Choose a cooking food processor if you want to prepare and cook meals in one appliance, provided its cooking modes, usable capacity and accessories suit your recipes. If pressure cooking is more important, another option is to pair a multicooker with a food processor. And if you already cook on the hob or in the oven, a food processor without a cooking function may be all you need for preparation.
If you want to chop or mix ingredients and then cook them in the same appliance, check that it has the modes you need for the meals you make regularly. Que Choisir points out that cooking food processors vary in their functions and capacities.
For family meals or several portions prepared in advance, check the usable capacity of the bowl and the capacity of the steaming basket separately. The stated capacities vary between the models featured by Vorwerk, Moulinex and Magimix.
If your hob, oven or multicooker already meets your needs, consider whether you mainly want to automate food preparation. A food processor without a cooking function won’t replace those cooking appliances on its own.
Consider this if: your recipes call for preparation and cooking in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: modes and accessories vary by model, and some tasks may still call for another utensil.
Consider this if: you prioritise features such as pressure cooking and also want a separate appliance for grating or slicing.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances and will have to transfer ingredients between preparation and cooking.
Consider this if: you mainly need to chop, grate, mix or knead, and your existing equipment suits your cooking needs.
Bear in mind: hot dishes will still need a separate container and heat source.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking in one appliance | Check that it has the modes your recipes need, and see which steps still require another container. | If hot meals involve chopping or mixing before cooking, avoiding transfers becomes a priority. Around 31% of consumers put having everything in one appliance first. |
| Quantities prepared | Compare the usable capacity of the bowls and, separately, the volume of the steaming baskets. | If you prepare family meals or several portions in advance, having to cook in multiple batches can be inconvenient. Around 25% of consumers prioritise capacity above all else. |
| Preparation tasks and accessories | Check the functions you need and what’s included in the pack for the chopping, dough-making and cooking you have in mind. | If your recipes involve grating, kneading and cooking, having the right attachments comes first. This variety of tasks is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and recipe services | Measure the available space with the bowl in place and check the terms for accessing guided recipes. | If storage space is limited, or you plan to follow recipes on the screen, the appliance’s size and the service terms may influence your choice. Around 19% of consumers say these are their main concerns. |
A food processor that can chop, grate or knead won’t necessarily heat food. Without a built-in cooking function, it can’t handle every stage of a hot dish on its own.
Check the heating modes on the exact model, then decide whether you’re happy to use a saucepan or multicooker as well.
The bowl’s total capacity isn’t always the same as its usable capacity. For example, Lidl states that the Monsieur Cuisine Smart has a total capacity of 4.5 L and a usable capacity of 3 L.
Compare capacities described on the same basis, and check the steaming basket’s volume separately for the recipes you have in mind.
A stated function may require a model-specific attachment, while access to guided recipes depends on the service terms. Vorwerk says that new customers need a subscription to use Cookidoo 3.0 with the TM7.
Before choosing a model, check what’s included in the pack and the terms for accessing the recipes you want to follow.
Que Choisir notes that a versatile food processor won’t necessarily excel at every function. So a long list of modes isn’t enough to judge how well it handles the tasks that matter to you.
Compare the model’s functions with the recipes you make regularly. For your priority tasks, look for independent tests that assess how well it performs them.
The TM7 combines food preparation and cooking with guided Cookidoo recipes. Vorwerk states that this model has a 2.2 L bowl.
The Companion range combines food preparation and cooking. Programmes, capacities and connected features vary by model.
The Cook Expert range combines cooking with food preparation tasks. Magimix also offers an XL Connect version.
Lidl describes the Monsieur Cuisine Smart as a connected cooking food processor with guided recipes.
Instant Pot multicookers offer a two-appliance option when cooking is separate from mechanical food preparation.
These Robby models are designed for households that want to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance. Choose between them based on your recipes, the space you have available and the specifications of the exact model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook meals in one appliance, with an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen, as stated in the product title. If guided recipes matter to you, check which ones are available for this model.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you want to prepare and cook in one appliance with scales and a touchscreen, as stated in the product title. For the quantities and tasks you have in mind, check the bowl’s usable capacity and the accessories included with this version.
Yes, if the model can handle the preparation steps and cooking modes your recipes require, in the quantities you need. Think through how you’d make a few of your usual meals: Que Choisir points out that cooking food processors don’t all offer the same functions or capacities.
First compare the bowl’s usable capacity, then check the steaming basket’s capacity if you plan to use it. Lidl, for example, states that the Monsieur Cuisine Smart has a total capacity of 4.5 L and a usable capacity of 3 L. Magimix states that the Cook Expert XL Connect has a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
No: the terms depend on the model and recipe service. Vorwerk says that new customers need a subscription to access Cookidoo 3.0 on the TM7. Check the terms that apply to the account and appliance you’re considering.
It varies by model and pack. Check that what’s included covers the tasks you want to do, particularly if you need a steaming basket, whisk, dough hook or grating and slicing attachments.
If you buy a cooking food processor in France from a trader as a private individual, you can exercise your statutory guarantee of conformity with the seller. The Ministry of the Economy states that it applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The DGCCRF notes that an optional commercial guarantee is provided in addition to statutory guarantees and does not replace them.