Choose a multi-cooker if your main aim is to set a cooking programme for prepared dishes without having to stay by the hob. A cooking food processor meets a different need if you also want to weigh, chop, blend or knead ingredients. Separate appliances are a sensible option if you don’t need cooking functions built in. Whichever you choose, compare the actual cooking capacity with the portions you prepare, and check which steps you’ll still need to do by hand.
If you often cook rice or slow-cooked dishes, a multi-cooker can take care of some of the cooking once you’ve started the programme. As Que Choisir points out, you’ll still need to check the steps involved in each recipe.
The capacity shown for the bowl doesn’t always match the amount you can cook in it. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 l Cookeo bowl with a cooking limit of 4 l. Compare the limit for the model you’re considering with the dishes you usually make, then think about how easy the bowl is to handle and clean.
If weighing, chopping, blending or kneading is part of what you need, compare a cooking food processor with a multi-cooker rather than focusing only on cooking programmes. Vorwerk describes these preparation functions for its cooking food processors; they aren’t features of every appliance.
First decide whether you want to hand over the cooking alone or some of the preparation too. Then check the portions you can make, the programming functions and how much space the appliance needs.
Consider one if: you want to cook prepared dishes without constantly watching the pan.
Bear in mind: some recipes still require you to brown ingredients, stir or add them by hand.
Consider one if: you also want the appliance to weigh, chop, blend or knead ingredients.
Bear in mind: the bowl needs to suit the portions you make. For example, Vorwerk gives the Thermomix TM7 a maximum capacity of 2,2 l.
Consider these if: you already own an appliance that can do the cooking you need, or you only want help with preparation.
Bear in mind: a food processor without cooking functions won’t cook a meal to a set programme.
| Feature | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Programmable cooking | Programmes to suit your recipes; delayed start and keep-warm functions, including their conditions of use. | I want to start cooking a dish and get on with something else, without assuming the appliance will stir the ingredients for me. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this hands-off cooking. |
| Usable capacity | The maximum cooking volume allowed for each recipe; the appliance’s dimensions. | If I’m making several portions, I need to know what the bowl can actually hold, not just its stated capacity. This is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Handling and cleaning | Bowl handles; which parts are listed as dishwasher-safe for the version you choose. | When cooking regularly, I want to be able to remove the hot bowl carefully and clean the parts I’ve used without too much hassle. Around 20% of consumers put these practical details at the top of their list. |
| Ingredient preparation | Any weighing, chopping, blending or kneading functions you need; bowl capacity. | If I also want to prepare ingredients with the same appliance, programmable cooking alone won’t meet my main need. This broader range of preparation functions is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
You may need to leave space in the bowl, reducing the amount you can cook. The limit can also vary by recipe. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 l Cookeo bowl with a 4 l cooking limit.
Check the instructions for the limit that applies to your dishes, then compare it with your usual portions and the space available on your worktop.
A multi-cooker can control the cooking without mixing the ingredients. You may still need to brown or stir them, or add another ingredient yourself.
Think of a few recipes you cook often and note the steps you’ll need to do before and during each programme.
Que Choisir notes that you may need oven gloves to remove a hot bowl without handles. Dishwasher compatibility depends on the parts and the model.
Check for handles and read the instructions to find out exactly which parts can go in the dishwasher.
A cooking food processor adds preparation functions that may go unused if all you want is to programme a dish made with prepared ingredients. Conversely, a food processor without cooking functions won’t meet the same need.
Before comparing cooking food processors with multi-cookers, consider whether weighing, chopping, blending or kneading would genuinely save you steps.
The range includes multi-cookers for everyday meals, including models with delayed start and keep-warm functions.
The Duo includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and rice cooking modes, among others.
With Thermomix, Vorwerk caters for people looking for preparation functions as well as guided recipes.
These models let you compare multi-cookers focused on cooking with a cooking food processor that also handles preparation. If you want to start a meal without keeping an eye on it, pay close attention to the instructions for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a programmable multi-cooker for several portions and would also like to weigh ingredients. The model name indicates a 6 L bowl, built-in scales and an air-frying lid. Check which accessories are included, as well as the permitted cooking volume.
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Worth comparing if you want to programme cooking in advance. The title lists 24-hour programming, nine menus and two pressure levels. Check which steps in your recipes still need to be done by hand, and how much worktop space the appliance needs.
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Worth considering if you cook several portions and want pre-set menus. The title lists 12 menus and 1 200 W, but the capacity is given as both 8 L and 8 quarts. Confirm the capacity of the version you’re considering and its fill limit before choosing.
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Worth comparing for dishes that need different cooking modes. The title mentions slow cooking, steaming and four pre-set programmes. If you need to set the start time, check whether this version has a delayed-start function.
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Worth comparing if preparing ingredients and following guided recipes matter as much to you as cooking. The product information says you need to supervise the appliance while it’s running, so it isn’t the right choice if you want to start a meal and leave it to cook unattended. Also check that the bowl suits your portions, and take care when handling the blades.
Not necessarily. Check the cooking limit for the model and recipe. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 l Cookeo bowl with a 4 l cooking limit, so the stated capacity alone won’t tell you how many portions you can make.
Check for handles and whether each relevant part is dishwasher-safe. Que Choisir highlights how difficult it can be to remove some hot bowls without handles. Moulinex lists a dishwasher-safe bowl with handles for its Multicook & Fry, but that doesn’t apply to every model.
Compare cooking food processors if you also want to weigh, chop, blend or knead ingredients with the appliance. If your main priority is programmable cooking with ingredients that are already prepared, focus instead on the multi-cooker’s programmes, usable capacity and the hands-on steps your recipes require.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France, including new appliances. The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control explains that you can use it to take action with the seller if goods don’t match the contract, including their description.
Take it to a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in your general household rubbish. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a collection and recycling scheme for this equipment. Ask a retailer or local collection point for advice.