People who cook regularly
You often chop, mix and cook the same kinds of dishes. The key question is whether a combined appliance would genuinely make your routine easier.
Who is this choice for?
People getting started with guided recipes
You’re looking for step-by-step instructions and want to compare how they’re displayed, which recipes you can access and whether any subscription terms apply.
Households with changing portion sizes
You sometimes prepare larger quantities, so it’s important to check the usable capacity rather than relying on the bowl’s total volume alone.
What to compare
Start with the steps you genuinely want to combine, then check that the capacity, guidance and ongoing costs suit the way you cook.
Multifunction cooking food processor
Worth considering: if you often chop or mix ingredients before cooking, and the settings and accessories suit the dishes you make.
Check: the usable capacity, supplied tools and terms for accessing guided recipes.
Multifunction food processor without cooking
Worth considering: if you mainly want to make chopping or mixing easier while keeping your current way of cooking.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to cook in another appliance, and you’ll need space to store the accessories.
Separate food preparation and cooking appliances
Worth considering: if your current equipment already meets your needs and you prefer to keep preparation and cooking as separate steps.
Bear in mind: this option doesn’t combine preparation and cooking in one appliance.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Combining repetitive steps | Check the preparation and cooking settings, as well as the accessories supplied with the exact model. | If you want to move from preparation to cooking in the same appliance, this could guide your choice: around 33% of consumers prioritise combining steps. |
| Finding recipe guidance that suits you | Check where the instructions appear, which recipes you can access and the terms of any subscription. | If you want step-by-step support, make sure the interface and recipes work for you: around 27% of consumers prioritise guided cooking. |
| Preparing the quantity you need | Compare the largest recipe you usually make with the published usable capacity of the model you’re considering. | If you prepare different portion sizes or larger quantities, usable capacity is what counts: around 20% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Checking space and ongoing costs | Make a note of the appliances and accessories you’ll need to store, then check what’s included or sold separately and whether there are any recurring fees. | If you need to keep your worktop clear and stay within budget, consider the appliance’s footprint and associated services: around 20% of consumers prioritise cost and space. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing based on the bowl’s total volume
The stated volume isn’t necessarily the usable capacity. Magimix lists 2.5 L of usable capacity for the Cook Expert Chrome Mat, which has a 3.5 L bowl. Lidl France states a maximum fill level of 3 L for the Monsieur Cuisine Smart’s 4.5 L bowl.
Compare your largest recipe with the usable capacity stated for the exact model.
If the capacity isn’t enough, you may need to prepare some recipes in batches.
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Assuming all guided recipes are included indefinitely
Access terms vary between services. For Cookidoo, Vorwerk states that an annual subscription applies after any relevant free trial periods, with automatic renewal unless you opt out.
Check which recipes are available without a subscription and the terms of the service associated with the model you’re considering.
An annual subscription could mean an ongoing cost if you use the service.
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Confusing a stated function with an included accessory
A function may rely on an accessory that isn’t included in every set. Magimix also sells Cook Expert accessories separately, while Moulinex lists the tools supplied with each model.
Check what’s in the box and whether accessories are compatible before comparing functions.
You may need to buy a compatible accessory separately to use a function you want.
Brands to consider for your needs
Moulinex
The I-Companion HF901120 combines food preparation and cooking, with a Bluetooth connection and app-based guidance.
- Moulinex lists a 3 L capacity and includes, among other items, blades, a mixer, a whisk, a steaming basket and a connected scale with this model.
- Guidance is provided through the app, so don’t confuse it with recipes displayed in full on the appliance.
Magimix
The Cook Expert range includes models with different capacities and connectivity options. The Cook Expert Chrome Mat combines cooking with food preparation bowls.
- Magimix lists 2.5 L of usable capacity for the Cook Expert Chrome Mat and describes its recipe app as free.
- Some accessories are sold separately, so check what’s included with the model you choose.
Silvercrest
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart listed by Lidl France combines food preparation and cooking, with Cooking-Pilot guidance on screen.
- Lidl France lists a 4.5 L bowl, a maximum fill level of 3 L and several included accessories for this model.
- The maximum fill level is lower than the bowl’s total volume, so check the limits for the recipe you’re planning to make.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 focuses on Cookidoo guided recipes displayed on the appliance.
- Vorwerk lists a maximum bowl capacity of 2.2 L and offers new subscribers a free Cookidoo trial period, subject to the offer’s terms.
- Access to Cookidoo is subject to subscription terms after any free trial periods, so check the service and renewal details before choosing.
Kenwood
The MultiPro Compact FDP31.360GY is an example of a food preparation appliance without a cooking function.
- Kenwood France lists a 2.1 L bowl and includes, among other items, a blender, blades, discs, a dough tool and an emulsifying tool with this model.
- You’ll need to cook in another appliance, as this model doesn’t combine preparation and cooking.
Cooking food processors on Joybuy
The products featured here are multifunction cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, with recipe guidance advertised on screen.
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Robby Smart multifunction cooking food processor with XL bowl
This model could suit you if you want to combine preparation and cooking and follow guided recipes on the appliance.
The bowl has a total capacity of 4.5 L, with a stated usable capacity of 3 L. The product description mentions a built-in scale, touchscreen and 750 preloaded recipes.
The product description advises keeping hands and utensils away from moving blades and not immersing the base.
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Robby multifunction cooking food processor with built-in scale
This model could suit you if you want to combine food preparation tasks with cooking functions and on-screen guidance.
The product description lists a 3.5 L main bowl, automatic programmes, a rinse programme and 680 guided recipes on the touchscreen.
The product description advises handling the sharp blades and hot bowl with care, and not immersing the main unit.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bowl listed as 4.5 L hold 4.5 L of ingredients for cooking?
Not necessarily. Lidl France states a maximum fill level of 3 L for the Monsieur Cuisine Smart’s 4.5 L bowl. Check the capacity for the model you choose.
Do guided recipes always require a subscription?
No, it depends on the service. Vorwerk states that Cookidoo requires an annual subscription after any applicable free trial periods, while Magimix describes its recipe app as free. Check separately which features are available on the appliance and in the app you’re considering.
What should I check before first use and when cleaning the appliance?
Check the model’s instructions for assembly, quantities and dishwasher-safe parts. Magimix states that the Cook Expert has a stainless steel bowl and dishwasher-safe accessories. Check the instructions for each part, and don’t assume the same applies to other models.
What legal protection is available in France if an appliance bought from a professional seller isn’t as described?
You can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the professional seller. According to the DGCCRF, claims must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods, whether new or second-hand. An optional commercial warranty does not replace this legal guarantee.
Is the CE marking an independent culinary quality label?
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking represents the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable European requirements; it is not a certification mark and does not measure cooking performance.