Anyone who combines preparation and cooking
If you often make dishes that need mixing before cooking, compare the available programmes and the usable capacity. UFC-Que Choisir and Moulinex list these among the factors to consider.
Who might these appliances suit ?
Households already equipped for cooking
If your current appliances cook the way you want, but grating, slicing or chopping slows down your preparation, an appliance without an integrated cooking function may be better suited to your needs. UFC-Que Choisir, Magimix and Kenwood describe these functions in their guides or product specifications.
Anyone short on space
If you mainly use just a few functions, consider the space needed for the base, bowls and accessories, as well as how often you’ll use them. UFC-Que Choisir and Magimix and Kenwood product specifications highlight the importance of choosing according to your actual needs and storage space.
What should you compare before choosing ?
Start with the tasks you do most often: decide whether you really need an integrated cooking function, then check the space and accessories required for your recipes.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Combining preparation and cooking | Cooking modes, included tools and filling capacity for your portions. | If I want to chop or mix, then cook my dishes in the same appliance, I check that the modes and capacity suit my recipes. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise combining these steps. |
| Preparing food without an integrated cooking function | Discs, blades, bowls and whether a blender is included. | If my current appliances already handle the cooking, I’m mainly looking to make chopping or blending easier. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise food preparation without cooking. |
| Making the most of space and avoiding duplicates | Space needed for the base and storage for the accessories you’ll actually use. | If my cupboards or worktop are already full, I check that the new appliance won’t duplicate equipment I already own. Around 21 % of consumers prioritise saving space and avoiding duplicates. |
| Accessing guided recipes | Access requirements for the app, account and recipes, as well as which functions can be used without a connected service. | If I plan to follow step-by-step recipes, I check the terms of the service linked to the model I’m considering. Around 14 % of consumers put recipe access and its terms at the top of their list. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing total capacity with usable capacity
For the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, Lidl gives a stated total capacity of 4.5 L and a filling capacity of 3 L. These figures don’t refer to the same usable volume.
Compare the filling limit of the model with your usual portions, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
If the usable capacity isn’t enough for your portions, you may need to prepare several batches.
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Choosing a large set of accessories without checking how you’ll use them
The value of a multifunction food processor depends on the tasks you actually do regularly; bowls and accessories also take up space and need cleaning.
Match each included accessory to a recipe you make often, then work out where you’ll store it.
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Assuming all guided recipes come with the same terms
Terms vary between services and models: you may need an account, a free recipe library or a subscription.
Before choosing, check the current access terms for the service in question and which functions are available if you don’t use it.
Brands to know when comparing
Moulinex
The Companion range includes food processors with cooking functions. The HF840110 is an example of this approach, with accessories for several stages of food preparation and cooking.
- For the HF840110, Moulinex lists a usable capacity of 3 L and accessories including a chopping blade, kneading/crushing blade, mixer, whisk and steam basket.
- Moulinex says a free account is required to access all the recipes in the Companion app. Accessories and functions may vary by model.
Magimix
The models featured by Magimix cover two different uses: the Cook Expert for cooking and the Compact System 3200XL for food preparation without cooking.
- Magimix lists a 3.5 L bowl for the Cook Expert. For the 3200XL, the brand describes several bowls and grating and slicing discs.
- The 3200XL bowls and discs need to be stored away. Don’t assume the Cook Expert range has the same capacity or accessories.
Kenwood
The MultiPro Compact FDP31.360GY is an option for food preparation without cooking, and the specifications for this model include a blender.
- Kenwood lists a 2.1 L bowl, a 1.2 L blender and cutting discs for this variant.
- The blender is an extra jug to store and wash. Don’t assume these accessories are included with every MultiPro model.
Silvercrest
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart, sold by Lidl, is a food processor with a cooking function, a screen and guided recipes.
- For this model, Lidl lists a total capacity of 4.5 L, a filling capacity of 3 L and a free recipe library.
- The difference between total capacity and filling capacity matters when comparing portions. These specifications apply specifically to the Smart variant.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix and Cookidoo ecosystem is designed in part for people who want to use guided recipes.
- Cookidoo provides access to guided recipes, according to information from Vorwerk France.
- Vorwerk’s French FAQ says that the access described requires an annual subscription with automatic renewal. Check the service terms that apply before factoring it into your choice.
Appliances available on Joybuy
This selection brings together blenders, multifunction food processors and food processors with cooking functions, so you can compare options based on the recipes and steps you want to tackle.
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ROUNY 4-in-1 Hand Blender, 1 200 W
Worth considering if you want to blend and also prepare ingredients with a whisk or chopper.
The model name lists a maximum power of 1 200 W, a speed of 15 000 rpm, a 700 ml beaker and a 500 ml chopper. The product description limits continuous operation to 1 minute, followed by a one-minute rest.
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ochama 750 W Multifunction Food Processor, 1.8 L
Worth considering if your recipes mainly involve blending, chopping or slicing, without an integrated cooking function listed in the product name.
The name lists 750 W of power, a 1.8 L bowl, a blender, a chopper, a slicer and grating discs.
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joyami Countertop Blender, 1.6 L Glass Jug
Worth considering if you mainly want to blend hot or cold mixtures rather than tackle several chopping tasks.
The name lists a 1.6 L glass jug, app control, Wi-Fi and a self-cleaning cycle.
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Robby Multifunction Food Processor with Cooking Function, Built-in Scales, Touchscreen, 750 Recipes
Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance and follow guided recipes.
The name lists built-in scales, a touchscreen and 750 recipes.
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Robby Multifunction Food Processor with Cooking Function, Built-in Scales, Touchscreen, 680 Recipes
Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance that combines food preparation, cooking and on-screen guided recipes.
The name lists built-in scales and 680 recipes. The product description advises keeping hands and utensils away from moving blades and not immersing the motor base.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether I’ll use an integrated cooking function ?
List the meals you make often and pick out the ones where you’d like to combine chopping, mixing and cooking. If your current appliances already handle the cooking and chopping is what takes up most of your time, start by comparing multifunction food processors without an integrated cooking function.
How can I avoid taking up more space in the kitchen ?
Allow space for the base while you’re using the appliance, then for every bowl and accessory you plan to keep. Check the instructions for the model to see which parts are dishwasher-safe: you can’t tell from the range name alone.
Do guided recipes always require a subscription ?
No, the terms vary by service and model. Vorwerk lists an annual subscription for Cookidoo with automatic renewal; Moulinex says a free account unlocks the recipes in the Companion app, and Lidl advertises a free recipe library for the Monsieur Cuisine Smart reviewed here. Check the current terms for the model and service you’re considering.
What statutory guarantee applies to a new food processor bought from a business in France ?
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies when a business sells a new product to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy says that, for a new product, a fault identified during the first two years is covered by the presumption that it existed at the time of sale, under the conditions described by the authorities. This guarantee is separate from an optional commercial guarantee. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller to make a claim.
Do spare parts for all food processors have to remain available for the same length of time ?
No. The DGCCRF says that the requirement to make parts available applies to certain categories of goods. For other products, check the information provided for the model in question. Don’t assume there’s a universal period based on the guarantee stated by a brand.