A food processor with a cooking function could suit you if you want to prepare and cook soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes in the same bowl, as long as its capacity and footprint fit your kitchen and the way you cook. If your existing appliances already take care of the cooking, a multifunction food processor may be all you need for chopping, grating or kneading. UFC-Que Choisir describes this as a less bulky and less expensive option if you don’t need to cook in the processor. If you want to cook several dishes independently, also consider what your separate appliances can already do.
If you regularly move between food preparation and cooking, a food processor with a cooking function can cut down on transferring ingredients between appliances, although you’ll still need to prepare them. In a 2024 OpinionWay survey for Lustucru of 1,020 adults in France, 61% said they spent 30 minutes or less preparing dinner on a weeknight. This figure relates to preparation time, not interest in buying a food processor.
For soups, slow-cooked dishes or steamed meals, compare the usable capacity of the bowl and steamer with the quantities you usually cook. A stated serving size doesn’t guarantee the same number of portions for every recipe.
If your hob, oven or slow cooker meets your needs and you’re mainly looking to chop, grate, slice or knead, a multifunction food processor is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir describes it as a less bulky and less expensive option when you don’t need to cook in the processor.
Start with the tasks you do every week, then check the capacity, accessories and cleaning requirements of each model.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Moving between tasks | Check which preparation and cooking functions are actually available, and which steps still require your input. | I want to cut down on switching between appliances for everyday dinners, without assuming every recipe will be quicker. In a 2024 OpinionWay survey for Lustucru of 1,020 adults in France, 61% said they spent 30 minutes or less preparing dinner on a weeknight; this is not a measure of purchase intent. |
| Portions and space | Distinguish between the bowl’s total and usable capacity. Check the steamer’s capacity separately, and measure the space available on your worktop or in a cupboard. | I sometimes cook several portions, but I don’t want to choose an appliance that’s too bulky for my kitchen. |
| Functions and accessories | Compare cooking, steaming, chopping, grating and kneading functions against the recipes you make. Check the accessories included with the specific model. | If my existing appliances already cook the food, I can focus on preparation; if I want to cook in the processor, I need a suitable cooking function. |
| Cleaning | Check which parts need to be washed by hand or can go in the dishwasher, and whether a rinse programme applies to the bowl or to the accessories as well. | After a weeknight dinner, cleaning the bowl and accessories needs to feel manageable. |
| Additional costs | Check which accessories are included and which are optional. If guided cooking appeals to you, look into how to access the recipes and whether you can use a manual mode. | I’d rather know which accessories and services I’ll actually use before choosing a configuration. |
Two versatile food processors may need different accessories for steaming or chopping vegetables.
Check what’s in the box for the exact model and make sure it includes the accessories you need for your recipes.
Depending on the configuration, some steaming, chopping or large-capacity accessories may need to be bought separately.
Portion sizes vary between recipes, and a bowl’s total capacity doesn’t always match its usable volume.
Compare the stated bowl and steamer capacities with the meals you usually make, then measure the space you have available.
Access to recipes or guided menus is separate from the appliance’s food preparation and cooking functions.
If this service matters to you, check the terms of access and whether there’s a manual mode. Vorwerk describes Cookidoo as a service linked to the Thermomix TM7, with a three-month offer for new subscribers.
Food preparation functions such as chopping or kneading don’t necessarily mean a model can also cook soup or a slow-cooked dish.
If you expect it to cook as well, confirm that the specific model has this function. Otherwise, take into account the cooking appliances you already use.
These models show how configurations can differ; the features of one model don’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
According to Vorwerk France, the Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation, cooking and guided cooking.
The accessories supplied vary depending on which Companion model you choose.
The Cook Expert XL Connect is worth considering if bowl capacity is an important factor in your choice.
Lidl lists the Monsieur Cuisine Connect and Smart models as featuring guided cooking, called Cooking Pilot.
These Joybuy options include food processors with cooking functions that combine preparation and cooking, as well as food processors to consider if you already use other appliances for cooking.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook food with a cooking food processor that has an XL bowl. The title mentions built-in scales and a large touchscreen; check the usable capacity, included accessories and space required. Also confirm the number of recipes available for this model, as it’s described differently in different listings.
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This model is for anyone considering a cooking food processor for regular meals. Its title lists built-in scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes. Compare its usable capacity with your portion sizes, and check which accessories are included and how they should be cleaned.
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Consider this for preparing ingredients if your other appliances take care of the cooking. The title lists model HR7320/00 and a power rating of 700 W; it also uses the term ‘Multicooker’. If you expect it to cook as well, confirm this function explicitly before buying.
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This option keeps food preparation separate from cooking. Its title lists a 1.8 L bowl and slicing and grating discs; check that these are included in the box, confirm the usable capacity and consider which cooking appliances you’ll need.
Not necessarily; it depends on the tasks you do and the accessories that come with the model. Compare its cooking, steaming, chopping, kneading and blending functions with the recipes you usually make. Before planning to do without another appliance, check what’s included in the box.
Start with the quantities you cook, then distinguish between total capacity, usable capacity and the steamer’s volume. Magimix France lists a total capacity of 4.8 L and a usable capacity of 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect, while Vorwerk gives the Thermomix TM7 bowl’s maximum capacity as 2.2 L. These capacities don’t guarantee the same number of portions for every recipe.
It depends on the service and model. Vorwerk describes Cookidoo as a service linked to the Thermomix TM7 and offers new subscribers three months free. Before choosing a model for this feature, check the current access terms and whether you can use the appliance manually.
Check which accessories your recipes require, particularly for steaming, mixing and chopping, then look at what’s included with the exact model. Moulinex France lists five accessories and a steamer for the Companion Pro featured here; some XL accessories for the Magimix Cook Expert XL Connect are sold separately.