If your main priority is starting a dish cooking without staying by the hob, start by comparing multicookers and their programmes. If you’d also like to chop, mix or knead in the same appliance, consider a cooking food processor. Its accessories, footprint and cleaning requirements will matter just as much as its cooking functions. In either case, choose a capacity that suits your usual portions and check the model’s fill limits.
For rice, dishes with a sauce or steamed food, a programmable multicooker lets you leave the cooking to the appliance. Make sure its bowl suits the portions you usually cook, though: the programme won’t prepare the ingredients for you.
If you regularly make soups, sauces or mixtures, a cooking food processor can combine preparation and cooking in one appliance. Check which tools are actually included and which parts need cleaning after each use.
For family meals or batch cooking, compare the usable capacity rather than just the bowl’s total size. For example, Magimix lists 3.8 L of usable capacity from the Cook Expert XL’s 4.8 L total capacity. Also check the limits for the recipes you plan to make.
First, decide whether you want the appliance to handle cooking alone or take care of some preparation tasks as well.
Worth considering: if your meals mainly need programmed cooking, such as steaming or slow cooking, or pressure cooking on some models.
Bear in mind: you’ll generally need to prepare the ingredients separately.
Worth considering: if you chop, mix or knead often enough to want these tasks combined with cooking.
Bear in mind: the tools mean more parts to store and clean, and functions vary between models.
| Criterion | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Supervision | Look for programmes suited to your dishes, time settings and any steps that still need your attention. | In the evening, I want to be able to start cooking a regular meal without constantly keeping an eye on a pan. |
| Capacity | Compare usable capacity, fill markers and the number of portions recommended for the type of recipe you have in mind. | I cook several portions at once, but don’t want to make multiple batches or have an appliance that’s too large for everyday meals. |
| Cleaning | Count the parts you’ll use for your usual recipes and check which ones are dishwasher-safe. | Fewer pans to wash sounds appealing, but I don’t want to replace them with a pile of accessories to clean. |
| Size | Measure the space for using and storing the appliance, including room for the bowl, lid and accessories. | The appliance needs to be easy to get out or fit on my worktop for weeknight meals. |
The total capacity of a bowl or cooking pot isn’t always the amount you can cook in it. Fill limits depend on factors including the recipe.
Compare the usable capacity and fill markers with the number of portions you usually prepare.
A multicooker can handle the cooking once you start it, but it won’t necessarily chop or mix the ingredients. A cooking food processor adds tools, but also more parts to clean and maintain.
Make a note of the tasks you’d like the appliance to handle before choosing between these two types.
Accessories and recipe services vary from one model to another. For example, Vorwerk offers Cookidoo recipes for the Thermomix TM7 with a subscription.
Check what’s included in the box and the terms for accessing the recipes you’re interested in.
A cooking food processor also needs space for you to handle the bowl and store its accessories. Que Choisir recommends checking its footprint before you buy.
Measure the spot where you plan to use it, as well as the space needed around and above it.
Moulinex offers Cookeo models focused on cooking and Companion models that combine preparation and cooking. Compare the ranges based on which tasks you want the appliance to handle.
The Thermomix TM7 is aimed at people who want to cook using different modes and guided recipes.
Cook Expert models include standard and XL versions. Choose between them based on how much you cook and how much space you have.
These options include multicookers and electric pressure cookers for handling the cooking, as well as a cooking food processor that can prepare ingredients too. Start by choosing the type of appliance you need, then check each model’s capacity and specific requirements.
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This multicooker is worth considering if you cook several portions and want to do it all in one pot. Its stated capacity is 7.1 L. Check the usable capacity for your recipes and make sure the plug type is suitable for your setup in France.
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This cooking food processor has a touchscreen and built-in scales, making it a good fit if you want to combine ingredient preparation and cooking. You’ll need to follow the recipes as they progress. Also check what’s included and confirm the electrical compatibility before you buy.
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This 5.7 L multicooker is designed for cooking everyday dishes for several people. Follow the fill markers for the ingredients you’re using, and check its dimensions and plug type before deciding where to put it in your kitchen.
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This programmable pressure cooker is designed for meals where you want to set the cooking time in advance. Its product description lists 9 menus, 2 pressure settings and a 24-hour timer. Check the fill limits and cleaning requirements, and make sure the plug is compatible with your setup.
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This 8 L electric pressure cooker is worth considering if you want to cook several portions using preset programmes. Its product description lists 12 preset menus and a power rating of 1200 W. Check the usable capacity for your recipes, its dimensions and electrical compatibility before you buy.
No. The stated capacity isn’t necessarily the amount you can cook. Before choosing a multicooker for your usual portions, check the fill markers and instructions for the exact model, especially for liquid or pressure-cooked recipes.
Measure the space where you’ll use it, the available height and the room needed to handle the bowl and store the accessories. Que Choisir recommends checking the footprint of a cooking food processor before buying. Measure the appliance in the configuration you plan to use.
It depends on the model and recipe service. Vorwerk offers Cookidoo recipes for the Thermomix TM7 with a subscription. If access to these recipes matters to you, check the terms before ordering.