If you often chop, grate, slice or knead but don’t want to cook in the same bowl, a food processor could be the right choice. If cooking is regularly part of your food preparation, compare cooking food processors instead. Keeping your current appliances or adding one specific function can also make sense if a new processor would duplicate what you already have. In every case, compare usable capacity, included accessories and the space required with the way you actually cook.
You regularly chop, grate, slice, blend or knead, but already use other appliances to cook. A food processor is worth considering if its accessories cover several of these tasks. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these types of preparation as part of its testing process.
You want to prepare ingredients and then move straight on to cooking, such as simmering or steaming. UFC-Que Choisir points out that cooking is the feature that sets a cooking food processor apart from other food processors.
You have limited space or don’t want to end up with lots of parts to wash. Check where the accessories can be stored and which parts of your chosen model are actually dishwasher-safe: guidance can vary between components.
Start with the tasks you repeat most often, then decide whether cooking needs to be part of the same appliance. Next, consider space and cleaning requirements before adding another piece of equipment to your kitchen.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks you repeat | Identify the tasks you do most often and check which knives, discs, whisks or kneading attachments are actually included. | I often grate, chop or knead, and want to bring together the tasks I genuinely repeat; around 33% of consumers would put useful versatility first. |
| Integrated cooking | Decide whether you also want to cook in the bowl; check for the cooking modes you need and enough usable capacity for your portions. | If I regularly simmer or steam, I want to avoid transferring food to another container; cooking would be the main requirement for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space available and check how the accessories are stored, along with the cleaning instructions for each part. | With limited storage, I don’t want to leave bowls and discs on the worktop or spend too long washing up; around 25% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
| Equipment you already own | Take stock of the functions you already have and consider whether you’re missing just one additional function. | My blender or stand mixer already covers my main needs, and I want to avoid buying an appliance that does the same job; around 17% of consumers would prioritise adding to their existing equipment. |
A blender or citrus juicer isn’t always included with a food processor. So, a long list of advertised functions doesn’t guarantee that it will handle the tasks you do most often.
List the tasks you repeat and check the accessories included with the exact model number, distinguishing them from any that are sold separately.
Total volume, usable capacity and maximum dough capacity don’t mean the same thing. A large bowl may also be inconvenient for preparing a small amount.
Compare the figures that match your portions and the type of preparation you have in mind. If you often make small quantities, check whether a compatible mini bowl is available.
Dishwasher compatibility depends on the model and the component. For example, Kenwood says that the blender and chopper blades for the MultiPro Sense FPM810 are not dishwasher-safe.
Check the instructions for the exact model you’re considering, covering every bowl, lid, disc, blade and accessory, and follow the cleaning guidance provided.
A new food processor could duplicate a blender, chopper or stand mixer you already use, while also taking up space for its base and accessories.
Take stock of your needs and your equipment. If you’re only missing something for an occasional task, consider borrowing or hiring an appliance before adding another one.
The MultiTalent range may appeal if you’re looking for several accessories in a format that can be put away after use.
The CS 4200XL is a good example of the difference between total volume and the capacity you can actually use.
The Masterchef Delicio and Companion models illustrate two distinct needs: preparing ingredients, or preparing and then cooking them.
The MultiPro models make it easy to compare accessory storage and cleaning requirements.
These products include cooking food processors for preparing and cooking, food processors for a range of chopping and mixing tasks, and a stand mixer to consider if kneading is your main requirement. Compare their functions with those of the appliances you already own.
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Worth considering if you want to bring preparation and cooking together; check that the functions and accessories on the version available suit the dishes you usually make.
The product name mentions built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check the bowl’s usable capacity and the space required before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to combine several food preparation tasks; check that the included accessories cover the chopping and mixing you do most often.
Advertised with a 1.5 L capacity and 600 W of power. Compare its actual usable capacity with the portions you prepare.
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Worth comparing if you’re considering an appliance that can prepare and cook food in one place; check that it has the modes and accessories you need.
The product name mentions a touchscreen. Check the dimensions and cleaning instructions for the parts supplied with this model.
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Worth considering if chopping, slicing and grating are regular parts of your food preparation; check that the accessories you need are included.
The product name mentions a blender, meat mincer and slicing discs. Check the cleaning instructions for each part.
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Worth considering if you knead, mix or whisk more often than you grate or slice; check which accessories are included with the version you choose.
The product name mentions a dough hook, beater, whisk, meat mincer and blender. Check the bowl capacity before buying.
Yes, if the model includes accessories for several tasks you do regularly. Check that it covers the grating, slicing, chopping, blending or kneading you need, then compare these functions with those of your current appliances.
No: it depends on the model and each individual part. For example, Kenwood says the blender and chopper blades for the MultiPro Sense FPM810 are not dishwasher-safe. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering before planning how to clean it.
Choose a usable capacity that suits your portions and the preparations you have in mind, rather than relying on the total volume alone. For example, Magimix states that the CS 4200XL has a 3 L total capacity but a usable capacity of 1.3 L. For dough or small quantities, also check the limits and accessories specific to the model.