For those who prepare ingredients before cooking
You chop, grate, slice, mix or knead, then use another appliance to cook your food. A food processor is worth considering if you do these jobs regularly and it comes with the accessories you need.
Who are these appliances for?
For those who also want to cook in the appliance
You regularly make soups, sauces, stews or steamed dishes. A food processor with a cooking function meets a different need: it lets you cook in the same appliance you use to prepare the ingredients.
For small kitchens and specific needs
You have limited space or mainly repeat one particular task, such as blending or chopping small quantities. Compare a compact model or a specialist appliance with the space a versatile food processor and its accessories would take up.
What should guide your choice?
Que Choisir distinguishes a food processor with a cooking function by its ability to cook. To choose between the different types, start with the step you want the appliance to handle, then check what the specific model configuration can do.
| Your priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing food without cooking it | Check that it includes the blades and discs you need for chopping and slicing, as well as the maximum dough quantity if you knead. | If I chop, grate and knead before using the hob or oven, I want to bring those prep tasks together. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this over other needs. |
| Preparing and cooking food | Compare the cooking functions that suit your dishes, the bowl’s usable capacity and the accessories actually included. | If I often make soups or stews, my main priority is to cook in the appliance that prepares the ingredients. This would be the priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Saving space | Check the dimensions, including the accessories you’ll need to store, and then check the usable capacity against the quantities you usually make. | If I’m short on space and mainly need one or two functions, I’d rather look at a compact or specialist appliance. Around 16% of consumers would prioritise this specific need. |
What should you check before buying?
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Assuming that advertised functions mean the accessories are included
A food processor may be advertised as suitable for grating or slicing, but not every configuration comes with all the corresponding discs. Que Choisir only tests additional functions when the relevant accessory is supplied.
Compare the list of included items with the dishes you make most often, then check that any extra accessories you’re considering are compatible with the exact model reference.
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Choosing based on bowl capacity alone
The total volume and the amount you can actually use may differ. Moulinex, for example, lists a 4.5 L bowl and a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion XL HF80C800. Magimix lists 3.5 L and 2.5 L respectively for the original Cook Expert.
Compare the usable capacity and, if you make dough, the maximum quantity it can handle with your usual recipes.
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Assuming a food processor with a cooking function can grate and slice
Cooking is what sets this type of appliance apart, but slicing or grating may require equipment specific to the model.
If you often prepare salads or sliced vegetables, check explicitly which discs or vegetable slicer are included and compatible.
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Confusing guided recipes with the appliance’s functions
Vorwerk offers Cookidoo recipes for the Thermomix TM7 and mentions a subscription. Access to this service should be considered separately from the food processor’s preparation and cooking functions.
If guided recipes are a key reason for choosing a model, check the terms of access for that particular appliance.
Brands to know
These ranges show how configurations can differ. Check the specifications of the model you’re considering rather than assuming they apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Moulinex
The Companion range belongs to the food processor with a cooking function category; accessories vary between models.
- Moulinex lists five core accessories, a 4.5 L bowl and a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion XL HF80C800.
- Check separately whether a vegetable slicer or second bowl is included if you need one.
Magimix
The brand offers both food processors and the Cook Expert food processor with a cooking function.
- Magimix lists a total capacity of 3.5 L and a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the original Cook Expert.
- Check which accessories are optional and compatible with the specific range and model.
Bosch
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3100W is a food processor for preparing ingredients, without an integrated cooking function.
- Bosch lists a 2.3 L bowl and a dough capacity of up to 0.8 kg for this model.
- You’ll need to cook the meal using another appliance.
Kenwood
The MultiPro Go Blend FDP23.380GY combines a compact design with several food preparation functions.
- Kenwood lists a 1.3 L bowl, a usable capacity of 0.75 L, two discs and a personal blender for this model.
- Compare its usable capacity with the quantities and portions you actually prepare.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking with access to guided recipes.
- Vorwerk lists 24 modes for the TM7.
- Check the terms for accessing Cookidoo and which slicing accessories are compatible with this generation.
Food processors to browse on Joybuy
This selection includes two food processors with a cooking function, for preparing and cooking food in the same appliance, and one food processor for preparing ingredients before cooking them separately. Compare their configurations with the tasks you do regularly.
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Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot, XL bowl and built-in scales
Worth considering if you want to combine several food preparation tasks and cooking in one appliance. The product title mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Before choosing this model, check that it comes with the accessories you need for slicing and chopping, and that its usable capacity suits the quantities you make.
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Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot, built-in scales and touchscreen
Another option to consider if you want to prepare and cook food in the same appliance. The product title mentions built-in scales and a touchscreen. If you plan to grate or slice regularly, check which accessories are included. Also compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually make.
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ochama Food Processor 750 W, 1.8 L bowl
Worth considering for chopping, slicing or grating ingredients before cooking them elsewhere. The product title mentions a 1.8 L bowl, a blender and slicing and grating discs. Check exactly what’s included, the usable capacity and whether there’s a suitable attachment if kneading is important to you.
Frequently asked questions
When should you choose a food processor rather than one with a cooking function?
Choose a food processor if you mainly want to chop, grate, slice, mix or knead and already cook with another appliance. If you often want to cook in the same bowl as you prepare your food, consider a food processor with a cooking function and check its specific features.
Are slicing accessories always included?
No. What’s included varies by model and configuration. Check the list of included items and make sure the discs, vegetable slicer or any other accessories you need are compatible.
Why compare the usable capacity of food processor bowls?
Because the total volume isn’t necessarily the same as the amount you can use. Moulinex lists a total capacity of 4.5 L and a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion XL HF80C800. Magimix lists 3.5 L and 2.5 L for the original Cook Expert. Compare the usable capacity with the portions and quantities of dough you usually make.
How can you check whether a model has been recalled?
Check RappelConso, the French public service for reporting product recalls, using the brand and the exact model reference. The range name alone may not be enough to identify the model affected.