If you regularly grate, slice, chop, blend or knead but don’t want to cook in the same appliance, start by comparing food processors. Usable capacity, included accessories and storage matter more than the number of functions advertised. A food cooker meets a different need: preparing and cooking in the same bowl. If you only blend or chop from time to time, a specialist appliance may also be worth considering.
If you regularly prepare raw ingredients for several portions, a food processor can combine grating, slicing, chopping, blending and kneading. Compare the accessories supplied and the load limits for the exact model, particularly when it comes to dough.
Combining tasks in one appliance doesn’t eliminate the need to store its bowls, discs and blades. Check the footprint of the motor unit, the space needed to use it and how the accessories can be stored before opting for a large capacity.
If cooking or simmering in the appliance is part of your usual routine, compare food cookers. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, cooking is what sets them apart from standard food processors. Also check how much space they need and how much maintenance they require.
Start with the tasks you do regularly, then compare usable capacity and the accessories supplied with the space you have available. If cooking in the same appliance is essential, compare food cookers separately. Don’t assume that a multicooker designed primarily for cooking can also grate or knead.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable volume and maximum dough capacity with your largest batch. Don’t rely on the bowl’s total volume alone. | When I’m preparing several portions at once, I want to know whether one batch will fit in the bowl. Usable capacity could be a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Accessories supplied | Check which accessories are included for the tasks you do regularly, such as grating, slicing, chopping, blending or kneading. | If my meals involve several types of preparation, I’m looking for a set of accessories I’ll actually use. This versatility could be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and maintenance | Measure the space available, including the room needed to use the appliance, then check how the accessories can be stored and the washing instructions for each part. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to take out, store and clean the appliance without too much hassle. Around 21% of consumers could put these factors first. |
| Integrated cooking | Decide whether you really want to cook or simmer in the bowl, then check the functions and maintenance requirements of the food cooker you’re considering. | When I make dishes that also need to cook in the appliance, cooking becomes my deciding factor. Around 14% of consumers could prioritise it. |
A function will only meet your needs if the model has the right equipment to perform it. An accessory that’s compatible with the appliance isn’t necessarily included.
Make a note of the preparations you do each week and check which accessories are included with the exact model you’re considering.
Without the right accessory, you may need to keep another appliance for that task.
The volume stated for a bowl doesn’t always reflect its usable capacity, and the amount of dough it can handle may have a separate limit. An unsuitable bowl may mean splitting your preparations into batches.
Compare the stated usable capacities and load limits for the exact model with the quantities you usually prepare.
Discs, blades and bowls all need their own storage space. Washing instructions may also vary from one part to another.
Set aside space for the processor and its accessories, then check the manual before putting any part in the dishwasher.
You’ll still need to allow time to store and clean several parts after each use.
A food cooker is designed for cooking in the appliance, but that feature alone doesn’t replace the accessories needed for grating, slicing or kneading.
Only choose this category if you genuinely plan to cook or simmer in the bowl. Otherwise, start with the preparation tasks you need it for.
The cooking function and its associated parts may take up more space in your kitchen.
The specifications below relate to specific models as stated by their manufacturers. They can help you compare bowls, accessories and storage, but don’t necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.
Magimix offers food processors and, in a separate range, food cookers.
The Masterchef 8000 family includes food processors designed for a range of preparation tasks.
The MultiTalent range includes different sizes to compare according to the quantities you prepare and the space you have available.
MultiPro food processors come in several sizes, with storage solutions that vary by model.
These two Robby models are food cookers to consider if you want to prepare and cook in the same appliance. To see how they compare with the meals you usually make, check the usable capacity, accessories supplied and space required.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook with the same appliance. Its name highlights an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check that the usable capacity and accessories supplied suit the dishes you make.
Also check how much space you’ll need to set it up, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when handling the blades and hot parts.
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Worth a look if integrated cooking is part of your regular routine. The built-in scales and touchscreen are highlighted in its name. Compare the bowl’s usable capacity with the largest batch you usually prepare.
Before choosing this model for several tasks, check which accessories are actually supplied and the cleaning instructions for each part. Take care when handling the blades and hot bowl.
Compare the usable capacity and load limits with the largest batch you prepare, rather than looking only at the total volume. For example, Bosch lists a 3.9 L bowl and a capacity of up to 1.5 kg of dough for the MC812M844. Moulinex lists a 3 L bowl for the FP654110, with a limit of 1 kg of heavy dough or 1.2 kg of light dough. These figures relate to different constraints and don’t replace checking whether the appliance suits your needs.
No, it depends on the model and the part. Check the washing instructions for the exact food processor before putting bowls, discs or blades in the dishwasher, and never immerse the motor unit in water.
Use the supplied pusher to feed ingredients into the appliance, and don’t disable the safety features on the lid or bowl. Take care when handling blades and discs during cleaning. If a safety feature is damaged, UFC-Que Choisir recommends having the appliance and its accessories checked by the after-sales service team.
No, availability needs to be checked for the model you choose. France’s Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control explains that, if the seller in France has been given information about how long spare parts will be available, they must tell the consumer at the time of purchase. Ask which parts are covered and how to order them.
No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual in France. This includes cases where a product doesn’t match its description or has a conformity defect. Any commercial warranty is in addition to this legal guarantee; it doesn’t replace it.