People who want to start cooking and get on with something else
Automatic programmes, delay start and keep warm can all help, but check which steps you’ll still need to do yourself for the dishes you make regularly.
Who is a multicooker suitable for?
Households that cook a variety of dishes
If you alternate between rice, slow-cooked dishes and steamed vegetables, compare the settings actually available rather than just counting them.
People who care about kitchen space and easy cleaning
Usable capacity, the appliance’s dimensions and the bowl’s cleaning instructions matter just as much as the programmes if you plan to use your multicooker regularly.
What should you look for?
Start with the meals you actually cook. The right setting won’t make up for insufficient capacity or instructions that don’t fit the way you organise your cooking.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping an eye on cooking | Check which steps in your usual programmes need to be done manually, then distinguish between delay start and keep warm. | If I start a slow-cooked dish before getting on with something else, I want to minimise how often I need to check on it. Around 36 % of consumers put this level of autonomy first. |
| Dishes you prepare | Compare the settings for the meals you make regularly, such as rice, steaming or slow cooking, as well as the manual controls available. | When my meals vary throughout the week, I want to be able to make my everyday dishes in the same bowl. This versatility is the main priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Capacity and cleaning | Check the fill limit, dimensions and cleaning instructions for the specific model. | To cook several portions without cluttering up my kitchen, I also need to be able to remove and clean the bowl easily. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Useful features | Check what’s included and whether guided recipes, connectivity or accessories will be useful for the meals you cook. | If my usual dishes need few adjustments, I’d rather not choose features I won’t use. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise choosing only the features they need. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing bowl capacity with usable capacity
The fill limit may leave less room for food than the stated capacity suggests, depending on the recipe and cooking setting.
Check the instructions for the exact model and compare the fill limit with the portions you usually make.
-
Using delay start without considering the ingredients
Delaying the start doesn’t keep perishable food chilled. Anses, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, points out that storage conditions affect the risk of microorganisms multiplying.
Follow the instructions and don’t leave ingredients that need chilling at room temperature while you wait to start cooking.
-
Assuming all accessories are included
Guided recipes, a connected feature or an extra cooking lid each serve a different purpose. An accessory shown as part of a product range won’t necessarily come with every model.
Check what’s included with the version you choose, and stick to the features that are useful for your meals.
-
Choosing a replacement part based on the brand alone
A bowl or lid may fit some ranges but not others, even if their capacities seem similar.
Note down the appliance’s full model number and check it against the part’s compatibility list.
Brands to know
Moulinex
The Cookeo range includes electric pressure cookers for people who like to follow guided recipes.
- According to Moulinex, the Cookeo+ model reviewed has a 6 L bowl, 150 built-in recipes, six settings, delay start and keep warm.
- Check the features and accessories included with the version you choose. For example, an Extra Crisp accessory may not be included.
Instant Pot
The French range includes multicookers in several sizes, combining pressure cooking, slow cooking or steaming, depending on the model.
- Instant Pot offers appliances in different capacities, making it easier to compare sizes based on the portions you plan to cook.
- The brand says its 5.7 L stainless steel bowl isn’t compatible with the Duo Evo Plus and Pro ranges, so check that any replacement part fits your exact model.
Tefal
The Fast & Delicious CY505E10 combines automatic programmes with cooking controls for everyday meals.
- According to Tefal, this model has a 6 L bowl, 25 programmes, delay start and a keep-warm function advertised for up to 24 hours.
- Check that the programmes suit the dishes you cook, and follow food storage guidance before using delay start.
Multicookers to explore on Joybuy
These appliances cover a range of multifunction electric cooking needs, while the Quick Rice and Grain model is designed for rice and simple dishes. Before choosing, compare their features with your needs for delay start and keeping food warm.
Image unavailable
Instant Pot Classic 5,7 L Daydream Blue
Worth a look if you’re after a multicooker for everyday meals and want to compare a 5.7 L size. If you plan to start cooking later, check that this version includes delay start. Also check its dimensions before making room for it.
Image unavailable
Midea 9-in-1, 8 L, 1200 W, 12 programmes
Worth considering if you cook several portions and want to compare different programmes in an electric pressure cooker. The title lists a nominal capacity of 8 L, a power rating of 1200 W and 12 programmes. Check the fill limit, overall size and bowl cleaning instructions.
Image unavailable
Instant Pot Rio XL 7,1 L
Compare its 7.1 L size with the portions you cook and the space you have available. Check the fill limit in the instructions. If you need delay start or keep warm, make sure these features are available on this specific model.
Image unavailable
Instant Pot Quick Rice and Grain Cooker 4,8 L
Worth a look if rice and grains feature heavily in your meals, rather than if you specifically need pressure cooking. The title lists a capacity of 4.8 L, while the descriptions mention 5 L. Confirm the capacity of the version you choose, and check whether it has delay start if that feature matters to you.
Image unavailable
Cecotec GM H Deluxe Fry 6 L, air fryer lid and scales
Worth considering if you want several types of cooking in one appliance with a nominal capacity of 6 L. Check the usable capacity and exactly how the timer works. An advertised timer doesn’t, by itself, confirm that the appliance has delay start or keeps food warm after cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Can you leave raw ingredients in the bowl before using delay start?
Not if that means leaving perishable ingredients at room temperature. Follow food storage guidance and the instructions for your model; delay start doesn’t replace refrigeration. Anses, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, points out that temperature conditions affect the risk of microorganisms multiplying.
How do you choose the right multicooker capacity?
Start with the number of portions you prepare, then check the fill limit for the model and cooking setting you plan to use. The capacity shown on the bowl doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can cook.
What should you check to make cleaning easier?
Check whether the bowl is removable and which parts of the model you choose are dishwasher-safe. If you want a second bowl, also check exact compatibility: Instant Pot, for example, excludes its Duo Evo Plus and Pro ranges from compatibility with the 5.7 L stainless steel bowl listed in its accessories range.
What should you consider when it comes to spare parts and disposing of your appliance?
Before buying, look for parts that are compatible with your exact multicooker model. For an electrical appliance reaching the end of its life in France, the French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points and household waste recycling centres among the disposal options.