Choose a cooking food processor if you regularly want to prepare and cook food in the same appliance. If chopping, blending or kneading matters more and you’re happy with your existing cooking appliances, a food processor without a cooking function is a more direct fit. You could also pair a multicooker with a food processor, or use separate appliances, if you don’t mind storing and cleaning several items.
The key difference lies in the tasks you want the appliance to handle, rather than the number of functions it claims to offer.
If soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes or steaming are regular features of your meals, a cooking food processor can combine food preparation and cooking. Compare the modes you’ll actually use, the bowl capacity and the accessories included.
If you’re happy with your hob, oven or multicooker, a food processor without a cooking function can handle chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading without adding another appliance with a heating function.
For several portions or batch cooking, compare the usable capacity with the quantities in your recipes. Also measure how much space you’ll need with the bowls and accessories in place.
Start with the steps involved in your usual meals, then check the capacity, available space and what actually comes with the appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Food preparation and cooking | Identify the chopping, blending and kneading tasks you need, then consider the cooking modes available in the bowl. Check that a cooking food processor can handle the steps you want to combine. | I often cook hot meals and want to use the same appliance for several steps, without having to transfer the ingredients each time. |
| Existing cooking appliances | Compare the functions of a food processor with those of your current appliances. If you want pressure cooking and chopping as separate tasks, also consider pairing a multicooker with a food processor. | I’m happy with the way I cook; it’s mainly preparing the ingredients that takes time. Or I’d rather keep cooking and chopping in two separate appliances. |
| Capacity and space | Distinguish between total and usable capacity, then check any limits for specific recipes and programmes. Measure the space you have with the bowls in place, as well as the room needed to store them. | I prepare several portions, but the appliance also needs to be easy to get out and clean in my kitchen. |
| Recipes and accessories | Make a list of the accessories included for the chopping and cooking tasks you have in mind. If guided recipes matter to you, check which features are available without a subscription and the terms for any renewal. | I want to know whether my usual recipes will require extra accessories or a recipe service. |
| Cleaning and spare parts | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe for the model you’re considering, as well as the stated availability of spare parts and accessories. Check the difference between the manufacturer’s commitments and the warranties that apply. | Complicated cleaning or accessories that are hard to replace would affect how useful it is for everyday cooking. |
A heating function means another appliance and more parts to maintain if you already cook your meals on a hob or in a multicooker that suits you.
Think about your usual meals and note which involve food preparation only, cooking only, or both steps in the same bowl. Choose based on the tasks you actually do regularly.
Depending on the model, guided recipes, certain chopping functions or cooking modes may require a separate service or accessories.
Check what’s in the box, which features matter to you and the terms of any subscription. For example, Vorwerk states that Cookidoo renews automatically after 12 months.
Accessories or parts sold separately also mean more items to choose, store and maintain.
The total capacity doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can use for each preparation task or cooking mode.
Compare the usable capacity with the limits stated for your recipes, then measure the space you have with the bowl in place.
The DGCCRF explains that the requirement to make spare parts available applies only to certain categories of goods. So, check any availability period stated by a brand against the specific model you’re considering.
Note down the food processor’s exact model reference, then check the stated availability period, parts catalogue and warranty terms that apply in France.
These examples show different approaches. The features mentioned apply to the named ranges or models, not every appliance from each brand.
The brand offers the CS 5200XL food processor without a cooking function, as well as the Cook Expert cooking food processor, which combines food preparation and cooking, according to Magimix.
The i-Companion XL combines food preparation and cooking, while the Cookeo+ is a multicooker designed for hot meals.
The Thermomix TM7 is designed for people who want to bring food preparation, cooking and guided recipes together in one appliance.
This Joybuy selection includes cooking food processors for combining food preparation and cooking, food processors for preparing ingredients, and a multicooker focused on hot meals. Compare each appliance based on the tasks you actually want it to handle.
Image unavailable
Prepare and cook in the same appliance. The product description lists functions including chopping, grating, kneading, steaming and slow cooking. It states a usable capacity of 3 L and features a touchscreen. Check which recipes are included with the version on sale, as the title and description give different numbers, and confirm the bowl material.
Image unavailable
Chop, grate, slice, knead or blend when you already have another appliance for cooking. The product details list a grating and slicing disc, a chopping blade, a kneading disc and a blender. If you want to cook in the bowl, check that this function is available before you choose.
Image unavailable
Combine food preparation and cooking. The product description lists functions including kneading, chopping, steaming and slow cooking. The bowl is stated to have a 3,5 L capacity. Check its usable capacity for the portions you make, and the exact list of accessories included for the tasks you have in mind.
Image unavailable
Prepare ingredients before cooking them in another appliance. The product description mentions chopping, blending, grinding and slicing. Check which discs and accessories are included, and whether the usable capacity suits the quantities you prepare.
Image unavailable
Choose this if cooking hot meals is your priority, perhaps alongside a separate food processor. The product details list 12 programmes, including pressure cooking, steaming, slow cooking and keeping food warm. Check the fill limits for your recipes; you’ll need another appliance for chopping or kneading.
It can combine some food preparation and cooking tasks if you often do them in the same bowl. Make a list of your usual meals and check, model by model, that it offers the chopping, kneading and cooking modes you need. A multicooker or food processor won’t automatically cover all these tasks.
No. Check the usable capacity and any limits for specific programmes or recipes. For example, Magimix states that the CS 5200XL has a total capacity of 3,6 L and a usable capacity of 1,8 L.
It depends on the model and the service you want to use. Vorwerk offers Cookidoo as an annual subscription with automatic renewal; Moulinex also features free recipes in its app for the i-Companion XL. Check which features and recipes are available with the model you’re considering.
Start with the accessories needed for your usual recipes, such as slicing discs, a kneading tool or a steam basket. Then compare the list of included items with the accessories sold separately. For example, Moulinex lists the Extra Crisp as sold separately for the documented Cookeo+ model.