Choose a programmable multicooker if you switch between rice, steaming and slow-cooked dishes, but check that the model you’re considering has the modes you need. A slow cooker is better suited to dishes that need a long cooking time, while a rice cooker may be all you need if rice features in most of your meals. These appliances handle the cooking, not the ingredient preparation: only consider a cooking food processor if you also want to chop or mix ingredients in the same appliance.
You might make rice one day, steamed vegetables the next, and a slow-cooked dish after that. A multicooker can handle these cooking methods if its modes suit your recipes; you’ll still need to prepare the ingredients before you start it.
If stews and sauces that need a long cooking time regularly feature on your menu, a programmable slow cooker is worth considering. Check the timer and whether it switches to keep-warm mode on the model you choose.
A rice cooker is designed for cooking rice and keeping it warm. Some models also come with a steaming basket; you don’t need to choose one with slow-cooking or searing modes unless you want them.
Start with the recipes you make most often, then check the programming options, how much you can actually cook and how easy the model is to clean.
Choose this if: you want to switch between several cooking methods in the same pot.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to prepare the ingredients yourself. Check each cooking mode rather than relying on the number of programmes alone.
Choose this if: you mainly make dishes that need a long cooking time.
Bear in mind: a slow cooker won’t necessarily have the rice, steaming or searing modes you might need for other recipes.
Choose this if: rice is what you cook most, perhaps with some steaming as well.
Bear in mind: don’t expect this appliance to slow-cook or sear unless you’ve checked the model’s features.
Choose this if: you also want to chop, mix or knead with the appliance that does the cooking.
Bear in mind: check the usable capacity and the accessories you’ll need to clean, as these vary by model.
| Feature | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Programming | Check the timer, keep-warm function and whether there’s a delayed start. If using the delayed start, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for ingredients left waiting in the appliance. | I want to be able to start cooking and serve the meal later, without assuming the appliance will prepare or stir the ingredients. |
| Cooking modes | Compare the listed modes with your recipes: rice, steaming, slow cooking, searing or pressure cooking, depending on the appliance. Check the settings available on the exact model. | If my meals vary often, several modes are useful. If I regularly make stews or mainly cook rice, I can prioritise a specialist appliance. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fill limits and portion guidance in the instruction manual, especially for liquid-based recipes. The pot’s total volume isn’t always the same as its usable cooking capacity. | I cook the amount my household usually needs, rather than relying on the number of litres shown on the appliance. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts are removable and which are dishwasher-safe. Also look at how to remove and handle the pot. | If you cook frequently, cleaning the pot, lid and accessories matters just as much as how simple the programme is to use. |
A multicooker can run a cooking programme without chopping or mixing the ingredients for you.
Think about which steps you want the appliance to handle. If that includes food preparation, compare the features of a cooking food processor; otherwise, focus on the cooking modes you need.
The amount you can cook for a particular recipe may be less than the pot’s stated capacity, especially when the recipe contains a lot of liquid.
Check the fill limits and portion guidance in the instruction manual for the exact model.
The number of programmes alone doesn’t confirm whether an appliance has pressure cooking, browning or slow-cooking modes, or which settings are available.
Make a note of a few recipes you regularly cook and check the listed modes and settings for each one.
A removable pot doesn’t mean the lid, basket and other accessories can all be cleaned in the same way.
Check the care instructions for each part, as well as the warranty terms offered for the appliance.
The features below apply to the models mentioned by each brand, not to its entire range.
Moulinex offers, among other options, a 5 L Fuzzy Logic multicooker and a Cookeo+ with a delayed-start function and keep-warm mode.
Crock-Pot’s SCCPRC507B digital slow cooker is listed with a 4.7 L capacity, a programmable countdown timer and automatic keep-warm mode.
Tefal’s Classic 2 rice cooker combines rice cooking and keep-warm functions with a steaming basket and removable pot.
Magimix describes the Cook Expert Connect as a cooking food processor that can cook and handle tasks such as chopping, mixing and kneading.
These options include multicookers for making a variety of recipes and rice cookers for more specific needs. Compare their features with the meals you usually make; this selection doesn’t cover every appliance type mentioned above.
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For a varied menu, this multicooker lists pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing and steaming among its modes, as well as a keep-warm function. Its pot is listed as 5.7 L; check the fill limits for each recipe. When pressure cooking, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for opening the appliance.
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This 2 L multicooker lists programmes for rice, porridge, soup and steaming, along with a 24-hour delayed start and keep-warm function. To see if it suits your portion sizes and cleaning preferences, check the usable capacity for each recipe and the instructions for cleaning the pot.
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For a range of recipes, this pressure multicooker lists rice, steaming and slow-cooking modes, as well as a delayed start and keep-warm function. The pot is listed as 8 L and the appliance as 1200 W; check the instruction manual for fill limits and for using the delayed-start function with perishable ingredients.
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If rice is what you mainly cook, this rice cooker lists a delayed-start function, keep-warm mode and a steaming basket. It is listed with a 4 L capacity and 860 W power; check the instruction manual for the quantities allowed in your recipes and the conditions for using the delayed-start function.
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This rice cooker has rice and steaming programmes, a steaming basket and a keep-warm function listed for up to 12 hours. To see if it suits your household, check the usable capacity and portion guidance: the portion information listed for this model is inconsistent.
No. A programmable multicooker generally handles the cooking after you’ve prepared the ingredients. UFC-Que Choisir notes that these appliances generally don’t stir food. If you also want to chop or mix ingredients in the same appliance, look at the features of a cooking food processor.
Compare the usable capacity and the portions listed for the recipes you plan to make, rather than looking at the stated volume alone. Fill limits vary by appliance and recipe, so check the instruction manual for the exact model.
It may be enough if you mainly cook rice and want a keep-warm function, perhaps with a steaming basket too. If you regularly make slow-cooked or seared dishes, check that each appliance has the modes you need before considering a replacement.
Check the care instructions for the pot, lid, basket and accessories separately. A removable or dishwasher-safe pot doesn’t mean the other parts are suitable for the dishwasher too.