A food processor with a cooking function is a good choice if you want to prepare ingredients and cook them in the same appliance. If chopping is your main challenge, a food processor without a cooking function may be enough; if you mainly make dough, consider a cooking food mixer instead. In every case, compare the usable capacity, accessories, cleaning requirements and space needed with your actual routine.
If you cook several dishes or prepare different bases in one session, usable capacity and cooking options matter more than the bowl’s advertised total volume. Also check how many times you would need to transfer food between containers as part of your routine.
An appliance can make chopping and mixing easier, but fitting and washing its parts are also part of the process. Compare the accessories included and how easy it is to clean each component you plan to use.
If kneading and whisking are a big part of your cooking sessions, a cooking food mixer is worth considering. The space it takes up in your kitchen and the accessories needed for other tasks are still important factors.
Consider it if: you want to prepare ingredients and then cook soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: the functions available depend on the model and the accessories actually included.
Consider it if: chopping, grating or blending slows you down, but you’re happy to cook on the hob or in the oven.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need saucepans, frying pans or an oven to cook your preparations.
Consider it if: making dough, kneading and whisking matter as much to you as cooking dishes in the same session.
Bear in mind: chopping may require separate accessories; make sure you have enough space, too.
Consider it if: you rarely prepare several meals at once or already have the right kitchen tools.
Bear in mind: chopping, transferring and cooking will still involve several different utensils.
If you want to prepare several meals in one session, start by identifying the step that slows you down most. Then check that the option you’re considering fits your space and cleaning routine.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the bowl’s usable volume and the capacity of the steaming accessories with the quantities in your recipes. | When I prepare large quantities, I want to avoid running multiple cycles without choosing an appliance that takes up too much space. Around 36 % of consumers would put this need for capacity first. |
| Tasks handled | Check which tasks the configuration on sale can actually handle: chopping, mixing and cooking. | If I’m constantly switching between utensils, I mainly want to reduce the number of transfers. This would be the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Cleaning and storage space | Check which parts are washable, how heavy the appliance is and how much room its accessories need. | I need to be able to clean and put the appliance away after each session; otherwise, I may use it less often. Around 21 % of consumers would prioritise this routine. |
| Recipes and accessories | Check whether guided recipes are available and distinguish between included accessories and those sold separately. | When planning my meals, I want to know which recipes and tools I’ll be able to use with the configuration I choose. This would be the top priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
The bowl’s total volume doesn’t always reflect how much you can actually use. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 4,8 L and a usable capacity of 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL.
Compare the usable capacity with the limits stated for the dishes you make regularly, including when using the steaming accessories.
An accessory shown as part of a range may come with a separate bundle or be available as an optional extra. Moulinex, for example, offers a separate meal-prep bundle for Companion, while Kenwood sells optional accessories to extend the Cooking Chef’s functions.
Check exactly what’s in the box for the model you’ve chosen, then identify the tools you need for the dishes you usually make.
A heavy appliance or one that’s awkward to set up can make every session more difficult. According to Magimix, the Cook Expert XL weighs 11,9 kg, and Que Choisir recommends checking its dimensions and whether its parts are dishwasher-safe.
Measure the space where you plan to keep it, including the available height, and check how to clean the parts you intend to use.
Guided recipes can help you plan meals, but Que Choisir points out that they aren’t essential for using a food processor with a cooking function. Access to a platform such as Cookidoo is subject to its own terms.
Check which functions and recipes will remain available for the way you plan to use the appliance.
The Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking functions with guided cooking via Cookidoo.
The Companion XL YY4591FG combines food preparation and cooking in an appliance with an advertised usable capacity of 3 L.
The Cook Expert XL combines cooking with chopping functions and has an advertised usable capacity of 3,8 L.
The Cooking Chef KCL96.004DG is designed in particular for tasks involving kneading, whisking and cooking.
These two food processors with cooking functions are aimed at people who want to combine food preparation and cooking for several meals. Compare the exact version and included parts with the tasks you want the appliance to handle.
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For a session that combines food preparation and cooking, check that this version’s functions and accessories suit your recipes.
The product name mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Confirm the appliance’s exact model and which guided recipes are included before choosing this version.
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If you prepare several portions, compare the bowl’s usable capacity with the quantities you usually make.
The product name lists built-in scales and a touchscreen. Also check which accessories are included and which parts are dishwasher-safe to plan both food preparation and cleaning.
Start by checking the bowl’s usable capacity, then look at the capacity of any accessories you plan to use. Magimix lists a total capacity of 4,8 L and a usable capacity of 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL; Moulinex lists a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion XL YY4591FG. The number of portions you can make also depends on the recipe.
Yes, if chopping or blending is your main challenge and you’re happy to carry on cooking on the hob or in the oven. Check which accessories are included for the tasks that take you the most time.
No. Que Choisir says recipes aren’t essential for using one. If you’d still like to plan meals with a platform such as Cookidoo, check the access terms for the recipes you’re interested in.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual in France. If the product isn’t as described or has a fault, contact the seller. This is separate from returning an item simply because you’ve changed your mind.