A programmable multicooker is a good choice if you often cook rice, steam vegetables or make slow-cooked dishes, and mainly want to hand over the cooking. If weighing, blending or following recipe steps takes up more of your time, consider a cooking food processor instead. Keep separate appliances if cooking several things at once or achieving specialist results matters more. In each case, compare the portions you actually make, the parts that need cleaning and the instructions for the specific model.
If cooking keeps you tied to the hob, look at the settings for the dishes you make, the keep-warm function and any steps you still need to take, as set out in the instructions. Features vary from model to model: letting the appliance manage the cooking does not mean that all preparation or precautions are taken care of.
If you want to cook dinner and have leftovers, compare the usable capacity with the recipes you usually make. The size of the steaming basket, minimum quantities and parts to wash matter too: a large advertised bowl does not, by itself, mean less washing up.
If weighing, blending, mixing or following a recipe takes longer than keeping an eye on the cooking, the functions of a cooking food processor are worth considering. Check which features you will actually use, along with the bowl capacity and access to guided recipes.
For weeknight dinners, start by deciding which task you want to hand over. A multicooker mainly takes care of cooking, while a cooking food processor can also handle some preparation tasks. Separate appliances offer more flexibility when you want to cook several things at once.
Consider it : if your usual meals suit cooking in a bowl, steaming, slow cooking or pressure cooking, depending on the model’s settings.
Bear in mind : you will still need to prepare the ingredients, allow for preheating and any pressure release, and wash up afterwards. Follow the instructions for pressure cooking and programming.
Consider it : if weighing, mixing, blending or following a recipe is what slows down meal preparation most.
Bear in mind : the bowl capacity, accessories to clean and terms of access to recipes may limit its usefulness for the dishes you usually make.
Keep them : if you regularly cook several things at once or rely on a dedicated appliance for a particular result.
Bear in mind : several appliances take up space and can mean more things to wash, depending on what you cook.
| Priority | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Being there while it cooks | Settings that suit your dishes and the full cooking time, from preparation to any pressure release; programming instructions in the manual. | When I get home late, I want to start making a familiar dish without having to step in at every stage, while still following the appliance instructions. Around 33 % of consumers would prioritise handing over the cooking. |
| Portions and cleaning | Usable capacity for your recipes and parts that are explicitly compatible with your preferred cleaning method. | When I’m making dinner and leftovers, I want enough room without making it a chore to wash the bowl and accessories. Around 27 % of consumers would share this priority. |
| Preparing ingredients | Weighing, blending and mixing functions that are actually included; bowl capacity and terms of access to guided recipes. | If the tasks before cooking and the recipe steps are what slow me down, I want to make those easier too. Around 20 % of consumers would prioritise help with preparation. |
| Specialist or simultaneous cooking | The results your recipes need, the appliances required to cook in parallel and the accessories included with the model you choose. | When I’m cooking several things at once or want a crispy result, I don’t want to give up a useful appliance without an equivalent alternative. Around 20 % of consumers would put keeping these options first. |
Some recipe times published by Moulinex exclude preheating and browning. So a short cooking time does not tell you how long preparation, any pressure release and cleaning will take.
Choose a few dishes you make during the week and add up every step before comparing the appliance with the way you cook now.
A setting you never use will not make any meal easier. The key differences are more likely to be the cooking methods available, capacity, accessories and parts that need cleaning.
Make a note of the dishes you cook often, then check that the model you are considering has the settings and accessories each one needs.
Pressure cooking or slow cooking does not guarantee an air fryer function. Moulinex lists the Extra Crisp accessory separately for some Cookeo models, while the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8QT is described as having two interchangeable lids.
Check the advertised function, the type of lid and exactly what is included before relying on this feature.
An accessory sold separately or a second lid also affects how much storage space you need.
Fill limits, delayed start and pressure release vary by model. The DGCCRF also points out that the CE mark is not a certification mark.
Check the exact model number and read its instructions before buying and using it, particularly for ingredients, filling and safety procedures.
The Cookeo range is a good example of a multicooker focused on cooking in a bowl, particularly under pressure. Check the features and capacity of each version.
The Foodi multicookers are worth a look if you want both pressure cooking and an air fryer function.
Duo models focus on a range of cooking methods in one bowl; Duo Crisp versions add an air fryer function, depending on their configuration.
The Thermomix is a cooking food processor. It is worth comparing with a multicooker if you want to combine ingredient preparation, cooking and guided recipes.
These options cover programmable cooking, food preparation with a cooking food processor and meals mainly based around rice. Compare them with your recipes and the appliances you want to keep.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you want to programme cooking for several portions rather than handle the preparation tasks yourself.
The title lists pressure cooking, a built-in scale and an air-frying function. Check exactly what is included, then read the model’s instructions for pressure cooking, programming and cleaning.
Image unavailable
For dishes suited to pressure cooking in one bowl, when you want to minimise the adjustments needed during cooking.
The title lists nine menus and two pressure settings. The description gives a 6 L capacity and a 5 L usable capacity: compare the latter with your portion sizes and make sure you can understand the instructions before using it under pressure.
Image unavailable
Consider it if weighing ingredients and preparing them takes as much time as the cooking itself.
The title mentions a built-in scale and touchscreen. The description gives a 4.5 L bowl and 3 L usable capacity: check that this suits your portion sizes and follow the cleaning instructions for the parts.
Image unavailable
For following guided steps and handing over some of the preparation, provided you can stay nearby while it is running.
The title mentions a built-in scale and 680 recipes. The description lists a 3.5 L bowl and says not to leave the appliance unattended. Also check the cleaning instructions for the parts.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your weeknight meals mainly revolve around rice and dishes suited to a dedicated rice cooker, rather than a wide range of pressure-cooked meals.
The title lists a power rating of 860 W, delayed start, keep warm and settings for porridge, soup and cake. Check the cleaning instructions for the bowl and accessories.
It can replace some cookware for recipes covered by its settings, but not necessarily all your appliances. UFC-Que Choisir describes several possible uses for a multicooker. Compare these with the dishes you usually make, especially if you need to sear food, make it crispy or cook several things at once.
Automatic functions do not give you blanket permission to leave any model running unattended. Moulinex describes cooking managed by some Cookeo models, but fill limits, delayed start and pressure release are covered by the instructions for your appliance.
Compare the parts you need to wash after making your usual recipes, not just the bowl. Check the lid, seals, basket and other accessories separately, as well as whether they are dishwasher-safe for the model you choose.
No : the DGCCRF explains that the CE mark is not a certification mark. To choose and use a pressure cooker, identify the exact appliance and read its instructions, particularly the guidance on filling and pressure release.