Households cooking several portions
If you prepare family meals or want leftovers, check the permitted quantity for your recipes rather than relying on the capacity printed on the cooking pot.
Who is this type of appliance for?
People who plan meals in advance
If you want to start cooking without staying beside the appliance, distinguish between the cooking programme, delay timer and keep-warm function. Their availability depends on the model.
People who care about everyday cleaning
A removable cooking pot can make cleaning easier, but also check the instructions for the lid, seals and steam components.
What should you check before buying?
Start with the recipes and portions you actually make. If you prefer to control the cooking yourself and don’t need a timer or automatic keep-warm function, your usual casserole pot is another option. A food processor with cooking functions is worth considering if you have a separate need for hands-on food preparation.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fill-level markings with the portion guidance for your recipes, especially for liquids or ingredients that expand. | When I cook several portions, I need a cooking pot that suits the amount I can actually put in it. Around 36% of consumers would put usable capacity first. |
| Programming | Check the delay timer, keep-warm function and settings you need for your slow-cooked dishes separately. | If I prepare the ingredients in advance, I want to know when cooking can start and what happens when it finishes. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and steam | Find out which parts are washable and check the instructions for cleaning the lid and releasing pressure on a pressure model. | For everyday use, I prefer to know how to clean and handle a pressure appliance before choosing one. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Functions you’ll use | Match the rice, soup, slow-cook and pressure settings to the recipes you actually plan to make. | If I mainly cook rice and soups, I don’t want to choose functions I won’t use. For around 14% of consumers, how well the programmes suit their recipes would be the deciding factor. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming the pot’s capacity equals the amount of food you can cook
The permitted fill level depends on the recipe. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example in its guide of a Cookeo with a 6 L cooking pot that can cook a maximum of only 4 L.
Before choosing a size, check the manual and fill-level markings for the dishes you make regularly.
-
Assuming the number of programmes means there’s a delay timer
A cooking mode, delay timer and keep-warm function each serve a different purpose. The number of programmes won’t tell you whether the combination suits the way you plan your meals.
Check these functions separately for the exact model, including how long it keeps food warm if you need that feature.
-
Confusing a rice cooker with a slow-cook function with a pressure cooker
A rice cooker may also offer soup or stew settings, as with the Tefal Easy Rice, but that doesn’t mean it can cook under pressure.
Choose the settings that match your recipes. If one of them requires pressure cooking, make sure that function is explicitly listed.
-
Only checking how to clean the cooking pot
With a pressure appliance, you also need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the lid and steam components.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and read the model’s instructions for cleaning and releasing pressure.
Brands to consider
Moulinex
The Cookeo range offers guided meals cooked in the pot. It includes the Mini, which Moulinex describes as suitable for two people, and 6 L models advertised for up to six people.
- Depending on the Moulinex model, features may include a delay timer, keep-warm function or dishwasher-safe cooking pot. Check the details for the model you choose.
- The portion guidance and stated capacity don’t replace the fill limits for each recipe.
Tefal
The brand offers pressure cookers such as Fast & Delicious, as well as rice cookers with slow-cook functions, such as Easy Rice.
- Tefal lists a delay timer and keep-warm function for Fast & Delicious. Easy Rice offers rice, slow-cook, soup and stew settings, among others.
- Easy Rice’s settings shouldn’t be confused with the pressure-cooking functions on Fast & Delicious.
Philips
According to Philips France, the Viva Collection HD2237/41R1 combines slow-cook and pressure-cooking settings in a 6 L cooking pot.
- Philips says this model can slow-cook for up to 12 hours.
- This model is listed as refurbished. Check its condition and the after-sales service arrangements before buying.
Appliances for these uses
These Joybuy models include pressure cookers for preparing a variety of dishes in the cooking pot, as well as a rice cooker designed for rice, porridge and soup. Compare the listed features, then check the manual for the permitted quantity for your recipes.
Image unavailable
Cecotec GM H Deluxe Fry, 6 L, with air-fryer lid and built-in scales
Consider this if you’re looking for pressure cooking and an air-fryer lid in one appliance. The title lists a 6 L cooking pot and built-in scales. Check the manual for the fill level suited to your recipes, cleaning requirements, and whether the plug and voltage are compatible with your household supply.
Image unavailable
Midea 9-in-1, 8 L pressure multi-cooker, 1,200 W
Worth a look if you want to switch between rice, slow cooking and pressure cooking. The title lists 12 menus and an 8 L cooking pot. Check the fill levels for each recipe and follow the instructions for releasing pressure and cleaning the lid.
Image unavailable
ochama, 4 L rice cooker, 860 W, with steam basket
Consider this if rice, porridge and soup are the dishes you make most often. The title lists a delay timer and keep-warm function, as well as a steam basket. Check the permitted fill level and cleaning instructions for each recipe.
Image unavailable
Cecotec Model D, 6 L programmable cooker with air-fry function
Worth considering if you want several settings for meals cooked in the pot. The title lists nine menus, two pressure levels and a 24-hour timer. Check exactly how the programming works, whether there’s a keep-warm function and what the fill limits are.
Image unavailable
Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L, 7-in-1, Daydream Blue
Consider this if you switch between pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming. The title lists four customisable programmes. If you need to start cooking later, check separately whether it has a delay timer, along with the fill-level markings and pressure-release instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 6 L cooking pot be used to make 6 L of food?
Not necessarily: the permitted fill level depends, among other things, on the recipe. UFC-Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L Cookeo with a maximum cooking capacity of 4 L. Follow the markings and instructions for your model rather than assuming the same limit applies to every appliance.
Can all multi-cookers delay the start?
No. You need to check for a delay timer on each model. Moulinex lists one for the Cookeo+ mentioned here, as does Tefal for Fast & Delicious. The term ‘multi-cooker’ or the number of programmes isn’t enough to confirm that another model has this feature.
Which parts should you check when it comes to cleaning?
Check the instructions for the cooking pot, lid and accessories separately, as their cleaning requirements may differ. Moulinex says the Cookeo Touch Wifi has a dishwasher-safe cooking pot. Refer to the instructions for your chosen model for guidance on other parts and steam components.