Joybuy Insights

Buying a Multicooker: A Guide for Small Kitchens, Families and Life on the Go

A multicooker can prepare rice, pasta, soups, stews, steamed dishes and hot pot all in one appliance. For single people, students, couples and busy professionals, an electric cooker is especially useful when space is limited or you want to complete several cooking steps with just one appliance. However, multifunction cookers vary considerably in capacity, controls, cleaning requirements and safety features.

Common Multicooker Buying Mistakes

1. Choosing a capacity that is too large for your household

A 5- or 7-litre appliance may sound versatile, but it requires more worktop and storage space. For one person, a 1.6-litre or 2-litre cooker may be sufficient. Couples and small families will often benefit from 2.4 to 4 litres. Capacities of 5 to 7 litres only become worthwhile for several people, meal prep or larger portions.

Important: the stated capacity does not always equal the usable filling capacity. To allow for boiling and steam, liquids should not be filled right to the rim. Always follow the markings inside the pot and read the instructions.

2. Lots of programmes, but no suitable temperature control

A long list of programmes does not automatically mean that an appliance is suitable for every type of cooking. Check that it genuinely offers the functions you need: cooking rice, keeping food warm, steaming, slow cooking, making soup or searing. A simple electric cooker with two heat settings may be more practical for pasta and soup than a complex menu system.

For delicate dishes, adjustable temperature control, or at least low and high heat settings, is useful. With a slow cooker, even, gentle heating is important, whereas a higher power rating is more relevant when you need to bring liquids to the boil quickly.

3. Treating the non-stick coating incorrectly

A non-stick coating makes cleaning easier, but it is no substitute for proper use. Metal utensils, abrasive sponges and high temperatures can damage the surface. Use wooden or silicone utensils and clean the removable pot with a soft sponge.

The body of an electric cooker must never be immersed in water. Before cleaning, unplug the appliance, allow it to cool completely and remove only the parts intended to be taken off.

Technical Specifications to Compare

Capacity and footprint

The following capacities provide a practical guide when choosing a multicooker:

  • 1.6 to 2 litres: Individual portions, student accommodation, the office, camping or travel
  • 2.4 to 2.6 litres: Couples and small meals
  • 4 litres: Households of around three to four people
  • 5 to 7 litres: Families, guests or prepared meals

Do not just look at the capacity in litres; consider the external dimensions too. A compact portable cooker is easier to store in small kitchens, rented flats or motorhomes.

Power and heat settings

The wattage indicates the appliance’s electrical power consumption and gives an indication of how quickly it will heat up. Appliances rated at 600 to 860 watts are often suitable for smaller quantities, rice or gentle cooking. Models rated at 1,000 watts or more can heat liquids more quickly, but they also require more power during operation.

A rough estimate of electricity costs is:

Power in kilowatts × operating time in hours × electricity price per kilowatt-hour.

The actual cost depends on the programme, quantity of food and electricity tariff. A high wattage alone says nothing about the cooking results.

Timer, keep-warm function and safety features

A timer or delayed start can be useful for rice, porridge or slow-cooked dishes. The keep-warm function maintains the temperature of food after cooking, but should not be treated as a form of unlimited storage.

Also look for:

  • Overheating or boil-dry protection
  • Stable footing and a heat-resistant surface
  • An easily accessible mains switch or plug
  • A steam outlet positioned at a safe distance from hands and furniture
  • A removable inner pot and detachable lid
  • The correct operating voltage for UK households, typically 220–240 volts

When opening the lid, hot steam may escape. Keep your face and hands away from the steam outlet.

Our Selection for Different User Profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Plodon 1000W 2.4L Non-Stick Multifunctional Electric Hot Pot

Plodon 1000W 2.4L Non-Stick Multifunctional Electric Hot Pot

Why this product suits this profile: The 2.4-litre electric cooker is designed for couples and small households. Its compact 27 × 22 cm design is ideal for limited worktop space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its manageable capacity reduces unnecessary space requirements. Two heat settings can be selected directly on the appliance, rather than relying on a long list of programmes.

Key benefit & strengths

1000 watts, a removable steaming insert and a coated inner pot for cooking and steaming in one appliance.

Suitable for: Buyers seeking high quality
Tefal RK8121 45-in-1 Multicooker

Tefal RK8121 45-in-1 Multicooker

Why this product suits this profile: This model offers 45 automatic cooking programmes, a 5-litre capacity, an LCD display and individually adjustable temperature and time settings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The range of programmes is complemented by manual settings. According to the product information, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

Key benefit & strengths

A six-layer-coated spherical bowl, steaming insert, keep-warm function and delayed start.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
IAGREEA Portable Electric Cooker 1.6L

IAGREEA Portable Electric Cooker 1.6L

Why this product suits this profile: With a 1.6-litre capacity and 600 watts of power, this portable cooker is designed for individual portions, student accommodation, the office, camping and travel.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its compact size is ideal for small worktop areas. Automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection are listed as safety features.

Key benefit & strengths

One-button operation, a non-stick interior and suitability for ramen, pasta, soups, steaming and stews.

Suitable for: Families and prepared meals
Instant Pot Superior Slow Cooker 7 Litres

Instant Pot Superior Slow Cooker, 7 Litres

Why this product suits this profile: With a capacity of 7.1 litres, this appliance is designed for larger portions and meal prep. Slow cooking, steaming, searing and keeping food warm are combined in one appliance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The large capacity is designed for multiple portions rather than space-saving use. The inner pot must not be used on a hob or in the oven.

Key benefit & strengths

Adjustable cooking time and temperature, EasyGrab handles and dishwasher-safe components according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions About Multicookers

What size multicooker is suitable for two people?

For two people, 2 to 3 litres is often sufficient, provided you are not planning to prepare large batches. When cooking rice, soup or stew, you should also allow enough room in the pot for the food to expand. For families or regular meal prep, 4 to 5 litres is more practical.

How long does an electric cooker last?

Its lifespan depends on how it is used, cleaned and stored, as well as on the coating. Use suitable kitchen utensils, avoid heating the appliance without liquid and observe the maximum fill level. Wear parts such as seals, or a damaged non-stick coating, should be assessed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and replaced if necessary.

Does a multicooker use a lot of electricity?

Consumption depends on the power rating and operating time. A 1,000-watt appliance running continuously at full power for one hour uses 1 kilowatt-hour in theory. In practice, the heating switches on and off depending on the programme. Short cooking times, appropriate quantities and using the keep-warm function for a limited period can all affect consumption.