For recipes that involve chopping or mixing before cooking, a cooking food processor can bring these steps together if its accessories and programmes suit the dishes you make. If your ingredients are already prepared, a multicooker is better suited to programmable cooking in a pot. A food processor paired with a separate cooking appliance is another option if you prefer to keep these tasks separate, but bear in mind the space required and the cleaning involved with two appliances. Compare the usable capacity and check the manual for the exact model before use, particularly for a pressure cooker.
If you often make soups, sauces or dishes that involve several steps, an appliance that combines preparation and cooking could be a good fit. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes a cooking food processor from food preparation processors by its cooking function.
If your ingredients are already prepared, you may prefer a pot and programmes suited to the meals you usually make. Que Choisir Ensemble describes several cooking modes for multicookers; functions vary by model.
If you’re happy with the way you cook, a food processor can make some preparation tasks easier without replacing your cooking appliance. Kenwood France describes the MultiPro Express FDP65.820SI as a food preparation appliance with a 3 L bowl and cutting accessories.
Worth considering if: you regularly chop, mix or blend ingredients before cooking and want to do these tasks in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: accessories, usable capacity, cleaning requirements and the space needed vary by model. A function won’t necessarily replace an oven or frying pan.
Worth considering if: you already prepare your ingredients and mainly want to programme cooking in a pot.
Bear in mind: chopping and mixing usually need to be done separately. Programmes and fill limits depend on the specific model.
Worth considering if: you’re happy with your current cooking appliance and mainly want to make chopping or other preparation tasks easier.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need a suitable cooking appliance, as well as space for both pieces of equipment and time to clean them.
For everyday home cooking, each row highlights a different buying priority. The manual and specifications for the exact model are still key.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare and cook | Check which accessories are actually included and whether the programmes suit your recipes. | If you often chop or mix ingredients before cooking, you may want to combine these steps. Around 33% of consumers prioritise preparing and cooking in the same appliance. |
| Programmable cooking | Compare the available modes and any steps your recipes still require you to do yourself. | If your ingredients are already prepared, you may want to spend less time keeping an eye on cooking in the pot. Around 27% of consumers prioritise cooking that needs less supervision. |
| Quantity per preparation | Check the usable capacity and the fill limits specified for your recipes. | If you want to make enough portions for your household in one go, usable capacity matters more than the stated volume alone. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a capacity suited to their meals. |
| Cleaning and space | Check which parts need washing, their care instructions and how much space you’ll need to store the appliance and its accessories. | If your kitchen is short on space or you want to cut down on washing up after meals, these factors could guide your choice. Around 20% of consumers put cleaning and space at the top of their list. |
A pot’s nominal volume doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can use for every preparation. Que Choisir Ensemble gives the example of a Cookeo advertised as 6 L, with a cooking limit of 4 L; this limit also depends on the recipe.
Compare the fill limits in the manual for the exact model with the dishes you make regularly.
Que Choisir Ensemble says multicookers generally don’t mix food. Chopping or blending may therefore still need to be done separately.
List the steps involved in your recipes, then check which ones the model and included accessories actually cover.
Included accessories and care instructions vary between appliances. A function that’s useful for a particular recipe doesn’t guarantee that the corresponding accessory is included.
Check exactly what comes in the box, which parts need cleaning and how much storage space you’ll need.
The Companion and Cookeo ranges illustrate the cooking food processor and multicooker options respectively. This distinction applies to these ranges, not every appliance from the brand.
The Cook Expert range combines preparation and cooking, with different versions and configurations.
The Thermomix TM7 is an example of a cooking food processor that combines preparation and cooking with guided recipes via Cookidoo.
The MultiPro Express FDP65.820SI is an example of a food processor for preparation that you can pair with a separate cooking appliance.
The products featured are designed for programmable cooking in a pot. They may suit you if you prepare ingredients separately and want a choice of cooking modes; they don’t, on their own, chop or mix ingredients.
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Worth considering if you want to programme cooking in a pot and choose from different modes.
The product name specifies a 6 L capacity, nine cooking menus and two pressure settings.
For a pressure cooker, check the manual for this model before use and follow its instructions on filling, closing and steam.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multicooker with a pot that’s advertised as suitable for up to four portions.
The product name specifies a 3.8 L capacity and a 7-in-1 appliance.
For a pressure cooker, check the manual for this model before use and follow its instructions on filling, closing and steam.
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Worth considering if you want several cooking modes in a pot and app control.
The product name specifies a 5.7 L capacity, nine functions and sous vide cooking.
For a pressure cooker, check the manual for this model before use and follow its instructions on filling, closing and steam.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity pot advertised as suitable for several portions.
The product name specifies a 7.1 L capacity, seven functions and a stainless steel inner pot.
For a pressure cooker, check the manual for this model before use and follow its instructions on filling, closing and steam.
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Worth considering if you want a pot advertised as suitable for larger quantities.
The product name specifies an 8 L capacity, nine functions and twelve preset menus.
For a pressure cooker, check the manual for this model before use and follow its instructions on filling, closing and steam.
Generally, no: Que Choisir Ensemble says multicookers don’t usually mix food. Check the functions and accessories for the exact model before relying on it to prepare ingredients.
Identify the parts you’ll use and check their care instructions in the model’s manual. For the Cookeo Touch, Moulinex recommends cleaning the pot and water collector after use, and removing the lid components as instructed. These recommendations don’t automatically apply to other models.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is provided by the professional seller. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to request its application to new or second-hand goods; the rules on proof vary depending on the goods. This guarantee is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.
For products covered by the relevant legislation, the manufacturer must ensure they meet the essential requirements and apply the CE marking before placing them on the European market, according to the DGCCRF. This marking is not an independent certification of cooking results.