The most common multi-cooker problems, from 4,300 verified buyers

1. The most common multi-cooker problem owners report: “Broke down or developed a fault”, raised in 27% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Takes time to learn, with too little guidance” (9%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Easy to set up and use”, in 20% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 92% of verified buyers rated their multi-cooker 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; multi-cookers rank 19 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 5% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 20.
5. Across the 9 multi-cookers with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 87% to 95%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these multi-cookers had a median of 93% happy buyers, against 93% for the cheaper half (up to £179).
7. Buyers in the UK were the happiest (93% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (91%).

Share of the 334 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault27%
   Came up on 5 models
2. 2. Takes time to learn, with too little guidance9%
   Came up on 7 models
3. 3. Heavy or bulky8%
   Came up on 2 models
4. 4. Didn't perform as well as hoped7%
   Came up on 3 models
5. 5. Too small, too big or doesn't fit5%
   Came up on 4 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault (27% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

2. 2. Takes time to learn, with too little guidance (9% of complaints)

   Look for cooking charts in the box or the maker's app, and start with its own recipes before adapting your own.

3. 3. Heavy or bulky (8% of complaints)

   Check the weight and size against where it will live and who will lift it. A model you have to move often should be one you can carry easily.

4. 4. Didn't perform as well as hoped (7% of complaints)

   Judge it on independent tests rather than the box: the numbers makers print are often best-case figures.

5. 5. Too small, too big or doesn't fit (5% of complaints)

   Measure the space first, with room to open doors and for air to flow around it, and check the size in the maker's spec sheet.

Share of the 425 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Easy to set up and use20%
   Came up on 9 models
2. 2. Cooks fast and saves time17%
   Came up on 7 models
3. 3. Does the job of several appliances14%
   Came up on 6 models
4. 4. Tasty, tender or crisp results8%
   Came up on 4 models
5. 5. Easy to clean6%
   Came up on 3 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.