Households that want to work through several steps in one bowl
You make dishes that involve chopping, mixing, cooking or simmering in sequence, sometimes with steaming too. Your priority is to avoid transferring ingredients between appliances.
Who are these options for?
People who cook several portions at a time
You prepare meals for several people or cook ahead. The usable capacity for each recipe, steaming accessories and ease of cleaning all matter when you choose.
Baking and whisking enthusiasts
You regularly make bread, enriched doughs, cakes or creams. You’re looking first and foremost for tools that are suited to kneading and whisking, although cooking in the bowl is also appealing.
Which features should you prioritise?
Multicooker
Worth considering: for recipes where preparation and cooking take place in sequence in the same bowl.
Bear in mind: the available functions vary by model and accessories, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Cooking stand mixer
Worth considering: if kneading and whisking are still your main uses, but you’d also like to cook in the bowl.
Bear in mind: chopping and blending may require separate accessories, so check what’s available for the model you choose.
Food processor and separate cooking appliance
Worth considering: if you already own a suitable cooking appliance and mainly use food-preparation functions.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to transfer ingredients between two appliances instead of doing everything in one bowl.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing and cooking in sequence | For the recipes you usually make, check which steps can be completed in the bowl and what accessories you’ll need. | If I want to go from mixing to simmering without changing appliances, the transfers matter just as much as the advertised functions. Around 33% of consumers rank this ability to move between steps as their top priority. |
| Capacity and portions | Compare the usable capacity for a liquid or slow-cooked dish and, if needed, the capacity of the steaming accessory. | When I’m making several portions at once, I want to avoid cooking in multiple batches. Capacity is the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Kneading and whisking | Check which tools are included, the stated capacity for your doughs and the type of mixing action. | If I often make yeasted doughs or whisked mixtures, I choose equipment that’s suited to those tasks first. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these uses. |
| Appliances you already own | Check what they can do, then measure the space available for bowls and accessories. | If my cooking appliance already suits the recipes I make, I’d rather avoid buying something that duplicates its functions, even if that means keeping the steps separate. This is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
What should you watch out for?
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Assuming all accessories are included
A product range’s functions don’t necessarily match the configuration of the model you buy. Depending on the recipe, you may need a chopping tool, a steaming accessory or another bowl.
Compare what’s in the box with the steps involved in a few recipes you actually cook.
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Choosing based only on the advertised number of people it serves
A bowl’s capacity won’t translate into the same number of portions for soup, a slow-cooked dish and steamed food.
Compare the stated capacities with your recipes and the accessory you’ll use for each one.
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Forgetting about cleaning and storage
An appliance that suits your recipes also needs to fit on your worktop and be easy to clean after use.
Check how the parts come apart, their washing instructions and how much space you’ll need to store the accessories.
Washing and storing bowls, blades, whisks and baskets also takes time and space.
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Expecting the appliance to store the meals you’ve prepared
Cooking several portions doesn’t remove the need to cool them properly, refrigerate them and keep raw and cooked foods separate.
Make room in the fridge and have suitable containers ready. Follow Anses food hygiene guidance too.
Brands to consider
There are no brand profiles to show in this section.
Multicookers available on Joybuy
These two Robby multicookers are designed for households looking to combine food preparation and cooking. Before choosing, compare the included accessories and usable capacity with the recipes you make.
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Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot, XL bowl
Worth considering if you’d like to combine several food-preparation and cooking steps when making meals for your household.
This version is advertised with built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check that the usable capacity and included accessories suit your recipes.
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Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot, touchscreen and 680 recipes
Worth a look if you want to switch between food-preparation and cooking tasks when making meals for your household.
This model is advertised with built-in scales and a touchscreen. Check the usable capacity, what’s included and the cleaning instructions before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a multicooker replace all my kitchen appliances?
No, its functions and accessories vary by model. To work out which appliances you might no longer need, check whether the version on sale can chop, whisk, knead and steam.
When should I keep a food processor and a separate cooking appliance?
This combination makes sense if your cooking appliance already suits your recipes and you mainly want to chop, grate or slice ingredients. You’ll still need to transfer ingredients and manage the steps between the two appliances.
Is a multicooker enough for preparing meals in advance?
No, storing portions safely also takes some planning. Allow them to cool before refrigerating, and follow Anses recommendations to prevent cross-contamination.