Households that regularly cook complete meals from scratch
If you regularly prepare soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes, steamed meals or multi-step recipes, compare the usable capacity, cooking modes, steamer basket and accessories actually included.
Which households is it for?
Baking and bread-making enthusiasts
A cooking food mixer may be more suitable if kneading and whisking are your main priorities, provided you check which accessories you need for savoury preparations.
Cooks who already have cooking appliances
If you already have a hob, oven or slow cooker that meets your needs, a food processor without cooking functions can handle chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading without adding redundant cooking features.
Choosing criteria
Multifunction cooking robot
Choose this if: you often prepare recipes that cook in the bowl or use steam, and want to minimise transfers between appliances.
Bear in mind: the footprint, included accessories and cleaning requirements can vary considerably between models.
Cooking food mixer
Choose this if: kneading, whisking and baking are your main uses, with the option to heat ingredients in the bowl.
Bear in mind: certain chopping, blending or steaming functions depend on optional accessories.
Food processor without cooking functions and separate appliances
Choose this if: you already have cooking appliances and mainly need help preparing ingredients.
Bear in mind: ingredients must be transferred to your cooking vessel, and cooking is not automated in the same bowl.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking | Compare the cooking modes, manual controls and supplied accessories: blade, whisk, mixer and steamer basket. | I want to chop or blend and then cook without changing containers. In the Que Choisir survey published in 2020 among 1,695 robot owners who subscribed to the publication, 52% of respondents felt they saved time in the kitchen and 49% said they had expanded their recipe repertoire. |
| Capacity and accessories | Check the usable capacity, intended portions and whether it includes a grater, slicer, blender, steamer basket or baking accessories. | I prepare soups, doughs, vegetables or meals for several people, and want to avoid successive batches or unexpected accessory purchases. |
| Cleaning and storage space | Look at the number of parts to wash, whether they are dishwasher-safe, the dimensions with the bowl fitted and the storage options for accessories. | I want to be able to keep the appliance accessible and clean it without making everyday meal preparation more laborious. |
| Recipe ecosystem | Check what is available without a subscription, the renewal terms and which accessories or bowls are offered separately. | I will only add a guided service if it genuinely suits the way I cook and the recipes I prepare. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Focusing on the number of functions rather than the dishes you prepare
A versatile appliance does not necessarily include all the accessories needed for grating, slicing, whisking, steaming or blending, depending on the chosen pack.
List your usual recipes and match each step to a specific accessory or mode before comparing appliances.
Chopping, blending or steaming accessories may be sold separately.
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Confusing total volume with usable capacity
The amount that can actually be used may be lower than the advertised total capacity, particularly for certain preparations or programmes.
Compare the usable capacity with the number of portions and the largest recipes you prepare for your household.
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Underestimating cleaning and storage
The washing-up, accessories and space taken up on your worktop can affect how regularly you use the appliance.
Check the dimensions, the parts that need cleaning after your usual recipes, whether they are dishwasher-safe and the storage space available.
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Assuming a recipe app is always a free benefit
A guided platform can make it easier to get started, but its access and renewal terms affect the cost of ownership.
If you plan to use guided recipes, check the annual cost, access without a subscription, the renewal date and the cancellation terms.
For the Thermomix TM7, Vorwerk states that Cookidoo costs 60 €/year for new customers after the applicable included terms, with renewal announced at the end of 12 months.
Brand guide
Vorwerk / Thermomix
A connected multifunction cooking robot for people who prioritise guided cooking, an integrated screen and a recipe ecosystem.
- According to Vorwerk, the TM7 offers several modes, steam cooking and cooking temperatures of up to 160 °C.
- Full access to Cookidoo may depend on a subscription; check the applicable terms before buying.
Moulinex / Companion
A range of multifunction cooking robots designed for households looking for family-sized capacity, automatic programmes and additional accessories.
- Moulinex states that certain Companion models have a 4.5 L bowl, a usable capacity of 3 L and several cooking modes.
- Accessories such as a vegetable slicer, steamer or additional bowl may be offered separately.
Magimix / Cook Expert
A multifunction cooking robot worth considering for combining cooking, grating, slicing, kneading and whisking, depending on the accessories selected.
- Magimix states a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the Cook Expert Connect and 3.8 L for the XL Connect.
- The XXL steamer basket and Extra Press XL may be useful additions, depending on the recipes you plan to make.
Kenwood / Cooking Chef
A cooking food mixer to consider when kneading, whisking and mixing are your main uses, with the option to expand its capabilities through accessories.
- Kenwood presents the Cooking Chef as a cooking food mixer that can be transformed into a multifunction food processor with accessories.
- Its versatility depends on the selected pack and any additional accessories purchased.
Joybuy products
Joybuy options for preparing home-cooked meals with integrated cooking, from multicookers to food processors with cooking functions.
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Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot with XL bowl
For meals that bring preparation and cooking together in a single appliance.
Advertised 4.5 L bowl, including 3 L usable capacity; integrated scales, touchscreen, adjustable temperatures from 37 to 130 °C, eight speeds and advertised steamer baskets. Check the pack contents, along with the terms for accessing recipes and Wi-Fi services.
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Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot with integrated scales
For soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes and steamed meals with integrated guidance.
Advertised 3.5 L bowl for up to six people, eight programmes, manual mode, integrated scales and touchscreen. Check which grating, slicing and steaming accessories are included in the pack.
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Midea 9-in-1 8 L electric multicooker
For soups, stews, rice, slow cooking and steaming larger quantities.
Nine advertised functions, including pressure cooking, sautéing, slow cooking and steaming, with a steamer basket included. This multicooker does not advertise chopping, blending, grating or kneading functions; check the actual volume and maximum usable fill level.
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Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L Daydream Blue multicooker
For cooking meals in a single vessel without needing the food preparation functions of a robot.
Advertised 5.7 L capacity for up to six portions, with pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, yoghurt and keep-warm functions. The inner pot and certain components are advertised as dishwasher-safe; follow the fill limits stated in the instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Which functions should I check for preparing complete meals?
Check cooking, slow cooking, searing, steaming, keep-warm and manual adjustment functions separately. Also check for the accessories that suit your recipes: blade, mixer, whisk, steamer basket, grater, slicer or blender.
Are guided recipes essential?
No. Que Choisir states that supplied recipes may be free or paid for, but are not essential for using a cooking robot. They can nevertheless make your first few uses easier if you want to follow guided steps.
Which recipe-related costs should I check?
Check the duration of any included offer, the annual cost, the renewal terms and the functions available without a subscription. For the Thermomix TM7, Vorwerk states that Cookidoo costs 60 €/year for new customers after the applicable terms, with renewal announced after 12 months.
Which accessories can be added after purchase?
Do not assume that grating, slicing, increasing steaming capacity, preparing small quantities or having a second bowl are included. For example, Moulinex offers separate Companion accessories, while Magimix offers an XXL steamer basket and an Extra Press XL.
Which guarantee rights apply to a new appliance bought from a professional seller in France?
According to the DGCCRF, the statutory guarantee of conformity can be claimed from the professional seller for two years for new and second-hand goods. For a new product, during this period, the consumer does not have to prove that the fault existed on the date of sale; a manufacturer's commercial guarantee may be added but does not replace it.