Households looking to keep a closer eye on cooking
If cooking everyday meals takes up too much of your time, compare the programmes, keep-warm function and cooking guidance. You may not need to replace your food preparation appliances.
Who are these options for?
People who want to prepare and cook in one appliance
If you chop, blend or knead before cooking, compare the functions and accessories you’ll actually use in your recipes, as well as how easy they are to clean.
Households that cook varying quantities
Whether you’re making family meals or batch cooking, check the usable capacity for each type of recipe rather than relying on the stated number of portions alone.
What should you compare?
Multifunction cooking food processor
Worth considering: if you want to handle several food preparation and cooking steps in one appliance.
The trade-off: check which accessories are included and how each part needs to be cleaned. A wide range of functions doesn’t necessarily mean you can replace all your other appliances.
Programmable multicooker
Worth considering: if your main aim is to programme cooking or keep a closer eye on your usual dishes less often.
The trade-off: keep the tools you need for chopping, blending or kneading if your recipes involve those steps.
Appliances you already own
Worth considering: if your appliances already cover the food preparation and cooking you do every week.
The trade-off: switching between appliances takes more coordination and creates more washing-up.
| Priority | What to check | What suits your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Less hands-on cooking | Look for the settings used for your dishes, the adjustments they require and the model’s monitoring instructions. An automatic programme doesn’t mean you can ignore the manual. | I want to be able to get on with other things during some cooking steps, without choosing functions I won’t use. |
| Food preparation and cooking | List the steps you want to combine: chopping, blending, kneading, steaming or slow cooking. Check which accessories are included rather than counting the functions alone. | If I often make sauces, soups or dough, combining these tasks could be useful. Otherwise, I can carry on using my existing appliances. |
| Quantities prepared | Compare the total capacity with the usable capacity where both are specified. Check the fill limits for each recipe and cooking mode. | For family meals or batch cooking, the amount I can make in one go matters more than the number of portions shown. |
| Space, recipes and cleaning | Measure the space needed with the appliance assembled. Check which recipes are built in and whether access requires a subscription; consult the manual for cleaning instructions for each part. | I’d prefer an appliance I can keep within easy reach, clean after making my usual dishes and use with recipes I can access. |
What should you watch out for?
Counting functions without thinking about your recipes
A multicooker focuses on cooking, while a cooking food processor can also handle food preparation. The number of functions doesn’t tell you which ones you’ll actually use.
Make a note of the steps involved in a few meals you cook regularly, then check which functions and accessories would genuinely save you time and effort.
Confusing total capacity with usable capacity
Fill limits can vary depending on what you’re making. For the Cook Expert XL Connect, for example, Magimix gives a stated total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
Check the manual’s guidance for the dishes and quantities you usually cook.
Assuming all guided recipes will remain available
Built-in recipes, free apps and subscription-based recipe libraries don’t necessarily offer the same level of access.
Check what you can access without a subscription and the renewal terms. According to Vorwerk’s FAQ, a Cookidoo subscription renews automatically at the end of its 12-month period.
Overlooking how to clean the different parts
The bowl and removable parts may need different care from the electrical base. Vorwerk says the TM7 base must be cleaned by hand.
Check the manual for the specific model to see how each part should be cleaned, and ask the retailer what information is available about spare parts.
A guide to selected ranges
Moulinex
The Cookeo range is an example of a multicooker for households whose main aim is to let the appliance handle some of the cooking.
- For the Cookeo+ featured, Moulinex states that it has a 6 L bowl for 2 to 6 people and 150 built-in recipes.
- If you need to chop or blend, check what other equipment your recipes require. Cooking capacity doesn’t tell you which food preparation functions are available.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 is an example of a cooking food processor that combines food preparation, cooking and guided recipes.
- Vorwerk states that the TM7 has 12 functions and 25 built-in modes.
- If Cookidoo recipes are important to your choice, check the subscription terms and what remains available without one.
Magimix
The Cook Expert XL Connect offers a useful comparison for households considering how much a cooking food processor can prepare.
- Magimix states that this model has a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
- Measure the space you have available and check which accessories are included in the version you’re considering before comparing this capacity with your recipes.
Cooking food processors and multicookers on Joybuy
This selection includes cooking food processors that prepare and cook in one appliance, as well as multicookers designed mainly for cooking. Compare them with the tasks your existing kitchen appliances already cover.
Image unavailableRobby Smart, XL bowl, scales and touchscreen
Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking. Check which accessories are included, what quantities suit your recipes and the terms for accessing guided recipes.
Image unavailableInstant Pot Rio XL 7.1 L
This multicooker is suited to those looking for a cooking appliance rather than one that also prepares ingredients. Its stated capacity is 7.1 L; check the fill limits for the dishes you make.
Image unavailableInstant Pot Classic 5.7 L Daydream Blue
To find a multicooker suited to everyday meals, compare its stated 5.7 L capacity with the quantities in your recipes. Check the fill guidance for each cooking mode.
Image unavailableRobby with scales, touchscreen and 680 recipes
This cooking food processor may suit you if you want to prepare and cook in one appliance. The instructions for this model say not to leave it unattended while it’s running. Also check the fill limits and how to care for its parts.
Image unavailableMidea 9-in-1, 8 L, 1200 W, 12 programmes
This 8 L multicooker may appeal if you’re looking to cook larger quantities. Check the fill limits and care instructions, as well as whether the voltage and plug are suitable for your electrical supply in France.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cooking food processor replace all your kitchen appliances?
Not necessarily. Functions, capacities and accessories vary between models. Compare the steps involved in your usual meals with the accessories included rather than assuming the appliance can handle every task.
How should you compare the stated portion numbers?
Start with your recipes and the quantities you need, then check the model’s usable capacity and fill guidance. For example, Magimix states that the Cook Expert XL Connect has a total capacity of 4.8 L but a usable capacity of 3.8 L. These figures won’t correspond to the same quantity for every type of dish.
Do guided recipes always require a subscription?
No. Moulinex says the Cookeo+ featured includes built-in recipes, while Vorwerk’s stated terms for Cookidoo require a subscription. Check which recipes you can access on the appliance and which depend on a separate service.
Is the dishwasher enough to clean a cooking food processor?
No. Check the care instructions separately for each removable part and the base. For the Thermomix TM7, Vorwerk says the base must be cleaned by hand.