Households that want to start cooking and then get on with something else
Ideal for everyday recipes based on slow cooking, pressure cooking, steaming or keeping food warm, with less supervision required while the food cooks.
Who are these appliances suitable for?
Busy cooks who prepare and cook in the same bowl
Helps reduce handling between chopping, mixing, kneading, blending and cooking, provided you are happy to manage more accessories and a more complex appliance.
Small kitchens that already have cooking equipment
Useful for speeding up chopping, blending, grating or kneading when you already have a suitable cooking solution.
Priorities before buying
Programmable multicooker
Choose this if: you mainly want to add the ingredients, start cooking and get on with something else.
Bear in mind: chopping, grating, kneading and blending will generally need to be done separately.
Cooking food processor
Choose this if: your meals often require preparation and cooking in the same bowl.
Bear in mind: usable capacity, accessories and functions vary considerably between models.
Multifunction food processor
Choose this if: you already have a hob, oven or other cooking appliance and mainly want to prepare ingredients.
Bear in mind: it does not provide automatic cooking or keep food warm.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking with minimal supervision | Check the programmes, time and temperature settings, keep-warm function and the modes actually available: pressure, steaming, slow cooking or browning. | I want to be able to start a suitable dish and get on with other tasks without staying by the cooker. |
| Preparation and cooking | Check the chopping, blending, grating, kneading and whisking functions, along with the accessories included with the exact model. | My recipes require several steps before cooking; where useful, I prefer to combine them in one appliance. |
| Capacity and footprint | Compare usable capacity rather than total volume alone, as well as fill limits, the steaming basket, dimensions and weight. | I want to prepare my usual quantities without having to cook several batches or taking up more worktop space than necessary. |
| Cleaning and guided recipes | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe, which need to be cleaned by hand, and the requirements for accessing recipes and the app. | After a meal, I want to understand the actual cleaning involved and know which functions remain available without a connected service. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a cooking food processor when you only want automatic cooking
A cooking food processor adds preparation functions and accessories that are only useful if your recipes genuinely require chopping, blending, kneading or whisking.
Make a list of your regular meals: if the ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want automatic cooking, compare multicooker modes first.
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Confusing total capacity, usable capacity and the advertised number of portions
A bowl’s total volume may differ from the amount that can actually be used; the quantity prepared also depends on the recipe and fill limits.
Compare usable capacity, the instructions in the manual, the size of the steaming basket and the dimensions before making your choice.
A poorly sized bowl may mean cooking several batches or taking up more space than necessary.
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Assuming connected recipes will remain free or accessible without conditions
Recipe libraries and apps do not all work in the same way: some are advertised as free, while others include a subscription for a specified period.
Before choosing a connected model, check how long the included access lasts, which functions can be used offline and the terms for keeping your recipes.
An app or account may be required for certain guided recipes.
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Overlooking accessories and cleaning because the appliance is described as all-in-one
The advertised functions often depend on the accessories actually included. Some parts are dishwasher-safe, but the base and certain components require manual cleaning.
Before buying, check the accessory list for the exact model, the wear parts and the care instructions.
Bowls, steaming baskets or specialist accessories may be needed for certain preparations.
Key brands to know
Moulinex
A brand worth considering when comparing Cookeo multicookers and Companion cooking food processors, depending on whether you prioritise guided cooking or versatile preparation and cooking.
- According to Moulinex, some Cookeo models offer integrated recipes, several cooking modes, a 6 L bowl and a steaming basket.
- Usable capacity, included accessories and connected options should be checked for each model.
Magimix
A multifunction cooking food processor for households looking for a large capacity and preparation functions in addition to cooking.
- According to Magimix, the Cook Expert XL has a 4.8 L stainless steel bowl and a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
- The number of portions depends on the recipe, usable capacity and accessories used.
Vorwerk Thermomix
A connected cooking food processor for people who enjoy on-screen guided recipes and a wide range of preparation modes.
- Vorwerk advertises 24 modes for the TM7, a 10-inch screen and access to Cookidoo recipes.
- Check the terms for accessing Cookidoo; the removable parts and the base have different cleaning instructions.
Silvercrest Monsieur Cuisine
An alternative distributed by Lidl for users interested in guided cooking, an app and family-sized preparations.
- Lidl presents Monsieur Cuisine Smart with a free recipe database, an app and multi-level cooking.
- The availability of models, accessories and spare parts may vary depending on the offer.
Options available on Joybuy
These Joybuy options include cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, as well as programmable multicookers that bring together the cooking modes you use every day.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with scales and touchscreen
For preparing and then cooking in the same appliance when several meal preparation steps need to be combined.
4.5 L bowl with 3 L usable capacity, 7-inch screen, integrated scales, 8 programmes and 20 advertised temperature levels.
Check that its dimensions of 40 × 26 × 36 cm, weight of 9.4 kg and usable capacity suit your kitchen and portion sizes.
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Robby cooking food processor with integrated scales and touchscreen
For reducing the number of utensils needed for chopping, grating, kneading, steaming and slow cooking.
3.5 L stainless steel bowl, integrated scales, 12 speeds, 8 automatic programmes and an advertised rinsing programme.
Consult the manual for fill limits and check how additional recipes can be accessed via Wi-Fi.
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Cecotec GM H Deluxe Fry 6 L multicooker
For starting pressure, steam or slow cooking without automating ingredient preparation.
Advertised 6 L capacity, 19 functions, five pressure levels, 11 temperature settings and programming for up to 24 hours.
This model does not advertise chopping, blending or grating functions; also check the fill limits and cleaning instructions.
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Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1, 7.6 L
For family meals that require several cooking modes in a single bowl.
Advertised 7.6 L capacity, two removable lids, 11 functions, stainless steel bowl and pressure, steam, slow-cook and keep-warm modes.
The two lids require storage space and cleaning; no delayed-start function is specified in the information provided.
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Midea 9-in-1 electric pressure cooker, 8 L
For preparing large quantities in advance with cooking programmes and a keep-warm function.
Advertised 8 L capacity, 12 preset programmes, nine functions, 24-hour delayed start and pressure, rice, steam, sauté and yoghurt modes.
It does not replace a food preparation processor for chopping, grating, kneading or blending; check the dimensions and care instructions before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a multicooker enough for cooking without supervision?
Yes, when your meals mainly rely on the available modes, such as slow cooking, steaming, browning, rice or pressure cooking, depending on the model. Once set correctly, the programmes can manage the time and temperature, but they do not chop, mince or blend ingredients.
Why compare usable capacity rather than just the stated litres?
Total capacity does not always correspond to the usable volume for a recipe. Magimix, for example, states a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL. Compare appliances on the same basis and check the fill limits in the manual.
Do guided recipes necessarily involve a subscription?
No, the terms vary by brand and model. Moulinex presents free apps for some Cookeo and Companion models, Lidl advertises a free recipe database for Monsieur Cuisine Smart, while Vorwerk mentions Cookidoo with a subscription included for the TM7. Check how long access lasts and which functions are available without a connection.
Does using a dishwasher replace all manual cleaning?
No. Only the removable parts specified by the manufacturer may be dishwasher-safe. For the Thermomix TM7, Vorwerk states that the base must always be cleaned by hand. Check the instructions for each part before placing it in the dishwasher.
What should you check when buying an electrical appliance in France?
The CE marking reflects the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with the applicable European regulatory requirements; it is not an indicator of performance. Also check that the manual is available in French, review the warranty terms and confirm the after-sales service arrangements for the model being sold.