If you’d like to spend less time keeping an eye on dishes you already make, a multicooker could be the answer. If you also want to chop, mix or knead, consider a cooking food processor instead. The right choice depends on the steps involved in your usual recipes, the capacity you can actually use, the space you have and how much cleaning is involved. If you wouldn’t use any new features often enough, sticking with the kitchen equipment you already own is a perfectly sensible option.
You already prepare the ingredients, but would like to spend less time monitoring rice, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food. Que Choisir and Instant Pot France describe appliances and cooking modes designed for these uses.
You’d also like to cut down on chopping or mixing before or during cooking. Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors from appliances designed for food preparation, while Moulinex lists accessories for its Companion XL.
You want to know whether the usable capacity, storage and cleaning requirements justify adding another appliance. Que Choisir covers these factors in its guides to choosing multicookers and cooking food processors.
Choose this if: you often make rice, steamed dishes or slow-cooked meals, and want to spend less time keeping an eye on them as they cook.
Bear in mind: programmed cooking generally won’t chop or mix your ingredients for you.
Choose this if: your recipes also involve chopping or mixing during preparation.
Bear in mind: features, accessories, usable capacities and access to recipes vary by model.
Choose this if: grating, slicing or weighing is your main repetitive task, and you’re happy with your pans, frying pans or oven.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to prepare and cook with separate appliances.
Choose this if: your usual dishes are already easy to make with the equipment you own.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to manage the preparation steps and cooking settings yourself.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Less hands-on cooking | Check which modes the specific model actually offers, and whether its settings suit the dishes you usually make. | If I want to start cooking rice, steaming food or making a slow-cooked dish without staying by the appliance, consumers who prioritise less hands-on cooking account for around 33%. |
| Preparation and cooking | For the recipes you make most often, check which accessories are available and what steps they let you complete. | If I also want to cut down on chopping or mixing by hand, consumers who prioritise integrated preparation account for around 27%. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the filling limits for the recipes you make, rather than relying on the bowl’s stated capacity alone. | If I need to make my usual quantities, consumers who prioritise the capacity they can actually use account for around 20%. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space where you plan to keep the appliance, and check which parts need cleaning and how you can access guided recipes. | If I’m short on space or want to avoid an appliance that’s difficult to clean, consumers who prioritise size and cleaning account for around 20%. |
The stated capacity doesn’t necessarily match the filling limit for a particular recipe. For the Cookeo featured in its guide, Que Choisir lists a 6 l bowl but says cooking is limited to 4 l maximum. The Monsieur Cuisine Smart product page gives a bowl capacity of 4.5 l and a maximum fill of 3 l.
Before choosing a capacity, check the limit for the specific model and the recipe you have in mind.
If your planned quantity is over the limit, you may need to cook it in several batches.
Programmed cooking and mechanical tasks such as chopping or mixing are different functions. With a multicooker, you may need to do these steps yourself.
Think about the steps involved in your usual recipes, then check which ones the model and its accessories can actually handle.
If you also want to chop, knead or mix, you may still need to keep or use other kitchen equipment.
Access to recipes varies depending on the appliance and its associated service. Vorwerk says Cookidoo is compatible with the Thermomix TM7 subject to certain conditions for accessing its service.
Before choosing, check the current service terms and the recipes you want to access.
The space an appliance takes up and the parts you need to clean also matter in everyday use.
Plan where you’ll keep it, then check which parts of the exact model are dishwasher-safe and which accessories you’ll actually use.
These examples highlight different types of appliance and features found on specific models. A brand’s inclusion here doesn’t mean its products are available.
The range includes multicookers for programmed cooking and cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking.
Consider the brand’s multicookers if pressure cooking, rice, steaming or slow cooking are among your requirements.
The Thermomix TM7 is worth considering if you’re looking for preparation and cooking functions, as well as guided recipes.
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart is worth considering if food preparation, guided cooking and filling limits are important to you.
The MultiPro OneTouch is an example of a food processor for preparation that you can use alongside separate cooking appliances.
This selection features multicookers designed to automate some of the cooking involved in everyday meals. If chopping or kneading is essential to your recipes, you may also want to consider a cooking food processor.
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Worth considering if you’d like to programme some of the cooking for your meals.
The product name lists a 6-litre capacity, 9 cooking menus, 2 pressure settings and 24-hour programming.
Follow the filling limits and wait for the appliance to depressurise as instructed before opening it.
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Worth considering if you’d like one appliance to offer several cooking modes.
The product name lists a 7.6 L capacity, 11-in-1 design and two lids. It combines an electric pressure cooker with an air fryer.
Follow the pressure-release instructions and wait for the appliance to depressurise before opening the pressure-cooking lid.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multicooker for smaller quantities.
The product name lists a 3.8 L capacity, up to 4 portions and a 7-in-1 design.
Follow the filling limits for pressure cooking and wait for the valve to drop before opening the lid.
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Worth considering if you’d like to programme several types of cooking with a connected multicooker.
The product name lists a 5.7 L capacity and a 10-in-1 design.
Do not try to open the lid while the appliance is under pressure.
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Worth considering if you’d like to cook larger quantities in a multicooker.
The product name lists a 7.1 L capacity, a 7-in-1 design and a stainless steel inner pot.
Follow the pressure-release instructions and keep your hands and face away from the steam release outlet.
Generally, no. Que Choisir says multicookers don’t usually mix food. If these steps are important to your recipes, check the accessories supplied with a cooking food processor rather than looking only at the number of programmes.
Not necessarily. The limit depends on the model and sometimes the recipe. For the Cookeo featured in its guide, Que Choisir lists a 6 l bowl but says cooking is limited to 4 l maximum. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Check the manual to see which parts of your chosen model are dishwasher-safe and how many accessories your recipes require. Que Choisir recommends considering cleaning and maintenance when choosing a cooking food processor.
No. The terms vary depending on the appliance and its associated service. Vorwerk sets out the compatibility requirements for Cookidoo with the TM7. Check the current terms and the recipes you want to access.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy notes that it is separate from any commercial guarantee. Check who the seller is and what information is provided when you buy.