If you want to put a dish on to cook in the bowl and get on with something else, start by comparing programmable multicookers. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a properly programmed appliance can manage the cooking, but preparing the ingredients is still up to you. A cooking food processor is designed for different needs: choose one if you also want to weigh, chop or mix ingredients and follow guided recipes. Check which steps still need to be done by hand, how much space it takes up and what you need to access the recipes. A food processor without a heating function can make preparation easier, but you’ll need to cook your food separately using your existing appliances.
If you want to start cooking and move on to another task, a programmable multicooker is worth considering. However, you’ll still need to prepare the ingredients and step in if the recipe calls for something to be added or stirred.
A cooking food processor brings together functions such as weighing, chopping, mixing and cooking. Check the features of the specific model, how much space its accessories need and what’s required to access guided recipes.
Compare the usable capacity with the portions you usually make, rather than relying on the bowl’s total capacity. For example, Magimix lists the Cook Expert XL’s bowl as 4.8 L, with a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
Worth considering: if you want to start cooking a dish in the bowl and leave it to cook according to the selected programme.
Bear in mind: chopping, measuring and adding any extra ingredients are still manual tasks.
Worth considering: if you want to bring food preparation, cooking and, depending on the model, guided recipes together in one appliance.
Bear in mind: some steps will still need your attention, and the bowl and accessories take up space.
Worth considering: if you mainly want to make food preparation easier and already have the appliances you need to cook your meals.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to cook separately on the hob or in the oven.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-off cooking | Look for programmes suited to the dishes you make and check which steps need your attention. Check the keep-warm function and pressure controls separately on the model you’re considering. | I want to be able to leave the kitchen once I’ve added the ingredients and started cooking. |
| Food preparation | Check the weighing, chopping and mixing functions on the specific model. Look through your usual recipes to see which ingredients need adding during cooking. | I’d like to cut down on the preparation before and during cooking too, not just the time I spend at the hob. |
| Cleaning | Check the bowl, lid, blades and accessories individually. Vorwerk says the removable parts of the Thermomix TM7 are dishwasher-safe, while the base must be cleaned by hand. | I’d rather know how many parts I’ll need to wash and put away after an everyday meal. |
| Capacity and space | Compare usable capacity, fill limits, dimensions and weight. For the Cook Expert XL, Magimix lists 3.8 L of usable capacity out of 4.8 L in total, as well as dimensions of 405 × 335 × 390 mm and a weight of 11.9 kg. | My portions need to fit in the bowl, and the appliance needs to fit where I’ll actually use it. |
| Guided recipes | Check what works on the appliance itself, what requires an app and what you need to access the recipes. Magimix’s connected features for the Cook Expert require a compatible Smart Connect setup. | If I plan to follow recipes on the screen or my phone, I want to know what equipment and access I’ll need before choosing. |
A multicooker can manage the cooking after you start the programme, but it won’t chop or measure the ingredients for you. If a recipe calls for stirring or adding an ingredient, you’ll still need to step in.
Think of a few dishes you often cook and note down the steps needed before and during cooking.
The stated capacity doesn’t necessarily reflect how much you can use for every recipe, particularly when there are fill limits.
Compare the usable capacity and fill instructions with the portions you usually prepare.
Access conditions vary: Vorwerk offers Cookidoo recipes by subscription, while Magimix’s connected features for the Cook Expert require a compatible Smart Connect setup.
For the model you’re considering, check which features work without an internet connection, which accessories are included and what you need to access the recipes.
A recipe subscription can be an ongoing cost if you want to keep using the platform.
The bowl, lid and accessories all need space after use. Magimix lists the Cook Expert XL at 11.9 kg; Vorwerk says the TM7 base must be cleaned by hand, even though its removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
Measure the worktop and storage space you have in mind, then check the cleaning instructions for each part of the model you’re considering.
These models illustrate features and trade-offs worth comparing; you should still check the exact configuration you’re interested in.
The Cookeo range includes multicookers designed for cooking meals in the bowl.
According to Vorwerk, the Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking functions with guided recipes available through Cookidoo.
The Cook Expert XL combines food preparation and cooking in a bowl with a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L, according to Magimix.
These Joybuy models are programmable multicookers. Compare their size and controls if your priority is to start cooking a dish in the bowl. They won’t replace a cooking food processor if you also want to automate some food preparation tasks.
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This 3.8L multicooker is worth considering if you prepare smaller quantities and want to start cooking once you’ve added the ingredients. Check that its usable capacity suits your portions; food preparation is still manual. When pressure cooking, follow the pressure-release instructions before opening the lid.
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The 7.1L size is worth comparing with your needs if you cook several portions at once. Check the usable capacity for your meals and make sure you have enough space before choosing this XL model. You’ll still need to prepare the ingredients before cooking.
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With a 5.7L bowl, this model offers a size worth comparing with the portions you make most often. Check the fill limits for each recipe and prepare the ingredients before starting to cook. After pressure cooking, follow the pressure-release instructions before opening the lid.
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This 8L multi-function pressure cooker may appeal to households comparing large-capacity bowls for family meals. Before choosing this size, check the usable capacity, cleaning instructions, and that the voltage and plug type are suitable for your setup. Follow the fill limits and steam instructions.
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This model offers 24-hour programming for meals you want to prepare in advance. Its bowl has a stated total capacity of 6 L: compare its usable capacity with your portions rather than estimating how many people it serves from the stated capacity alone. Before using it in France, also check the cleaning instructions, voltage and plug type.
No. It can manage the cooking once you’ve added the ingredients and started a programme, but it won’t do all the preparation. Check whether your recipes call for stirring or adding ingredients during cooking. UFC-Que Choisir describes a multicooker as operating autonomously during the cooking stage when properly programmed.
Check the bowl, lid, accessories and base separately. Moulinex says to clean the bowl, water collector and lid of the Cookeo Touch. Vorwerk says the removable parts of the Thermomix TM7 are dishwasher-safe, but the base must be cleaned by hand.
No. Vorwerk’s guided recipes are available through Cookidoo, where ongoing access is offered by subscription. Before choosing the TM7, check the current access terms and which features are available on the appliance without a subscription.
It may, if the product and repair meet the scheme’s conditions. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the bonus is deducted from the bill when you use an accredited repairer. Check whether the appliance and fault are eligible before factoring it into your decision.