Choose a programmable multicooker if your main aim is to start whole dishes and let the appliance handle the cooking, without needing it to chop, blend or knead. A cooking machine is a better fit if you also want to prepare ingredients in the same bowl, but it will generally require more space, more accessories to maintain and a careful comparison of its functions.
You want to start rice, slow-cooked dishes, steamed food or meals with a sauce, then get on with something else while it cooks. A multicooker is worth considering if you are happy to prepare the ingredients separately. UFC-Que Choisir describes a multicooker as a programmable appliance with automatic programmes.
You often make soups, sauces, pasta, emulsions or recipes that require chopping, blending, kneading or whisking before or during cooking. A cooking machine brings these operations together, depending on its accessories and functions.
You need to keep worktop clutter to a minimum, or you already own effective cooking appliances. In that case, compare the expected functional benefit with the space required and the accessories you will need to store.
Choose this if: you mainly want a programmable appliance to take care of cooking slow-cooked dishes, rice, steamed food or meals with a sauce.
Bear in mind: chopping and preparation tasks such as blending or kneading will remain separate with most models.
Choose this if: your recipes regularly require chopping, mixing, whisking, kneading or blending before cooking.
Bear in mind: check its footprint, the number of parts to wash and any services linked to the recipes.
Choose this if: your current equipment already covers your recipes and unattended cooking is not your main priority.
Limitation: this solution does not take care of cooking for you in the same way as a multicooker or cooking machine.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking autonomy | Available programmes, time and temperature controls, keep-warm function and delayed start, depending on the model. | I want to start a meal and then get on with something else without constantly monitoring the hob. |
| Usable capacity | Usable volume, maximum fill level, portions stated for your recipes and the capacity of the steam basket if included. | My usual portions should fit without exceeding the stated limits or having to cook in several batches every time. |
| Integrated preparation | Included accessories and the chopping, blending, whisking, mixing or kneading functions genuinely offered by the model. | I want to know whether the appliance only needs to cook prepared ingredients, or whether it can also process them in the bowl. |
| Cleaning and storage | List of dishwasher-safe parts, assembled dimensions, weight, clearance needed for the lid and storage for accessories. | The time saved during cooking should not turn into lengthy dismantling or an appliance that is difficult to keep accessible. |
| Long-term use | Exact configuration, separately sold accessories, conditions for recipes or connected services, availability of spare parts and applicable warranties. | I would rather choose functions I will genuinely use than accumulate options or accessories that rarely get used. |
A bowl cannot always be filled to the brim. You may end up with fewer portions than expected or have to prepare the meal in several batches.
Check the usable capacity, maximum fill level and guidance suited to your usual recipes before comparing the stated litre capacities.
Integrated preparation functions only offer a real benefit if you regularly chop, blend, whisk or knead as part of your recipes.
Make a list of your weekly meals. If ingredients are usually prepared by hand and you are mainly looking for unattended cooking, compare multicookers first.
An appliance that is too heavy or too tall for its intended spot may end up staying in the cupboard and being used less often. Accessories also increase the amount of storage space required.
Measure the width, depth, clearance beneath cupboards and the space needed to open the lid. Also plan a place to store the accessories.
Available content, apps and access conditions for recipes may vary by model and change over time with associated services.
Before buying, check which recipes are included, any trial periods, content available without a subscription and the accessories required for certain uses.
The Moulinex range lets you compare a Cookeo multicooker with a Companion cooking machine for two distinct uses: autonomous cooking or combined preparation and cooking.
Thermomix represents a cooking-machine approach focused on guided preparation and bringing numerous functions together in a single appliance.
Cook Expert is designed for people looking for a large-capacity multifunction cooking machine to prepare and cook larger quantities.
These Joybuy options include a cooking machine for integrated preparation and cooking, as well as programmable multicookers for meals that require less monitoring.
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An option for preparing and cooking in the same appliance when chopping, whisking or kneading is part of your recipes.
4.5 L bowl with 3 L usable capacity, eight programmes, touchscreen, integrated scales and stated chopping, whisking, kneading and steaming accessories.
Its stated dimensions are 40 × 26 × 36 cm and it weighs 9.4 kg: plan a stable, accessible location.
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It is suited to complete meals started with pressure, slow, steam or sauté cooking, then kept warm.
7-in-1 multicooker with stainless-steel bowl, four one-touch programmes and stated dishwasher-safe parts.
Check the fill limit: the instructions state approximately two-thirds for pressure cooking and half for foods that expand.
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This size is aimed at small to medium-sized households that want to start a programmed cooking cycle without integrated preparation steps.
Stated 3.8 L capacity, 12 programmes, stainless-steel bowl, digital controls and stated dishwasher-safe parts.
The stated dimensions are 35.1 × 31.8 × 25.6 cm and it weighs 4.72 kg; also check the fill limits suited to your recipes.
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A multicooker option for planning meals with pressure, steam, slow-cooking, rice or pasta programmes.
Stated 6 L volume, programming for up to 24 hours, 19 functions, five pressure levels, 11 temperatures and integrated scales.
Before choosing, check the dimensions, weight, cleaning requirements for the components and the volume that can actually be used under pressure.
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This option is suited to preparing meals in advance, with stated delayed start and keep-warm functions.
12 preset menus, pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming and sautéing are listed.
The product listing uses both 8 L and “8-quart”: confirm the exact volume, fill limits, dimensions and care requirements before buying.
Not for every use. UFC-Que Choisir states that a multicooker mainly automates cooking and generally does not mix food. Choose one if your ingredients are already prepared; opt for a cooking machine when chopping, mixing, whisking, kneading or blending needs to be part of the process.
Do not compare the stated total volume alone. The amount you can actually use depends on the permitted fill level and the recipe: UFC-Que Choisir cites, for example, a 6 L Cookeo bowl that can cook a maximum of 4 L. Also check the stated usable capacities for cooking machines and steam baskets.
Check the exact list of dishwasher-safe parts and how many components need to be dismantled. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing models whose parts are mostly dishwasher-safe; however, this does not remove the need to check the care requirements for every included accessory.
For an appliance sold by a professional to a private individual, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the seller must provide goods that conform to the contract; keep your proof of purchase and the product description.
Not necessarily. Check the conditions that apply to your chosen model, including included recipes, any free access, trial periods and associated services. UFC-Que Choisir recommends distinguishing between recipes freely available and those linked to a paid service.