If your main aim is to set a prepared dish cooking, start by comparing multi-cookers. If chopping, blending or kneading is a regular part of making dinner, look instead at the functions and accessories included with a cooking food processor. For one repetitive task, a specialist cooker could complement the utensils you already own. If you don’t mind keeping an eye on the cooking, sticking with your current equipment means you won’t have another appliance to store and clean. In every case, check the usable capacity, which steps still need to be done by hand and the instructions for the model you choose.
A multi-cooker is worth considering for rice or slow-cooked dishes made in a pot. However, a cooking programme won’t prepare the ingredients for you, and you may still need to come back and do something if the recipe calls for it.
If your dinners often involve chopping, blending, whisking or kneading, compare cooking food processors and the accessories included. Also check how much space you’ll need and which parts have to be washed after each meal.
If you mainly need to cook rice or slow-cook food, and you’re happy with your other utensils, a specialist appliance could be enough. Keeping your current equipment is also an option if you don’t mind keeping an eye on the cooking.
Start with the steps involved in your usual dinners, then compare them with each appliance’s usable capacity and cleaning requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Programmed cooking | Look for programmes that suit your dishes, the settings available and any steps you’ll need to take during cooking. Check how the keep-warm function works if your dinner time varies. | I want to be able to start a prepared dish without staying beside the pot the whole time, while still stepping in whenever the recipe or instructions require it. |
| Ingredient preparation | With a cooking food processor, check which functions and accessories are included for chopping, mixing, whisking or kneading. With a multi-cooker, don’t assume a cooking programme will do these jobs. | Chopping and mixing come up often in my meals, so I want to know which steps the appliance will actually handle. |
| Meal size | Compare the usable capacity where stated, and check the fill limits for each type of preparation. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3.5 L and a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the Cook Expert featured on its website. | My usual portions need to fit within the permitted capacity for the recipe, not just the pot’s stated capacity. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space you have, including room for the lid and accessories. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be washed by hand. | If I have to put the appliance away after every dinner, its size and how easy it is to clean matter just as much as its functions. |
| Recipes and support | For a cooking food processor with guided recipes, check how to access them and the terms of use. For any model, look up parts and support information for the exact product reference. | I want to know whether I’ll be able to access the recipes I need and how to look after the appliance over time. |
You can’t necessarily fill a pot to the brim: the permitted capacity depends on the type of dish and the model’s instructions.
Compare the usable capacity if it’s stated, then check the fill markings in the instructions. Don’t estimate the number of portions based on the litre figure alone.
Automating the cooking doesn’t mean you can skip chopping, adding the ingredients or mixing when the recipe calls for it.
Go through the steps for a few of your usual dinners. If chopping, whisking or kneading comes up often, check the functions and accessories included with the cooking food processor you’re considering.
A bowl, lid and several accessories need space on your worktop, as well as room for washing and storage.
Measure the space you have in mind and check the dimensions, weight and dishwasher-safe parts for the exact product reference.
Information about parts, warranties and servicing can vary from one product reference to another.
Before ordering, check the terms for the model you’ve chosen and the manufacturer’s information about parts availability.
These examples show the kinds of functions to compare; their inclusion here doesn’t mean they’re available in the Joybuy selection.
The range lets you compare two types of appliance: the Cookeo Touch multi-cooker and the Companion XL cooking food processor.
The Cook Expert is a cooking food processor to consider if you want to prepare ingredients as well as cook them.
Vorwerk describes the Thermomix TM7 as a cooking food processor with guided recipes through Cookidoo.
These appliances fit the multi-cooker option for weekday dinners. Compare them if your main aim is to manage cooking in a pot, rather than also using a food processor to prepare ingredients.
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For dishes cooked in a pot, check that the cooking modes suit your recipes. Compare the fill limits with your usual portions and allow for any chopping or mixing you’ll need to do. Follow the instructions for steam release and depressurisation.
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If you want to programme your meals, the product name mentions a 24-hour timer, 9 menus and 2 pressure levels. Check the instructions for details of how these functions work. Before buying, also check the usable capacity, plug compatibility and language of the instructions.
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If you cook several portions, start with the stated 8 L capacity, then check the fill limit for your dishes: this figure alone doesn’t tell you the usable capacity. Check the voltage and plug, and follow the model’s instructions before pressure cooking.
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To cook several portions, compare the stated 7.1 L capacity with the amount permitted for your recipes, particularly when pressure cooking. Measure the space needed around the appliance and check that its plug is compatible with your setup.
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If connectivity is a factor in your choice, check the instructions to see which functions are available: the product description mentions Wi-Fi but also includes a restriction on external remote control. Also check the fill limits for your dishes and the instructions for opening the appliance after pressure cooking.
No. It can handle some of the cooking once set up, provided the dish is suitable, but you’ll still need to prepare the ingredients and some recipes require you to step in. Follow the fill limits and the instructions, especially for steam and pressure.
A pot’s total capacity doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can cook in it, so check the limits for your recipes. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3.5 L but a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the Cook Expert featured on its website.
You’ll need to prepare and add the ingredients, then do any other steps the recipe calls for, such as mixing. If you also want to chop, whisk or knead with your appliance, compare the functions and accessories included with cooking food processors.
Check which parts come into contact with food, how the accessories come apart and which parts of the model you’re considering are dishwasher-safe. Also allow enough space to dry and store the bowl, lid and accessories.