A food processor is worth considering if you often grate or slice vegetables and switch between chopping, making sauces and blending. Start by checking the bowl and the accessories included. A compact model can help if space is tight, while multiple bowls or a large bowl may suit you better if you prepare different quantities. If you regularly use only one or two functions that your current appliances already cover, keeping them avoids adding another bowl and accessories to store.
If you grate, slice, chop and blend throughout the week, make a list of these tasks before comparing models. The included discs, bowl capacity and ease of cleaning matter more than a long list of functions.
One appliance can take care of several tasks, but its bowl, blades and discs also need space. Compare the dimensions and accessory storage options with the space you have available.
A small sauce and vegetables for several meals put different demands on a bowl. Check the usable capacity and whether a second bowl would be useful for the quantities you actually prepare.
First decide whether a food processor would suit you better than your current appliances. Then compare the quantities you prepare, the tasks you do and the space available with the features of each model.
Worth considering: if you do several food-prep tasks in a row but have limited space.
Bear in mind: a compact bowl may mean splitting a large batch into several rounds.
Worth considering: if you switch between small sauces and quantities for several people.
Bear in mind: extra bowls and accessories need suitable storage space.
Worth keeping: if a blender or chopper already covers most of the things you prepare.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to get out and clean several appliances when a recipe involves different tasks.
| Priority | What to check | How it fits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl capacity | Compare the total capacity and, where stated, the usable capacity for liquids. Also check whether there are smaller bowls for small batches. | I sometimes make a small sauce and sometimes prepare vegetables or soup for several meals: can the same bowl handle both? |
| Accessories included | For the exact model, check whether it includes grating and slicing discs, a chopping blade and the blending or emulsifying attachment you need. UFC-Que Choisir notes that its tests of additional accessories cover those supplied with the appliance. | Grating and slicing take up time every week; I want to know whether the parts I need are included in the box. |
| Size | Compare the dimensions with your worktop and cupboards. Check whether the accessories fit inside the bowl or come with a storage case. | I’d like to bring several functions together without having to find a separate place for every disc and bowl. |
| Cleaning | Check the manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe: the guidance may differ for the bowl, blades and blender. Follow the instructions for cleaning the motor unit. | After preparing several things, I’d prefer to be able to identify easily which parts need to be washed by hand. |
A function may depend on an accessory that varies by model. So a food processor described as versatile may not cover all your usual tasks with the accessories included in the box.
Make a note of what you prepare during the week, then check which accessory is included for each task: grating, slicing, chopping, blending or emulsifying.
Total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much you can use for a liquid recipe or how well the appliance handles a small sauce.
Compare the usable capacity stated by the manufacturer with your usual portions. If you make small batches, also check whether a small bowl or mini chopper is included.
Bowls, discs and blades take up space, and cleaning instructions can vary from one part to another.
Measure your storage space and check the manual for your chosen model to find out where to store each part and how to clean it.
These features apply to the models named by their manufacturers and won’t necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.
Moulinex’s product information for the Double Force Compact FP542111 lists a 2.2 L bowl and a basket that lets you store the accessories inside the bowl.
Magimix lists the CS 3200 XL as having three bowls, a total capacity of 2.6 L and a usable capacity of 1 L.
Kenwood’s product information for the MultiPro Express FDP65.450WH lists a 3 L bowl, a usable capacity of 1.5 L for liquids and a storage case.
Bosch offers the MultiTalent 3 and MultiTalent 8 ranges, among others. The product information for the MultiTalent 8 MC812M844 lists a 3.9 L container for family-sized portions.
This model is an option if you’re looking for a food processor that can handle a range of food-prep tasks throughout the week. Compare its bowl and accessories with the quantities you prepare and the space you have available.
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For food prep involving chopping, slicing, grating and blending, depending on the accessories supplied. The product is listed with 750 W of power and a 1.8 L bowl. Check the usable capacity for your portions, the accessories included, the dimensions and the cleaning instructions for each part.
Compare your portions with the usable capacity, where stated, especially for liquids, rather than looking at the total capacity alone. Magimix lists the CS 3200 XL as having a total capacity of 2.6 L and a usable capacity of 1 L; Kenwood lists the FDP65.450WH as having a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.5 L for liquids. If you also make small sauces, check whether there are additional bowls.
No. These tasks depend on the accessories supplied with the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir only assesses additional accessories as part of its testing when they’re included, so check the list of items in the box for the functions you plan to use.
No. Instructions vary by model and part. Moulinex says the FP542111 accessories are dishwasher-safe, except for the motor unit; Kenwood excludes the blender and mill blades for the FDP65.450WH. Check the manual for your model before cleaning each part.
Use the pusher when grating and slicing, and take care when handling the blades and discs during cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir recommends not immersing the body of the appliance in water and following the manufacturer’s instructions for parts that are dishwasher-safe.