If you regularly prepare several portions, choose a food processor based on its usable capacity or stated dough capacity, then check that it includes the accessories you need. A compact model is easier to store, but may mean working in several batches. For occasional, smaller preparations, the utensils you already own may be enough.
If you regularly prepare large quantities of vegetables, fillings or dough, look at the usable capacity and maximum dough capacity rather than just the stated bowl size. Que Choisir recommends choosing a bowl to suit your household’s needs.
For grating, slicing, chopping and kneading, the list of discs, blades and accessories supplied with the specific model matters more than the number of functions advertised.
If your worktop or cupboards are already full, measure the space available for the food processor and its accessories. Some models let you store parts inside the bowl, but this depends on the specific model.
Worth considering: if you regularly grate or slice several portions and knead dough.
Bear in mind: the food processor and its accessories take up space, and the bowl’s total capacity alone won’t tell you how much it can process.
Worth considering: if saving space is a priority and you usually prepare moderate quantities.
Bear in mind: a smaller bowl may mean working in several batches when preparing larger quantities.
Worth considering: if you rarely prepare large quantities and already have the utensils you need.
Bear in mind: grating, slicing or kneading by hand still takes time and effort when you’re preparing larger quantities.
To choose between these options, start with the quantity you prepare each time, then consider the tasks you repeat and how much space you can spare for the appliance.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantities to process | Compare the usable capacity for processing in the bowl and, if you knead, the maximum dough capacity. Don’t confuse these figures with the bowl’s total capacity. | When I prepare several portions at once, I want to avoid having to work in multiple batches; around 36% of consumers put processing capacity first. |
| Accessories you need | For the model on sale, check whether it includes the grating and slicing discs, chopping blade or dough tool you need. | If I mainly repeat the same chopping and kneading tasks, I want the right accessories rather than a long list of functions; this is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Available space | Measure the space you have, including room for the lid, and check where the blades and discs can be stored. | In a kitchen where every cupboard counts, I need to be able to take the food processor out and put it away easily; around 21% of consumers prioritise its footprint. |
| How often you’ll use it | Compare what you usually prepare with what your existing utensils can already do; factor in cleaning and storage after each use. | If I only prepare large quantities occasionally, I’d rather avoid an appliance that sits unused; frequency of use is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
According to Magimix, the CS 5200XL has a total bowl capacity of 3.6 L, but a usable capacity of 1.8 L. Bosch, meanwhile, states that the MC812M844 can handle up to 1.5 kg of dough. Bowl capacity in litres and dough capacity in kilograms measure different things.
For your recipes, compare usable capacities like for like, and check the permitted dough capacity separately.
A function advertised for a range doesn’t mean the corresponding accessory comes with every version. In its tests, Que Choisir distinguishes between additional accessories and those supplied with the appliance.
Check what comes with the exact model: discs, blade, dough tool and any other parts you need for your preparations.
If an essential part is sold separately, you’ll need to buy it or continue doing that task by hand.
The lid and accessories also need somewhere to go. A large bowl is less useful day to day if the food processor is difficult to take out or put away.
Measure the available height, leaving room to handle the lid, then check whether the accessories can be stored inside the bowl.
An extra appliance takes up space and needs cleaning after use, even when you’ve only prepared a small quantity.
Take stock of your utensils and usual food preparation routine before choosing between a large bowl, a compact model and doing the work by hand.
The Cuisine Système range includes food processors without a cooking function, including the CS 5200XL.
The MultiTalent 8 range includes food processors with large bowls; equipment varies by model.
The MultiPro range includes a 3 L model and a compact 2.1 L option.
The Double Force range includes configurations designed for chopping and kneading.
These models include two Robby cooking robots and an ochama food processor. If you mainly want to chop or knead large quantities, first compare the usable capacity and accessories included with the version on sale.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare ingredients and cook with the same appliance.
The model shown has an XL bowl, built-in scales and a touchscreen. If you mainly plan to knead or prepare several batches, check the usable capacity, maximum dough capacity and included accessories.
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Consider this model if you’re looking for a cooking robot to support your regular food preparation.
Its name indicates that it has built-in scales and a touchscreen. For grating, slicing or kneading, check which parts are supplied, the usable capacity and how much space it will need in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you mainly prepare moderate quantities of ingredients to chop, slice or grate.
The product name states that it has a 1.8 L bowl, 750 W of power and grating discs. For larger preparations, check the usable capacity and work out how many batches you’ll need. If you knead, make sure it includes a suitable attachment.
Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, then check the separate dough capacity if you knead. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3.6 L but a usable capacity of 1.8 L for the CS 5200XL; these figures are not interchangeable.
No. It depends on the accessories supplied with the specific model. Check that it includes the discs, blade and dough tool you need. Que Choisir explains that its tests of additional accessories cover those supplied with the model being tested.
It can be, if you’re happy to work in several batches. Kenwood lists a 2.1 L bowl for the MultiPro Compact FDP31.170GY. Compare this capacity with the quantities you usually prepare rather than assuming a compact model will replace a large-bowl food processor.
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 a private individual. If the food processor doesn’t match its description, contact the seller and keep your proof of purchase and the product description. This legal guarantee is separate from a retailer’s returns policy for change of mind.