To keep an eye on a range of meals less often, choose a programmable multicooker with settings that suit the recipes you make. If you also want to pressure cook, check the instructions for the specific electric pressure cooker. A slow cooker is better suited to meals you prepare well in advance, while a cooking food processor is a good choice if you also need to chop or mix ingredients. In every case, compare the usable capacity, the steps you’ll still need to do by hand and the parts you’ll need to clean.
If you’d like to choose a recipe and let the appliance handle some of the cooking, compare multicookers and electric pressure cookers with programmes or step-by-step instructions. Check what you’ll still need to prepare, add or stir during the cooking cycle.
If you’re planning stews or soups several hours before mealtime, a programmable slow cooker is worth considering. Check the timer, keep-warm function and cleaning requirements for the cooking pot on the model you choose.
If chopping, mixing or kneading is part of what you need, a cooking food processor can bring food preparation and cooking together. Allow for the space it needs and the cleaning involved for the tools you’ll actually use.
First, decide which tasks you need the appliance to handle, then check the capacity and cleaning requirements of the exact model. A programme won’t automate every step of a recipe.
Worth considering: if you use several cooking methods and would rather set a programme than keep a constant eye on the pot.
Bear in mind: some recipes still need you to do something during preparation or cooking.
Worth considering: if pressure cooking is one of the methods you want to use for your meals.
Bear in mind: filling the cooker, bringing it up to pressure and releasing the pressure must all follow the model’s instructions.
Worth considering: if you mainly start slow-cooked meals well before mealtime.
Bear in mind: slow cooking doesn’t serve the same purpose as a pressure-cooking cycle.
Worth considering: if you’ll also use its food-preparation functions, such as chopping and mixing.
Bear in mind: the tools, especially the blades, need space, cleaning and careful handling.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-off cooking | Check which recipes the appliance supports, how you can set the cooking time and temperature, and what you’ll need to do during the cycle. Check delayed start and keep-warm functions separately. | I’d like to start making my usual recipes without staying by the hob, while knowing when I’ll need to step in. |
| Portions | Compare usable capacity and the fill limits in the instructions, not just the advertised volume. Check them against the quantities in your recipes. | The pot should suit the meals I usually make without taking up too much space in my small kitchen, or being too small when I’m cooking for several people. |
| Cleaning | Check separately whether the pot, lid and accessories are dishwasher-safe. Also look at how easy it is to reach the rims, seals and tools. | I like the idea of using fewer pans, but not if every meal leaves me with lots of parts to wash. |
| Handling | Check the model’s instructions for filling, steam or pressure and, for a food processor, the blades. Make sure you have enough room to use the appliance. | I want to be able to follow clear instructions and handle the pot or accessories in the space I have. |
| Ongoing support | Look up the manual using the full model reference, then check which accessories and replacement parts are compatible with that exact reference. | I’d rather know where to find the instructions and the right parts if my appliance needs maintenance. |
The pot’s total volume doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can use for a recipe. This can affect the number of portions you’re able to make.
Check the usable capacity and fill markings in the model’s instructions, especially for pressure cooking.
A slow cooker is designed for meals that you start well in advance. It won’t replace a pressure-cooking setting if that’s the method you want to use.
Start with a few recipes you make often, and think about when you want to start cooking and serve the meal.
A removable pot doesn’t mean the lid, seals or accessories can all be washed in the same way.
Check the cleaning instructions for each part and how easy it is to reach areas where food could get stuck.
The manual, accessories and any commercial warranty terms should match the specific version you’re buying.
Note down the exact model reference and check the documentation and terms for that model before placing your order.
These examples refer to specific ranges and models. Check the features of the model you’re considering.
Moulinex’s Cookeo models are aimed at households interested in built-in recipes or guided cooking.
The Fast & Delicious and Versalio Deluxe models are designed for different cooking needs.
The slow cookers mentioned here are mainly designed for preparing slow-cooked meals.
The Duo range mentioned here lets you compare several sizes of multifunction electric pressure cookers.
The Cook Expert XL Connect is for households that want to prepare ingredients and cook with a food processor.
These models let you compare programmable multicookers and electric pressure cookers by pot capacity, the features you need and cleaning requirements. If you mainly cook slow-cooked meals or need to prepare ingredients, include a slow cooker or cooking food processor in your comparison too.
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Worth a look if you want to combine programmable pressure cooking with built-in scales and an air-fryer lid. The 6 L refers to the advertised volume: check the fill limits, instructions and cleaning guidance for the removable parts.
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An option to compare if you want to switch between pressure cooking and other recipes in a 5,7 L pot. If dishwasher cleaning matters to you, check the instructions for each part. For pressure cooking, follow the model’s fill limits and pressure-release procedure.
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Worth comparing if you cook several portions and want to programme meals in an electric pressure cooker. The advertised 8 L capacity doesn’t tell you how much a recipe will make: check the fill markings, as well as the voltage, plug and instructions for the version on offer.
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Consider this if controlling your appliance via an app fits the way you plan your cooking. Before relying on it, check that the app and Wi-Fi are compatible in France, then check the usable capacity for your recipes and the space needed around the appliance.
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Its advertised 7,1 L pot may suit a household that cooks several portions, but that figure alone doesn’t tell you how much you can use when pressure cooking. Check the fill limits, the space on your worktop and the model’s cleaning instructions.
Not necessarily: the pot’s advertised volume may differ from its fill limit for a particular recipe. Check the markings and recipes in the instructions before working out how many portions you can make.
A programmable slow cooker suits this routine if you mainly make slow-cooked meals. Check the timer and keep-warm function on the model. If you’d rather use pressure cooking, compare electric pressure cookers instead.
Search for the full model reference on the brand’s website. Moulinex publishes manuals for its Cookeo models, Crock-Pot lists manuals by model reference, and Tefal lists accessories and parts for some models. Make sure the documents you find relate to the exact version being sold.
Follow the model’s instructions for filling, opening and releasing pressure from a pressure cooker, and for handling sharp food-processor tools. The Magimix Cook Expert manual specifically says not to immerse the appliance or use the cooking function with an empty bowl.