For one-pot meals that need less attention, choose a pressure multi-cooker if its programmes, usable capacity and instructions suit the meals you make. A multi-function rice cooker is a better fit for small portions of grains, soups and simple dishes, while a food processor with cooking functions is worth considering if you also want to weigh, chop or blend ingredients regularly. Whichever you choose, you’ll still need to prepare the ingredients and clean the appliance.
The right appliance depends as much on the tasks you want it to handle as on the dishes you cook.
If you often cook stews, soups or casseroles in larger batches, compare usable capacity and the slow-cook, pressure-cook and keep-warm settings. Cooking may need less supervision, but you’ll still have to prepare the ingredients.
For small portions of rice, porridge or soup, a multi-function rice cooker may do the job without the need for a larger pressure cooker. Check that the model you choose includes the programmes you want.
If weighing, chopping, blending or stirring feature regularly in your recipes, explore what a food processor with cooking functions can do. If your ingredients are already prepared, focus instead on the cooking functions and programmes.
First decide whether you want the appliance to cook only or prepare ingredients too. Then compare specific models for capacity, programmes and cleaning requirements.
Consider it: for one-pot meals when you want to combine programmed cooking, slow cooking and pressure cooking.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to chop and add the ingredients, follow the fill limits and observe the steam-release instructions.
Consider it: for small portions of grains or soup, provided the model’s programmes also cover the slow-cooked dishes you make.
Bear in mind: it won’t replace pressure cooking if that’s something you need.
Consider it: if you regularly weigh, chop or blend ingredients as well as cook them.
Bear in mind: check the bowl capacity and how the accessories need to be cleaned. These extra functions are less useful if your ingredients are already prepared.
| Feature | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Programmed cooking | Check the exact model for slow-cook, soup or pressure-cook programmes. Check separately for a delay-start and keep-warm function, and read the instructions for using them. | I want to start a dish and get on with something else, without having to keep adjusting the cooking settings. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated volume, usable capacity and fill markings. Under pressure, it’s especially important to leave enough room for rice and pulses. | For several meals, I need enough space for the portions I can actually cook. In a smaller household, I’d prefer a bowl that suits the quantities I usually make. |
| Preparation | Separate cooking functions from weighing, chopping, blending or stirring functions. Check what the appliance can actually do without your input. | If I already chop my ingredients, cooking is what matters most. If I also want help with those steps, I’ll look at food processors with cooking functions. |
| Cleaning | Count the lids and accessories that need cleaning. Check the manual to see which parts are removable and which are dishwasher-safe. | After making a thick soup or casserole, I want to know how much cleaning is involved before choosing an appliance with more cooking modes. |
| Pressure cooking | Read the model’s fill limits, valve instructions and steam-release procedure. Make sure you have a suitable surface for setting up the appliance, as specified in the manual. | I’m happy to follow these checks if I choose pressure cooking. Otherwise, it’s worth comparing a slow cooker that doesn’t use pressure. |
A pressure cooker needs room at the top, particularly when cooking foods that expand. So the volume shown on the product listing alone won’t tell you how much food you can cook.
Compare the stated volume with the fill markings in the manual. For the relevant appliances, Instant Pot recommends not filling the bowl beyond two-thirds for most dishes and half full for rice or beans. Always follow the instructions for your model.
Weighing, chopping and blending are most useful if these tasks regularly feature in your cooking. They won’t make much difference to your main need if the ingredients are already prepared.
Think about which tasks you really want the appliance to handle during a typical week. If you mainly want to set a soup or slow-cooked dish going, compare the cooking functions first.
Filling the cooker, closing the lid, handling the valve and releasing steam are all part of everyday use. Multiple lids or accessories also mean more parts to handle and clean.
Before buying, read the manual for the exact model to check the pressure-cooking instructions, how to set up the appliance and how to care for each part.
These models illustrate different approaches. Check the features of each specific model rather than assuming they apply to an entire brand.
The Cookeo range is aimed, among others, at households interested in pressure cooking and on-screen cooking instructions.
The brand’s electric pressure cookers are worth exploring if you want to combine different cooking methods.
The Pop RK5352E0 is a useful point of comparison for small portions of rice and soup, as well as slow cooking.
Consider the Thermomix if preparing ingredients matters as much to you as cooking them.
This selection includes electric pressure cookers for programmed meals and a slow cooker for low-and-slow cooking. Compare their features and any usage requirements against the dishes you usually make.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for slow-cooked dishes and soups if you want both pressure cooking and slow cooking in one appliance. The product name states a capacity of 8 L, 1200 W and 12 preset programmes. Check the usable capacity for your portions, electrical compatibility in the UK, and the filling and steam-release instructions.
Image unavailable
Compare this model if you’re looking for a pressure cooker for slow-cooked dishes and would also like to weigh ingredients. The product name mentions a 6 L capacity, built-in scales and an air fryer lid. Check the usable capacity, electrical compatibility, and the instructions for the valve and pressure release.
Image unavailable
An option to compare for slow-cooked meals for several people. Its stated capacity is 5.7 L; check the manual for the programmes and fill limits that suit your recipes. If you need to set a start time in advance, also confirm that this model has a delay-start function.
Image unavailable
Consider this model if you want to add slow-cooked meals to other types of cooking during the week. The product name states a 7.6 L capacity and an air fryer function. You’ll need space to store both lids and should allow for cleaning them separately. Check the usable capacity, electrical compatibility and instructions for opening the cooker after pressure cooking.
Image unavailable
An option for soups and stews if you prefer slow cooking to pressure cooking. The product name states a 5.6 L capacity and three settings. The listing advises against leaving the appliance unattended for long periods while it’s running. Also check the manual for the programmes you want and cleaning instructions.
Choose based on the portions you actually make, not just the stated volume. Tefal describes its 2 L Pop rice cooker as suitable for small dishes, while Moulinex lists a 6 L bowl for the Cookeo Simplicity. In both cases, check the model’s fill markings and limits before deciding how many meals you can cook in it.
Not necessarily. Programmed cooking doesn’t remove the need to wash, chop or add ingredients. If you regularly want to weigh, chop and blend ingredients in the same appliance, compare the functions of a food processor with cooking functions, such as those Vorwerk describes for the Thermomix.
First, read the manual for your model to check the filling instructions, valve, lid closure and steam-release procedure. For the relevant appliances, Instant Pot recommends filling the bowl no more than halfway for rice or beans. Always follow the specific instructions for your appliance.
Look at the number of lids, removable parts and accessories you’ll use for your usual cooking modes. Then check each model’s manual to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe and how to care for the bowl and its coating.