Choose a food processor based on the tasks you do every week: a multifunction food processor for chopping and grating, a food processor with a cooking function if you also want to cook in the appliance, or a stand mixer if you mainly knead and whisk. For a few specific tasks, a specialist appliance may be all you need. In every case, compare usable capacity, included accessories and the space it takes up with the quantities you usually prepare and the appliances you already own.
If soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes or steaming are regular features of your week, your choice will largely depend on whether you’d benefit from combining food preparation and cooking in one appliance. Que Choisir distinguishes food processors with a cooking function from other types by their ability to cook.
You regularly grate, slice, chop or blend, but already have what you need to cook your meals. In that case, it’s worth assessing a multifunction food processor based on the discs and other accessories actually included, as Que Choisir points out.
If mixing, whisking and kneading make up most of your cooking, start by looking at the tools and bowl supplied with a stand mixer. Chopping vegetables and cooking are separate needs.
If you regularly make meals at home, start with the task you most want to simplify, then check that the appliance you choose suits the quantities you prepare and the space you have.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare and cook | Check that it has the cooking settings you need for your dishes and the accessories required for preparation. | If I regularly make soups or slow-cooked dishes, I want to move from preparation to cooking in the same appliance. Around 38% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Chop without an integrated cooking function | Check which grating and slicing discs are included, as well as the bowl’s usable capacity. | I already have appliances for cooking, so I’m mainly looking to cut down on repetitive chopping and slicing. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Knead and whisk | Check which bowl, whisk, dough hook and beaters are actually included. | If I regularly make bread and baked goods, I prioritise working with dough and whisked mixtures over chopping. Around 16% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Prepare small quantities | Measure the available space and check the usable capacity and range of tasks covered. | For a few specific tasks, I’d rather have an appliance that’s easy to store than features I’d rarely use. Around 15% of consumers would prioritise this. |
A task listed in the product description may require a specific accessory. In its testing protocols, Que Choisir explains that tests involving optional accessories are only carried out when those accessories are supplied.
Compare the list of included parts with the dishes you actually make, then check the reference number of any compatible add-ons.
Discs, a blender or other add-ons may need extra storage space when added to your equipment.
These figures can differ. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L for the CS 4200XL. So the volume shown in a product title isn’t enough to tell you how much you can prepare.
Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, especially if you cook several meals at once.
According to Que Choisir, the ability to cook is what distinguishes a food processor with a cooking function from a multifunction food processor. If your main needs are grating, chopping and mixing, take the cooking appliances you already own into account.
Make a note of what you prepare each week and identify the dishes for which cooking in the food processor would genuinely change how you work.
A stated period of spare-parts availability or a commercial guarantee does not, on its own, define your rights. In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes the statutory guarantee of conformity, which applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, from optional commercial guarantees.
Check the terms of any commercial guarantee and keep the product description, details of the advertised accessories and your proof of purchase in case the item you receive doesn’t match its description.
Its multifunction food processors are suited to households that want to prepare ingredients without an integrated cooking function.
The Companion range combines food preparation and cooking for households that want to do both with one cooking food processor.
The MultiPro Go range may appeal to households preparing small quantities and looking for an appliance that’s easy to store.
Its stand mixers are worth considering if mixing, whisking and kneading make up most of your cooking.
These appliances suit three different needs: preparing and cooking with a food processor with a cooking function, kneading with a stand mixer, or chopping with a specialist appliance. Start by choosing the task you do most often at home, then compare the specifications of the model you’re considering.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking. The title lists an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen; check the exact model reference and included accessories before choosing.
Image unavailable
Another option to consider for combining preparation and cooking. The built-in scales and touchscreen are listed in the product name; check which accessories come with this model and which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Image unavailable
For tasks centred on mixing, whisking and kneading. The title lists a 5 L bowl, tilt-head design, dough hook, whisk and beater. Make sure you have room to raise the head, and check how to care for each accessory.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing for regular mixing and kneading tasks. The title lists a 3.8 L bowl and rated power of 700 W; check which tools are included with the MUMS2EW00 model and how to care for them.
Image unavailable
For chopping, rather than cooking or kneading. The title lists two glass bowls and rated power of 300 W. The bowls and lids aren’t heat-resistant, and the blades and motor unit aren’t dishwasher-safe.
No. It’s mainly for anyone who wants to prepare and cook using the same appliance. If your repetitive tasks are chopping and mixing, and you’re happy with your existing cooking equipment, compare the accessories supplied with a multifunction food processor instead. Que Choisir distinguishes these types specifically by whether they have an integrated cooking function.
Check which discs and other accessories are included with the exact model. Que Choisir only tests tasks involving additional accessories when they’re supplied with the appliance. The word “multifunction” alone doesn’t confirm that a grater or blender is included.
Check the instructions for each part of the model, including the bowl, lid, blades, discs and seals. Just because some parts are dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean that every part of the same appliance is.
Keep a copy of the advertised accessory details and your proof of purchase, then contact the seller. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer in France; it is separate from any commercial guarantee.