If you already have an appliance for cooking and mainly want to chop, grate, blend or knead, look for a food processor without a cooking function and choose one with accessories suited to the dishes you make. Que Choisir distinguishes a cooking food processor by its cooking function, so consider one if you genuinely plan to cook in its bowl. For just a few specific tasks, compare dedicated appliances too, then check the space it needs, its capacity and how easy it is to clean.
If you already use a multicooker or another appliance for slow cooking and steaming, focus your search on ingredient preparation. Que Choisir makes a clear distinction between a cooking food processor and a food processor without a cooking function.
A food processor is worth comparing if you regularly chop, grate, slice or knead. Check that it comes with the accessories for the tasks you actually do.
Check the appliance’s dimensions and how much space you’ll need for its discs and blades. Depending on the model, some accessories can be stored in the bowl or in a dedicated box.
Start with the tasks you want to handle with one appliance, then compare models against the quantities you usually prepare and the space you have available.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Type of appliance | Consider which cooking functions you would genuinely use. Then compare a food processor with dedicated appliances for the preparation tasks you need to do. | I already have an appliance for cooking, so a cooking food processor would only be useful if I also wanted to cook in its bowl. If I only have one or two specific tasks, I can compare separate appliances. |
| Accessories | Check the exact model to see which tools are included for chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading. Make sure you know which accessories are included and which are optional. | I want to handle the preparation tasks I do regularly without choosing discs or tools I won’t use. |
| Size | Compare the dimensions with the space you have, including the available height. Check where the blades, discs and cord are stored. | My worktop space is limited, so I need to make sure there’s a suitable place for the appliance and its accessories. |
| Quantities | Match the bowl capacity to the quantities you usually prepare. If you knead dough, check the model’s stated maximum dough capacity separately. | I sometimes make dough or prepare a large quantity of vegetables, so the bowl capacity alone won’t tell me whether it can handle every task. |
| Cleaning | Find out which parts can be removed and which the instructions explicitly say are dishwasher-safe. Consider the accessories you’ll use for each preparation task. | If I use the food processor often, I want to know which parts I’ll need to wash after each use. |
According to Que Choisir, the cooking function is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a standard food processor. If another appliance already does the job, this function may be redundant.
Before comparing the two types of appliance, make a note of what you prepare in the bowl and what you cook elsewhere.
Accessories that look useful on paper can end up unused while taking up space. What’s included also varies by model.
Check which accessories come with the model you’re considering, which are optional and how they can be stored.
Any optional accessory you need for a particular task will have to be bought separately.
Even a small appliance may need extra space for its discs or blades. Dishwasher compatibility depends on the parts and the model.
Measure the space you have and check the instructions for how to store and wash each part you’ll use.
Magimix offers a range of food processors designed for tasks including slicing, grating, chopping and kneading.
The MultiTalent range includes the MCM3401M, a food processor with a stated bowl capacity of 2.3 L.
The DoubleForce Compact range includes food processors with accessories that vary by version.
The MultiPro Go range includes compact food processors, with accessories varying by model.
These options include two food processors that combine several preparation tasks and a mini chopper for more specific jobs. Choose based on the tasks you actually want to do, and don’t confuse these appliances with a cooking food processor.
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Worth considering if you want to bring together a food processor, a blender and a meat mincer. Check that you have enough space for the appliance and its accessories.
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Worth comparing if you want to chop, slice or grate with one appliance. The product name mentions discs, a blender and a meat mincer; check which accessories are included with the model on offer and how much space you’ll need to store them.
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Consider this if you mainly want to chop or blend, rather than handle a range of tasks such as grating and kneading. Check that its size and the quantities you prepare suit your needs.
A cooking food processor can cook ingredients in the appliance; this is the distinction highlighted by Que Choisir. If you already have a multicooker and mainly want to chop, grate or knead, start by comparing the accessories included with food processors.
Check both the bowl capacity and the maximum dough quantity listed for the model. For example, Bosch states that the MCM3401M has a 2.3 L bowl but a dough limit of 0.8 kg. These figures refer to different aspects of its capacity.
No, it depends on the parts and the model. Moulinex says the FP542111 accessories are dishwasher-safe, except for the motor unit. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Check which spare parts are available for the specific model, the warranty terms and the repair options. A commitment announced for a range doesn’t guarantee that the part you need will be available for every model.