A cooking food processor is a good choice if your recipes regularly involve preparing ingredients and then cooking them in the same appliance. A food processor without a cooking function or a multicooker may be better suited to more specific needs. Before you choose, check which accessories are included, the usable capacity, which parts need cleaning, how much space you’ll need and how you can access the recipes.
If your recipes involve chopping, mixing and cooking in sequence, check that the model really does include the tools and functions you use. UFC-Que Choisir and Moulinex outline the features to consider and the accessories to check.
Compare the usable capacity with your usual portion sizes, and check whether a suitable steam basket is included or sold separately. Moulinex, Magimix and Vorwerk product information shows how equipment varies by model.
Before you buy, make sure you have room to set up the appliance, handle its bowl and store its accessories. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of its footprint; check the cleaning instructions for each model in its manual.
Start with the recipes you make most often. Note the steps involved, then check which ones the same appliance can actually carry out using its included accessories.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who is most likely to prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Food preparation and cooking | For three recipes you make regularly, check which tools are included and whether the appliance can cook the food. | When a recipe involves chopping, mixing and then cooking, I want to avoid switching between appliances; around 36% of consumers primarily value being able to combine these tasks. |
| Portions and steaming | Check the fill level recommended for your recipes and whether a steam basket is included. | If I’m cooking for several people or often steam food, I check the usable capacity and included accessories; around 22% of consumers prioritise capacity or steaming. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space available and check the cleaning instructions for each part. | In a kitchen where worktop and storage space are limited, I want to be able to set up the appliance and clean its parts without making my routine more complicated; around 21% of consumers prioritise space and cleaning. |
| Recipes and access | Check the difference between built-in recipes, the app, any free trial periods and possible subscription requirements. | If I want to follow guided recipes, I check what remains available after any trial period; around 21% of consumers are primarily concerned about recipes and how to access them. |
The total volume stated doesn’t necessarily reflect how much you can use for a recipe.
Check the fill limit for the model you’re considering and compare it with the portions you usually prepare.
If the capacity is too limited, you may need to prepare some recipes in several batches.
A free app, built-in recipes and a subscription service each come with different access conditions.
Check separately which recipes are included, whether there are any free trial periods and what terms apply afterwards to the service you want to use.
For Cookidoo, Vorwerk says a subscription is required for unlimited access after any applicable free trial periods.
A food processor prepares ingredients but doesn’t cook them, while a multicooker is designed primarily to cook ingredients that have already been prepared.
List the steps involved in your usual recipes and check which tools are actually included for each one.
You may still need another appliance to prepare or cook some ingredients.
You’ll also need room to handle the bowl and store the accessories; the cleaning instructions may cover several parts.
Measure the space available, allow room to handle the appliance and check the model’s manual before choosing how to clean it.
The Companion XL HF80CB10 combines food preparation and cooking, with several accessories listed by Moulinex.
The Cook Expert combines food preparation and cooking, but its different versions and accessories should be checked individually.
The Cooking Chef KCL96.004DG is designed in particular for people who want to combine baking and cooking.
The Thermomix TM7 combines cooking modes with Cookidoo guided cooking, subject to the service’s terms.
This option combines food preparation and cooking in one appliance, for recipes that involve several steps.
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The product description combines chopping, mixing and cooking for recipes that require both preparation and cooking in one appliance.
Built-in scales and a touchscreen; the product description lists 680 guided recipes, a 3.5 L bowl, grating, steaming and slow cooking.
The chopping and grating blades are described as very sharp, so the product information recommends handling them with care. The bowl and its contents get hot during cooking, so use suitable protection when handling them.
Don’t assume it can: the Cookeo+ CE851910 is described as having a cooking bowl and a steam basket, with functions focused on cooking. If chopping is important, check that the model you’re considering explicitly includes a suitable tool.
No, don’t assume so based on a general claim. The Moulinex guide for the i-Companion Touch XL specifically says to let the parts cool before rinsing them, including the seal. Check the manual for the model and each accessory before washing.
No, terms vary between systems. Moulinex advertises a free app for the Companion XL HF80CB10, Magimix offers free recipes in its app, and Kenwood lists built-in recipes for the KCL96.004DG. For Cookidoo, Vorwerk says a subscription gives unlimited access after any applicable free trial periods.
When a product is sold by a business to a consumer, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory and you can claim against the seller if the product does not conform. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains that this is separate from a commercial guarantee or paid extension. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.
For products covered by EU rules, the CE mark indicates that the manufacturer declares the product meets the applicable requirements. The DGCCRF clarifies that it is not an independent performance certification, so also check the model’s compliance information and manual.