Choose a food processor with a cooking function if you want to handle preparation and cooking in the same appliance, and if you will genuinely use its accessories and programmes. A multifunction food processor is better suited to tasks without cooking, while a multicooker is mainly designed for cooked and programmed meals. Always compare the usable capacity, included accessories, amount of space required, cleaning and any digital services.
You often prepare soups, sauces, casseroles, steamed recipes, pasta or desserts and want one appliance that can chop, mix and cook, provided you are happy with its size, cleaning requirements and cost. UFC-Que Choisir highlights cooking as the feature that distinguishes a food processor with a cooking function from multifunction and baking food processors.
You already own a slow cooker or multicooker and mainly need to chop, grate, slice, knead or blend. In this case, a multifunction food processor can help you avoid duplicating cooking functions you already have.
You mainly want to programme everyday meals, rice, casseroles or steamed dishes rather than handling chopping and kneading in the same appliance. A multicooker is better suited to this way of organising your cooking.
Start by listing the dishes you prepare regularly, then check whether the appliance can handle them without adding unnecessary accessories or duplicating equipment in your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking | Check whether integrated cooking is essential, along with the knives, discs, whisk, kneading attachment and programmes actually supplied. A multicooker covers cooking methods, but not necessarily preparation tasks. | I want to prepare and cook soups, sauces, pasta or casseroles in the same bowl. If I already own the cooking appliances I need, a multifunction food processor may be enough for chopping, grating or kneading. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the bowl or cooking pot with your usual quantities. For pressure cooking or liquid preparations, check the filling limits given in the manual. | I cook for several people or prepare portions in advance; the figure shown should reflect a quantity you can genuinely use, not just the nominal capacity. |
| Space and care | Measure your worktop and cupboards, including room for the bowls and accessories. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe, the care instructions and the contents of the box for the exact model. | I want to be able to take the appliance out regularly without permanently cluttering the kitchen, and clean the components after each use without an overly demanding process. |
| Running costs | Check the accessories required, the conditions for guided recipes and the advertised availability of spare parts for the model you choose. Keep these separate from a commercial extended warranty. | I want to know whether the digital functions or accessories I need will involve additional purchases or services over time. |
If you already own a slow cooker or multicooker, a multifunction food processor may take up less space and cost less when integrated cooking is not a genuine requirement, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Make an inventory of the appliances you have and note the dishes you prepare each week before choosing a category.
A safety margin can reduce the quantity prepared in a cooking pot, particularly for liquid dishes or pressure cooking. You may therefore need to cook several batches.
Compare the usable volume, stated portions and your usual quantities; check the filling limits in the manual.
Grating, slicing, certain steaming functions and other uses may depend on standard or optional accessories. Moulinex specifically states that the Extra Crisp for the Cookeo+ is sold separately.
Check the exact contents of the box, the model reference and the accessories required before comparing appliances.
An additional accessory can change how you use the appliance and the amount of storage space it requires.
An appliance may remain usable even if guided cooking does not offer the same value to every household. Cookidoo states that a trial period is followed by a subscription to use all the service’s features.
Before buying, decide whether you will genuinely use the guided recipes, then check the current pricing and cancellation terms for the service concerned.
The range includes Companion food processors with cooking functions and Cookeo multicookers, making it possible to compare a preparation-and-cooking solution with one focused more heavily on guided cooking.
The Cook Expert range is aimed at people who want to combine cooking with multifunction food processor tasks such as grating, slicing, chopping, kneading and whisking.
Thermomix is associated with guided cooking and the Cookidoo platform, an ecosystem to consider if digital recipes are among your main criteria.
These Joybuy options cover two approaches: cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, and multicookers for meals that are mainly cooked and programmed.
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For meals combining chopping, kneading, mixing and cooking in a single appliance.
Advertised usable bowl capacity of 3 L, built-in scales, settings from 37 °C to 130 °C, timer, guided display and steaming baskets. Check the space available: advertised dimensions are 40 × 26 × 36 cm and the weight is 9.4 kg.
Check the terms for accessing recipes and updates via Wi-Fi, as well as whether the capacity is suitable for your usual portions.
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For preparing dishes that combine chopping, kneading, slow cooking and steaming in the same appliance.
Advertised 3.5 L stainless-steel bowl, built-in scales, eight programmes, manual mode, rinse programme, touchscreen and Wi-Fi.
Check the complete list of accessories, whether the capacity suits your household and the terms relating to recipes or updates via Wi-Fi.
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For meals mainly cooked under pressure, slow-cooked, steamed or sautéed, including larger quantities.
Advertised 7.1 L capacity, four customisable presets, a wide base and components advertised as dishwasher-safe. Advertised dimensions: 30.9 × 41.5 × 29.8 cm.
Chopping, grating and kneading functions are not advertised; check the filling limits for each cooking mode.
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For automating the cooking of rice, soups, casseroles, steamed dishes and pressure-cooked meals for a larger household or for preparing food in advance.
Advertised 8 L cooking pot, 12 programmes, delayed start of up to 24 hours and keep-warm function. Advertised modes include pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yoghurt, steaming and sautéing.
Chopping, grating, slicing and kneading are not advertised; check the filling limits, the space required and the care instructions.
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For everyday meals mainly cooked in a single pot, with pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming or keep-warm functions.
Advertised 5.7 L capacity, four programmes, lid storage and stainless-steel components advertised as dishwasher-safe.
Integrated preparation functions are not advertised; check the filling limits and the storage space required.
Yes, if you do not need to cook in the appliance and your main uses are chopping, grating, slicing, kneading, beating or blending. If you also want to cook, slow-cook or steam in the same appliance, consider a cooking food processor or pair the multifunction food processor with a cooking appliance you already own.
No. Multicookers require a safety margin; UFC-Que Choisir states, for example, that a 6 L Cookeo cooking pot can only cook a maximum of 4 L. Compare the usable capacity and intended portions, not just the nominal volume.
No. The contents depend on the model and sometimes on the pack. Moulinex lists five accessories and a storage box for the Companion HF840110, while the Extra Crisp for the Cookeo+ is listed as sold separately. Check the included-items section for the exact reference.
Yes. Cookidoo states that a time-limited free access period is included with the purchase of a Thermomix, followed by a subscription to access all features after the trial. Check whether the recipes and services offered by your chosen alternative are free, paid or optional.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. The seller must provide goods that conform to the contract; keep your proof of purchase and check that the promised features and accessories match the sales listing.