People who cook every day
If you often make soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes or steamed meals, compare the steps each appliance can genuinely handle. The bowl, included accessories and ease of cleaning matter just as much as the list of functions.
Who is this choice for?
Households cooking several portions
For family meals or batch cooking, compare the bowl’s usable capacity with the quantities you usually make. Also measure the space available on your worktop and the room you’ll need to store the accessories.
Bread makers and baking enthusiasts
If kneading and whisking are your main tasks, a cooking stand mixer is worth considering. However, check whether the chopping or blending functions you need for other recipes are included with the model you choose.
Which features should you prioritise?
For regular home cooking, first decide whether you need your appliance to cook, or mainly to prepare ingredients. Then compare each option against the recipes you make and the appliances you already own.
Multifunction cooking food processor
Consider this if : you want to combine food preparation and cooking for the soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes you usually make.
Bear in mind : the bowl, the accessories you’ll need to clean and the space the appliance takes up must suit your cooking routine.
Cooking stand mixer
Consider this if : kneading and whisking are more important to you than chopping ingredients, but you’d still like to cook in the bowl.
Bear in mind : chopping or blending functions may require separate accessories, as Kenwood explains for the Cooking Chef range.
Food processor without a heating function
Consider this if : your pans, oven or other appliances already take care of cooking, and you mainly want help preparing ingredients.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to transfer your preparations to another appliance to cook them.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Food preparation and cooking | Functions needed for your recipes; cooking modes and accessories included with the model you choose. | I want to chop or mix, then cook my regular meals without switching appliances. Around 33% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
| Capacity and space | Usable capacity rather than total capacity; dimensions with the bowl and lid in place. | I need a bowl that’s suitable for cooking several portions and will also fit in my kitchen. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Cleaning and storage | Which parts are dishwasher-safe, according to the instructions; how many components need cleaning and storage. | If cleaning and storing the appliance becomes too much hassle, I may use it less often. Around 20% of consumers would put ease of cleaning and storage first. |
| Recipes and accessories | Recipes available without a subscription; renewal terms and the accessories needed for your dishes. | I want to be able to make my recipes without finding out that they require special access or an extra accessory. Around 20% of consumers would want to clarify this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming all accessories are included
A function featured in a recipe doesn’t mean that the corresponding accessory comes in the box with the model you buy. Moulinex and Magimix, for example, list some accessories as optional extras to choose according to how you plan to use the appliance.
Make a list of the recipes you usually cook, then check the accessories they require against the exact contents of the model you’re considering.
Extra accessories also take up storage space and time to clean.
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Assuming guided recipes mean permanent access
Access terms can change once a free period ends. Vorwerk, for example, says that Cookidoo subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel the renewal.
Before choosing a food processor for its guided recipes, check which recipes remain available without a subscription and the renewal terms.
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Choosing a large bowl without measuring your kitchen
The bowl’s capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop or be easy to store. It also shouldn’t be confused with the usable capacity for your preparations.
Measure the space you have in mind, including the clearance under cupboards with the bowl and lid in place, then compare the usable capacity with the portions you usually make.
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Confusing food preparation with cooking
A food processor that can chop, grate or knead won’t necessarily cook. With a model that has no heating function, you’ll need to finish the recipe using your other cooking appliances.
Think about which steps in your usual dishes you want the appliance to handle before deciding whether you need a heating function.
Brands to consider
These ranges give you an idea of the functions and terms worth comparing. Always check the exact model and accessories you’re interested in.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation, cooking and guided Cookidoo recipes.
- Vorwerk lists a 2.2 L bowl for the TM7 and a guided recipe programme.
- Cookidoo access is subject to subscription terms after the free period; check what remains available without a subscription.
Moulinex
The Companion range includes multifunction cooking food processors. Moulinex lists a 4.5 L bowl and app recipes for the I-Companion XL.
- Moulinex lists 14 programmes and five accessories for the I-Companion XL.
- Some uses, including chopping vegetables and certain baking preparations, may require accessories, so check what’s included in each bundle.
Magimix
The Cook Expert XL Connect is designed for a variety of preparations and larger quantities.
- For this model, Magimix gives a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
- The XXL steamer basket and Extra Press XL are listed as add-on accessories, so don’t assume they’re included.
Kenwood
The Cooking Chef KCL96.004DG focuses on kneading and whisking, with cooking in the bowl.
- Kenwood lists a 6.7 L bowl and induction cooking up to 200 °C for this model.
- Kenwood says that adding other functions depends on optional accessories, so check what comes in the box.
Cooking food processors on Joybuy
These two Robby models fall into the multifunction cooking food processor category. To choose between them, start with the preparations you want to make, then check the accessories, cleaning requirements and recipe access for the model you’re considering.
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Robby Smart with XL bowl, scales and large touchscreen
Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in a food processor with an XL bowl. The product name mentions built-in scales and a large touchscreen; check how many recipes are available, the terms of access and how much space the appliance needs.
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Robby with scales, touchscreen and 680 advertised recipes
Worth considering if you’re looking for a cooking food processor with built-in scales and recipes displayed on a touchscreen. The product name advertises 680 recipes; check the access terms, as well as the cleaning instructions for removable parts.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need guided recipes to use a cooking food processor?
No. Que Choisir points out that guided recipes aren’t essential for using a cooking food processor. They can help you follow the steps, but check how you can access them if they’re an important part of your decision.
Does Cookidoo access continue automatically after the free period?
According to Vorwerk, Cookidoo subscriptions renew automatically when the free period ends unless you cancel the renewal. If guided recipes are one of the reasons you’re buying, check the access and renewal terms that apply to your offer.
Are the accessories shown in recipes included with the food processor?
Not necessarily: what’s included depends on the model and bundle. Moulinex lists some Companion accessories separately, while Magimix offers additional accessories for the Cook Expert XL Connect. Compare the list of included parts with the recipes you plan to make.
How can you plan for cleaning a cooking food processor?
Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be washed another way. Also count the accessories you use for your regular recipes: each one will need cleaning and storing after use.