If you regularly prepare and cook food in a small kitchen, choose a cooking food processor to bring these tasks together, a multicooker if cooking in a bowl is all you need, or a food processor if your existing appliances already cover cooking. If kneading and whisking are your priorities, consider a heated stand mixer instead. In every case, the space the appliance takes up when assembled, its usable capacity and how easy it is to clean could affect your decision.
If you prepare several different types of meals each week, you may find it useful to combine some steps in one appliance. However, check how much space it takes up with the bowl and accessories fitted: Que Choisir points out that size matters just as much as the advertised features.
For family meals or batch cooking, check the usable capacity and filling limits rather than looking only at the bowl’s total capacity. A larger bowl also needs more room when in use and in storage.
If doughs and bakes feature regularly on your menu, compare a heated stand mixer with appliances designed for cooking in a bowl. Check which accessories are included and whether it can also handle the savoury dishes you want to make.
Consider it if: your meals often involve preparing ingredients and then cooking them in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: features and capacity vary by model, while the bowl and its accessories take up space.
Consider it if: you mainly want to programme cooking in a bowl and already prepare ingredients another way.
Bear in mind: multicookers generally don’t mix food, as Que Choisir points out.
Consider it if: you’re happy with your hob or oven and mainly want help with food preparation.
Bear in mind: cooking is still done separately, and you’ll need to transfer ingredients to your cookware.
Consider it if: kneading, planetary mixing and whisking are your priorities, and you’d also like to heat some preparations.
Bear in mind: accessories for other recipes may be optional and need extra storage space.
To compare these options for a small kitchen, start with the task that matters most for your meals. Then consider how much space, capacity and cleaning you’re prepared to take on.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks combined | The functions and accessories you need for your usual recipes, and whether cooking is built in if you want to cook as well. | If I often prepare a variety of meals, I want to avoid switching between appliances for essential tasks. Around 33% of consumers put having these tasks combined at the top of their list. |
| Space required | The dimensions of the appliance when assembled and the storage space needed for its accessories. | When my worktop and cupboards are short on space, an appliance that’s easy to set up and put away matters more than extra programmes. Space is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Amount prepared | The usable capacity and filling limits for your recipes, especially liquids or pressure-cooked dishes. | When preparing several portions at once, I need to be able to cook the amount I have planned without relying on the advertised capacity alone. Around 20% of consumers put usable capacity first. |
| Cleaning and ongoing support | Which parts are dishwasher-safe for the exact model, and what access you have to associated parts or services. | If I use the appliance often, cleaning and being able to keep it in working order both influence my choice. Around 20% of consumers put this need first. |
The permitted fill level may be lower than the bowl’s or cooking pot’s total capacity, particularly for liquids or pressure cooking.
Check the instructions for the limits that apply to your recipes and the number of portions you want to make.
Que Choisir distinguishes between different types of food processors and notes that having lots of functions doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll perform equally well for every task.
List the dishes you make most often, then check which function and accessory are actually included for each one.
If an essential task isn’t covered, you’ll need to do it by hand or use another appliance.
The bowl, lid and accessories can all affect how practical the appliance is once set up.
Measure the available space with the appliance ready to use, including the clearance needed to open the lid or lift the head of a stand mixer.
Guided recipes, accessories and repair options vary from one offer to another. A commercial warranty doesn’t replace the statutory guarantees that apply in France, as the French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control explains.
Check what’s included, the terms of any recipe services and the repair arrangements for the model you’ve chosen.
The Thermomix range is aimed at people looking for a cooking food processor with guided recipes.
Companion and Cookeo are designed for different uses: the former is a cooking food processor, while the latter is a multicooker.
The Cook Expert Connect combines cooking functions with ingredient preparation.
The Cooking Chef is particularly suited to people who prioritise kneading and whisking, while also wanting to heat some preparations.
These two cooking food processors are designed to combine food preparation and cooking. Compare the variants based on the tasks you have in mind, and check their dimensions when set up before making space for one in a small kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking. The XL bowl and built-in scales are listed in the name of this variant; check the space you’ll need with the accessories fitted, and make sure its filling limits suit your recipes.
The advertised number of recipes differs across listings for this model, so check the recipe library included with the variant before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook food using an appliance with a touchscreen and built-in scales. To see if it suits your meals and kitchen, check the instructions for filling limits, dimensions with accessories fitted and which parts are dishwasher-safe.
No. Usable capacity and filling limits depend on the appliance and the preparation. For liquids or pressure cooking, check the instructions for the exact model rather than planning portions based on its total capacity.
Not necessarily. Check the instructions for each part of the model and variant you’re considering. A general statement about compatibility doesn’t confirm that every included or optional accessory can be washed in the dishwasher.
Check the appliance’s model number, its instructions for use and the details for contacting the seller or manufacturer. Where applicable regulations require CE marking, the French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control points out that it isn’t an independent certification.
Search for its brand and exact model number on RappelConso, the French public website for alerts about dangerous products. If you find a notice that matches your appliance, follow the instructions before using it again.
No. A commercial warranty is in addition to the statutory guarantees that apply; it doesn’t replace them, according to the French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control. Read the terms, exclusions and claims process to understand what it offers for the model you’re considering.