People who prepare lots of vegetables at once
If you grate, slice and chop several ingredients before cooking, having the right discs and blades matters more than the number of functions listed.
Who is this type of food processor for?
People short on space
If you need to put your food processor away after every use, compare its dimensions and the space its accessories take up, as well as how much you can prepare in the bowl.
Households that already have kitchen appliances
If you already own a blender, chopper or cooking appliance, look for the cutting and prep tasks you can’t currently do rather than buying another appliance with overlapping functions.
What should you check before buying?
If you want to prepare several ingredients in advance, start by listing the tasks you’ll do one after another, then compare the bowl capacity and overall size with your usual routine. A food processor prepares ingredients; if your main need is to cook meals, a food processor with a cooking function is a different type of appliance.
Standard food processor
Consider this if: you regularly prepare several ingredients or portions to store, and have space for the appliance.
Bear in mind: the bowl and multiple accessories take up space, and functions you rarely use offer little practical benefit.
Compact food processor
Consider this if: easy storage is your priority or you mostly prepare small quantities.
Bear in mind: a small bowl may mean working in several batches. A direct-feed outlet, where available, is handy for grating or slicing vegetables without needing a larger mixing bowl.
Keep your appliances and add a specific tool
Consider this if: there’s just one regular task your current kitchen equipment can’t handle.
Bear in mind: a dedicated tool won’t necessarily let you grate, slice and chop in succession, as a food processor with the right accessories can.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Useful accessories | Check which grating and slicing discs and which blade are included with the exact model you’re considering. | If I want to prepare ingredients one after another, I need the accessories for the tasks I do regularly. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise these repeated tasks. |
| Bowl capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the usable capacity for the preparations you have in mind. | When I prepare portions to store, I want to avoid working in too many batches without choosing an oversized appliance. Bowl capacity would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Storage | Measure the space you have for the food processor and check where you’ll store the bowl, discs and blades. | If I need to clear my worktop after every use, taking the appliance out and putting it away should be straightforward. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise how much space it takes up. |
| Functions you already have | Make a list of the tasks your blender, chopper or cooking appliance can already handle. | If I already have these appliances at home, I’m mainly looking to fill a gap in my chopping or slicing options. Avoiding overlap would be a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a food processor with a cooking appliance
A food processor chosen for chopping, grating, slicing or blending won’t, on its own, meet your cooking needs.
List your prep tasks and cooking requirements separately before comparing appliances.
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Assuming every advertised function is included
Grating, blending and juicing require the relevant accessories, and what’s included varies from one model to another.
Check the box contents for the exact model against the tasks you do regularly.
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Choosing a bowl without considering batches and storage
A compact bowl may mean processing ingredients in several batches, while a bulky set needs space for both the base and the accessories.
Estimate the quantities you usually prepare and measure the space where you’ll store each component.
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Overlooking care of the blades and motor unit
Sharp parts need careful handling, and the motor unit must not be submerged, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Unplug the appliance before cleaning, follow the instructions, use the pusher provided for the feed tube and keep sharp parts out of children’s reach.
Brands to consider
Magimix
The range includes the CS 3200 XL, CS 4200 XL and CS 5200 XL, with different sizes and accessory sets.
- According to Magimix, these food processors can grate, slice, chop and blend, depending on the accessories supplied with each model.
- Magimix advertises a 30-year motor guarantee and availability of spare parts; check the terms that apply to the model you’re considering.
Moulinex
The Masterchef 8000 FP6600B1 offers a configuration with a stated 3 L maxi bowl.
- Moulinex lists a grating and slicing disc as well as a multifunction blade for this model.
- Don’t assume that the blender, citrus press and centrifugal juicer listed for this model are included with other models.
Bosch
According to Bosch, the MultiTalent 3 MCM3531M has a stated 2.3 L bowl and lets you store several accessories inside it.
- This storage feature could be useful if you put the appliance away after every use.
- The bowl’s stated capacity may not match the amount you can process for every recipe, so check which accessories are included too.
Kenwood
The MultiPro Go FDP22.140GY is a compact model designed, among other things, for preparing vegetables.
- Kenwood lists a 1.3 L bowl and an Express Serve outlet for grating or slicing directly into an external container.
- The direct-feed outlet doesn’t increase the bowl’s capacity when you need to blend a preparation in it.
A food processor on Joybuy
This food processor is designed to mechanically prepare ingredients. Before choosing it, check its cutting accessories and how much you want to process in each batch.
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ochama Food Processor, 750 W, 1.8 L
Worth considering if you want to chop and cut several ingredients in one prep session.
The product name lists a 750 W motor, a 1.8 L bowl, and slicing and grating functions. Check the bowl’s usable capacity, which discs are actually included and the appliance’s dimensions if you’re planning large batches or need to store it in a specific space.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor replace a cooking appliance?
Not if your main need is to cook meals. A food processor is used here to prepare ingredients mechanically, including chopping, grating and slicing. If you already own a cooking appliance, check which prep tasks you still need to do.
What size bowl should I choose to prepare portions in advance?
Choose based on the amount you prepare in one session and the usable capacity stated for the recipe and exact model. A small bowl may suit smaller quantities. If the appliance has a direct-feed outlet, it makes it easier to grate into another container without increasing the bowl’s blending capacity.
How can I clean the blades and discs without damaging the food processor?
Unplug the food processor and follow the cleaning instructions for your model. Don’t immerse the motor unit in water, handle sharp parts with care and check the instructions to see which accessories are dishwasher-safe.
Does the statutory guarantee of conformity apply to a food processor bought in France?
Yes, when a business sells the food processor to a private individual in France. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, this mandatory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller if the product does not conform to the contract.