People who prepare meals in several stages
You chop, mix, then cook or steam as part of the same meal. A cooking food processor is worth considering if you want to cut down on transferring ingredients between utensils.
Who is each option best suited to?
Households already equipped for cooking
If your hob, oven or another appliance already takes care of the cooking, you can focus your choice on food preparation. Que Choisir makes the distinction between a multifunction food processor and a cooking food processor in the same way: the former has no built-in cooking function.
People who care about storage and cleaning
If you plan to use a food processor often, you need to be able to handle, clean and store its bowl and accessories without too much hassle. Check what comes in the box and the cleaning instructions for the model you’re considering.
What should you look for if you cook regularly?
First, decide whether you want to cook in the same appliance you use to prepare your ingredients. This is the key difference between a cooking food processor and a multifunction food processor, but you’ll still need to check the functions and accessories included with each model.
Cooking food processor
Best if: your usual meals involve both preparation and cooking, and you’d like to bring these steps together in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the bowl and accessories take up space and need cleaning; a versatile appliance won’t necessarily replace every utensil.
Multifunction food processor
Best if: you mainly want to chop, blend, grate or knead, and already have a suitable way to cook your food.
Bear in mind: cooking remains a separate step, and you may need to transfer ingredients to another container.
Separate appliances
Best if: you want to keep the appliances you already own or prepare several things at once without using the same bowl for everything.
Bear in mind: using several appliances means more handling, storage and parts to clean.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Moving between steps | Check which preparation and cooking tasks the model is documented to perform, then see which accessories are actually included. | When I prepare a dish in several stages, I want to avoid constantly moving ingredients between appliances. This continuity is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Space and cooking needs | Measure the space available to use and store the appliance, and consider whether you’d regularly use its built-in cooking function. | My existing appliances already cook my meals, and I don’t want to add something too bulky for food preparation. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this question. |
| Cleaning and aftercare | Check the instructions for cleaning the parts, and find out about accessories and replacement parts for the model. | If I cook often, cleaning and storage need to be manageable so I keep using the appliance. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Pitfalls to avoid before you buy
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Assuming one multifunction appliance can replace your entire kitchen
A multifunction food processor doesn’t cook in the same way as a cooking food processor, and the capabilities of versatile appliances vary from task to task. The number of advertised functions alone won’t tell you which ones will suit your usual meals.
Take a few recipes you make regularly and go through each step: chopping, mixing, cooking, any transfers and cleaning.
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Assuming every accessory shown is included
Some recipes rely on additional accessories. An illustrated recipe doesn’t confirm what’s in the box.
Check the list of included parts and make sure any accessories you need for the recipes you plan to make are compatible.
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Choosing based on programmes without checking how it’s cleaned
After a meal, you’ll need to be able to clean and store the bowl, lid and any accessories you’ve used in a way that works for you.
Check the instructions to see which parts can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe, then make sure you have room to store them.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Cooking food processors available on Joybuy
These two cooking food processors are for anyone looking to bring food preparation and cooking together in one appliance. Compare their advertised features with the recipes you make, the space you have available and the accessories you’ll need.
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Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot, XL bowl and integrated scales
Worth considering if you want to bring food preparation and cooking together for your regular meals. The model name lists an XL bowl, integrated scales and a large touchscreen; check the bowl’s usable capacity, the accessories included and the cleaning instructions before choosing.
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Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot, integrated scales and touchscreen, 680 recipes
Worth considering if you’re looking for a cooking food processor for meals with several stages. Its name mentions integrated scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes; also check the bowl’s usable capacity, the accessories included and the cleaning instructions for the parts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cooking food processor replace all my kitchen appliances?
No. It can bring several tasks together, but its functions, capacity and accessories depend on the model. Compare the steps in your regular recipes with the tasks the appliance can actually perform.
How can I tell whether a cooking food processor will be easy to maintain?
Check the model’s instructions to find out which parts can be removed and are dishwasher-safe. Also count the accessories you’ll need to wash after making your usual recipes, and check where you can store them.
What are my rights in France if a food processor bought from a professional seller is faulty?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. The DGCCRF states that claims must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered; a commercial guarantee is separate and optional, and does not replace this statutory protection.
Can the repairability index help me compare cooking food processors?
Don’t assume a cooking food processor has this index: the list of applicable product categories published by ADEME doesn’t include cooking food processors. For the model you’re considering, it’s better to check the stated availability of spare parts and the repair options.