For rice and a range of other dishes, choose a programmable multi-cooker. If you also want to cook under pressure, check that it has this function. A slow cooker is better suited to planned, slow-cooked recipes, while a cooking food processor is worth considering mainly if you also want to chop, mix or knead. In every case, compare the usable capacity and check which steps you’ll still need to do by hand.
If you’re making rice or a dish with a sauce, a programme that controls the heat and cooking time can mean less need to keep an eye on things once you’ve added the ingredients. You’ll still need to choose the right cycle and check whether the recipe calls for any intervention.
Compare the usable capacity for your recipes, not just the capacity stated for the cooking pot. UFC-Que Choisir advises leaving room to prevent food from boiling over.
A cooking food processor is worth considering if chopping, mixing or kneading in the same appliance matters as much to you as cooking. Check the functions on the model you’re considering and how much space it will take up in your kitchen.
First, decide which tasks you want the appliance to handle. Then check that its capacity and any limitations suit the recipes you usually make.
Choose this: for cooking rice and a range of other dishes using cooking programmes, when you’re happy to prepare the ingredients yourself.
Bear in mind: programming doesn’t mean the appliance will stir the food or carry out every step of the recipe.
Choose this: if you plan to use pressure cooking, alongside the other functions available on the model.
Bear in mind: when pressure cooking, follow the instructions for adding liquid, filling the pot and opening the cooker.
Choose this: if slow-cooked soups, curries and stews make up most of the meals you plan ahead.
Bear in mind: don’t expect pressure cooking; check that the specific model offers the programming you want.
Choose this: if combining ingredient preparation and cooking means you can skip tasks you often do separately.
Bear in mind: check which accessories you’ll need and how much space you have, rather than choosing a food processor just for its cooking programmes.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and portions | Compare the stated capacity, maximum fill level and the number of portions recommended for your recipes. For pressure cooking, also check the limits for foods that expand or foam. | I often cook several portions, so the pot needs to hold my usual quantities without being filled to the brim. |
| Programmes and interventions | Check which modes are actually available and which steps require browning, adding ingredients or stirring by hand. UFC-Que Choisir explains that automatic programmes control the heat and cooking time once they’ve been started. | I want to be able to get on with something else for part of the cooking time, while knowing when I need to come back to the recipe. |
| Built-in food preparation | If you’re considering a cooking food processor, check the model’s chopping, mixing and kneading functions separately, along with any accessories you’ll need. | I’m only interested in chopping or kneading in the same appliance if these tasks come up regularly in my recipes. |
| Cleaning and storage | Check which parts are removable, whether they’re dishwasher-safe, the appliance’s dimensions and how to remove the cooking pot. | I have limited space or cook often, so cleaning and storage will affect how practical it is for everyday use. |
| Pressure cooking and keeping food | For a pressure cooker, follow the model’s instructions on adding liquid, filling the pot and which parts to check. The keep-warm function is no substitute for refrigerating perishable leftovers. | I want to serve the meal later without confusing keep-warm with storing leftovers for the next day. |
You need to leave room in the cooking pot, and the amount of space required can vary by recipe. So, a stated capacity that looks suitable may still mean you have to cook in batches.
Check the usable capacity and the fill-level markers in the instructions for the dishes you make, particularly when pressure cooking.
Automatically setting the heat and cooking time doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance will stir, brown ingredients first or add ingredients for you.
Read through a few recipes you’re likely to make before buying, and note which steps require you to intervene on the model you’re considering.
Filling it incorrectly or fitting a sealing part incorrectly can make it dangerous to use.
Before each pressure-cooking session, carry out the checks specified for your model and follow its instructions on filling, adding liquid and opening the cooker.
Its food-preparation functions are only useful if you’ll use them. You’ll also need space for the appliance and its accessories.
List the tasks you’d genuinely use it for, then check its usable capacity, included accessories and dimensions.
The Cookeo + Connect CE859800 is an example of a multifunction electric pressure cooker with a pressure-cooking function.
The brand offers manual and programmable slow cookers designed for slow cooking.
The Cook Expert XL Connect is an example of a cooking food processor that combines food preparation and cooking.
The Thermomix TM7 is a cooking food processor that works with Cookidoo guided recipes.
These models are multi-cookers or multifunction electric pressure cookers. Compare their size and functions with your portion sizes and recipes. This selection doesn’t include the slow cookers or cooking food processors mentioned above.
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A versatile electric pressure cooker for a variety of meals. The model name lists 12 preset programmes and a non-stick cooking pot. The 8 l refers to the stated capacity; check the fill-level markers for your recipes, particularly when pressure cooking.
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This 3.8 l model may suit you if you cook smaller quantities. Check the fill limit for your recipes and whether it has a delay start if you’d like to programme when cooking begins.
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Its stated capacity of 5.7 l may suit a household that cooks several portions. Compare it with the permitted fill level for your dishes, and check for a delay start if that function matters to you.
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The 7.1 l size is designed for those looking to cook more portions at once. Before choosing, compare its size with your recipes and fill limits, and make sure you have enough storage space.
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The model name lists a 24-hour timer, nine menus and two pressure settings. If you’re planning a meal, check how the timer works and make sure the instructions are available in a language you understand before using the pressure-cooking function.
No. The stated capacity isn’t necessarily the volume you can use while cooking. UFC-Que Choisir points out that you need to leave a safety margin; check the maximum fill level and the instructions for your model and recipe.
Programmes that control the heat and cooking time can reduce the need to keep watch once you’ve added the ingredients and started the cycle, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. However, check whether your recipe calls for stirring, browning or adding ingredients part-way through.
No. Before each use, follow your model’s instructions to check the parts specified by the manufacturer, the amount of liquid and the fill limits. You must also wait until the stated conditions for opening the cooker are met.
No, it’s no substitute for keeping perishable leftovers cold. Anses recommends limiting how long they’re left at room temperature and putting them in the fridge promptly. The coldest part of your fridge should be at 4 °C.