People who enjoy cooking with guided recipes
You want to follow the steps on a screen or in an app and find new meal ideas. Check which recipes are still available without an internet connection and whether access depends on a subscription.
Who is a cooking food processor for?
Households that prepare several portions
For soups, slow-cooked dishes, pasta or steamed food, usable capacity matters more than the advertised total volume alone. Remember to allow space for the appliance and its accessories, too.
People who bake regularly
If you often knead yeasted dough or whisk mixtures, look closely at the mixing tools and cooking options. A cooking stand mixer is then worth comparing with a multifunction cooking food processor.
Which features should you prioritise?
To combine preparation and cooking, first choose the type of appliance that suits the tasks your recipes involve. Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors from food processors that don’t cook by their ability to heat food. Likewise, don’t assume a multicooker designed for cooking in its bowl will also handle your food preparation tasks.
Multifunction cooking food processor
Worth considering: for chopping, blending or kneading ingredients, then cooking or simmering in the same appliance, depending on the functions of the model you choose.
Bear in mind: the tasks it can perform depend on the accessories supplied, which also need storage space and cleaning.
Cooking stand mixer
Worth considering: if kneading and whisking are central to your recipes and you’d also like to heat food in the bowl.
Bear in mind: don’t assume it will have the same chopping accessories or guided cooking features as a multifunction cooking food processor.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Guided recipes | Compare the recipes available without a subscription and the functions that work without Wi-Fi. | If I often try new recipes, I want to follow the steps and know what will still be available after I buy the appliance. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise guided cooking. |
| Capacity and space | Check the usable capacity and measure the height with the accessories fitted. | When I cook for several people, I need to be able to prepare my usual portions without running out of kitchen space. This is the main concern for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Food preparation and cleaning | Check that the included accessories cover the tasks you have in mind, and read the cleaning instructions for each part. | I want to combine food preparation and cooking without finding that an essential tool is missing or that cleaning makes everyday use difficult. This is a priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Baking and specific cooking tasks | Check the kneading and whisking tools, as well as the conditions for using the advertised temperature settings. | If I mainly make yeasted dough or whisked mixtures, these tasks matter more to me than the size of the recipe library. Around 19 % of consumers prioritise this type of use. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Confusing built-in cooking with food preparation alone
As Que Choisir points out, the ability to cook is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a food processor without a cooking function. Conversely, a multicooker designed for cooking in its bowl won’t necessarily handle the food preparation tasks you expect.
Make a note of the tasks your recipes require, then check the functions and accessories included with the specific model you’re considering.
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Choosing based only on the number of recipes
According to the manufacturers, the Thermomix TM7 gives you access to Cookidoo, with a free trial period for new subscribers, while Bosch and Moulinex advertise free recipes for certain models. These offers work in different ways.
Before buying, check the terms for accessing recipes after any free trial and what you can use without an internet connection.
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Comparing only the advertised bowl capacity
The total volume alone doesn’t tell you how much you can prepare. The lid, steamer basket and other accessories also affect how much space the appliance takes up.
Compare the usable capacity with your usual portion sizes, and measure your worktop and the clearance beneath your cupboards.
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Assuming all accessories are included
Grating, slicing and blending capabilities depend on the model and package. Que Choisir also notes that its tests of additional accessories cover those that are actually supplied.
Check the list of items included in the package you’ve chosen, and look separately at how to store and clean the parts you’ll use.
Brands to compare
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 combines cooking with guided recipes displayed on screen via Cookidoo.
- Vorwerk says the TM7 gives you access to more than 10 000 Cookidoo recipes on its screen.
- The advertised three-month free offer is for new subscribers; check the terms for access after that.
Moulinex
The i-Companion Touch Pro HF93D810 focuses on its touchscreen and connected recipes.
- Moulinex says free recipes are added via Wi-Fi for this model.
- Check the accessories supplied with your chosen model: the i-Companion Touch Pro’s features don’t apply to every Companion appliance.
Magimix
The Cook Expert Original combines cooking with bowls designed for different types of preparation.
- Magimix lists a total bowl capacity of 3,5 L for this model, with 2,5 L of usable capacity.
- The Original version listed isn’t connected; compare the exact version if access to connected recipes matters to you.
Bosch
The Cookit MCC9555FWC brings together food preparation, cooking and connected recipes.
- Bosch lists a 3 L bowl for the Cookit and says free recipes are available without signing up.
- Check how much space it needs with the steamer basket fitted, especially beneath wall cupboards.
Kenwood
The Cooking Chef Experience KCL95.429SI is a cooking stand mixer designed for kneading and whisking.
- Kenwood lists planetary mixing action and cooking up to 180 °C for this model.
- Compare the food preparation accessories included if you also want to grate or slice regularly.
Cooking food processors available on Joybuy
These two Robby models combine food preparation and cooking, with a screen for following recipes. Compare their accessories and recipe access terms according to the tasks you want to bring together.
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Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot, XL bowl and built-in scales
Prepare and cook recipes while following the steps on a large touchscreen. Check that the included accessories cover your usual tasks, how many recipes are available, the terms for accessing them and the cleaning instructions for each part.
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Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot, built-in scales and touchscreen
Prepare and cook with on-screen guidance. Compare the bowl’s usable capacity with your usual portions and check the terms for accessing new recipes. The product listing recommends washing the accessories by hand.
Frequently asked questions
Do guided recipes stay free after you buy the appliance?
Not necessarily: the terms depend on the model and service. Vorwerk offers new TM7 subscribers three months of Cookidoo; Bosch says Cookit recipes are free without signing up, while Moulinex says free recipes are added via Wi-Fi for the i-Companion Touch Pro. Check what will remain available to you.
How can I tell if a cooking food processor will fit in my kitchen?
Measure the width, depth and height with the accessories fitted. Bosch says the Cookit is 31,1 cm tall without the steamer basket and 38,5 cm with it. Also check that there’s enough room to handle the bowl.
Can all the parts of a cooking food processor go in the dishwasher?
Don’t assume so: check the care instructions for every part and accessory on the model you’ve chosen. Bosch says the Cookit bowl, lid and accessories are dishwasher-safe, but this doesn’t apply to every cooking food processor.
What can I do with my old appliance in France?
You can ask about having it taken back when you buy a new appliance of the same type. The French ministries responsible for the ecological transition describe this option as a « one-for-one » take-back scheme. Ask the retailer how the return of your old appliance is arranged.