If your priority is to start cooking rice or a slow-cooked dish and then get on with something else, start by comparing programmable multicookers. A cooking food processor is a better fit if you also want to chop, blend or knead. In either case, check the usable capacity, how much space it needs and how easy its parts are to clean.
If you mainly make rice, slow-cooked dishes or steamed vegetables, a suitable programme can manage the heat and cooking time once you start it. Choose one to suit your recipes: some still need you to get involved.
For smaller portions, compare the usable capacity with the space the appliance and its lid will take up. A capacity quoted in litres does not necessarily tell you how much you can cook.
If chopping, grating, blending or kneading is a regular part of your recipes, look at the functions and accessories available with a cooking food processor. If you already have a food-preparation appliance that does the job, ask yourself whether what you really need is programmable cooking.
Consider this if: you mainly want a programme suited to your recipe to take care of the heat and cooking time.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, multicookers generally do not stir food, so some dishes still need you to get involved.
Consider this if: you want to combine cooking and ingredient preparation in one appliance, with the functions your recipes need.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for the bowl and accessories. Magimix lists the Cook Expert Original’s usable bowl capacity as 2.5 L and its weight as 11.14 kg.
Consider this if: your current equipment already covers the cooking you want to do, and you mainly need help with chopping or blending.
Bear in mind: a food processor without a cooking function won’t handle programmable cooking.
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Less hands-on cooking | Look for programmes that match your recipes and check whether you can set the cooking time. Check separately for a keep-warm function if you need one. | When I start cooking rice or a slow-cooked dish, I want to be able to leave the hob without constantly adjusting the heat. Around 36% of consumers would put this kind of hands-off cooking first. |
| Portions and space | Compare the permitted cooking capacity for your recipes with your usual portion sizes, then measure the space needed, including room for the lid. | If I cook small quantities, a large bowl could take up space I’d rather keep free. On the other hand, family meals need enough usable capacity. Getting the size right would be the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Built-in food preparation | List the tasks you want to automate, such as chopping, grating or kneading, and check the functions and accessories included with the specific model. | When I cook from scratch, preparing the ingredients takes just as much attention as the cooking. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise having these functions combined in one appliance. |
| Everyday cleaning | Check whether each part is dishwasher-safe, and find out how to remove and clean the lid. | After a meal, I want to know how many parts I’ll need to take apart and wash before putting the appliance away. Easy cleaning would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
You may need to leave room at the top, which reduces the amount you can cook. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a 6 L bowl but a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L.
Compare your usual portions with the maximum level given in the instructions, taking the recipe into account.
Programmable cooking doesn’t mean the appliance can chop, knead or stir. You may still need another utensil or appliance for these tasks.
Make a note of the steps that take you time and compare them with the actual functions of the multicooker, cooking food processor and appliances you already own.
Preparing ingredients separately can mean extra steps before you start cooking.
The lid, water collector or accessories may need to be cleaned separately. For the Cookeo Touch, for example, Moulinex advises cleaning the collector and removing the lid for cleaning.
Check the instructions for the model you’re interested in to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be removed and cleaned another way.
Setting a cooking time for later is no substitute for keeping food chilled. Anses recommends limiting the time sensitive foods are left at room temperature.
Check that your recipe, ingredients and the instructions allow you to use the delay-start function as planned. Keep perishable ingredients chilled until they’re needed.
The Cookeo range includes multicookers designed for guided recipes and programmable cooking, with features that vary by model.
The range includes multicookers with a single bowl. Programmes and cleaning requirements vary depending on the model you choose.
The Cook Expert is a cooking food processor to consider when preparing ingredients matters as much as cooking them.
These models are designed for programmable cooking, including rice and slow-cooked dishes. To choose between them, start with your portion sizes and the advertised cooking modes, then check the instructions for filling limits and cleaning. They may not replace a food processor that prepares ingredients.
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Worth considering if you want to programme different types of cooking in one bowl. The product title describes a 7-in-1 5.7 L electric pressure cooker with slow cooking, steaming and four customisable presets.
Before planning your portions, check the maximum filling levels for each recipe, particularly when pressure cooking.
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Consider this for smaller portions if its dimensions suit your kitchen. The title describes a 7-in-1 3.8 L electric pressure cooker, recommended for up to four portions.
Compare this with your recipes and the filling limits in the instructions, rather than assuming you can use the whole bowl.
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Worth comparing if pressure cooking and using an air fryer lid feature in your recipes. The title lists a 6 L bowl and built-in scales.
Check the permitted quantities for your recipes and how much space you’ll need for the appliance and its accessories.
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Worth considering if you cook large quantities and want a choice of cooking programmes. The title lists an 8 L bowl, a rated power of 1,200 W and 12 preset menus.
Check the permitted cooking capacity and the space it will take up before choosing this size. If you use the delay-start function, follow the food storage guidance for perishable ingredients.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for cooking menus and adjustable pressure for your meals. The title lists a total capacity of 6 L, nine menus, two pressure settings and a 24-hour timer.
When working out portion sizes, take the listed usable capacity of 5 L into account and follow the filling levels in the instructions.
Not necessarily: the permitted filling level may be lower than the bowl’s capacity. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L. Check the limit for your model and recipe before working out portion sizes.
Don’t leave perishable ingredients at room temperature assuming that cooking them later will be enough. Anses recommends limiting the time they are kept out of the fridge. Check the instructions and plan your preparation around the ingredients you’re using.
Follow the instructions for your model and place it on a suitable, stable surface. The Instant Pot Duo Plus WhisperQuiet manual specifies a flat, dry, non-combustible surface. Follow its guidance on hot parts and steam, too.
Not on its own: the lid and other parts may need to be cleaned separately. For the Cookeo Touch, Moulinex recommends cleaning the water collector after each use and removing the lid. Check the cleaning instructions for the model you’re considering.
In France, an appliance sold by a business to an individual may be covered by the legal guarantee of conformity if it doesn’t match its description. According to information published by the Ministry of the Economy, this guarantee applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description so you can make a claim to the seller.