People who prepare food without cooking it
If you regularly chop, grate, slice, blend or knead, a food processor can handle these tasks without adding a cooking function you don’t need.
Who is this type of appliance for?
People with limited storage space
The space available for the appliance matters just as much as the space needed for discs, blades and other accessories. Check their dimensions and how they can be stored.
Households preparing several things in a row
If you want to move from making a small amount of sauce to preparing a larger quantity of vegetables or dough, compare the bowls supplied and their usable capacity, not just the stated volume of the main bowl.
What should you check before buying?
Start with the tasks you do most often, then check that the accessories, capacities and storage options suit your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Food preparation tasks | Check which blades and discs are included for chopping, grating or slicing. Separately check whether there’s a dough hook or blender if you’ll use one. | I want to be able to make the things I usually prepare with the supplied accessories, rather than choosing based only on the number of functions advertised. |
| Bowl capacity | Compare the usable capacity for the ingredients you’ll be preparing with the stated total capacity. Also check how many bowls are included if you alternate between small and large batches. | A small bowl may be enough for a few ingredients; if I’m preparing several portions, I need to check how much I can process at once. |
| Storage and cleaning | Check the appliance’s dimensions, how the accessories are stored and which parts the instructions say are dishwasher-safe. | My cupboard space is limited, so I’d like to know where the discs will go and how many parts I’ll need to clean after use. |
| Type of appliance | A separate blender or chopper is suited to more specific tasks; a food processor with a cooking function adds cooking. Compare these features with the ones you’ll actually use. | If I only blend or chop occasionally, a specialist appliance may meet my needs. I’d only consider a food processor with a cooking function if I also want to cook in the appliance. |
| Replacement parts | Note the exact model number and look for compatible bowls, lids, blades or discs, as well as their stated availability. | I want to be able to find a suitable part if something needs replacing later. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on the number of functions
The tasks you can do depend on the accessories actually supplied with the model you choose.
Make a note of the things you prepare most often, then check that the kit includes the blades, discs or other tools you need.
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Confusing total volume with usable capacity
The stated volume of a bowl doesn’t necessarily match the quantity of ingredients you can prepare in it at once.
Before choosing a compact model, compare the stated usable capacity for your ingredients with the quantities you usually prepare.
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Forgetting about storage, cleaning and spare parts
Accessories that need to be stored separately take up space; cleaning instructions and part compatibility also vary by model.
Check how the accessories are stored, consult the instructions for cleaning guidance and search for replacement parts using the exact model number.
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Choosing a food processor with a cooking function when you don’t want to cook
According to UFC-Que Choisir, cooking is what distinguishes a food processor with a cooking function from a standard food processor. It doesn’t, by itself, meet a need to chop, grate or slice.
Choose one only if you also want to cook in the appliance. Otherwise, compare standard food processors or, for a narrower range of tasks, specialist appliances.
Which brand ranges should you compare?
These brand ranges can help you compare different configurations; check the specifications for the model and kit you’re considering.
Moulinex
The Easy Force and Double Force ranges offer different configurations for food preparation without cooking.
- According to Moulinex, the accessories for the Easy Force model shown on its website can be stored in the bowl. The brand states that a Double Force model has a 3 L bowl, a 2 L blender and a storage box.
- Check which accessories are included and look for parts compatible with the exact model number.
Magimix
The CS 3200 XL is worth considering if you’d like to use several bowls for successive preparations.
- Magimix states that the CS 3200 XL comes with three additional bowls and has a total capacity of 2.6 L. Its shop lists accessories designed for this model.
- Distinguish total capacity from the quantities you can use for each preparation, and allow space to store the bowls.
Bosch
The MultiTalent range includes several food processors, with equipment that varies by model.
- Bosch says that several accessories for the MCM3200W can be stored in its bowl.
- Compare the contents of the specific kit with the tasks you want to do: advertised functions don’t replace a list of the accessories supplied.
Kenwood
The MultiPro range includes everything from compact models to appliances with a larger bowl.
- Kenwood lists the MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY with two discs and the MultiPro OneTouch FDM73.480SS with a 3 L bowl.
- Their sizes and accessories differ, so check the usable capacity and equipment of the model you choose.
Joybuy options for your preparations
This selection includes a food processor for a range of tasks, as well as a blender and a mini chopper for more specific blending or chopping needs.
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ochama 750 W food processor, 1.8 L bowl
Worth considering if you want to chop, slice, grate and blend with a food processor. The product name mentions a blender and slicing and grating discs; check which accessories are included, the bowl’s usable capacity and the parts compatible with this model.
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800 W 3-in-1 blender, 1,500 ml blending jug
For blending-focused needs, with a chopper bowl designed for small quantities. The product name lists a 600 ml beaker and a 300 ml chopper bowl. If you also want to grate, slice or knead, check that it offers these functions before choosing this appliance.
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KENWOOD Easy Chop+ CHP62.400SI, mini chopper
Consider it for chopping small quantities or making sauces rather than for grating or slicing. The description lists a 600 ml glass bowl, four blades, two speeds and a mayonnaise attachment; check what’s in the kit if you also want a separate blender function.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a food processor with a cooking function to prepare food without cooking it?
No, not if you don’t want to cook in the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes food processors with a cooking function by their ability to cook; for chopping, grating or slicing, compare the accessories supplied with standard food processors instead.
How do you choose the right bowl size?
Compare the usable capacity for your ingredients and portion sizes, rather than focusing only on total capacity. Magimix states that the CS 3200 XL has a total capacity of 2.6 L and comes with three bowls; Kenwood states that the MultiPro OneTouch FDM73.480SS has a 3 L bowl. These figures alone aren’t enough to determine how much you can use for each recipe.
Why check the accessories and spare parts before buying?
The accessories included determine which tasks you can do, and any replacement part needs to match the appliance’s exact model number. In particular, look for bowls, lids, blades and discs that are compatible with your chosen model.
How do you clean a food processor?
Follow the instructions for your model when cleaning the bowls and accessories, particularly to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe. UFC-Que Choisir advises that the appliance’s motor unit must not be immersed in water.
What should you do with a food processor at the end of its life?
In France, take this electrical appliance to a suitable collection point rather than putting it in household waste, as advised by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition.