If you mainly want to grate, slice, chop and mix ingredients before cooking them with your usual appliances, start by comparing food processors. The bowl’s usable capacity, the accessories included and the space you’ll need matter more than the number of functions advertised. A cooking food processor meets a different need: preparing and cooking food in the same appliance. Check that you’ll use this function often enough to justify the space it takes up in your kitchen.
If you grate, slice, chop and mix several ingredients throughout the week, start by looking at the bowl’s usable capacity and the cutting tools included. Also consider how easily you can switch from one task to another.
A single food processor can handle several tasks, but its bowl and accessories take up space too. Compare its dimensions with the space you have available, and check where you’ll store the discs, blades and any blender.
If you plan to cook, simmer or steam in the same bowl you use to prepare ingredients, look at cooking food processors. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these appliances from food processors by their cooking function and also recommends considering their size and cleaning requirements.
Start with the recipes you make regularly, then compare the quantities and preparation steps involved with exactly what each appliance offers.
| Criterion | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl capacity | Compare the usable capacity, where stated, and any limits for the types of preparation you have in mind. For example, Magimix lists a total bowl capacity of 3 L for the CS 4200XL, but a usable capacity of 1.3 L. | I prepare several portions at once: the usable capacity needs to suit my recipes, not just the number of people stated on the product page. |
| Accessories included | Check for the grating and slicing discs, blade and other tools your recipes require. Make sure they’re included with the exact model you’re considering, as well as any tools designed for smaller quantities. | For grated vegetables and sauces, I want to be able to carry out the tasks I do often without relying on an accessory I don’t have. |
| Integrated cooking function | Decide whether you only want to prepare ingredients or also cook, simmer or steam in the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir identifies cooking as the key difference between a cooking food processor and a food processor. | I’m happy with my pans and oven, so I’d rather focus on food preparation. If I also want to cook in the bowl, I’ll look at a cooking food processor. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space you have available, including the height, then check how the accessories are stored. Cleaning instructions vary by model, so check them for each part. | I need to be able to take the appliance out, clean it and put it away after an everyday meal, along with all its discs and containers. |
| Compatible parts | Search for the exact model number in the brand’s parts catalogue. In particular, check for the bowls, lids, pushers, blades and discs you might need. | If a part wears out or breaks, I want to be able to identify one that fits my model rather than assume that all accessories in the range are interchangeable. |
A long list of functions doesn’t tell you which discs, blades or bowls come with the model you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses tasks carried out using additional accessories separately.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare, then check each item included with the exact model.
If a tool you need isn’t included, you’ll have to buy it separately to prepare the dish you have in mind.
Total capacity doesn’t always match the amount you can use in a recipe: Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L for its CS 4200XL.
Compare the usable capacity or stated preparation limits for each model with the quantities in the recipes you make most often.
Cooking is what sets a cooking food processor apart from a food processor. This function won’t meet the same need if you cook everything afterwards in a pan, in the oven or in another appliance.
Decide whether you’ll actually cook in the bowl. If not, focus first on the bowl and food preparation accessories of a food processor.
Moulinex and Magimix offer parts and accessories catalogues, but compatibility needs to be checked for each model.
Before choosing, search for the appliance’s model number and check which bowls, lids, pushers, blades and discs are compatible with it.
The details below apply to the models mentioned, not every food processor made by each brand.
The CS 4200XL lets you compare total and usable capacity. The range also includes cooking food processors for people who want to cook in the appliance.
According to Moulinex, the Double Force Compact comes with a main bowl and a blender jug. Check what’s included with the exact model you’re considering.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3501M is a useful point of comparison for households looking for a more modestly sized bowl and accessories that can be stored inside the appliance.
These options include two cooking food processors for anyone who also wants to cook in the appliance, as well as a food processor designed for preparing ingredients. Compare each model with the tasks and quantities involved in your meals.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare ingredients and cook in the same appliance. The model name mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales, a large touchscreen and 750 recipes. Before choosing this model, check which cutting tools are included, the bowl material and how much space you’ll need.
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Another option to consider if cooking in the appliance is part of your routine. The model name mentions built-in scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes. Compare its usable capacity, included accessories and cleaning instructions with the dishes you usually prepare.
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Worth comparing if your priority is chopping, grating or blending ingredients before cooking them separately. The product name lists a 1.8 L bowl, a blender, a chopper and grating discs. Check the usable capacity and exactly what’s included to make sure it suits your recipes.
Not always. Compare the usable capacity where it’s stated. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L but a usable capacity of 1.3 L for the CS 4200XL. Compare this with the quantities in your recipes rather than relying only on the number of people shown.
Not if you want to cook directly in the appliance: according to UFC-Que Choisir, cooking is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a food processor. If you already use other appliances for cooking and mainly want to grate, slice, chop or mix, focus your comparison on the bowl and food preparation accessories.
It depends on the model and the parts in question. Moulinex describes the accessories for the Double Force Compact model reviewed as dishwasher-safe. For any model you’re considering, check its instructions before putting bowls, lids, blades or seals in the dishwasher.
First, find the exact model number of your food processor, then look for the matching part in the brand’s catalogue. Moulinex and Magimix list bowls, discs and other accessories, but compatibility depends on the model.