A cooking food processor is designed to combine food preparation and cooking in the same bowl. If your main aim is to automate the cooking, a multi-cooker may be a better fit. And if your existing appliances already cook your meals, a food processor or your current dedicated appliances may be all you need. Before choosing, compare the functions you’ll actually use for your recipes with the usable capacity, available space, cleaning requirements and access to guided recipes.
For soups, sauces and slow-cooked dishes that involve chopping, mixing and then cooking, a cooking food processor lets you do it all in the same bowl. Check that the model and its accessories cover the recipes you usually make.
If you already prepare ingredients with your own utensils and mainly want to follow cooking instructions or use pressure cooking, take a look at multi-cookers. Moulinex’s Cookeo+ is an example of this category, focusing on cooking modes rather than chopping or kneading.
A hob, oven, slow cooker or multi-cooker may already meet your cooking needs. If preparing ingredients is what takes the time, compare the functions of a food processor before adding another appliance that also cooks.
Start with the steps you want to combine, then check that the capacity and practical requirements suit your meals.
| Criteria | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Steps combined | List the model’s preparation and cooking functions, then check which accessories are included. Distinguish a multi-cooker’s cooking modes from chopping, grating or kneading functions. | I want to chop, mix and cook in the same bowl: a cooking food processor is worth considering. If I mainly want to cook, a multi-cooker may suit me; if I already have cooking appliances, a food processor or using them separately are still options. |
| Capacity and space | Compare the usable capacity or fill limit, not just the bowl’s total volume. Measure the appliance with its bowl in place, and allow room for the accessories. | My usual portions need to fit in the bowl without requiring several batches. If the appliance is going to stay on the worktop, make sure there’s room for it. |
| Guided recipes | Check which recipes are available on the appliance, which app features work with the model and the terms of any subscription. | If I plan to follow recipes on screen, ongoing access matters just as much as the interface. Otherwise, manual settings may be more important for the dishes I make myself. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts need to be taken apart, which are dishwasher-safe and whether there’s a pre-cleaning mode. Consider how many accessories you’ll use for each recipe. | I want cleaning up and putting everything away to fit into my routine, even after a simple meal. |
| Results | Look for tests covering the dishes you actually make, rather than judging results by the number of functions alone. UFC-Que Choisir’s cooking food processor tests, for example, assess preparation time and results for a range of tasks. | If I need to grate finely, knead dough or make delicate recipes, I should check how the model I’m considering performs at those tasks. |
Built-in recipes, a free app and a subscription service don’t necessarily give you access to the same content. Vorwerk states that a Cookidoo subscription lasts 12 months and renews automatically.
Before ordering, find out which recipes you can use without a subscription, which features require one and what the renewal terms are.
The usable capacity may be less than the stated volume: Magimix gives the Cook Expert Original a total capacity of 3.5 L and a usable capacity of 2.5 L; Lidl lists a 4.5 L bowl with a 3 L fill limit for the Monsieur Cuisine Smart.
Compare the fill limit for the preparations you make with your usual portions, then measure the space needed for the appliance and its accessories.
Moulinex describes the Cookeo+ as a pressure cooker with programmes and recipes, not as a food processor for grating or kneading. You may still need your own utensils or another appliance for those steps.
Think of a few meals you regularly make and list the chopping, mixing and cooking steps separately before choosing a category.
An appliance that creates too much washing-up or has unintuitive settings can make mealtimes harder to manage, rather than easier. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that cooking food processors deliver different results depending on the model and the preparation.
Check which parts need washing, how they come apart and whether independent tests cover the recipes you plan to make.
These examples show different approaches to food preparation and cooking. Features vary by model and version.
The Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking functions with a screen and the Cookidoo recipe service.
The range includes Companion cooking food processors and Cookeo multi-cookers.
The Cook Expert Original combines cooking with food preparation functions and has a usable bowl capacity of 2.5 L, according to Magimix.
Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine Smart brings together a touchscreen and food preparation and cooking functions.
The cooking food processors below are designed for preparing ingredients and then cooking them, while multi-cookers are better suited to programmed cooking. Compare their capacities and functions based on the steps you want the appliance to handle.
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Designed to combine preparation and cooking, the product details list chopping, mixing, kneading and steaming, with a stated usable capacity of 3 L. A touchscreen and guided recipes are also listed. Check which recipe library is available for this model, what language it’s in and how you can access it.
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This model combines food preparation and cooking functions with guided recipes. The product details list a 3.5 L stainless steel bowl, eight programmes and a rinse function. Check the usable capacity for your portions, as well as the recipe language and access terms.
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Designed mainly for cooking, this model lists 12 programmes, along with pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming modes. Consider how its stated 8 L capacity compares with your portions and available space. Check whether you’ll need separate food preparation tools, as well as the voltage and plug type for use in France.
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If you mainly want to programme your cooking, this model lists pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming modes, plus four preset programmes. Its 5.7 L capacity is stated to serve up to six portions. Check which food preparation tools your recipes require and what type of plug it has before using it in France.
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This 3.8 L multi-cooker lists 12 programmes and several cooking modes, including pressure cooking and steaming. Compare its size with your portions and storage space, and remember that it won’t chop or grate ingredients. Check the model’s power rating and plug type before using it in France.
No. A cooking food processor can combine several preparation and cooking steps, but the functions and accessories supplied vary by model. Check which tasks your recipes involve, such as grating, kneading or steaming.
No: it depends on the service and the appliance. Moulinex describes My Moulinex as a free app, while Vorwerk offers Cookidoo as an annual subscription that renews automatically. Check which recipes and features remain available without a subscription on the model you’re considering.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe, how to remove the blade, lid and seals, and whether the model has a pre-cleaning function. As part of its cooking food processor tests, UFC-Que Choisir puts accessories, bowls and lids through 50 dishwasher cycles to assess their durability.