Tefal Multicook 8-in-1 multi-cooker review

This well-made, attractive multi-cooker from Tefal has two cooking functions for steaming and slow cooking, plus six programmed recipes (among them soup, rice and cake). It has a large bright, digital control panel, which is easy to figure out, even before reading the comprehensive instruction book.

We especially like the sturdiness of the build with a good secure, safe-to-carry handle that folds down during use. The Tefal also comes with minimal plastic packaging.

During cooking there is very little heat on the outside, making this safe to have on the worktop, and the stainless steel doesn't get marked by fingerprints. The lid is solid, so to see what is happening inside means opening it. However, it is hinged and pops up smartly, and all condensation drips straight back down into the pot, so there’s no mess.

It snaps shut easily, too. The lid is vented, so despite the tight seal, steam can slowly ease out. Should you be delayed getting home for the end of cooking, it will automatically switch to the keep-warm function.

The inner metal pot also has a handle and is non-stick, so washing it is easy while the exterior only needs a wipe with a cloth.

Our only niggles with this cooker were the delayed start function and countdown. Only the last hour of cooking displays minutes, so it is hard to know precisely where the cooking programme is at.

It's worth noting that the Tefal is neither hob- nor oven-safe, but we cooked impressive dishes with it, including a stew that was beautifully thickened and glossy thanks to the vent in the lid that gently releases the vapour. At the end of cooking, the meat remained in large, meltingly tender chunks. Likewise, the vegetables were still in large pieces and perfectly cooked.

We also made a curry and there was room enough to double the amounts. Like the stew, it had a thick, well-developed sauce that was packed with the clean, fresh flavours of the veg, meat and spices.

Specifications
Type: multi-cooker
Capacity: 3.5-litre
Size: 29 x 26.5 x 30 cm
Settings: low, high, automatic keep warm
Functions: 8 settings including slow cooker, rice cooking and steaming, delayed start
Pot: non-stick metal
Lid: pop-up solid lid
Extras: spoon, measuring cup, steam basket
Guarantee: 1 year
Dishwasher: Pot only
Oven- and hob-friendly: no
Instruction manual: yes
Recipes: yes

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This review was last updated in September 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.