Households preparing several portions
If you grate, slice, chop or knead ingredients for several meals, compare the usable capacity and the limits for each type of preparation. Que Choisir assesses these tasks separately in its testing protocol.
Who is this guide for?
Small kitchens with limited storage
Your food processor should be easy to reach without its discs and lids taking up an entire cupboard. Measure the available space and check where the accessories are stored, while making sure the bowl is big enough for the dishes you usually prepare.
Households switching between small and large preparations
If you make everything from a small sauce to vegetables or dough, bowls in different sizes can come in handy. Remember to account for the extra parts you’ll need to wash and store, too.
What should you prioritise?
If you regularly prepare ingredients in advance, start with the tasks you do most often, then compare the quantities you need with the usable capacity and the space available. If you also want to cook in the appliance, compare food processors with a cooking function separately: Que Choisir treats this feature as distinct from the food preparation handled by a standard food processor.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation capacity | Compare the quantities you usually prepare with the bowl’s usable capacity and, if you knead, the dough limit stated for the model. | When I’m preparing several meals, I want to avoid splitting every task into too many batches. Around 33% of consumers would put preparation capacity at the top of their list. |
| Suitable accessories | Check that the model comes with the discs, blade or dough tool for the tasks you repeat, and find out which accessories are sold separately. | If I often grate and chop, I want the right tools rather than a long list of advertised functions. Having the right accessories would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Size | Measure the space you have in mind and check where the bowl, discs, lids and cord can be stored. | When my kitchen cupboards are already full, I need to be able to put the food processor away and get it out easily. Around 20% of consumers would make storage their main concern. |
| Cleaning and spare parts | Check the manual for cleaning instructions and look for parts that are compatible with the exact model number. If noise matters to you, compare any available test results, too. | When I prepare food often, I want to be able to clean the appliance and find a suitable replacement part if needed. Around 20% of consumers would put this ahead of other considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing by the number of advertised functions
A function is only useful if the corresponding accessory comes with the model you choose or is available for it.
Make a note of the tasks you do most often, then check which discs, blade, dough tool and other accessories are actually included.
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Confusing bowl volume with usable capacity
The stated bowl volume alone won’t tell you how much you can actually mix or knead. So even a large bowl may not be enough to prepare everything in one go.
Compare the bowl volume, usable capacity and dough limit for the exact model with the quantities you usually prepare.
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Forgetting how much space the accessories take up
Discs, lids and extra bowls all need somewhere to go. Que Choisir recommends considering accessory storage when choosing a model.
Measure the drawer or cupboard you have in mind and check whether the accessories you use can be stored in the bowl or need a separate box.
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Assuming spare parts are available based on the range name alone
Two similar models may not use the same bowls, lids or discs.
Make a note of the exact model number and check which parts are compatible and whether they’re listed as available before you choose.
Brands to consider, model by model
The features below relate to the specific models listed, not every appliance made by each brand.
Magimix
With three bowls, the CS 3200 XL is designed for households that switch between smaller and larger preparations.
- Magimix states that the CS 3200 XL has a total capacity of 2.6 L and a usable capacity of 1 L.
- Check which accessories are included with the version you choose, and allow space for the extra bowls.
Moulinex
The Double Force Compact FP546811 combines a stated 3 L bowl with several food-preparation accessories.
- For this model, Moulinex lists a 1.25 L blender, a mini chopper, a dough tool and three reversible discs.
- Compare the full model number: another Double Force Compact version is listed with a 2.2 L bowl.
Bosch
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3531M is worth considering if you want to compare bowl volume, dough capacity and accessory storage.
- Bosch states that the MCM3531M has a 2.3 L bowl and a maximum dough capacity of 800 g.
- Check the accessories and parts for this exact model rather than relying on the MultiTalent 3 name alone.
Kenwood
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY is a good option if storage space is limited and you want to grate or slice ingredients straight into another container.
- Kenwood lists a 1.3 L bowl and an Express Serve outlet that lets you work without using the bowl.
- The direct-to-container outlet doesn’t increase the bowl’s capacity for preparations that need to be made in it.
Food processors on Joybuy
These food processors are worth considering for preparing ingredients ahead of several meals. Compare their stated capacity with the quantities you usually make and check the accessories included with each model.
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Livoo DOP250N black food processor, 1.5 L, 600 W
If you prepare several ingredients in advance, check that the usable capacity and included accessories suit the tasks you usually do.
Stated capacity: 1.5 L; stated power: 600 W. To plan your batches and storage, check the usable capacity and dimensions of this model.
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ochama 1.8 L, 750 W food processor with blender and discs
If you regularly grate or slice vegetables, check that the included discs are suitable for the dishes you make and the quantities you need.
Stated capacity: 1.8 L; stated power: 750 W. The product name also mentions a meat grinder. Check the usable capacity, dimensions and accessory storage for this model.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if the bowl is big enough for several portions?
Compare the quantities you usually prepare with the usable capacity and, for kneading, the model’s dough limit. For example, Bosch states that the MCM3531M has a 2.3 L bowl and can handle up to 800 g of dough: these figures refer to different measures.
Can a compact food processor grate a lot of vegetables?
Yes, if the model lets you grate directly into an external container and that suits the way you use it. Kenwood lists this feature with the Express Serve on the MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY, but it doesn’t increase the 1.3 L bowl capacity for other preparations.
Which accessories should I check for preparing meals in advance?
Check for the accessories that match the tasks you do most often: discs for grating or slicing, a blade for chopping or blending, and a dough tool if you regularly make dough. Check what’s included with the model you’ve chosen rather than relying on the number of advertised functions.
How can I check whether I’ll be able to replace an accessory?
Search for parts using the food processor’s exact model number, then check that they’re compatible and listed as available. The range name alone doesn’t guarantee that a bowl, lid or disc will fit every model in that range.
Do I need a food processor with a cooking function to prepare ingredients in batches?
No, not if you mainly need to chop, grate, slice, blend or knead ingredients. Start by comparing standard food processors and their accessories. According to Que Choisir, the built-in cooking function is what sets a cooking food processor apart, so this type of appliance is relevant if you also want to cook in it.