Fans of all-in-one appliances
You often prepare dishes that need blending, mixing or chopping before cooking, and want to find out which steps a single appliance can handle. Que Choisir covers these functions in its guide to cooking food processors.
Who is a cooking food processor for?
Households cooking several portions
You prepare several servings or leftovers, so the amount you can actually use in your recipes matters just as much as the stated capacity. Que Choisir and Moulinex discuss these considerations in their information about bowls and capacities.
Buyers mindful of running costs
You want to know whether guided recipes, accessories and cleaning justify adding another appliance to your current setup. Information from Que Choisir, Vorwerk and Magimix can help you check the access conditions for specific models’ recipes.
What should you compare before buying?
Cooking food processor
Choose this: if you want to prepare and cook food regularly in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: accessories, the bowl and guided recipes may mean extra handling and storage, or come with access conditions you’ll need to check.
Food processor and cooking appliance
Choose this: if your current equipment already cooks food and you mainly need to chop, grate, slice or knead.
Bear in mind: cooking remains a separate step, and you’ll need to check that the required accessories are included with the model you choose.
Multi-cooker
Choose this: if your ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want set-and-forget cooking.
Bear in mind: a multi-cooker won’t necessarily chop or mix ingredients. Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses in its multi-cooker guide.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Functions and accessories | List of accessories included with the exact model; preparation and cooking functions needed for your recipes. | If I want to chop, mix and cook without switching appliances, I check that every step is covered. Around 26% of consumers prioritise these functions. |
| Usefulness and purchase cost | Functions already covered by your appliances; whether recipe access is included or subject to additional conditions. | If I already own preparation or cooking appliances, I want to avoid duplicating functions and understand what the new appliance will add. Around 21% of consumers put usefulness in relation to cost first. |
| Portions and space | Maximum quantities stated for your recipes; space needed for the appliance and its accessories. | When I cook for several people, I want to make my usual quantities without cluttering a kitchen with limited storage. Around 21% of consumers are most concerned about portions and space. |
| Recipe access | Functions available without a subscription; terms for accessing and renewing recipe services. | If I plan to follow guided recipes, I check what will remain available with the service and model I choose. This is a priority for around 16% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Removable parts; dishwasher compatibility stated for each relevant part. | If I cook often, I want to know which parts need washing after use and whether this adds extra steps to my daily routine. Around 16% of consumers make minimising maintenance their top priority. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Confusing programmed cooking with built-in food preparation
An appliance designed mainly for cooking won’t necessarily chop or mix ingredients as your recipes require. Que Choisir distinguishes between the functions of multi-cookers and those of food processors.
Before you choose, check explicitly for chopping and blending functions, as well as the accessories supplied with the exact model.
If food preparation isn’t covered, you may still need to use another tool.
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Confusing the stated capacity with the amount you can cook
The maximum fill level may be lower than the bowl’s total capacity. Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a stated bowl capacity of 6 L and a cooking limit of 4 L. This limit applies to that example only and doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
Compare the quantities in your dishes with the limits stated for the model you’re considering, then measure the storage space available.
Depending on the quantities you need to prepare and the model’s limits, you may have to cook in several batches.
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Assuming all guided recipes will remain available free of charge
Access to a recipe platform may be subject to terms separate from the purchase of the appliance. Vorwerk states that Cookidoo requires a subscription after the free trial period.
Check which functions are available without a subscription and compare them with the recipes you actually plan to follow.
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Assuming the dishwasher-safe claim applies to every part
Compatibility applies to the parts specified for a particular model, not necessarily all its accessories. For example, Moulinex’s Cookeo Touch Wifi product page states that the bowl and steam basket are dishwasher-safe.
Check the manual for the model you choose to identify removable parts and their washing instructions.
Brands to know when comparing different uses
Moulinex
The Companion and Cookeo ranges are designed for different uses: one combines food preparation and cooking, while the other offers programmed cooking.
- For the Companion XL HF80CB10, Moulinex lists five food-preparation accessories, a steam basket and recipes on its free app.
- Don’t assume a Cookeo has the same functions as a Companion: check the functions and parts included with each model.
Magimix
The Cook Expert Chrome Mat combines cooking with food processor functions, including chopping, grating and slicing.
- Magimix lists a 3.5 L bowl, dishwasher-safe parts and free recipes in its app.
- Capacity and equipment vary between versions, so check the exact model rather than assuming another model’s specifications apply.
Silvercrest
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart SKMS 1200 C1 is worth considering if you’re looking for a cooking food processor with a screen and guided recipes.
- Information for this model mentions food-preparation and cooking programmes, as well as a free recipe collection.
- Compare the functions and recipe access terms for this specific model with your needs; they don’t necessarily apply to every version.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 is worth considering if guided cooking on the appliance is an important factor for you.
- Vorwerk states that the bowl has a maximum capacity of 2.2 L and that guided recipes are available through Cookidoo.
- Check Cookidoo’s terms after the free trial period, particularly if you want to keep using guided recipes.
Products for these needs
This selection includes a cooking food processor, food processors to pair with a separate cooking appliance, and multi-cookers for ingredients that are already prepared.
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Robby cooking food processor with scales and touchscreen
Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking, and follow guided recipes on the appliance.
The product name lists built-in scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes.
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Cecotec Model D programmable multi-cooker, 6 L
Worth considering if your ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want programmed cooking.
The product name lists a capacity of 6 L, 9 cooking menus and 2 pressure settings.
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Livoo DOP250N food processor, 1.5 L, 600 W
Worth considering if you mainly need to prepare ingredients and have a separate appliance for cooking.
The product name lists a capacity of 1.5 L and a power rating of 600 W.
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Instant Pot Pro WiFi Smart multi-cooker, 5.7 L
Worth considering if you prepare ingredients separately and prefer programmed cooking with app control.
The product name lists a capacity of 5.7 L, a Wi-Fi connection and 10-in-1 multi-cooker functionality.
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Midea 9-in-1 electric multi-cooker, 8 L, 1,200 W
Worth considering for recipes where ingredients are prepared separately and programmed cooking is the main requirement.
The product name lists a capacity of 8 L, a power rating of 1,200 W and 12 preset menus.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if the stated capacity will be enough for my meals?
Check the usable limit for your recipes, not just the bowl’s total capacity. Que Choisir gives the example of a Cookeo with a stated bowl capacity of 6 L and a cooking limit of 4 L; these figures don’t apply to other models.
Do I have to pay to use guided recipes?
Terms depend on the service and model. Vorwerk states that a subscription is needed to keep using Cookidoo’s features after the free trial period. Moulinex and Magimix offer free recipes on their apps for certain models. Check the terms for the appliance you’re interested in.
Can I put all the appliance’s parts in the dishwasher?
No. A compatibility statement applies to the parts specifically listed, not necessarily the whole appliance. Check the manual for the model you choose; the Cookeo Touch Wifi product page lists its bowl and steam basket as dishwasher-safe.
What statutory guarantee applies to a purchase from a retailer in France?
For a purchase made by an individual from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory. The DGCCRF states that it lasts for two years from the date the goods are delivered; a commercial guarantee offered by the manufacturer is separate and optional.