A programmable multi-cooker is a good choice if you cook a variety of meals and want to keep a closer eye on cooking less often. If you mainly make rice or slow-cooked dishes, a more specialised appliance may be all you need. Choose based on your recipes and the number of portions you can realistically cook, then consider cleaning and handling the hot cooking pot: programmes don’t eliminate all the preparation steps.
You want to start cooking rice, a slow-cooked dish or steamed food while getting on with something else. A programme and keep-warm function can help you plan your meal, but check which settings are available and what steps your recipe still requires.
You usually cook one to four portions. Check the quantities allowed for your recipes before choosing the cooking pot size: its stated capacity doesn’t always match the amount you can cook.
Rice, grains, steamed food and slow-cooked dishes feature regularly on your menu. A multi-function rice cooker could suit these needs; also check the keep-warm function and which parts need cleaning after use.
Start with the meals you cook most often, then check the quantities you can prepare and how much cleaning is involved. A long list of programmes matters less than the features you’ll actually use.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Less hands-on cooking | Settings suited to your recipes; timer adjustment and keep-warm function if needed. | I want to start cooking different meals without staying beside the appliance, while knowing when I’ll need to step in. Around 36% of consumers might make this level of autonomy their priority. |
| Number of portions | Maximum quantities allowed for the programmes you use; portion sizes given in the manufacturer’s recipes. | My smaller batches or family meals need to fit in the cooking pot without exceeding its fill limits. This could be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and handling | Parts that can be washed according to the model’s instructions; removing the hot cooking pot and the opening procedure. | If I want to cut down on washing up, I also need to be able to clean the lid and remove the hot cooking pot without difficulty. Around 21% of consumers might put this ease of use first. |
| Specialist recipes | Programmes for rice, grains or slow cooking; pressure cooking only if you want it. | I mainly cook rice or slow-cooked dishes and prefer controls suited to these recipes over versatility I’m unlikely to use. This could be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
The maximum amount you can cook may be less than the nominal capacity. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo cooking pot that can hold a maximum cooking volume of just 4 L.
Check the manual and recipes for your model to find out the fill limits for the programme you plan to use.
Setting the heat and cooking time doesn’t mean the appliance will stir, chop or knead. According to Que Choisir, multi-cookers generally don’t mix food.
Check which steps your recipes still require. If you need to chop, blend or knead, look separately at the functions of a food processor.
The lid, collector and steam-related parts may need cleaning separately. A part being dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean the whole appliance is.
Read the instructions for the exact model and check which parts can be removed and washed after each use.
Taking these parts apart and cleaning them also adds time after your meal.
The cooking pot and steam can cause burns after cooking. The Instant Pot manual recommends using oven gloves to handle the hot inner pot.
Check that the cooking pot is easy to grip and follow the depressurising and opening procedure specified for your appliance.
The Cookeo range includes pressure multi-cookers with recipe guidance and a keep-warm function.
The Easy Cook+ RK732100 focuses on rice and everyday cooking, with a 5 L cooking pot and eight menus, according to Tefal.
The brand offers pressure multi-cookers in different capacities, as well as appliances that focus more on rice and grains.
These appliances cover two needs: programmable multi-cookers for different cooking methods, and a rice cooker for more specialised cooking. Compare their settings with your recipes, then check the manual for the chosen model’s fill limits and cleaning instructions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you switch between pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming. This 7-in-1 multi-cooker has four customisable pre-sets; check the fill limit for your recipes and the instructions for handling it under pressure.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you cook larger batches and want several settings in one pot. This 7-in-1 pressure multi-cooker has a stainless steel inner pot. Check the manual for the quantities allowed and the features you need for your cooking routine.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for cooking larger meals using a range of programmes. The model name lists 12 pre-set menus, 1 200 W of power and a non-stick cooking pot; check the manual for fill limits and how to clean the parts.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if rice and related dishes feature more often in your meals than pressure-cooked food. Designed for three to four people, it includes a steam basket, a delay-start function and a keep-warm function. Check the quantities allowed and the washing instructions for the non-stick cooking pot.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to programme different cooking methods, including frying, in a pressure multi-cooker. The model lists nine menus, two pressure settings and a 24-hour timer; check that its documentation, features and care instructions meet your needs.
Not necessarily: the nominal capacity may be greater than the amount permitted during cooking. Que Choisir cites a 6 L Cookeo cooking pot with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L; check the quantities listed for the programmes on your model.
It can bring together several cooking methods, but it won’t handle every step your recipes require. Que Choisir points out that multi-cookers generally don’t mix food; keep another utensil handy if you need to stir often or cook several dishes separately.
Clean the parts specified in the model’s manual, not just the cooking pot. For the Cookeo Touch, Moulinex gives instructions for cleaning the cooking bowl, water collector and lid after use.
First follow your appliance’s end-of-cooking and opening procedure, then use oven gloves to handle a hot cooking pot. The Instant Pot manual also reminds you that a full pot can be heavy; keep your face away from the steam when opening it.
For a new item bought from a professional seller in France, you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years, according to the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control. Any commercial warranty has its own terms and conditions and does not replace this statutory guarantee.