If you want a range of cooking methods, including pressure cooking, steaming and browning, consider a multifunction electric pressure cooker. If you mainly prepare slow-cooked dishes in advance, a slow cooker is a more direct fit. Either way, check the model’s programmes, capacity and the parts that need cleaning. Automatic cooking can reduce the need to keep an eye on things, but it doesn’t replace ingredient preparation or following the instructions in the manual.
You want to get a meal started, then turn your attention to other things at home. Compare the programmes suited to your recipes, the keep-warm function and the steps needed before and after cooking. Que Choisir describes multicookers whose programmes manage the power and cooking time once started.
If slow cooking suits the meals you usually make, a programmable slow cooker may be all you need, without opting for a pressure cooker. Check whether the model you’re considering has a timer and keep-warm function: don’t assume all slow cookers include these features.
To cut down on leftovers and clutter, compare the stated serving capacity with the meals you usually make, then measure your storage space. Crock-Pot, for example, describes its 2.4 L CSC061X slow cooker as suitable for one to two people. This isn’t a guide to the capacity of other models.
For busy evenings, start with the recipes you actually make. Choosing between slow cooking and a range of cooking modes matters more than the number of programmes listed.
Consider this if: your meals also call for pressure cooking, steaming or browning. Moulinex lists these modes for the Cookeo Touch Wifi CE902800.
Bear in mind: useful functions and the parts that need maintenance depend on the model. Moulinex, for example, says to clean the bowl and water collector on its Cookeo Touch.
Consider this if: you can prepare dishes in advance that are suited to slow cooking.
Bear in mind: a slow cooker focused on low-and-slow cooking won’t replace the pressure-cooking, steaming and browning modes of a multifunction pressure cooker.
| Feature | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Attention needed while cooking | A programme suited to your recipe and a keep-warm function; check the manual for conditions on using the delay-start function. | I want to get dinner started before turning to other tasks, without having to adjust the cooking at every stage. Around 42% of consumers rank reducing the need to intervene as their top priority. |
| Cooking methods | Clear confirmation that the pressure-cooking, steaming, browning or slow-cooking modes you need are included. | If my recipes change often, I’d rather check that one appliance offers the methods I use than choose based only on its number of programmes. A variety of cooking methods is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Capacity and cleaning | Stated serving capacity, storage dimensions and which parts are specifically dishwasher-safe. | In a small kitchen, I want a capacity that suits my household without leaving me with lots of parts to wash after a meal. These space and cleaning considerations come ahead of other criteria for around 25% of consumers. |
Two appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily suit the same number of people. Crock-Pot describes its 2.4 L slow cooker as suitable for one to two people, its 4.7 L model as making up to five portions and its 7.5 L model as suitable for larger quantities.
Compare the stated serving capacity for the specific model with the amount you usually cook, then check its storage dimensions. For a pressure cooker, also check the usable capacity in the manual.
Que Choisir describes automatic programmes that adjust the heat and cooking time, but the available modes vary from one appliance to another. A slow cooker designed for low-and-slow cooking doesn’t, by default, offer pressure cooking or browning.
Make a note of a few dishes you cook regularly, then check the product details and manual for the modes they require.
A dishwasher-safe cooking pot doesn’t mean that the lid or other parts are too. For the Cookeo Touch, Moulinex also says to clean the water collector and follow its instructions for the lid.
Check which parts need to be removed and cleaned after each use, and how each should be washed.
The Cookeo range includes multifunction electric pressure cookers that combine several cooking methods with guided recipes.
Crock-Pot offers electric slow cookers designed for low-and-slow cooking in a range of sizes.
This selection includes multifunction electric pressure cookers for a range of cooking methods, as well as slow cookers for preparing low-and-slow dishes. Compare their modes and capacities with your recipes before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want a large-capacity appliance with a range of cooking methods. The product title lists 12 programmes and 1,200 W. Check that the modes suit your recipes, as well as the appliance’s dimensions, plug and care instructions.
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For switching between slow cooking and steaming, among other methods, in an electric pressure cooker. The product title lists four customisable programmes. If you want to schedule the start of cooking, check this function in the manual, along with the supplied plug and care instructions for the different parts.
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Worth a look if you’re after several pressure-cooking settings. The product title lists nine menus and two pressure levels. Check the manual to distinguish the stated capacity from the usable capacity, then check the plug, dimensions and parts that need cleaning.
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For dishes prepared in advance that suit slow cooking, with a stated capacity of 5.6 L and three settings. If start times matter to you, check whether this model has a timer or delay-start function. Also check its storage dimensions.
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If you’re looking for a smaller slow cooker than the CSC062X, the product title lists a 3.5 L capacity, three settings and a ceramic bowl. Check the manual for the programming functions you need and make sure its dimensions suit your storage space.
Choose based on the serving capacity stated for the specific model, not just its volume in litres. Crock-Pot describes its 2.4 L slow cooker as suitable for one to two people, its 4.7 L model as making up to five portions and its 7.5 L model as suitable for larger quantities. For an electric pressure cooker, also check the usable capacity in the manual.
An automatic programme can manage the heat and cooking time once started, as Que Choisir explains for multicookers. You’ll still need to prepare the ingredients and follow the model’s instructions on filling, positioning and use. Also check whether your recipe calls for you to do anything during the cooking cycle.
Check how each part you’ll use should be washed. Moulinex says the Cookeo Touch bowl is dishwasher-safe, but also says to clean the water collector and follow its instructions for the lid. So checking that the cooking pot alone is dishwasher-safe doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about cleaning.