Choose a multicooker with programmes and time settings that suit the meals you make. Then check whether the keep-warm function works with the modes you plan to use. Automatic cooking still means preparing the ingredients and following the safety instructions. Choose the bowl size based on its usable capacity, not just the figure shown: UFC-Que Choisir says a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L. Also check how easy it is to clean the parts you’ll need to wash after each meal.
If you’d rather not keep an eye on your food while it cooks, check how the cooking time and programmes are set. Also make sure the keep-warm function is available for the dishes you prepare.
For a family meal or several meals prepared in advance, the capacity shown on the bowl doesn’t tell you how much you can actually cook. Maximum fill levels vary depending on the recipe and cooking mode.
If you plan to use the appliance often, check which parts are removable and which are genuinely dishwasher-safe. The bowl, lid and accessories may all need different care.
If you want to cook everyday meals with less supervision, start with the features that free you up while the food cooks. Then compare appliances by usable capacity and ease of cleaning. If you also want to chop or blend ingredients, look separately at the food preparation features.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Programming and end of cooking | Check the programmes, time settings and whether keep-warm is available for the modes you use. | I want to get dinner cooking and do something else, without having to keep coming back to check every step. Around 33% of consumers might put this hands-off cooking ability at the top of their list. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the fill markings and any limits for pressure-cooking recipes or ingredients that expand. | When I’m cooking several portions, I need enough room in the bowl for my recipe without overfilling it. Usable capacity would be the main requirement for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and care | Check which supplied parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. | I cook often and don’t want to spend too long cleaning the appliance after every meal. Around 25% of consumers might make easy cleaning their priority. |
| Ingredient preparation | Distinguish between cooking programmes and accessories that can actually chop, grate or blend. | If I also want to prepare ingredients with the appliance, automatic cooking only meets part of my needs. This would be a priority for around 17% of consumers. |
The stated capacity isn’t always the amount you can cook. UFC-Que Choisir says a 6 L Cookeo bowl is limited to a maximum cooking volume of 4 L. This difference matters when you’re making family meals or cooking several portions.
Check the fill markings for the model and the limits for your recipes, especially for pressure cooking or ingredients that expand.
Setting the cooking to start later doesn’t make it safe to leave perishable food at room temperature. Anses recommends limiting the time it spends out of the fridge.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the delay-start function and keep perishable food chilled until the appropriate time.
A dishwasher-safe bowl doesn’t automatically mean the lid, seal or accessories can go in the dishwasher too.
Check the instructions for the exact model to see which parts are included, removable and washable.
Cooking programmes generally don’t replace food preparation tasks such as grating or blending.
If these tasks are essential for your meals, compare the features and accessories of a suitable food processor before choosing a cooking appliance.
The Cookeo range includes multicookers with guided cooking, with features that vary by model.
Instant Pot offers appliances with different capacities and features, from pressure multicookers to multifunction slow cookers.
These appliances offer several cooking modes for everyday meals. Compare their stated capacities, then check the fill limits and programming features of the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you tend to cook smaller quantities and want to use several cooking modes.
The bowl is listed as 3,8 L, and the product as a 7-in-1 electric pressure cooker. Before ordering, confirm whether the model on offer is the Classic Mini or Rio, and check that the voltage and plug type are suitable for your home. When pressure cooking, follow the fill limits and steam safety instructions.
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Consider this if you want to switch between pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming without buying a separate appliance for each method.
The title lists a capacity of 5,7 L, seven functions and four customisable presets. Check the permitted fill level for your recipes and the appliance’s dimensions if space is limited.
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Worth considering if you cook several portions and want to be able to set a suitable cooking programme to start later.
The title lists an 8 L capacity, 1 200 W power, twelve menus and a non-stick-coated bowl. Check the fill limits, the appliance’s size and how to care for each part. Delay start is no substitute for keeping perishable food chilled.
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Consider this if programming and pressure cooking are among your priorities for everyday meals.
The title lists a 6 L capacity, nine menus, two pressure settings and a 24-hour timer. Check the fill limits, which parts need cleaning, the plug and voltage, and whether instructions are available in a language you understand.
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Worth considering if you cook several portions and want a choice of pressure and non-pressure cooking modes.
The title lists a 7,1 L capacity, seven functions and a stainless-steel inner bowl. Check the usable capacity for your recipes, that the plug is suitable for your home, and whether keep warm or delay start is included if these features are important to you.
No. The bowl’s capacity isn’t necessarily the same as the permitted cooking volume. UFC-Que Choisir says a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L. Check the manual’s fill markings for the model, ingredients and cooking mode you plan to use.
Delay start doesn’t keep food safe before cooking. Anses recommends limiting the time perishable food spends at room temperature and putting it back in the fridge promptly after use. Also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the ingredients you plan to use and how long they’ll be waiting.
Follow the fill levels and lid instructions for your model, and wait for the pressure to drop before opening it. Instant Pot manuals also advise placing the appliance on a stable, level, non-combustible surface. Handle the hot bowl with care.
Check the bowl, lid, seal and any supplied accessories separately. Dishwasher compatibility depends on the part and model: Moulinex lists the bowl and steam basket as dishwasher-safe for the relevant Cookeo+ model, while Instant Pot lists the bowl and lid as dishwasher-safe for its Classic 5,7 L.