.
An electric slow cooker is a good choice if stews, slow-cooked meats and saucy dishes make up most of your meals. SEB presents its Mijot’Cook as an appliance dedicated to slow cooking, so you avoid paying for pressure-cooking or preparation functions you are unlikely to use.
A compact rice cooker may be enough when rice, keeping food warm and easy cleaning are your priorities. Multi-menu models are worth considering if soups, stews or slow cooking are also part of your usual routine.
Start with the recipes you prepare most often, then compare the usable capacity, the programmes available on the exact model and the installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Programming | Check the modes actually listed: steaming, slow cooking, browning, pressure cooking, rice or keeping warm. Also check the usage and installation instructions. | I want to start a suitable cooking programme and get on with something else, without confusing programming with being able to ignore safety precautions. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the filling limit with the portions you plan to make. Distinguish between the main bowl and a steaming basket or accessory. | My meals need to fit in the bowl without exceeding the safety markings or taking up space with an appliance that is too large. |
| Cleaning | Look for a removable bowl, check the stated coating and identify the parts that are dishwasher-safe. Also consider how many accessories need to be dismantled. | I want to use fewer containers while keeping cleaning manageable after every meal. |
| Space and safety | Measure your worktop and storage space. Use a stable, dry surface away from splashes, and follow the precautions relating to steam and hot surfaces. | The appliance needs to stay accessible or be easy to store without making everyday cooking more difficult. |
A bowl needs a safety margin, and the limit may depend on the recipe. For example, Que Choisir states that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may be limited to 4 L for cooking.
Compare the filling limit with the portions in your usual recipes before relying on the capacity figure shown on the appliance.
Programmes vary between models: Moulinex lists six modes for the Cookeo+ CE851A10, while Tefal advertises eight menus for the Easy Cook+ RK732100.
Check the manual or product details for the exact model to confirm the modes you need for your dishes: steaming, browning, pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, soup or keeping warm.
A cooking robot provides additional preparation functions, but takes up more space and may be less suitable if you only cook rice or slow-cooked dishes. Magimix states that its Cook Expert XL Connect weighs 11.9 kg.
Choose this type of appliance if you will regularly use chopping, mixing, kneading or weighing functions as well as cooking.
Automated cooking does not remove the need to follow installation and handling rules. SEB’s Mijot’Cook manual specifically requires a stable, level surface protected from water splashes.
Choose a suitable location, allow the appliance to cool before cleaning and never immerse the electrical base, power cord or plug in water.
The Cookeo range is designed for guided everyday meals, with pressure-cooking models and stated capacities of up to 6 L, depending on the model.
The Mijot’Cook is aimed at people who prioritise slow cooking for stews and casseroles over pressure cooking.
The brand offers simple rice cookers as well as multi-menu models that extend their uses beyond rice.
The Thermomix is aimed at people who want to combine preparation, weighing, cooking, steaming and guided recipes in one system.
The Cook Expert XL Connect is designed for households preparing larger quantities and also looking for food-preparation functions.
Joybuy options mainly covering programmable multi-cookers for everyday meals, with a cooking robot for people who also want to automate food preparation.
Image unavailable
For small programmed meals when mealtimes vary.
Rice, porridge, soup, steaming and cake programmes, a 24-hour delayed start, automatic keep-warm function and removable non-stick inner bowl. Allow 40 cm of clearance above, 10 cm at the sides and use an earthed 220–240 V socket; check the filling markings for soups and complete meals.
Image unavailable
For alternating between rice, steaming and slow-cooked dishes in an appliance designed for several portions.
Seven modes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming and yoghurt, with a keep-warm function; stated 5.7 L capacity for up to six portions. The bowl, lid and accessories are stated to be dishwasher-safe; follow the filling limits and precautions for opening under pressure.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for preparing large quantities with a range of cooking programmes.
Twelve programmes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming and sautéing, with a 24-hour delayed start and a keep-warm function advertised for up to 12 hours. The product details mention both 8 L and 8 quarts: check the exact capacity, MAX markings and instructions for foods that expand.
Image unavailable
For combining food preparation and cooking in one appliance.
Integrated scales, mixing, chopping, kneading, steaming and automatic programmes; 4.5 L bowl with 3 L usable capacity, touchscreen and pre-loaded recipes. Weighing 9.4 kg and measuring 40 × 26 × 36 cm, it requires dedicated space or realistic storage.
Image unavailable
For small to medium-sized households wanting to vary their meals without juggling multiple settings.
Seven functions covering pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, sautéing and yoghurt, with twelve programmes and a keep-warm function. Its stated dimensions are 35.1 × 31.8 × 25.6 cm; check the manual for filling limits and delayed-start settings if these factors are important to you.
It can reduce the need for active supervision after you start a suitable programme. Que Choisir describes automatic programmes with adjustable cooking times and temperatures, but you must always follow the manual, place the appliance on a stable surface and observe precautions relating to hot surfaces, the power cord and cleaning.
Start with the quantities you actually cook, then check the usable capacity or filling limit. The stated capacity alone is not enough: Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may be limited to 4 L for cooking, depending on the recipe. For a cooking robot, also distinguish between the main bowl and the steaming capacity.
A rice cooker is the most straightforward choice for rice with a keep-warm function. The Tefal Classic 2 RK102811 advertises automatic cooking, keep-warm functionality, a 3 L capacity, up to 900 g of rice and a steaming basket. If you also cook soups, stews or slow-cooked dishes, look for a multi-menu model.
No. A cooking robot adds operations such as chopping, blending, weighing and kneading, but the bowl capacity, footprint and accessories differ. Choose one when these preparation functions are something you use regularly, not simply for cooking a saucy dish.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the “1 for 1” take-back scheme is available when buying an appliance of the same type. For electronic and electrical household equipment, the “1 for 0” take-back scheme applies to retail shops with at least 400 m² of sales space dedicated to this category.