Households that want to cook in one bowl
If you want to prepare and cook soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes without transferring food between containers, compare the cooking functions and the tools supplied with each cooking food processor.
Who are these appliances for?
People who cook in larger quantities
For family-sized portions or food you plan to store, check the usable capacity rather than relying on the bowl’s stated total volume. Also measure how much space the appliance and its accessories will need.
Beginners interested in guided recipes
Step-by-step instructions can help you follow a recipe. Before choosing, check what you can access on the appliance and in the app, and whether anything is available without a subscription.
Which features should you compare?
Start with the dishes you make regularly. Your choice depends first on the steps involved, then on capacity, available space and cleaning.
Multifunction cooking food processor
Choose this if: you want to prepare and cook soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes in one appliance.
Bear in mind: accessories and recipe access vary by model, and you’ll still need to clean the bowl and tools.
Food processor with separate cooking appliances
Choose this if: grating, slicing, chopping or kneading matters more to you than cooking in the bowl.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to keep separate cooking appliances and transfer some preparations between them.
Multi-cooker
Choose this if: your meals mainly involve slow cooking, steaming or pressure cooking.
Bear in mind: check separately how you’ll chop, grate or blend the ingredients for your recipes.
| Feature | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions and tools | List the steps involved in the dishes you usually make. Check the cooking functions and the tools actually included, particularly for grating, slicing or steaming. | I want to prepare and cook without changing appliances, or I’d rather keep my cooking utensils and prioritise chopping. |
| Usable capacity | Distinguish the total volume from the capacity available for your intended preparation. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect. | To cook several portions at once, I need enough usable capacity for my recipes, rather than choosing based only on the figure printed on the bowl. |
| Recipes and controls | Check whether there’s a manual mode, whether recipes are available on the appliance or in an app, and whether a subscription is required. | Step-by-step guidance would be useful while I’m getting started, but I also want to know how I can cook my own recipes. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the appliance with the parts needed for use, and allow room to store the tools. Check the manual for instructions on dismantling and washing the parts. | I have limited worktop space, and I want to be able to clean the bowl and accessories after making my usual dishes. |
What should you watch out for?
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Counting the programmes without checking the tools
Two appliances with several programmes don’t necessarily handle the same preparation steps. UFC-Que Choisir points out that its tests of additional accessories cover those supplied with the food processor.
Choose a few dishes you make regularly, then check the cooking method and included tools needed for each one against the model you’re considering.
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Confusing bowl volume with usable capacity
Usable capacity may be lower than the total capacity: Magimix lists a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect.
Compare the usable capacity with the quantities in your recipes, rather than relying on a maximum number of people served.
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Assuming all guided recipes will remain available
Access conditions vary depending on the appliance and its platform. Vorwerk links unlimited access to Cookidoo with a subscription.
Before buying, check which recipes are available without a subscription, how manual mode works and the app’s current terms.
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Expecting the cleaning programme to wash everything
Moulinex says this programme can wash or pre-wash the bowl and tools, but further cleaning may be needed depending on what you’ve made.
Check the manual to find out how to remove the tools and which parts are dishwasher-safe. Handle the blades with care.
A guide to the brands
Moulinex
The Companion range combines food preparation and cooking. For model HF80DB10, Moulinex lists a 4.5 L bowl, five accessories and a manual mode.
- Moulinex offers a free app with step-by-step recipes for this model.
- Check which accessories come with the variant you choose, and how much space you’ll need to store them.
Magimix
The Cook Expert XL Connect combines cooking with preparation functions such as grating, slicing and kneading. Magimix lists a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
- Magimix’s product information distinguishes the total capacity of 4.8 L from the usable capacity of 3.8 L.
- Additional accessories are available. Check which are included, which are optional and how much space the appliance will take up.
Thermomix
For the TM7, Vorwerk highlights its screen controls, Cookidoo guided recipes and 24 advertised modes.
- On-screen guided recipes may appeal if you’d like to follow step-by-step instructions.
- Vorwerk says unlimited access to Cookidoo requires a subscription. Check which features and recipes you can use without one.
Cooking food processors and multi-cookers on Joybuy
This selection includes cooking food processors that prepare and cook food in one appliance, as well as multi-cookers for dishes that mainly involve cooking. Compare them based on the steps in your recipes rather than treating them as interchangeable appliances.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with XL bowl and scales
Worth considering if you’d like to prepare and cook in the same appliance, with built-in scales and a touchscreen. If you’re interested in guided recipes, check what’s actually available for this variant.
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Robby cooking food processor with scales and touchscreen
An option for combining food preparation and cooking, with guided recipes. Check the usable capacity, included accessories and how much cleaning your usual recipes will involve.
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Instant Pot Rio XL 7,1 L
Consider this for dishes where cooking is the priority, particularly pressure cooking, steaming or slow cooking. The stated capacity is 7,1 L: check how much usable capacity your recipes need, and plan how you’ll prepare ingredients that need chopping or blending.
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Instant Pot Classic 5,7 L Daydream Blue
For dishes focused on pressure cooking, slow cooking or steaming. Compare its stated capacity of 5,7 L with the usable volume you need, and check whether your dishes require a separate food processor.
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Midea 9-in-1 8 L electric pressure cooker
Worth considering for meals centred on pressure cooking, steaming or slow cooking. The title lists an 8 L pot and 12 programmes. Check the usable capacity and cleaning instructions, as well as what you’ll need to chop or grate your ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cooking food processor replace all your kitchen appliances?
No. Its functions and accessories depend on the model. For the dishes you usually make, check whether it comes with the tools you need for grating, slicing, blending or steaming, rather than assuming these functions are included based on the number of programmes.
Are guided recipes always free?
No, access conditions vary. UFC-Que Choisir recommends distinguishing between free and paid recipes. Moulinex offers a free app for the Companion HF80DB10, while Vorwerk links unlimited access to Cookidoo with a subscription. Also check whether you can cook manually.
Does a cleaning programme mean you don’t have to wash the accessories?
Not necessarily. Moulinex says its programme can wash or pre-wash the bowl and tools, but further washing may be needed. Check the model’s manual to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe.
What warranty applies in France if the food processor is faulty?
For purchases from a professional seller in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to both new and second-hand goods. The DGCCRF states that claims must be made within two years of delivery. Any commercial guarantee is in addition to the legal guarantees, not a replacement for them.