For a range of meals that you can get started before moving on to another task, choose a programmable multicooker with settings to suit your recipes. A slow cooker is better suited to long, slow-cooked dishes; a rice cooker is ideal if rice is your main focus; and a cooking food processor suits recipes that also involve preparing ingredients. In every case, check the permitted quantities, keep-warm function and instructions in the manual. Programmable doesn’t mean you can ignore safety precautions.
You might make a slow-cooked dish one day, rice the next, or steamed vegetables another time. A multicooker is worth considering if you’d like to combine several cooking methods and a keep-warm function in one appliance.
If your meals mainly involve long cooking times, a slow cooker is a more straightforward choice than an appliance with browning, pressure-cooking or food-preparation functions that you’re unlikely to use.
If chopping, grating or mixing is a regular part of your recipes, a cooking food processor can handle those steps as well as cooking. Just bear in mind that its accessories will need storing and cleaning.
When choosing an appliance for busy evenings, start with the meals you actually cook: a variety of recipes for a multicooker, long cooking times for a slow cooker, rice for a rice cooker, or ingredient preparation before cooking for a cooking food processor. Then consider the practical factors that matter most to your household.
| Feature | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking modes and programming | Modes to suit your recipes and conditions for keeping food warm; time or temperature settings, depending on the model. | When dinner varies from day to day, I want to start different cooking programmes without needing several appliances. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Capacity and filling | Quantities suited to your recipes and the minimum and maximum levels shown in the manual, rather than just the bowl’s stated capacity. | If I’m cooking several portions or want leftovers, I need a bowl that’s the right size without exceeding its limits. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Rice and everyday cleaning | Check whether the model you’re considering has a keep-warm function, removable bowl and steaming basket. | For a meal based mainly on rice and a side dish, I prefer a simple appliance with a bowl that’s easy to clean. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Ingredient preparation | Chopping or mixing functions that you’ll actually use, and accessories that need storing and cleaning. | When a recipe starts with chopping or mixing, I want to be able to handle that step before cooking too. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this. |
The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how many portions you can make or how much you can put in the appliance when pressure-cooking or steaming.
Compare it with the quantities in the recipes you usually make, then check the guidelines in the manual for the specific model.
The result still depends on the recipe and quantities. Any appliance that heats food also needs to be used in line with the instructions on the lid, steam and, where applicable, pressure.
Read the manual before use and follow the appliance’s instructions for filling, releasing pressure and cleaning.
Chopping, grating and kneading mean more parts to handle, store and clean. If you mainly need to cook rice or slow-cooked dishes, these functions may go unused.
First, compare a rice cooker if rice is your main focus, or a multicooker for a variety of cooking methods. Choose a cooking food processor if you regularly make recipes that involve preparing ingredients.
Bowls, lids, seals and accessories aren’t interchangeable across every model in a brand’s range.
Check the full model number before you buy, then look for the manual and parts listed by the manufacturer for that specific model.
The Cookeo range is an example of a guided multicooker for a variety of meals. Moulinex lists models with a 6 L capacity, with features varying by model.
The Classic 2 rice cookers are worth considering if rice is your main priority.
The Cook Expert range combines ingredient preparation and cooking for recipes that need both.
These rice cookers and multicookers offer two ways to make mealtimes easier: focus on rice or enjoy several cooking modes. Your choice will depend on the quantities you prepare and whether you need to programme the start time, not just keep food warm.
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Worth considering if rice is a main part of your meals and you’d like to be able to delay the start.
The product title lists a 4 L capacity, delayed start, keep-warm function and steaming basket. Check the manual for how long food can be kept warm and the filling limits for your recipes.
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This multicooker is worth considering if your evening meals call for several types of cooking rather than an appliance dedicated to rice.
The product title mentions slow cooking, steaming and four customisable presets. For pressure-cooking, check that the manual matches the model being sold and follow its instructions for filling and releasing pressure.
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Worth comparing for smaller batches of rice if a timer and keep-warm function would help with your routine.
The product title lists seven cooking functions and a steaming basket. Check the electrical voltage, keep-warm duration and permitted quantities in the manual for this model.
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This multicooker may appeal to households looking for several cooking modes and planning to prepare larger quantities.
The product title lists twelve preset programmes, but the capacity information also refers to “8 quarts”. Confirm the exact capacity, filling limits and pressure-cooking instructions for this model before choosing it.
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Worth considering if you mainly cook rice and want to keep it warm after cooking.
The product title lists a 12-hour keep-warm function. If you need to set the cooking to start at a particular time, check separately whether it has a delayed-start function. Also check the manual for the right quantities of rice for the bowl.
An automatic programme doesn’t, by itself, mean you can leave the appliance unattended. Check the manual for your specific model for instructions on use, particularly those relating to steam, pressure, the lid and filling.
Start with the quantities you cook, then check the filling guidelines for the model and recipe. Tefal lists up to 900 g of rice for its 3 L Classic 2 and up to 1.5 kg for its 6 L model. These quantities don’t apply to other foods or appliances.
Yes, if rice is the main part of the meal and the features of your chosen model cover the side dishes you make, for example with a steaming basket. If you regularly make recipes that involve browning, slow cooking or pressure-cooking, consider the modes available on a multicooker instead.
Make sure you have the manual for the exact model you’ve bought, and follow its use and care instructions. The DGCCRF warns that electrical appliances can pose risks including burns, fire and electric shock. For a pressure-cooking model, pay particular attention to the instructions on steam and opening the lid.