What is the difference between a multicooker and a pressure cooker?

A pressure cooker only does pressure cooking. A multicooker integrates pressure cooking plus other modes: steam, slow cook, sear, yoghurt, etc. Connected multicookers add WiFi for guided recipes, remote control and notifications. The multicooker is the modern, versatile evolution of the pressure cooker.

Does a connected multicooker use a lot of electricity?

No, it is one of the most energy-efficient cooking appliances. A multicooker uses 700-1,760 W for 20-40 minutes on average, or 0.3-0.8 kWh per meal. A conventional oven uses 2,000-3,000 W for 45-90 minutes, or 1.5-4.5 kWh. The multicooker therefore uses 50-70% less energy than the oven for an equivalent meal. Over a year, the saving is £40-80 on electricity.

Can I leave a multicooker running unattended?

Yes, this is one of the great advantages of a connected multicooker. All models in this comparison feature multiple safety systems: pressure lid lock, temperature sensor, automatic shut-off and keep-warm mode. WiFi adds a safety layer: you receive real-time notifications and can check cooking status remotely. It is the whole point of a multicooker: you programme it and go about your business.

Is WiFi really useful on a multicooker?

Yes, for three main reasons. 1) Recipes are updated weekly — your library grows automatically. 2) Remote control lets you start cooking or check progress from anywhere (office, shops). 3) Notifications alert you when cooking finishes — no more watching. If you only use the basic timer, WiFi is a bonus. But if you use guided recipes and remote control, WiFi becomes essential.

Which smart multicooker for a family of 4?

For a family of 4, the Moulinex Cookeo Touch WiFi (6 L) is our top recommendation: its 6-litre capacity is perfect (1.5 L per person), its 2,500 guided recipes simplify daily life, and nutritional tracking helps balance family meals. If budget is tight, the Instant Pot Duo Plus WiFi (5.7 L, £180) is an excellent alternative. Avoid the Tefal Cook4Me Touch if you enjoy varied cooking methods (only 4 modes).

Are connected multicookers Matter-compatible?

Not yet in 2026 for most models. The Matter protocol is gradually expanding into the kitchen, but multicookers remain primarily on proprietary protocols (WiFi + manufacturer app). The Ninja Foodi is closest to Matter with its direct Alexa and Google Home compatibility. For advanced home automation integration, use Matter smart plugs to control your multicooker power, or Home Assistant which supports most brands via third-party integrations.

Best Smart Multicookers 2026: Top 4 WiFi Models Compared

Why choose a smart multicooker in 2026?

The connected multicooker has become the essential appliance for cooking quickly, healthily and effortlessly. In 2026, WiFi connectivity transforms a simple pressure cooker into a genuine culinary assistant: step-by-step guided recipes, remote programmable cooking, smartphone notifications, and libraries of thousands of recipes updated weekly.

This comparison pits the 4 best smart multicookers on the market in 2026 against each other. We evaluated each model on cooking mode versatility, app quality, ease of use, capacity, price and recipe library. For a complete overview of the connected kitchen, see our complete smart kitchen guide 2026.

Comparison table: the 4 best smart multicookers 2026

Criterion	Cookeo Touch WiFi	Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid	Instant Pot Duo Plus	Tefal Cook4Me Touch
Capacity	6 L	7.5 L	5.7 L	6 L
Cooking modes	6 (pressure, steam, sear, slow cook, reheat, slow)	14 (pressure, air fry, steam, grill, roast, dehydrate...)	9 (pressure, slow, rice, steam, saute, yoghurt, sterilise, warm, sous vide)	4 (pressure, steam, sear, slow cook)
Display	4.3" colour touch	LED + buttons	LCD + buttons	3.5" colour touch
WiFi	Yes (2.4 GHz)	Yes (2.4 GHz)	Yes (2.4 GHz)	Yes (2.4 GHz)
Built-in recipes	2,500+	800+	1,900+	600+
App	Moulinex (iOS/Android)	Ninja (iOS/Android)	Instant Pot (iOS/Android)	Tefal (iOS/Android)
Air frying	No	Yes (230 °C)	No	No
Weight	6.5 kg	8.2 kg	5.4 kg	6.2 kg
Power	1,600 W	1,760 W	1,200 W	1,200 W
Price	~£300 / $350	~£250 / $300	~£180 / $200	~£210 / $250
Score /10	9.3	9.0	8.5	8.0

Moulinex Cookeo Touch WiFi: the best smart multicooker 2026

Strengths

The Cookeo Touch WiFi leads this comparison thanks to its 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, the largest and most intuitive on the market. Browsing the 2,500+ built-in recipes is a pleasure — each recipe is guided step by step with illustrations, timing for each stage and the exact quantity of every ingredient. No smartphone needed to follow a recipe: everything is on the device screen.

The Moulinex app is the most comprehensive: weekly new recipe synchronisation, automatic shopping list generation, nutritional tracking (calories, protein, carbs, fat per portion), weekly meal planning and cooking history. Remote control is seamless: start cooking from the office and receive a notification when it is ready.

Cooking quality is excellent. The 6 modes cover the essentials: pressure cooking is fast and even (a whole chicken in 25 minutes), steam preserves vitamins, searing creates a beautiful crust, and slow cooking produces melt-in-your-mouth dishes. The removable non-stick pot is dishwasher safe.

Weaknesses

No air frying function — if you want crispy results, you will need a separate airfryer (see our airfryer buying guide). The device is slightly more expensive at £300, but the screen and app quality justify the premium. WiFi is 2.4 GHz only.

Our verdict

Score: 9.3/10 — The best smart multicooker of 2026. The touchscreen, 2,500 guided recipes and Moulinex app form the winning trio. Ideal for families wanting varied, effortless cooking.

Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid: the most versatile

Strengths

The Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid is the only multicooker in this comparison to integrate air frying up to 230 °C. Its patented pivoting lid (SmartLid) switches between pressure and air fry mode without changing lids — an innovation that greatly simplifies use.

With 14 cooking modes, it is by far the most versatile: pressure, air fry, steam, grill, roast, dehydrate, slow cook, saute, sous vide (Combi-Steam), yoghurt, sterilise, reheat, keep warm and bake. It is literally a multicooker, airfryer, dehydrator and oven in one appliance.

The 7.5-litre capacity is the largest in this comparison — ideal for large families (6-8 people) or Sunday batch cooking. The 1,760 W power ensures rapid pressure build-up and effective air frying.

Weaknesses

The physical interface (LED + buttons) is less intuitive than the Cookeo touchscreen. The Ninja app is functional but less feature-rich — fewer recipes, no nutritional tracking, no automatic shopping list. At 8.2 kg, it is the heaviest, complicating storage.

Our verdict

Score: 9.0/10 — The ideal choice to replace several appliances with one. Built-in air frying and 14 cooking modes make it the most versatile multicooker on the market.

Instant Pot Duo Plus WiFi: best value for money

Strengths

The Instant Pot is the world's best-selling multicooker, and the Duo Plus WiFi adds connectivity at an unbeatable price: ~£180 / $200. That is £120 less than the Cookeo for an appliance that does the essentials perfectly.

The 9-in-1 functions cover all needs: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, yoghurt maker, steriliser, warmer and sous vide. Instant Pot reliability is legendary — the appliance is designed to last 10 years with minimal maintenance.

The app offers 1,900+ recipes and a weekly meal planner. The Instant Pot community is the most active worldwide. Alexa compatibility is a plus.

Weaknesses

The basic LCD with buttons is not on par with the Cookeo touchscreen. The 5.7-litre capacity is the smallest — limiting for families of 5-6. The 1,200 W power is adequate but pressure build-up is slower. No air frying or dehydration.

Our verdict

Score: 8.5/10 — The smart choice for a reliable connected multicooker under £200. The Instant Pot community and 1,900 recipes more than compensate for the basic interface.

Tefal Cook4Me Touch: the simplest to use

Strengths

The Tefal Cook4Me Touch puts everything into simplicity. Its 3.5-inch colour touchscreen is clear with streamlined menus: choose a recipe and Cook4Me guides you step by step with voice instructions alongside visual ones. It is the most accessible multicooker for kitchen beginners.

The 600 built-in recipes are carefully curated with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps. The compact, elegant design takes up less worktop space than competitors.

Weaknesses

Only 4 cooking modes — by far the least versatile in this comparison. No slow cooking, no yoghurt mode, no sous vide. The Tefal app is basic. The 600 recipes are insufficient compared to Cookeo's 2,500.

Our verdict

Score: 8.0/10 — Ideal for beginners wanting a simple, guided multicooker. The touchscreen and voice instructions make cooking accessible to everyone. More advanced cooks will quickly feel limited.

Cookeo vs Ninja: the head-to-head

The choice between the Cookeo Touch WiFi and the Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid is this comparison's main dilemma:

Choose the Cookeo if: you prioritise guided recipes (2,500 vs 800), touchscreen, nutritional tracking, automatic shopping lists and Tefal scale integration. Ideal if you already own an airfryer.
Choose the Ninja if: you want one appliance that does everything (multicooker + airfryer + dehydrator), you cook for 6-8 people (7.5 L vs 6 L), or you love crispy cooking without a separate airfryer. The Ninja is also £50 cheaper.

Our recommendation: if you do not own an airfryer, the Ninja is the best investment (one appliance instead of two). If you already have an airfryer, the Cookeo offers a superior connected recipe experience.

Buying advice: what to check

Capacity: allow 1-1.5 L per person. A household of 4 needs at least 5-6 L.
WiFi network: all connected multicookers work on 2.4 GHz only. Verify your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz network.
Accessory costs: lid gaskets (£7-12 every 12-18 months), extra pots (£25-40), steam baskets (£12-20). Annual budget: £12-25.
Sales: connected multicookers are often discounted during Black Friday (-20 to -35%) and Prime Day (-15 to -25%).

Which smart multicooker to choose? Our final verdict

Best overall: Moulinex Cookeo Touch WiFi — best screen, best recipes, best app.
Most versatile: Ninja Foodi MAX SmartLid — 14 modes including air frying, largest capacity.
Best budget: Instant Pot Duo Plus WiFi — reliable, 1,900 recipes, massive community, at £180.
Simplest: Tefal Cook4Me Touch — touchscreen, voice instructions, perfect for beginners.

To discover how to integrate your multicooker into a complete connected kitchen ecosystem, see our smart kitchen pillar guide 2026. If connected coffee interests you too, our connected coffee machines guide completes the setup.