For a weeknight meal, choose according to which steps you want to hand over to an appliance. A multicooker mainly takes care of cooking ingredients you’ve already prepared, while a cooking food processor can also chop or mix. A programmable slow cooker suits meals planned well in advance, rather than a dinner that needs cooking quickly. For each appliance, check the usable capacity and programming options in the instructions.
If your priority is to start cooking and then get on with something else, take a look at a multicooker’s programmes. Que Choisir says that a properly programmed appliance can cook without needing constant supervision; you’ll still need to prepare ingredients and plan any additions.
If you regularly make dishes that need chopping or mixing, it’s worth comparing a cooking food processor with a multicooker. Functions vary by model, so also think about the space it takes up and the accessories you’ll need to clean.
A programmable slow cooker is better suited to slow-cooked meals planned in advance. The Crock-Pot CSC052X, for example, combines a cooking timer with an automatic switch to keep-warm mode, but this doesn’t mean it has a delayed start function.
Choose this if: your ingredients are ready and you mainly want to hand over the cooking.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to chop ingredients yourself and, depending on the recipe, you may need to add ingredients or stir during cooking.
Choose this if: you also want to cut down on tasks such as chopping, mixing or kneading.
Bear in mind: you may need to handle, clean and store more accessories, depending on the functions you use.
Choose this if: you can plan ahead for a slow-cooked meal.
Bear in mind: slow cooking isn’t the same as pressure cooking when you need dinner ready quickly.
Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, compare how much cooking it can do unattended, the portion sizes it can handle, how easy it is to clean and how much space it will take up in your kitchen.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking unattended | Look for programmes suited to your dishes, and distinguish between delayed start, a cooking timer and keep-warm mode. | When the ingredients are ready, I want to start dinner without having to stay by the appliance. Around 33% of shoppers would put this ability to cook unattended first. |
| Portion sizes | Compare the usable capacity and filling limits with the portions you usually make. | If I’m cooking for several people or want leftovers, the amount I can actually prepare comes before extra modes. This would be the priority for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Cleaning | Check which removable parts are dishwasher-safe and how many accessories you’ll need for your recipes. | After a meal, I’d rather not wash several parts if I can save time day to day. Around 20% of shoppers would make cleaning their top priority. |
| Space and functions | Measure the space you have available and focus on the preparation tasks you’ll actually use it for. | When kitchen space is limited, I don’t want to clutter the worktop with functions I rarely use. This balance would be a priority for around 20% of shoppers. |
According to Que Choisir, a 6 L Cookeo bowl can hold no more than 4 L for cooking. So the stated capacity may not match the amount that’s right for your recipe.
Start with the number of portions you want to make, then check the filling levels in the instructions, especially for foods that expand.
Que Choisir notes that multicookers generally don’t stir food. A cooking food processor can take care of some extra preparation steps, but that means using accessories.
Make a note of the tasks you want to avoid on weeknights. If chopping and mixing take as long as the cooking, look at the functions offered by a cooking food processor.
Crock-Pot says the CSC052X has a programmable cooking time of up to 20 hours and switches automatically to keep-warm mode. Moulinex lists delayed start separately for the Cookeo+ CE85B510: these descriptions refer to different functions.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to see separately when it can start, how long it can cook for and how keep-warm mode works.
A large-capacity food processor can be awkward to move around: Magimix lists the Cook Expert XL Connect as weighing 11.9 kg.
Measure your worktop and storage space, then check the installation and connection instructions for the appliance you choose.
The Cookeo and Companion ranges let you compare an appliance focused on cooking with a food processor that also helps with preparation.
The Cook Expert XL Connect is worth considering if preparing ingredients matters as much as cooking them.
The CSC052X is suited to slow-cooked meals, rather than chopping or pressure cooking.
These models cater to two different needs: letting a multicooker take care of the cooking, or using a cooking food processor for some preparation steps as well. Compare their functions with the meals you make during the week.
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Worth considering if you’re preparing several portions using ingredients that are ready to cook.
The title lists an 8 L bowl, 1,200 W of power and 12 preset menus. Check the instructions for usable capacity, filling limits and delayed start options before planning your meals.
Also check the voltage and plug type of the version on offer.
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Consider this if you want an appliance to handle some preparation as well as cooking.
The title mentions built-in scales and a large touchscreen. To choose a model that suits your portions and routine, check the usable capacity and whether the instructions mention a delayed start function.
Check the voltage and plug of the version on offer.
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Compare this if you want to cook several portions without choosing a food processor that also prepares the ingredients.
The title lists nine menus and two pressure settings. Check the filling limits for different foods, and see in the instructions whether the 24-hour timer lets you delay the start or sets the cooking time.
Check that the plug and voltage are compatible with your home.
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Worth considering if you also want to cut down on ingredient preparation.
The title mentions built-in scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes. However, the product listing says you need to supervise the appliance while it’s running, so don’t choose it expecting it to cook unattended.
Check the bowl’s usable capacity, programming functions and the electrical compatibility of the version on offer.
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Consider this if you want to switch between different cooking modes for meals made with ingredients that are ready to cook.
The title lists a 7-in-1 appliance with a stainless-steel inner bowl. Check the usable capacity, filling limits, and whether it has the delayed start and keep-warm functions you need.
The listing states 220 V. Check the electrical version and plug before buying.
Yes, during the cooking stage, provided the programme suits the recipe and the appliance is set up correctly, as Que Choisir explains. You’ll still need to prepare the ingredients in advance and check whether the recipe calls for anything to be added or stirred during cooking.
No. A timer may simply set the cooking time. Moulinex lists delayed start for the Cookeo+ CE85B510, while Crock-Pot describes a programmable cooking time and keep-warm mode for the CSC052X. Check the instructions for the model you’re interested in to see how these functions differ.
A compact model may be enough if you don’t make many leftovers: Moulinex describes the Cookeo Touch Mini’s 3 L bowl as suitable for 1 to 3 people. Also compare the usable cooking capacity and filling limits with the recipes you usually make.
No. Only put parts in the dishwasher if they’re listed as dishwasher-safe for that model. Moulinex says this applies to the Cookeo Touch Mini bowl, and Crock-Pot says it applies to the CSC052X’s removable cooking pot and glass lid. Check the instructions before cleaning any other parts.