Buying a multicooker: how to choose the right electric cooking pot

A multicooker can be a useful addition to a UK kitchen. You can use one appliance for rice, soup, stews, steaming and one-pot meals, for example. However, buying a multicooker is not simply a matter of choosing the model with the highest number of programmes. A large model can be impractical in a small kitchen, while a compact electric cooking pot may not be sufficient for a family.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information according to specifications you can verify. This helps you avoid paying for features you are unlikely to use.

Common pitfalls when buying a multicooker

1. The capacity is presented as larger than the usable cooking space

A 6-litre multicooker sounds spacious, but you cannot always fill the inner pot to the brim. With a multicooker with a pressure-cooking function, you need to observe the stated maximum-fill line. Ingredients that expand, such as rice, beans and grains, may only be added up to around half the pot’s capacity for some models, according to the product information.

So do not look only at the number of litres. Also consider how many people you actually cook for. A 5.7 to 6-litre multicooker is often a better choice for a family or meal prepping than a mini multicooker with a capacity of 1 to 1.6 litres.

2. More functions do not automatically mean greater ease of use

An appliance with ten or fourteen programmes may seem versatile. In practice, the most important functions are often sautéing, pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming and keeping food warm. Also check whether the control panel is clear and whether the manual explains how much liquid is required.

An electric pressure cooker works differently from a standard electric cooking pot. Building up pressure and releasing steam safely require extra care. If you mainly want a simple appliance for noodles, soup or hotpot, a model with two or three heat settings may make more sense.

3. Cleaning and materials are often underestimated

A non-stick coating can make cleaning easier, but metal utensils and abrasive sponges can damage the coating. A stainless-steel inner pot is generally suitable for intensive daily use, but burnt-on residue may require more effort to remove.

Check in advance which parts are removable and whether the product description states that they are dishwasher-safe. The heating base, plug and cord must not be immersed in water.

Which specifications are important?

Capacity and size

Use this guide as a starting point:

• 1 to 1.6 litres: suitable for one person, students, an office or a very small kitchen.
• 2.4 to 3.8 litres: suitable for couples, small households and a few meal-prep portions.
• 5 to 6 litres: practical for families and several portions of soup, rice or stew.
• 7 to 7.6 litres: intended for larger families, guests or batch cooking.

Also measure the space available on your worktop. A model with a generous capacity often has a wider base and needs sufficient clearance around it for heat and steam.

Power and heat control

The wattage indicates how much electrical power the appliance uses, but it does not, on its own, determine how quickly a meal will be ready. A multifunctional cooking pot with 300 to 600 watts is mainly intended for small portions and gentle cooking. Models from 1,000 to 1,600 watts are better suited to larger quantities, fast cooking or hotpot.

Several heat settings are more useful than a high wattage without any means of adjustment. Check whether you can switch between gentle simmering and powerful heating.

Safety and maintenance

When choosing an electric cooking pot, look for:

• a lockable lid for pressure cooking;
• a clear steam outlet and pressure indicator;
• boil-dry or overheating protection;
• a stable, heat-resistant base;
• a removable inner pot;
• a cord that is easy to store.

With an electric pressure cooker, never force the lid open while pressure is still present. Keep your hands and face away from escaping steam and follow the instructions in the manual. Ideally, use an earthed socket that is suitable for the voltage specified for the appliance.

Our recommendations for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Midea Electric Pressure Cooker, 6L, 1000W, 14 Cooking Functions

Why it suits this profile: The 6-litre capacity is suitable for families and users who want to prepare several portions at once. The electronic controls support pressure cooking, steaming, stewing and slow cooking, among other functions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the capacity, power and removable inner pot. When pressure cooking, however, check the fill limits and instructions for releasing steam.

Key benefit & advantages

6-litre capacity, 1,000 watts, 14 cooking functions and an automatic keep-warm function.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

Instant Pot Plus WIFI 5.7 L Multi-Cooker

Why it suits this profile: This model combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, rice cooking and other functions in one appliance. According to the product description, the 5.7-litre capacity is designed for meals for up to six people.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The functions are described clearly, while the safety instructions cover fill limits, locking and cleaning the sealing ring, among other points.

Key benefit & advantages

15 programmes, stainless-steel inner pot, dishwasher-safe parts and overheating protection.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users

Instant Pot Rio XL Multicooker 7.1 L

Why it suits this profile: The wide inner pot and 7.1-litre capacity are practical for larger portions, shared meals and meal prepping. Functions include pressure cooking, sautéing, slow cooking and steaming, among others.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The wide base makes stirring and browning easier to manage than in a narrow pot. Check beforehand that your worktop has enough space for the larger size.

Key benefit & advantages

7.1-litre capacity, wide cooking base, stainless-steel inner pot and 7-in-1 functionality.

For a student, one-person household or office, a mini multicooker is often more practical. The IAGREEA models with capacities from 1.0 to 1.6 litres are intended for small meals such as noodles, soup, rice and vegetables. If you mainly want to combine hotpot, pasta and steaming, you could also consider a 2.4-litre electric hotpot.

Frequently asked questions about multicookers

Is a multicooker the same as a slow cooker?

Not exactly. A slow cooker mainly uses low temperatures over a longer period. A multicooker may also offer functions for pressure cooking, sautéing, steaming, cooking rice and keeping food warm. Check which functions are actually included with each model.

How many litres do I need for a family?

For two to four people, around 3.8 to 5.7 litres is often sufficient. For larger families or meal prepping, a 6-litre multicooker or a 7-litre model may be more convenient. Bear in mind the fill limits when pressure cooking, as well as ingredients that expand.

Does a multicooker use a lot of electricity?

Consumption depends on the power rating, cooking time and selected function. A 1,200-watt model theoretically uses more electricity during one hour at full power than a 600-watt model, but actual consumption is lower when the appliance is not heating continuously at maximum power. So do not compare wattage alone; also consider cooking time and your usage pattern.