Those who cook multi-step recipes
You want to prepare the ingredients and then cook them in the same appliance. Compare the tasks it can handle and the accessories actually included.
Who is a cooking food processor for?
Households that cook in larger quantities
You want to make your usual portions without cooking in multiple batches. Check the recommended maximum quantity for your recipes, not just the bowl’s total capacity.
Households already equipped for cooking
You already have what you need to cook and want to know whether a food preparation appliance is enough, or whether combining preparation and cooking in one appliance would be useful.
What should you compare when choosing between options?
Cooking food processor
Choose this if: your recipes regularly involve chopping, mixing or blending before cooking.
Things to consider: accessories, parts to clean and filling limits vary by model.
Food processor with separate cooking
Choose this if: you mainly want to chop, grate or knead, and will continue cooking in a frying pan, oven or saucepan.
Things to consider: you’ll need another appliance for cooking, as well as space to use it.
Multicooker
Choose this if: your ingredients are already prepared and your main requirement is cooking in a pot.
Things to consider: check how you’ll handle any chopping or slicing your recipes require separately.
When comparing your options, start with the recipes you actually make. The advertised functions alone don’t guarantee that the accessories are suitable for every step.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking in one appliance | Check the functions and accessories your recipes require. | I want to prepare and cook a recipe in the same appliance without having to improvise the steps in between; this is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Quantity per batch | Compare the filling limit with the quantities in your recipes; check the capacity of the steaming basket if you need one. | When I’m cooking for several people, I want to avoid making the recipe more than once; around 25% of consumers prioritise the quantity they can cook per batch. |
| Functions and recipes | Check which accessories are included and the terms for accessing guided recipes. | I want to know whether I’ll need any additional items for the tasks and recipes I plan to use; this is the top concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and storage | Check the manual for cleaning instructions and make space for the accessories. | If I’m short on time or space, I want to be able to clean and put the appliance away without extra hassle; around 19% of consumers prioritise these aspects. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Confusing the bowl’s total capacity with its usable capacity
The recommended maximum quantity for a recipe may be less than the bowl’s advertised total capacity.
Compare the filling limit of the version you’re considering with the quantities you usually prepare.
If a recipe exceeds this limit, you may need to make it in several batches.
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Assuming a multicooker can prepare ingredients
Cooking functions in a pot don’t necessarily replace chopping or slicing ingredients.
If your recipes start with these steps, work out how you’ll do them before choosing an appliance designed mainly for cooking. Moulinex’s Cookeo Wi-Fi 8en1 product page describes cooking modes, a cooking pot and a steaming basket.
You may need to keep a separate food preparation appliance.
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Assuming every version includes the same accessories and recipes
Equipment and terms for accessing guided recipes may differ between configurations.
Check the pack contents and the written access terms for the product reference you’re considering. Vorwerk states that its initial Cookidoo offer for the TM7 is subject to terms for new subscribers.
Depending on the configuration and how you plan to use it, you may need an additional accessory or subscription.
Brands to know, depending on the configuration
Moulinex
The Companion and Double Force ranges cater for different needs. The Companion model reviewed combines preparation and cooking, while Double Force prepares ingredients for cooking separately.
- For the Companion XL HF80DB10, the Moulinex manual lists five accessories and a free recipe app.
- These details apply to this product reference and shouldn’t be assumed to apply to every Companion.
Magimix
The Cook Expert XL Connect Premium combines preparation, cooking and chopping functions in the advertised configuration.
- The Magimix product page for this pack lists the Extra Press XL and the Panier Vapeur XXL, among other items.
- Magimix distinguishes between Original and XL versions, as well as connectivity options, so check what’s included with the version you choose.
Silvercrest
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart range offers a cooking food processor with programmes and guided recipes.
- The configuration and pack contents determine which functions and accessories are available.
- Don’t confuse the bowl’s total capacity with the recommended maximum quantity for a recipe.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 combines preparation and cooking functions with Cookidoo guided cooking.
- Vorwerk states that new subscribers can receive an initial Cookidoo period at no extra cost, subject to terms.
- Continued access to Cookidoo is separate from this offer and requires a subscription; check the terms for how you plan to use it.
Cooking food processor available at Joybuy
This selection features cooking food processors that combine ingredient preparation and cooking in the same appliance.
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Robby – multifunctional cooking food processor with built-in scales, touchscreen and 680+ recipes
This model is for shoppers who want to combine food preparation and cooking in one multifunctional cooking food processor.
The product name lists built-in scales, a touchscreen and ‘680+ recipes’. Check that the functions and accessories you need for your recipes are included in the configuration you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my food processor can grate vegetables?
Check that the required discs are included with the product reference you’re considering. The Companion XL HF80DB10 doesn’t come with the same contents as the Double Force, and Magimix also offers different configurations and accessories.
How should I clean a cooking food processor before using it for the first time?
Follow the manual for your model when fitting and cleaning the bowl and accessories. For first use of the TM7, Vorwerk recommends washing the bowl, lid and accessories in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher, then drying them. This instruction doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
Do guided recipes always require a subscription?
No, the terms vary by model. Moulinex describes a free app for the Companion XL HF80DB10. For the TM7, Vorwerk offers new subscribers an initial Cookidoo period at no extra cost, subject to terms; continued access then depends on a subscription.
What rights do I have in France if my appliance is faulty or doesn’t match its description?
For an appliance bought from a professional seller, the DGCCRF states that you have two years from delivery to bring a claim under the legal guarantee of conformity, subject to the conditions set out by law. A commercial warranty doesn’t replace this legal guarantee.