People who prepare full meals during the week
You want to avoid transferring food between separate preparation and cooking appliances. Programmes or guided recipes may therefore be important, but check that they’re available on the model you choose.
Who are these appliances for?
People who already have cooking appliances
You’re happy with your hob, oven, slow cooker or multi-cooker, and mainly want to make chopping, blending, grating or kneading easier. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a food processor if you don’t need built-in cooking or already have a slow cooker.
People who want to choose their own accessories
You have specific tasks in mind, such as kneading, grating or slicing. Check which parts come with the model you’re considering and whether any accessories you’d like to add are compatible.
What sets the options apart?
First decide whether you need the appliance to cook as well. If not, a food processor could complement the equipment you already own. If you mainly repeat one task, consider whether a dedicated appliance would be more useful than a range of functions you won’t use.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in cooking | Check the cooking modes, usable capacity and accessories supplied. | I want to avoid transferring ingredients to another appliance for cooking my regular meals. Around 31% of consumers prioritise built-in cooking. |
| Preparation without cooking | Identify the tasks you need, then check which blades, discs and bowls are included. | I already cook with my usual equipment, but chopping and mixing take time. Around 31% of consumers prioritise preparation without cooking. |
| Storage and accessories | Measure the space you have and check accessory compatibility by model number. | I want to make sure the appliance and the parts I’ll use have a place in my kitchen. Around 23% of consumers prioritise a compact design and versatility suited to their needs. |
| Ease of use and cleaning | Check which parts need cleaning, which recipes are included and what you need to access connected features. | I need to understand the controls and clean the parts after use if I’m going to cook often. Guided cooking and cleaning are priorities for around 15% of consumers. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Choosing built-in cooking when you only need help with preparation
If you already have a cooking appliance that meets your needs, a cooking food processor may add a feature you rarely use. UFC-Que Choisir recommends a food processor if you don’t need built-in cooking or already have a slow cooker.
Think about which parts of your usual meals really need to be cooked in the appliance, then separate those steps from chopping, blending and kneading.
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Assuming more accessories mean more usefulness
Extra parts take up space, and some are only compatible with specific models. Kenwood lists some Cooking Chef accessories as optional, while Magimix specifies compatibility for certain accessories.
Start with the tasks you do often and check the food processor’s full model number before choosing an additional part.
Every extra part also needs storage space and may add another item to clean.
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Assuming guided recipes work the same way across all models
Built-in recipes, apps and connected features depend on the range and sometimes the exact model. Moulinex and Kenwood each describe features for their own appliances.
Check which recipes are available on the model you’ve chosen, whether it works with the app and whether any account or service conditions apply.
Brands to know
Moulinex
According to Moulinex, the Companion range combines meal preparation and cooking.
- Moulinex provides recipes for Companion and the My Moulinex app for compatible connected appliances.
- Check the programmes, connectivity and accessories for the model you’re considering; the terms for one service won’t necessarily apply to another.
Magimix
The CS 4200 XL is an example of a food processor designed to prepare ingredients.
- Magimix highlights grating, slicing, chopping, blending and kneading among its uses.
- The CS 4200 XL is not described as having built-in cooking. Also check that accessories are compatible with the exact model.
Kenwood
Kenwood separates its MultiPro food processors from its Cooking Chef heated stand mixer.
- Kenwood lists induction cooking, weighing and built-in recipes as features of the Cooking Chef KCL96.004DG.
- Some Cooking Chef accessories are optional. Check the features and parts supplied with the model you’re considering rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
Joybuy products to suit the way you cook
These products cover two needs discussed in this article: combining preparation and cooking in one cooking food processor, or preparing ingredients with a food processor when you’ll cook them separately. Focus on the features you’ll use and the accessories supplied with each model.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with XL bowl and built-in scales
Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook in one appliance, with on-screen guidance.
The product name specifies an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Before buying, check the exact model and the number of recipes included in the version on offer, as well as the terms for accessing new recipes and updates.
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Robby cooking food processor with built-in scales and touchscreen
Worth a look if you want to prepare and cook using guided recipes.
The product name lists built-in scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes. Check the accessories supplied, the features available and the terms for any updates for this model.
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ochama 750 W food processor with a 1.8 L bowl
Worth considering for preparing ingredients that you plan to cook separately.
The product name specifies 750 W of power, a 1.8 L capacity, and blending, chopping and cutting functions. Check which discs and other accessories are actually supplied with this model.
Frequently asked questions
When should you choose a food processor rather than a cooking food processor?
Choose a food processor if preparing ingredients is your priority and you don’t need built-in cooking. UFC-Que Choisir recommends one if you already have a slow cooker or multi-cooker; then check that its bowls, blades and discs suit the food you prepare.
Will accessories fit every model from the same brand?
No. Compatibility may depend on the range and exact model number. Kenwood lists some Cooking Chef accessories as optional, while Magimix specifies which models its parts fit. Check compatibility for both the food processor and accessory before buying.
Are recipes and apps the same across all food processors?
No. Recipes and app features vary by ecosystem and model. Moulinex describes My Moulinex as a free app, while Kenwood lists built-in recipes for the Cooking Chef KCL96.004DG. Check which features are available in France, whether your model is compatible and whether any service terms apply.
What protection applies in France if a food processor bought from a trader doesn’t match its description?
The legal guarantee of conformity may apply to goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France if they don’t conform to their description. The Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that it covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Any commercial guarantee offered separately is in addition to the legal guarantees and doesn’t replace them.