If you often chop, grate, slice or mix ingredients but don’t want the appliance to cook them, start by comparing food processors based on their bowl, attachments and storage requirements. A cooking food processor meets a different need: cooking in the same appliance. If kneading is the mainstay of your food preparation, compare dedicated stand mixers too. Que Choisir recommends them for anyone who regularly makes bread and pastries, or prepares them in large quantities.
If you regularly chop, grate, slice and blend, a food processor can handle these tasks without a cooking function. Check that the attachments included with your chosen model suit the dishes you actually make.
If you’ll need to take the appliance out of a cupboard every time you use it, its dimensions and how you’ll store the discs matter just as much as the bowl capacity. Check that the bowl is also big enough for the quantities you usually prepare, as Que Choisir recommends.
If you want to prepare and then cook in one appliance, compare cooking food processors rather than food processors designed only for chopping and mixing. Que Choisir distinguishes this category by its integrated cooking function, and advises taking recipes, cleaning and storage space into account.
First, decide whether you want an appliance just to prepare ingredients, to cook them as well, or mainly to knead. Then compare the usable capacity, included attachments and space required.
Consider this if: you regularly switch between slicing, chopping and mixing, without needing an integrated cooking function.
Bear in mind: the bowl and attachments take up space, and the appliance doesn’t cook.
Consider this if: you genuinely plan to prepare and then cook, simmer or steam food in the appliance.
Bear in mind: check that the recipes and cleaning process suit you. In a survey of cooking food processor owners, Que Choisir lists these as some of the factors that can put people off using their appliance.
Consider this if: you mainly need to do one task, such as regularly kneading bread or brioche dough with a stand mixer.
Bear in mind: a blender, mincer or stand mixer handles fewer tasks, and each appliance needs its own storage space.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| What you can prepare | Make a note of the tasks you do most often, then check which blades, discs and other attachments are included with the exact model you’re considering. | I want to avoid getting several tools out to chop vegetables and make sauces. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise these food preparation tasks. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space you have in mind and check where the bowl, discs and other parts can be stored. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to put the appliance away and find its attachments easily; around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Capacity and kneading | Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you prepare and check the instruction manual for kneading limits. | When I often make dough or prepare several portions, I want to avoid working in too many batches. Around 21% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Cooking and cleaning | Check which cooking modes you’ll use, as well as the parts and cleaning programmes included with your chosen model. | I want to cook in the same appliance, as long as cleaning it fits into my cooking routine; around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
A disc or blender needed for a particular recipe may depend on which pack you choose. Que Choisir only assesses a model’s optional accessories if they’re supplied with that model.
Before relying on a particular function, check the list of parts included with the exact model and version you’re buying.
The total capacity isn’t necessarily the same as the usable capacity. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L for its CS 4200XL.
Check the usable capacity and the kneading limits in the instruction manual against the portions you usually make. Also make sure you have enough room to handle and wash the bowl.
According to Que Choisir, the integrated cooking function is what sets this appliance apart from a food processor. It may not add much value if you mainly plan to grate or chop; recipes and washing-up can also affect how often you use it.
Think about the meals you usually make and which ones you’d actually use the appliance to cook, simmer or steam.
If you need to replace a bowl or attachment, you’ll need to find one that fits your exact model. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity that applies when you buy from a professional seller is separate from any commercial warranty, as the Ministry of the Economy points out.
Keep your proof of purchase and product description, check which parts are available for your model, and contact the seller if the product doesn’t conform to its description.
These ranges show some of the different ways appliances can meet food preparation needs; their features don’t necessarily apply to every model from the same brand.
The food processor range focuses on slicing, blending, mixing and kneading.
The MultiPro Go range is designed for chopping and slicing, with storage space a key consideration.
The DoubleForce Compact range combines a food processor bowl with chopping attachments in a format worth comparing with the space you have available.
The Thermomix TM7 is a cooking food processor with guided recipes, designed for households that want to prepare and cook in the same appliance.
These models cover food preparation without cooking, preparation with an integrated cooking function, and an option geared towards kneading. First, decide which task would make an appliance worthwhile in your home, then compare the model version and the attachments you’ll need.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a food processor for preparation tasks without cooking. Compare the usable capacity and attachments included with the version you’re considering with the quantities you prepare and the tasks you have in mind.
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Worth comparing if you want to prepare and cook in the same appliance. Check which attachments are included and the kneading limits for the version you choose.
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Worth a look if chopping and grating ingredients are an important part of your food preparation. Check which discs and other attachments come with the version you choose.
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Worth comparing if you plan to use the cooking function as well as prepare ingredients. Check the usable capacity and make sure the attachments are right for the tasks you do most often.
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Worth considering if kneading dough matters more to you than chopping vegetables. If you also want to grate or slice, check exactly which attachments are included.
Not if you want to cook in the appliance: according to Que Choisir, the integrated cooking function is what sets a cooking food processor apart. If you want to chop, grate, slice or blend without heating ingredients, compare the functions and attachments of food processors instead.
No, washing instructions vary by model and part. Moulinex says the DoubleForce Compact FP542111 attachments can be washed in the dishwasher, except for the motor unit. Check the instruction manual for your exact model before washing blades, discs and seals.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a professional sells a new, second-hand or refurbished product to an individual. If the food processor doesn’t match its description or has a conformity defect, contact the seller; any commercial warranty is separate.
You could have it repaired or, if it still works, give it away. ADEME also lists drop-off options for small electrical appliances. When buying an appliance of the same type, ask the seller about the « one-for-one » take-back scheme described by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition.