OnlyRecipe vs Tandoor: Which Recipe Manager is Right for You?
Comparing a modern AI-powered cloud app with a feature-rich self-hosted solution. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | OnlyRecipe | Tandoor |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Cloud-based | Self-hosted (Docker) |
| Setup | Instant (download & use) | Technical setup required |
| Pricing | $24.99-$34.99/year | Free + server costs |
| AI Features | ✓ Social media, screenshots | ✓ AI in v2.0 (limited) |
| Social Media Import | ✓ TikTok, YouTube, Instagram | ✗ Not supported |
| Mobile Apps | ✓ Native iOS & Android | PWA + Kitshn app |
| Multi-User | Personal accounts | ✓ Spaces & collaboration |
| Import Sources | Websites, social media, screenshots | Websites, PDFs, images, other apps |
| Data Control | Cloud (encrypted) | ✓ Complete ownership |
The Bottom Line
Choose OnlyRecipe if: You want modern AI features (social media imports, screenshots, handwritten recipes) with zero technical setup. Perfect for discovering recipes on TikTok and Instagram.
Choose Tandoor if: You're tech-savvy, want complete data control, need multi-user collaboration, and don't mind managing your own server. Ideal for families and privacy enthusiasts.
Key Differences
🚀 Setup & Maintenance
OnlyRecipe
- • Download from app store
- • Create account, start immediately
- • Automatic updates
- • Zero maintenance
Tandoor
- • Docker setup required
- • Server configuration needed
- • Manual updates
- • You manage everything
🤖 AI & Modern Features
OnlyRecipe
- ✓ TikTok/YouTube/Instagram import
- ✓ Screenshot recognition
- ✓ Handwritten recipe digitization
- ✓ AI meal planning
- ✓ Auto nutritional analysis
Tandoor
- ✓ AI recipe conversion (v2.0)
- ✓ AI nutritional values (v2.0)
- ✓ Self-hosted LLM support
- ✗ No social media import
- ✗ No screenshot import
👥 Collaboration
OnlyRecipe
- • Personal accounts
- • Recipe sharing via export
- • Individual use focused
Tandoor
- ✓ Multi-user support
- ✓ Dedicated "spaces" for groups
- ✓ Family collaboration
- ✓ Shared recipe collections
💰 True Cost
OnlyRecipe
- • Free: 20 recipes, 3 AI imports/day
- • Premium: $24.99/year
- • AI Premium: $34.99/year
- • No hidden costs
Tandoor
- • Software: Free
- • Server: $60-240/year
- • Domain: ~$12/year
- • Your time: Setup + maintenance
What Makes Tandoor Special
Tandoor is one of the most feature-rich self-hosted recipe managers available:
- ✓Advanced Ingredient Management: Handles amount, unit, and food independently for maximum flexibility
- ✓Powerful Import: Import from thousands of websites, PDFs, images, and other apps (Paprika, Mealie, etc.)
- ✓Shopping Lists: Generate lists from meal plans, sort by supermarket order, sync across devices
- ✓Full-Text Search: Powerful, customizable search with batch editing capabilities
- ✓Tandoor 2.0: New AI features, faster interface, self-hosted LLM support
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Tandoor if you:
- • Are comfortable with Docker and self-hosting
- • Need multi-user collaboration for family/household
- • Want complete data control and privacy
- • Already run a home server
- • Prefer open-source software
- • Need advanced ingredient management
Choose OnlyRecipe if you:
- • Want to start immediately without technical setup
- • Discover recipes on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram
- • Need screenshot and handwritten recipe import
- • Prefer native mobile apps
- • Don't want to manage servers
- • Value modern AI features over self-hosting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Kitshn with OnlyRecipe?
No, Kitshn is specifically designed as a mobile client for Tandoor. OnlyRecipe has its own native mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Does Tandoor have AI features like OnlyRecipe?
Tandoor 2.0 added some AI features (recipe conversion, nutritional values) with self-hosted LLM support, but it doesn't match OnlyRecipe's social media imports, screenshot recognition, or handwritten recipe digitization.
Is Tandoor really free?
The software is free and open-source, but you'll need to pay for server hosting ($5-20/month) and invest time in setup and maintenance. Total cost is typically $72-252/year plus your time.
Final Verdict
Both are excellent recipe managers serving different audiences.
Tandoor is perfect for tech-savvy users who want a powerful, self-hosted solution with multi-user collaboration. It's feature-rich and gives you complete control.
OnlyRecipe is ideal for modern cooks who want AI-powered features without technical complexity. Import from social media, screenshots, and handwritten recipes with zero setup.
Try OnlyRecipe Free
No server setup required. Download and start cooking in seconds.
