For one-pot meals that need little supervision, start by choosing the cooking modes that suit your recipes and a pot large enough for the quantities you actually prepare. A programmable multicooker covers cooking without pressure; an electric pressure cooker adds pressure cooking, but means managing the lid and steam. As Que Choisir points out, you can’t always use the pot’s full stated capacity.
If you make rice, soup or a slow-cooked dish, the programmes and keep-warm function can help you start cooking and get on with something else. However, check what each recipe requires you to do during cooking.
For a family meal or portions to save for later, compare the fill lines with the quantities in your usual recipes. Que Choisir points out that you can’t always use the pot’s full stated capacity.
An electric pressure cooker is worth considering if your recipes use pressure cooking. If you mainly want to cook rice and slow-cooked dishes, also look at programmable models without pressure cooking. The lid and steam release are differences to bear in mind.
Start with the recipes you usually make, then check the quantities you can cook, what you’ll need to do during cooking and how easy each model is to clean.
| What to consider | What to check | For my meals |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the fill lines in the instructions and any limits for specific recipes. Que Choisir explains that you need to leave space in the pot to prevent spills. | I cook several portions: the amount of rice, soup or slow-cooked food I make must stay within the limits for that recipe. |
| Cooking modes | Look for the modes you’ll use: rice, slow cooking, steaming, browning or pressure cooking. Check whether your recipe also requires you to stir or add ingredients during cooking. | I’d rather have a few modes suited to my usual dishes than a long list of programmes I won’t use. |
| Pressure cooking | Check whether there’s a pressure-cooking mode and read the manufacturer’s instructions on filling, the lid and releasing steam. Pressure cooking won’t replace the other modes your recipes need. | Do my dishes need pressure cooking, or do rice, steaming and slow cooking already cover most of my meals? |
| Meal planning | Check whether the model has a keep-warm function and a delay-start function; they’re separate features. For a delayed start, follow the instructions and choose a suitable recipe. | If serving times vary, I’d find a keep-warm function useful. To start cooking later, I also need a delay-start function that’s suitable for the dish. |
| Pot and cleaning | Check how easy it is to handle the hot pot and follow the care instructions for each part. If the pot is dishwasher-safe, that doesn’t necessarily mean the lid or accessories are too. | I want to cut down on washing up without making the pot awkward to remove or the lid difficult to clean after each meal. |
According to Que Choisir, you need to leave space in the pot to prevent spills. So the stated capacity doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can cook for a particular recipe.
Check the fill lines in the instructions and compare them with the portions you prepare most often.
A programme won’t eliminate the manual steps in a recipe. Extra modes add little if you mainly cook rice and slow-cooked dishes, unless they suit the meals you make.
Make a list of your usual dishes, then look for the cooking methods they need, such as browning, steaming, slow cooking or pressure cooking.
Removing the pot and, with a pressure cooker, releasing pressure both require you to follow the handling instructions. Que Choisir recommends checking how easy the pot is to handle, while the DGCCRF notes that burns are among the risks associated with electrical appliances.
Check the handles, read the safety instructions and leave the clear space recommended by the manufacturer for steam to escape.
Care instructions can differ for the pot, lid and accessories. For example, Instant Pot France says the pot and steam rack for the Classic Mini are dishwasher-safe, but the lid should be washed by hand.
Check the instructions for each part, including the seal and any accessories.
The range includes programmable multicookers and Cookeo models with pressure cooking. Compare the features of the specific model rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
Instant Pot France offers multicookers that combine features such as pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking, with different configurations across the range.
The Foodi OP300EU is worth a look if you want to combine pressure cooking and crisping modes in one appliance.
These options mainly include multi-function electric pressure cookers, as well as a rice and grain cooker. Compare their modes and the usable quantities for your recipes.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for one-pot meals with pressure cooking. The title lists a capacity of 5,7 L. Check the fill lines for your recipes, and make sure it has a delay-start function if you want to programme the cooking to start later.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you cook several portions: the title lists a capacity of 7,1 L, but the usable amount depends on the recipe’s fill limits. If you want to delay serving or start cooking later, check separately for a keep-warm function and a delay-start function.
Image unavailable
An option focused on rice and grains for one-pot meals. The title lists a capacity of 4,8 L, while one description says 5 L. Confirm the capacity and fill lines before deciding on portion sizes. Also check that it has the modes you need if you want to pressure-cook.
Image unavailable
For one-pot meals that need pressure cooking or advance programming, the title lists two pressure settings and a 24-hour programmable timer. The stated capacity is 6 L. Check how much you can cook for your recipes, how to clean each part and whether it has a keep-warm function if these features matter to you.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you want to programme different one-pot dishes. The title lists 8 L, but one description says 8 quarts. Confirm the exact capacity and fill limits before planning your portions. For pressure cooking, follow the steam-release instructions, and check how to clean each part.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir points out that you need to leave space to prevent spills, and the maximum amount also varies by recipe. Check the fill lines in the instructions for the model you choose.
No. They can take care of some cooking settings, but a recipe may still require you to brown ingredients, stir or add other ingredients. Check the steps before starting the programme.
Choose a removable pot and check the care instructions for each part separately. For example, Instant Pot France says the pot and steam rack for the Classic Mini are dishwasher-safe, while the lid should be washed by hand.
Check how to grip it and follow the instructions, including any advice to use oven gloves. Que Choisir notes that a pot without handles may need to be lifted by its edges, which can pose a burn risk.