Multicooker and pressure cooker buying guide

Choosing a multicooker or pressure cooker depends on three main criteria: bowl capacity determines how many portions you can prepare, power affects cooking speed, and automatic programs define the appliance’s versatility. The site’s ratings allow you to compare these features across market models.

What to check

Select the right capacity Capacity measures the bowl volume in litres. Recent listings show capacities ranging from two litres for compact models to six litres for larger ones. A median capacity of six litres suits families of four to six people. The rating increases with volume: a short bar indicates a compact appliance for one or two people, a long bar signals a family-sized bowl. Check that the capacity matches your daily needs, knowing that a bowl that is too small limits quantities and an oversized one takes up more space on your countertop. Market median: 6 L

Assess electrical power Power is expressed in watts and determines how quickly the appliance reaches temperature. Measurements show power ranging from four hundred and thirty-six watts to one thousand five hundred watts, with a median of one thousand watts. Higher power reduces cooking times, particularly for pressure cooker and steam modes. The rating increases with watts: a short bar indicates slower heating, a long bar shows rapid heat-up. For slow-cooked dishes or yoghurt, the power difference matters less than for pressure cooking. Market median: 1,000 W

Compare automatic programs The number of automatic programs reflects the appliance’s versatility. Recent models offer between six and thirty-five different programs, with a median of ten. Each program presets temperature, duration and cooking mode for a specific dish type: rice, soup, meat, vegetables, baking or yoghurt. The rating increases with the number of programs: a short bar indicates a basic appliance, a long bar reveals a wide variety of options. A high number simplifies use but does not replace the possibility of manual settings for personalised recipes. Market median: 10

Plan for routine maintenance Maintaining a multicooker involves cleaning the bowl, lid and sealing ring after each use. Non-stick bowls clean more easily but require non-metallic utensils to avoid scratches. The ring accumulates odours and needs regular replacement to maintain pressure cooker mode sealing. Some parts are dishwasher-safe, others require hand washing: check these details on the product listing. A removable condensation reservoir makes moisture drainage and cleaning easier.

Benchmarks based on 17 recent market listings, collected on 4 October 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €60

Appliances in this range offer reduced capacities, typically around two litres, with moderate power and a limited number of automatic programs, suited to small daily needs.

€60 to €120

This range provides median capacities around six litres, power close to one thousand watts and about ten programs, suitable for regular family use with good versatility.

Over €120

Premium models reach power levels of one thousand five hundred watts, maintain family capacities of six litres and multiply programs up to thirty-five, for a wide variety of preparations.

Frequent mistakes

Choosing a capacity too tight for the usual number of diners, forgetting that the bowl never fills completely.

Neglecting to replace the sealing ring, which compromises pressure build-up and extends cooking times.

Underestimating the appliance’s footprint and the space needed for lid opening on the worktop.

Confusing the number of programs with cooking quality, when a few well-designed modes suffice for most dishes.