If your ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want to avoid keeping an eye on the cooking, start by comparing programmable multicookers. An electric pressure cooker is the right choice if you need pressure cooking, but you’ll need to follow the filling and opening instructions for this cooking method. A food processor with a cooking function is worth considering if you regularly want to prepare ingredients and cook them in the same appliance. In every case, check the usable capacity, the programmes suited to your dishes and the care instructions in the manual.
You prepare the ingredients yourself, then let the appliance handle the cooking using your chosen programme. UFC-Que Choisir describes this as a typical use for multicookers. Still, check that the keep-warm function and settings suit the meals you usually make.
If you’re cooking for several people or making leftovers, choose the bowl size based on its usable capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between a Cookeo’s total capacity and the maximum amount it can cook.
If you want to chop, blend, whisk or mix in the same appliance you cook with, it’s worth comparing food processors with a cooking function. According to UFC-Que Choisir, their features and capacities vary, so check what the model you’re considering can do.
Start by deciding which steps you want the appliance to take care of: managing a meal you’ve prepared in advance, pressure cooking, or helping you prepare the ingredients too.
Best for: when the ingredients are ready and you want to start a standard cooking programme without staying by the appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to prepare the ingredients and, depending on the dish and model, stir them yourself.
Best for: when you genuinely plan to use pressure cooking as one of your cooking methods.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to follow the model’s instructions on filling, releasing steam and opening the lid.
Best for: when you regularly want to chop, blend or mix ingredients, then cook them in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: check how much space it needs, which accessories are included and what needs cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir notes that features vary between food processors.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping an eye on the cooking | Look for programmes that suit your dishes, and check the time settings and keep-warm function. | I prepare the ingredients, then need to get on with other things rather than keeping an eye on the cooking. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this hands-off cooking. |
| Portions and usable capacity | Compare the usable capacity and filling markers, particularly for liquids and pressure cooking. | When cooking several portions or making leftovers, I want to know how much will actually fit in the bowl. This would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Preparing and cooking in one appliance | Check which food preparation tasks the appliance can handle and which accessories are included, then find out how to clean them. | I often need to chop or mix ingredients before cooking and want to avoid switching appliances at every stage. This would be the main need for around 25% of consumers. |
A 6 L bowl won’t necessarily let you cook 6 L of food. For the Cookeo EPC03 series, the Moulinex manual states a total capacity of 6 L and a usable capacity of 4 L. UFC-Que Choisir also points out this distinction.
Work out your portion sizes using the usable capacity and the filling markers for your dishes, rather than relying on the capacity shown in the appliance’s name.
A programme can manage the heat and cooking time without chopping or stirring the ingredients. You may still need to step in for recipes that require these tasks.
Think about the steps you do most often. If preparation and stirring matter as much as cooking, compare the features of food processors with a cooking function.
With an electric pressure cooker, filling, the sealing ring, the valve and opening the lid are all part of using it correctly. For example, the Moulinex Cookeo manual says to wait until all the steam has escaped before trying to open it.
Read the manual for the model you choose and follow its instructions for filling, releasing steam and cleaning the safety components.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies, subject to the conditions set out in the regulations, for two years to new and second-hand goods bought from a professional seller. The DGCCRF explains that a commercial warranty is optional and supplements statutory guarantees.
If you’re offered a commercial warranty, check exactly what it covers, how long it lasts and what exclusions apply. It does not replace your rights when buying from a professional seller.
The range includes programmable multicookers and Cookeo electric pressure cookers.
The Thermomix TM7 is aimed at households looking for a food processor that combines preparation, cooking and guided recipes.
The Cook Expert is a food processor with a cooking function to consider if preparing food matters as much as cooking it.
Monsieur Cuisine Smart is an option if you’re looking for a food processor that can prepare ingredients and cook in one appliance.
These models are all multifunction electric pressure cookers, so compare them if pressure cooking is part of your routine. If you’re after a simple programmable cooking function or an appliance that also prepares ingredients, keep the other types described above in mind too.
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Worth considering if you want to switch between pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming in one appliance.
The product name lists 7 functions and 4 customisable programmes. The 5.7 L capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much you can cook for each dish, so check the filling limits in the manual.
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Worth a look if you plan meals around cooking programmes and different pressure settings.
The product name lists 24-hour programming, 9 menus and 2 pressure levels. Check the manual for the filling limits for each mode, as well as the care instructions.
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Worth comparing if you want to combine pressure cooking, an air fryer lid and weighing as part of your meal prep.
The stated capacity is 6 L. Check the manual for the permitted quantity for each mode and how to care for the different components.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a range of programmes for evening meals and need to compare the bowl size with your portion requirements.
The product name lists an 8 L capacity, 1,200 W and 12 programmes. Before buying, check the usable capacity, electrical compatibility and cleaning instructions for this model.
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Worth considering if you want to compare a 7.1 L model for pressure cooking and other cooking methods in one appliance.
The product name lists 7 functions and a stainless steel inner pot. Check the usable capacity and the programme settings you need, then follow the manual’s instructions on filling and releasing steam.
Yes. Once started, a suitable programme can manage the heat and cooking time. UFC-Que Choisir describes this as a typical use for a multicooker. That doesn’t mean the appliance will always prepare or stir the ingredients, or that you can ignore the filling and safety instructions.
Usable capacity gives you a better idea of how much food you can plan to cook, in line with the conditions in the manual. For the Cookeo EPC03 series, Moulinex lists a total capacity of 6 L and a usable capacity of 4 L. Also check any limits for your recipe and cooking method.
Choose one if you regularly need to chop, blend or mix ingredients before or during cooking. If you already prepare the ingredients and mainly want to programme the cooking, compare multicookers first. For a food processor, check the features, accessories and cleaning requirements carefully, as these vary by model according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Check your model’s manual for instructions on filling, locking the lid, releasing steam and caring for the sealing ring and valve. For example, the Moulinex Cookeo manual says to wait until all the steam has escaped before trying to open it. Follow the procedure for your own appliance.
No. The DGCCRF explains that a commercial warranty is optional and supplements statutory guarantees; it does not replace them. For goods bought from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years to both new and second-hand goods, subject to the conditions set out in the regulations.