If you want to prepare and cook food in the same appliance, consider a cooking food processor. If you already have cooking covered and often chop, grate or slice ingredients, a food processor without a cooking function may be better suited to your needs. If you only repeat one task, a dedicated appliance or one you already own could save you from adding equipment you’ll rarely use. In every case, check the usable capacity, included accessories, storage space and the parts you’ll need to clean.
If you regularly prepare dishes that need cooking and want to avoid transferring ingredients between a food processor and a saucepan, compare the functions, cleaning requirements and space needed. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes a cooking food processor by its built-in cooking function.
If your hob, oven or another appliance already takes care of cooking, a multifunction food processor can handle regular prep tasks such as preparing vegetables, sauces or dough. Check the accessories and bowl size, two factors highlighted by UFC-Que Choisir.
If you’re short on space or don’t repeat tasks very often, compare the food processor and accessory dimensions with the space available in your kitchen. A dedicated appliance or your existing equipment may be enough if you only need one function.
Worth considering if: you regularly want to prepare and then cook, simmer or steam food in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to allow for storage space, cleaning and handling the bowl. The available chopping accessories vary by model.
Worth considering if: you already have cooking covered and often chop, grate or slice ingredients.
Bear in mind: cooking will remain a separate step. The bowl and accessories need to suit the quantities you prepare and fit into your kitchen.
Worth considering if: you mainly want to blend or carry out one specific task, or your existing appliances already cover several needs.
Bear in mind: an appliance designed for one task won’t necessarily replace grating, kneading or cooking functions.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing and cooking in one go | Cooking and preparation modes; included accessories and maximum fill capacity. | If I want to regularly do both steps in the same appliance, I’ll check the functions and usable capacity for the portions I make. Around 26% of consumers prioritise built-in cooking. |
| Preparing food without a cooking function | Included discs and blades; tasks the appliance can handle and bowl size. | If cooking is already covered but I often chop or grate ingredients, I’ll look for accessories suited to those tasks. Around 26% of consumers prioritise food preparation without cooking. |
| Available space | Dimensions when in use; accessory storage and usable capacity. | In a kitchen with limited worktop and cupboard space, I’ll check how much room the whole appliance and its accessories need, not just the base. Around 16% of consumers make space their top priority. |
| Everyday cleaning | Removable parts; dishwasher suitability as stated in the instruction manual. | If difficult cleaning could make the appliance less convenient to use as part of my routine, I’ll check which parts need washing after the tasks I repeat. Around 16% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
| Functions you’ll actually use | Regular tasks; included accessories and any extras you may need to buy. | If I want to avoid paying for functions I’ll rarely use, I’ll compare what’s in the box with my cooking habits. Around 16% of consumers focus first on avoiding unnecessary functions. |
The bowl’s total volume may differ from its maximum fill capacity. Product details for Lidl’s Monsieur Cuisine Smart and the Philips HR2041/17R1 blender also distinguish between these measurements.
Compare the usable capacity of the exact model with the quantities you usually prepare.
Preparation functions and accessories vary between models. A general product description doesn’t guarantee that it includes the chopping tools you need.
Make a list of the tasks you repeat and check what’s included with the model you’re considering. Some chopping accessories may be sold separately.
In its 2020 survey, UFC-Que Choisir reported that having too much washing-up was one of the reasons some owners gave for using their cooking food processors less often.
Count the parts you use for everyday meals and check the washing instructions in the manual.
The Companion Pro HF850810 is an example of a range that handles both food preparation and cooking.
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY is an example of a food preparation option with no cooking function listed.
The Cook Expert is an example of a cooking food processor range that also handles food preparation tasks.
Lidl France’s Monsieur Cuisine Smart MC Smart combines food preparation and cooking, with advertised on-screen guidance.
The 3000 Series HR2041/17R1 blender is an example of an appliance designed for blending.
This selection includes options for blending, preparing food without cooking and cooking with an appliance that has a built-in cooking function. Check each model’s functions and capacity against the tasks you usually need it for.
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For blending or chopping small quantities without choosing a food processor with a built-in cooking function, the product description lists a blending shaft, whisk, 700 ml beaker and 500 ml chopper.
The title states 1,200 W and 15,000 rpm. The accessories are listed as dishwasher-safe at temperatures below 60 °C. The product description recommends not using the appliance continuously for more than one minute, then letting it rest for one minute.
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For chopping, slicing or grating without a built-in cooking function, the product description lists a food processor with chopping accessories.
The title states a 1.8 L bowl and 750 W. Listed functions include chopping, blending, grinding, slicing and grating; the product description also mentions easy-to-clean removable parts.
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For preparing and cooking food in the same appliance, the product description lists cooking and preparation functions, including grating, slicing and kneading.
The bowl is listed as 4.5 L, with a usable capacity of 3 L. The product description mentions a touchscreen, guided recipes and dishwasher-safe parts.
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For combining several food preparation tasks without an advertised built-in cooking function, the product description mentions kneading, mixing, whisking and blending.
The title states 1,000 W. The product description lists a 5 L bowl, a 1.5 L glass blender jug and accessories for mincing meat and making pasta. Hand-washing the parts is recommended.
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For preparing and cooking food in one go, the product description lists mixing, kneading, chopping, grating, steaming and simmering among its functions.
The main bowl is listed as 3.5 L. The product description mentions built-in scales, a rinse programme and 680 recipes.
No. A standard multifunction food processor can handle these tasks without a cooking function. A cooking food processor is better suited to regularly carrying out both steps in the same appliance. Check which discs and blades come with the model you’ve chosen.
Measure the space needed for the base, opening the lid and storing the accessories. Check the manual for the model to see which parts are dishwasher-safe: a dishwasher-safe bowl doesn’t mean every part can go in the dishwasher.
For an individual buying goods from a professional seller in France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. According to the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance, claims must be brought within two years of delivery. You claim through the seller, and this guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
No. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking represents the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable requirements; it is not a certification mark. On its own, it doesn’t prove that a particular model complies with every rule that applies to it.