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Choosing a multicooker: practical buying tips for every kitchen

A multicooker can combine an electric cooking pot, pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and steamer. That sounds convenient, but not every appliance suits every kitchen or cooking routine. A small pot is practical for one person, while a 5 to 7-litre model is better suited to family meals. The difference between pressure cooking, slow cooking and simple heating is also important.

Anyone who only looks at the number of programmes or an eye-catching low price may encounter limitations later on. So pay particular attention to capacity, safety features, cleaning and the types of dishes you actually want to make.

Three common multicooker pitfalls

1. The number of functions does not tell you everything

A model with 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 functionality may seem automatically more versatile. In practice, some programmes can be very similar. So check whether you really need functions such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, yoghurt making or keeping food warm.

A multicooker with air fryer functionality, for example, adds a second cooking method for crispy dishes. This is useful if you want to make both stews and chips, vegetables or roasted ingredients. If you mainly need to make soup, noodles and rice, a simple electric cooking pot may be sufficient.

2. The capacity shown on the packaging is not the same as the usable capacity

A 5-litre multicooker is not always suitable for preparing 5 litres of food. When pressure cooking, you need to take the maximum fill line into account. Ingredients such as rice, beans and grains can expand and should therefore never be filled to the brim.

As a guide:

  • 1 to 2 litres: suitable for one person, students and small portions.
  • 2.4 to 3.8 litres: practical for couples or small households.
  • 5 to 5.7 litres: suitable for several portions and families.
  • 7 to 7.6 litres: useful for larger households, meal prepping or entertaining.

A compact multicooker takes up less space, but may not be sufficient when you want to prepare several portions at once.

3. Safety and maintenance are sometimes underestimated

An electric pressure cooker operates at high temperature and pressure. Check that the appliance has a locking lid, steam outlet, overheat protection and clear instructions. Never open a pressure function while the pressure indicator is still raised.

Also check which parts are dishwasher-safe. According to the product information, the Instant Pot Rio 3.8L’s stainless-steel inner pot, lid and accessories are dishwasher-safe. The housing and plug must of course never be immersed in water.

Which specifications really matter?

Capacity and dimensions

Do not just measure the space on your worktop; also leave enough room to open the lid and allow steam to escape. An appliance measuring 35.1 × 31.8 × 25.6 cm, such as the Instant Pot Rio 3.8L mentioned above, is compact for a fully featured pressure cooker and slow cooker, but still needs a permanent place.

For a multicooker for small households, 3.8 litres is often a useful middle ground. For students or a single portion, 1 to 1.6 litres may be more practical.

Inner pot material

A stainless-steel inner pot is generally suitable for everyday use and tolerates metal cooking utensils better than a non-stick coating. A ceramic or other non-stick inner pot can make cleaning easier, but requires soft spatulas and sponges.

With a non-stick coating, always check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Damage can affect the cooking experience and is a reason to replace the pot.

Programmes, power and controls

A digital control panel with automatic programmes can be useful for soup, rice, steaming or slow cooking. Also look for:

  • manual time and temperature settings;
  • keep-warm function;
  • delayed start, if this suits your routine;
  • overheat or boil-dry protection;
  • availability of replacement sealing rings, lids and other parts.

Specifications may vary by version or product listing. For example, different power ratings are given for the Instant Pot Rio 3.8L. Therefore, check the current product page, manual and supplied version before buying.

Recommended multicookers by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Instant Pot Rio 3.8L Black Multicooker

Instant Pot Rio 3.8L Black Multicooker

Why it suits this profile: The 3.8-litre capacity is suitable for couples, small households and portions for several days. The digital panel and 12 programmes provide an easy starting point for anyone wanting to try different cooking methods.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The key functions are clearly described: pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yoghurt making and keeping food warm. However, check the current power specification on the product page.

Key benefit & advantages

3.8 litres, stainless-steel inner pot, automatic programmes and, according to the listed product specifications, dishwasher-safe parts.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Tefal Turbo Cuisine CY7548 electronic multicooker pot 5 L

Tefal Turbo Cuisine CY7548 electronic multicooker pot 5 L

Why it suits this profile: The 5-litre capacity is ideal for families and users who enjoy preparing soups, stews and larger portions. The automatic programmes and manual function offer both convenience and control.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists 10 automatic programmes, a manual function, overheat protection and dishwasher-safe parts. This makes the controls and maintenance requirements clear.

Key benefit & advantages

5-litre capacity, 1090 watts according to the specification, ceramic non-stick inner pot and a stated statutory warranty of at least 2 years.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Tefal Turbo CY7788 Cuisine & Fry Multicooker Air Fryer 7L

Tefal Turbo CY7788 Cuisine & Fry - Multicooker - Air Fryer - 7L

Why it suits this profile: This model combines pressure cooking with air frying and has a 7-litre capacity. It is suited to larger households and users looking for one appliance that can handle both tender and crispy cooking.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The air fryer function uses a separate lid, while the product information mentions one-touch steam release. Make sure you have enough storage space for both lids before buying.

Key benefit & advantages

7 litres, multicooker with air fryer, one-touch controls, timer and, according to the product description, an app with more than 150 recipes.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about multicookers

Is a multicooker cheaper to run than cooking on the hob?

That depends on the power rating, cooking time and amount of food. A 1000-watt multicooker, for example, uses 1 kWh when operating at full power for one hour. In practice, the appliance will often reduce its power or not heat continuously. So do not compare wattage alone; also consider the total cooking time and portion size.

What capacity do I need for two people?

For two people, 2.4 to 3.8 litres is usually practical. A smaller electric hotpot with a capacity of 1 to 1.6 litres is better suited to one person, noodles and simple meals. If you regularly cook ahead, choose a larger pot and always follow the maximum fill line.

How long does a multicooker last?

Its lifespan depends on use, cleaning and maintenance. Regularly check the sealing ring, steam valve and inner pot. With pressure models, wear, cracks and food residue should be dealt with immediately. Use the multicooker according to the manual, allow it to cool before cleaning and never force the lid open. The statutory warranty for the models mentioned is at least 2 years; additional rights may apply under the relevant Dutch legislation.