A programmable multicooker can be a good choice if you regularly prepare a variety of dishes and want to spend less time checking on them as they cook. If you mainly cook rice, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food, a specialist appliance you already own may be all you need. Before choosing, compare the portions you can actually prepare, the steps you’ll still need to do by hand and the functions of the specific model. Delayed start, cooking time and keep-warm don’t all serve the same purpose. Que Choisir describes the multicooker as a programmable appliance for preparing different dishes, particularly for people who are short on time.
You want to prepare the ingredients, start cooking and keep the remaining steps to a minimum. Check how the programme works and how food should be stored. Que Choisir describes multicookers as programmable appliances that may appeal to people who are short on time.
You switch between different cooking methods and want to avoid appliances that duplicate what you already have. Don’t assume that every programme can fully replace an existing kitchen utensil.
You prepare several portions or make enough for leftovers. Compare the stated capacity with the quantities permitted for your chosen dish and cooking mode, as set out in the model’s instructions.
Choose this if: you switch between different cooking modes and the programmes suit the dishes you usually make.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up space, and its functions vary from model to model.
Choose this if: you can prepare the ingredients in advance and are mainly looking for slow cooking.
Bear in mind: setting a long cooking time doesn’t mean dinner will be ready quickly if you start late.
Choose this if: rice is what you cook most often and you want an appliance dedicated to preparing it.
Bear in mind: simple operation doesn’t guarantee a delayed-start function or the same versatility as other appliances.
Choose this if: you mainly steam food and already have a way to cook the rest of the meal.
Bear in mind: a timer with automatic shut-off doesn’t mean the appliance can delay the start.
For a busy evening, start with the meals you usually make and the appliances you already own, then check the functions and capacity of the model you’re considering.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less time checking on food | Check which steps still need to be done by hand, which programmes are useful and which functions are available for your chosen mode. | When I get home late, I want to free up time while the food cooks, without expecting the whole process to be completely hands-off; around 31% of consumers prioritise spending less time checking on food. |
| Make a variety of meals | Compare the specific modes with the dishes you cook, and check which accessories you’ll need. | If my meals change often, I’d rather have modes suited to what I cook than a long list of programmes I never use; around 25% of consumers prioritise variety. |
| Make enough portions | Compare the quantities you usually cook with the fill-level guidance in the instructions, particularly for foods that expand. | When I’m making several portions or leftovers, I want the quantity I’ve planned to fit in the bowl for the dish I’m making; around 19% of consumers put portion capacity first. |
| Avoid clutter | Take stock of the appliances you already own and measure the space available for the appliance and its accessories. | If my worktop and cupboards are already full, I want to avoid an appliance that duplicates a function I already have; around 13% of consumers prioritise saving space and avoiding duplication. |
| Stick with a specialist appliance | Identify the dish you cook most often and distinguish between automatic cooking, a timer and delayed start. | If I mainly cook rice, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food, a dedicated appliance may meet my needs without adding modes I’ll rarely use; around 12% of consumers prioritise their specialist use. |
Fill-level guidance for pressure cooking can vary depending on the ingredients. For its appliances, Instant Pot says not to fill beyond two-thirds for most dishes, or half full for foods that expand. These limits don’t automatically apply to other brands.
Check the instructions for your model and the dishes you’re making. Don’t assume the limits for one appliance apply to another.
The Crock-Pot CSC063X lets you set a cooking time, while the Seb Convenient Series VC145100 has a timer with automatic shut-off. These functions don’t prove that either appliance has a delayed-start feature.
Look specifically for a “delayed start” function in the instructions for the model and programme you want to use.
Moulinex says the function associated with the Extra Crisp for the Cookeo Touch Wifi CE902800 requires an accessory sold separately.
Check what’s included in the box against the functions you plan to use.
An extra appliance may duplicate something you already own if you mainly cook one type of dish and already have a suitable cooker.
Think about your usual meals and the appliances you already use before comparing the number of programmes.
Worth a look if you’re after a multicooker with a range of modes and functions.
Worth considering if you prepare ingredients in advance for slow cooking; the CSC063X is an example of a digital slow cooker advertised with a large capacity.
Worth comparing if rice is what you cook most often; the Classic 2 RK102811 also comes with a steaming basket.
Worth considering if you’re after a dedicated food steamer; the Convenient Series VC145100 has two stackable bowls.
Worth a look if you want a Duo multicooker that combines pressure cooking with other modes; settings depend on the programme and model.
These programmable multicookers are for people who want to try different cooking modes or plan when a meal starts cooking. Compare their capacity and functions with what you actually need.
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Designed to programme the cooking of different dishes, this model lists nine menus and a 24-hour timer.
The bowl holds 6 L, with a stated usable capacity of 5 L. The product description lists two pressure settings and says it can cater for up to 12 people.
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For a household looking for several cooking modes in a model advertised for up to four portions, this multicooker is described as a 7-in-1 appliance.
The product description lists pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming. Follow the stated fill limits: around two-thirds full for most dishes and half full for foods that expand.
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For planning when cooking starts and switching between different dishes, the product description lists a 24-hour delayed timer, keep-warm and dedicated programmes.
The listed programmes include rice, porridge, soup, steaming and cake. The product description says to leave at least 40 cm above the appliance and 10 cm at the sides.
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Designed for preparing several portions and switching between cooking modes, this model is described as a 7-in-1 multicooker for up to eight portions.
The product description lists a 7.1 L capacity and includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing and steaming among its functions. Follow the model-specific instructions for filling and releasing steam.
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For planning when a meal starts and trying different dishes, the product description lists a 24-hour delayed timer and 12 pre-set menus.
The stated capacity is 8 L, with keep-warm advertised for up to 12 hours. Follow the fill-level guidance, particularly the half-full line for foods that expand.
No. For its 12-programme, 5 L model, the manufacturer distinguishes between delaying the start of cooking and keeping food warm afterwards. Check that each function is available for the model and programme you’re considering.
Don’t assume you can do this just because the appliance has a long maximum programmable time. Plan food preparation and delayed start with the ingredients’ storage requirements in mind. Anses recommends not leaving a cooked dish at room temperature for more than two hours before refrigerating it; this guidance doesn’t amount to general permission to leave raw ingredients waiting for two hours.
Follow the instructions for your model on filling the bowl and, where applicable, using the pressure valve. Moulinex says the bowl and some accessories for its 12-programme, 5 L model are dishwasher-safe; this doesn’t automatically apply to every part of other appliances.
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy information page consulted on 9 September 2026 states that you have two years to request that it be applied; any commercial guarantee does not replace it.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking represents the manufacturer’s commitment that the product complies with the applicable European requirements; it is not a certification mark. It is not an assessment of cooking performance.