Home cooks making multi-step dishes
If your sauces, soups or slow-cooked dishes involve blending, mixing and then cooking, compare the steps a cooking food processor can handle in one appliance with those you’d rather do in a pan.
Who are these appliances for?
Families and batch-cooking fans
When preparing several portions, check the usable capacity for your recipes, then measure the space needed for the appliance and its accessories.
Baking enthusiasts who want to cook too
If kneading and whisking are a big part of your cooking, compare a stand mixer with a cooking function against cooking food processors. Check the cooking functions and accessories included with the configuration you choose.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start with the steps involved in your usual recipes. The right choice depends on whether you want to combine preparation and cooking, work with dough or simply make cooking easier.
Cooking food processor
Consider it if: you regularly want to prepare and cook in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: the bowl, accessories and appliance take up space and need cleaning.
Stand mixer with a cooking function
Consider it if: kneading, whisking and making large batches matter more to you than guided recipes.
Bear in mind: some food preparation functions depend on the accessories included in the pack.
Multicooker
Consider it if: you mainly need to slow-cook, steam or pressure-cook food.
Bear in mind: you’ll generally need to prepare ingredients for chopping, grating or kneading separately.
Separate appliances
Consider them if: your current kitchen equipment already covers the steps involved in the dishes you cook most often.
Bear in mind: multi-step recipes may mean transferring ingredients between more containers.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking | List the steps in your recipes, then check which functions and accessories are included for chopping, mixing, kneading or cooking. A multicooker designed mainly for cooking won’t necessarily prepare the ingredients for you. | I’d like to move from preparation to cooking without getting out several appliances for each recipe. |
| Capacity and space | Compare the usable capacity for your recipe, not just the stated total volume. Also measure the appliance, check its weight and allow space for its accessories. | For several portions, I want to avoid cooking multiple batches without permanently cluttering my worktop. |
| Cleaning | Check the instructions for every removable part: the bowl, lid, blades and accessories. See which parts are dishwasher-safe and what any rinse programme actually does. | Cleaning up after a thick sauce or dough matters just as much to me as how easy the appliance is to use. |
| Recipes and accessories | Check whether recipes are built in, accessed through an app or available through a subscription service. Make sure the pack includes what you need for the dishes you plan to make. | If I plan to follow step-by-step recipes, I want to know how I can access them and which accessories I’ll receive. |
| Parts and repairs | Check how long parts are expected to be available for the exact model, which parts are covered and how to order them or arrange a repair. | I’d like to be able to maintain the appliance over time rather than judge its repairability by a general brand promise. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing guided cooking with full food preparation
A multicooker can handle the cooking without chopping, grating or kneading the ingredients beforehand.
List the steps involved in three recipes you make often. If preparation is a big part of the process, compare the accessories supplied with a cooking food processor or a stand mixer with a cooking function before you choose.
Depending on the steps you need to cover, you may still need a separate food preparation appliance.
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Assuming the bowl’s total volume is its usable capacity
The total volume isn’t always the same as the amount you can cook in a recipe. For example, Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L.
Compare the stated usable capacity with your usual portions, then check the appliance’s dimensions and weight.
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Overlooking how you can access the recipes
Guided recipes may be available through an app or subscription, and the accessories you need can vary by pack.
Check which recipes are available without a subscription, the terms of the service you choose and the accessories supplied with the exact model.
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Assuming a repairability promise means parts will always be available
Any stated commitments apply to specific models and conditions. These are not the same as being able to access the parts and repairs you need.
Make a note of the appliance’s model number and ask which parts are available, for how long and how to order them.
Which brands should you consider?
These models illustrate different approaches. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
Moulinex
The Companion XL is a cooking food processor for preparing and cooking food, while the Cookeo focuses on cooking programmes.
- Moulinex lists a 4.5 L bowl, 14 modes and five accessories for the Companion XL featured in its instruction manual.
- If you’re considering a Cookeo, check separately how you’ll chop, grate or knead the ingredients.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 focuses on guided recipes on screen and the Cookidoo service.
- Vorwerk lists 24 modes and cooking temperatures of up to 160 °C for the TM7.
- Cookidoo requires a subscription, so check the terms and conditions that apply to how you plan to use it.
Magimix
The Cook Expert XL combines food preparation and cooking functions in a large-format appliance.
- Magimix gives this model a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L.
- Its stated weight of 11.9 kg is worth bearing in mind if you need to move it or put it away after each use.
Kenwood
The Cooking Chef Experience KCL95.424SI is designed for tasks such as kneading and whisking, and also cooks in the bowl.
- For this model, Kenwood lists a 6.7 L bowl and adjustable induction cooking from 20 to 180 °C.
- Check you have enough space and what’s included in the pack: Kenwood lists a weight of 18.373 kg, and the accessories vary by model.
Cooking food processors available on Joybuy
These two Robby models are cooking food processors designed for recipes that combine preparation and cooking. Compare their features with the steps you actually carry out.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with XL bowl and scales
Worth considering if you’d like to follow multi-step recipes on a touchscreen while weighing your ingredients. The product title mentions an XL bowl and built-in scales. Before choosing, check which accessories are included, how much space you’ll need and exactly what’s in the recipe library.
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Robby cooking food processor with scales and touchscreen
Consider this model if guided recipes and weighing ingredients are important to the way you cook. The product title lists 680 recipes. To find out how much you can prepare and what cleaning is involved, check the usable capacity and cleaning instructions for each part.
Frequently asked questions
Can a multicooker replace a cooking food processor for a multi-step meal?
Not if your recipes also involve chopping, grating, kneading or whisking before cooking. A multicooker is better suited to situations where cooking is your main priority. Check which other appliances you’ll still need to prepare the ingredients.
Why check the usable capacity rather than just the bowl’s total volume?
Because the total volume isn’t always the amount you can cook. Que Choisir says that a 6 L Cookeo bowl can cook a maximum of 4 L; Magimix gives the Cook Expert XL a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L. Compare the limit with the recipes you make and the portions you need.
Do guided recipes always require a subscription?
No, it depends on the model and service. Vorwerk offers Cookidoo by subscription for the Thermomix TM7, while Moulinex lists a free recipe app for the Companion mentioned here. Check what you can access without a subscription on the appliance you’re considering.
What should you check if you want to be able to repair a cooking food processor in France?
Ask how long parts are expected to be available for the exact model, which parts are covered and how to order them. The DGCCRF says that if the seller has been informed by the manufacturer, they must tell the consumer at the time of purchase how long parts will be available. You should still check what repair options are actually available.
Should you check which parts are dishwasher-safe?
Yes. Dishwasher compatibility can vary between the bowl, lid, blades and accessories on the same appliance. Check the instructions for the model you choose rather than assuming what can be washed based on the presence of a rinse programme.