Choose a programmable multicooker if you want to automate several cooking methods, from slow cooking to steaming, with a delayed start or keep-warm function depending on the model. A slow cooker is better suited to dishes started well in advance, a rice cooker to side dishes and small meals, while a cooking robot is more appropriate when preparing the ingredients also takes up your time.
You are looking for largely automated cooking, with time and temperature settings, a delayed start or keep-warm function, rather than an appliance that needs constant supervision and stirring. Que Choisir describes these functions as features of multicookers.
If you already have a cooking robot, rice cooker or steamer, or mainly use the oven, identify the step that is genuinely slowing you down: preparation, slow cooking, pressure cooking or simply making a side dish.
A compact multifunction rice cooker can be a good choice when meals are mainly based around rice, grains, soups or steaming. Tefal presents its Pop RK5352E0 as a format designed for 1 to 4 people.
Start with the task you want to hand over to the appliance, then compare the genuinely usable capacity, programmes and cleaning requirements of the specific model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Low-supervision cooking | Useful programmes, delayed start, keep-warm function and instructions on storing ingredients before starting the appliance. | I want to be able to start cooking and then get on with something else, without having to serve the meal immediately when the cycle ends. |
| Usable capacity | Fill-level markers, maximum volume per recipe and usual portion sizes. Que Choisir notes, for example, that a 6 L Cookeo bowl may be limited to 4 L of cooking capacity. | I want to prepare the right amount without choosing a bowl that is too large or too small for my meals. |
| Everyday cleaning | Removable bowl, lid, steaming basket, rims, handles and the dishwasher compatibility stated for each part. | I am looking for an appliance whose cleaning does not cancel out the time saved during cooking. |
| Non-duplicated functions | Work out whether you mainly need pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, rice cooking or integrated preparation. | I would rather complement the appliances I already own than add several functions I rarely use. |
The bowl’s capacity does not always correspond to the maximum amount that can be cooked. Que Choisir reminds shoppers that a safety margin is needed to prevent spills and overflowing.
Check the usable capacity, fill-level markers and the number of portions specified in the recipes for the model you are considering.
Archived Que Choisir tests of some multicookers reported that certain models had unintuitive programming, rims that were difficult to clean or rice that could brown on the bottom.
Compare the manual, controls, the programmes you will genuinely use and the removable parts before making your choice.
A cooking robot may combine weighing, chopping, blending, kneading and cooking, while a compact rice cooker may be all you need for rice, soup or steaming.
List the tasks that slow you down most in the evening: preparation, quick cooking, long slow cooking or rice cooking. Then choose the appliance that meets those needs.
Appliances in the same range may have different capacities, settings, accessories and care instructions.
Check the manufacturer’s full reference, capacity, included accessories, voltage and warranty conditions before comparing two product listings.
The Cookeo range focuses on intelligent multicookers with pressure cooking and guided recipes. Moulinex presents the Cookeo+ CE851HF0 with six cooking modes and a 6 L bowl.
Tefal offers compact multifunction rice cookers. The Pop RK5352E0 is advertised with eight programmes and a format for 1 to 4 people.
Crock-Pot is the specialist slow-cooker option. The CSC052X is advertised with a 4.7 L capacity, two temperature settings and programming for up to 20 hours.
Thermomix represents the cooking-robot option. Vorwerk presents it as an appliance that can weigh, chop, blend, knead, cook, sauté and slow-cook, among other functions.
Joybuy options for hands-off weeknight dinners, including programmable multicookers, a rice cooker and a preparation-and-cooking robot.
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For a small or medium-sized household that alternates between pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice and steaming, with mealtimes that vary.
12 programmes, delayed start and keep-warm function advertised. Check the fill limits for each programme and the power stated on the final product listing.
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Worth considering for cooking larger quantities with pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, searing and reheating in one appliance.
12 programmes, a 24-hour delayed timer and keep-warm function advertised. Confirm the actual volume, fill limits and care instructions for the accessories.
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A focused option for dinners centred around rice, porridge, soup or steamed vegetables.
Delayed start, automatic keep-warm function, steaming basket and removable inner lid advertised. Check the usable capacity and keep-warm duration in the manual.
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Designed for family meals or preparing several portions, with pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing and steaming modes.
Advertised capacity of 7.1 L, up to eight portions and four customisable buttons. Its stated weight of 8.1 kg is worth considering if you need to put it away frequently.
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For households that want to combine weighing, chopping, mixing, kneading and cooking, rather than simply automating the cooking stage.
Advertised 3.5 L stainless-steel bowl, eight automatic programmes, guided recipes and a rinse programme. The product listing advises that the appliance must not be left unattended while operating.
No. Que Choisir states that a safety margin is needed to prevent spills and gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo limited to 4 L of cooking capacity. Check the fill-level markers and recipe instructions, not just the stated capacity.
It depends on the modes available on the model. A multicooker may cover rice cooking, steaming and slow cooking, but a compact rice cooker is often enough if your meals mainly consist of rice, grains and steamed food; a slow cooker remains well suited to slow cooking started in advance.
You are more likely to have overlapping functions if you also want to weigh, chop, blend, knead and cook in the same appliance. Vorwerk presents its cooking robot as covering these stages; if your ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want delayed, slow or pressure cooking, a more specialised appliance may be a better fit.
Check the bowl, lid, steaming basket, handles and rims separately. Depending on the model, some parts are advertised as dishwasher-safe, while Que Choisir tests have found that the rims of certain multicookers can be time-consuming to clean.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. Keep your proof of purchase and the product listing if the appliance does not match the description, its usual purpose or the qualities advertised.