If you already prepare the ingredients and mainly want to spend less time attending to the cooking, compare programmable multicookers. If chopping, blending or mixing also takes up your time, look at cooking food processors and the accessories supplied with each model. Either way, check the usable capacity, which steps still need to be done by hand, how easy it is to clean and how much space you have. A cooking programme doesn’t automatically take care of all the preparation, and delayed start isn’t suitable for every ingredient.
You want to get everyday meals cooking without having to stay beside the appliance throughout. Consider the difference between hands-on preparation and cooking programmes. Que Choisir describes programmable multicookers designed to cook a range of dishes.
You regularly chop, blend or mix ingredients before cooking, and want to know which tasks the same food processor can handle with the accessories supplied. Que Choisir distinguishes between preparation and cooking functions, as well as the accessories actually included.
Your choice should depend on how much your recipes can hold, not just the stated capacity of the bowl or cooking pot. For example, Que Choisir says that the 6 l cooking pot on the Cookeo it reviewed can hold no more than 4 l for cooking.
Start by deciding whether your priority is programmable cooking or combining preparation and cooking in one appliance. The guides from Que Choisir and Les Numériques distinguish between these functions. Then compare usable capacity, the steps you’ll still need to do yourself and cleaning requirements.
| What matters to you | What to check before you buy | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Starting the cooking with minimal attention | Compare the programmes suited to your dishes, the keep-warm function and the conditions for using delayed start. | If you prepare ingredients in advance and want to spend less time by the cooker, around 36% of consumers with this need prioritise this feature. |
| Preparing and cooking in the same appliance | For the recipes you make often, check each task and whether the corresponding accessory is actually included. | If chopping, blending or mixing before cooking is a regular step, around 29% of consumers with this need prioritise combining preparation and cooking. |
| Cooking the amount you need in one batch | Check the usable capacity of the specific model and the filling limits given for your recipes. | If you cook several portions and want to avoid making multiple batches, around 21% of consumers with this need prioritise the amount that can actually be cooked. |
| Keeping cleaning and storage to a minimum | Measure the space you have and check the cleaning instructions for the parts you’ll use regularly. | If space is limited or you want less to deal with after a meal, around 14% of consumers with this need prioritise cleaning and storage. |
The capacity of the cooking pot doesn’t necessarily match the maximum amount allowed for a recipe. For the Cookeo reviewed, Que Choisir distinguishes between a 6 l cooking pot and a maximum cooking capacity of 4 l.
Check the filling limits for the exact model against the portions you usually prepare.
If it can’t hold enough for your meal, you may need to cook an extra batch.
A cooking programme doesn’t automatically replace chopping, blending or cutting. The functions of a cooking food processor depend on the accessories supplied with that model.
For each step in your recipes, check that the appliance has the right function and includes the necessary accessory.
Without the right tool, some preparation will still need to be done by hand or with another appliance.
Programming the appliance doesn’t keep food chilled. Anses advises that cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours before being refrigerated.
Set the timing according to the ingredients and recipe instructions. Don’t leave perishable food for a long time in an unrefrigerated cooking pot.
The number of functions isn’t the only measure of everyday convenience: the appliance’s dimensions and the care needed for bowls and accessories also matter. Que Choisir recommends checking the space it takes up and the cleaning instructions.
Measure the space available and check the cleaning instructions for every part you expect to use regularly.
Cookeo focuses on programmable cooking, while Companion combines food preparation and cooking.
A range of multicookers, including models designed for programmable cooking.
The Cook Expert lets you compare preparation and cooking functions, with capacity varying by model.
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart range combines food preparation and cooking functions.
The Thermomix TM7 is a cooking food processor worth comparing if both blending and cooking matter to you.
These programmable multicookers are designed for everyday cooking. Compare their capacities and the features listed for each model against the recipes and portions you prepare.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a programmable multicooker with the air frying and voice control features listed for this model.
The product name lists a 6 L capacity, 9 cooking menus and 2 pressure levels.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a multicooker with app control and a sous vide function.
The model is listed as 5.7 L and 9-in-1.
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Worth a look if you want to compare an XL model and its cooking functions with your needs for several portions.
The name lists a 7.1 L capacity and a stainless steel inner pot.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a Mini size and a stated capacity of up to 4 portions.
The product name lists a 3.8 L capacity and 7 functions.
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Worth a look if you’re after a large-capacity multicooker with several cooking functions listed for this model.
The name lists 1200 W, 12 preset menus and a non-stick cooking pot.
No. The appliance doesn’t refrigerate ingredients. Anses advises that cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours before being refrigerated. Set the timing according to the ingredients and recipe instructions; an unrefrigerated cooking pot isn’t suitable for keeping perishable food waiting for a long time.
Follow the manual for your model when setting up the appliance, fitting the lid and handling hot parts. The French manual for the Instant Pot Duo Plus specifies using a stable, non-combustible surface and the supplied lid, among other instructions. These directions apply to the appliance covered by the manual.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, and claims must be made to the seller. The Ministry of the Economy and the DGCCRF state that goods are covered for two years. This legal guarantee is separate from any optional commercial guarantee offered by the manufacturer.
No. For products covered by the relevant European legislation, the DGCCRF explains that the CE marking relates to applicable regulatory requirements and isn’t a certification mark. It doesn’t tell you how well a dish will turn out or how easy the appliance is to clean. Also check the manual and safety information for the model.