For no-cook food preparation, start by choosing tools that match the tasks you do regularly: grating, slicing, chopping, blending or kneading. A compact food processor is a better fit if storage space is limited or you usually prepare small quantities. For larger batches, compare the bowl’s usable capacity with the space it will take up. If you already own a blender, chopper or stand mixer, check which tasks you still need to cover before adding another appliance.
If you mainly prepare small quantities and put your food processor away after use, measure the space needed for the appliance, its lid and its accessories. A compact bowl won’t, on its own, solve the problem of storing all the parts.
For grating vegetables, chopping or kneading enough for several meals, usable capacity and the tools included matter more than the volume printed on the bowl. Also check how the model handles the occasional small batch.
If you have a blender, chopper or stand mixer, start with the tasks those appliances don’t cover. Before adding an attachment to a stand mixer, check that it’s compatible with your exact model number.
A food processor is only useful if its configuration suits the dishes you usually make. The appliances you already own can also affect your choice: they may cover some tasks, but not necessarily grating, slicing or kneading.
Worth considering: if you mainly prepare small quantities and need to put the appliance away after use.
The trade-off: its usable capacity may mean working in several batches. Check where you’ll store the accessories, too.
Worth considering: if you regularly prepare larger quantities and have space for the processor and its parts.
The trade-off: a larger bowl and its accessories take up more room. The bowl’s total volume alone doesn’t tell you how much you can actually use.
Worth considering: if you already own one of these appliances and rarely use grating or slicing discs.
The trade-off: these appliances won’t automatically cover grating, slicing or kneading.
Worth considering: if you already have a stand mixer and want to add another food-preparation task.
The trade-off: each attachment must be compatible with the series and model you own, and you’ll need somewhere to store it in your kitchen.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Included accessories and tasks | Check what’s included with the exact model number: a blade, grating and slicing discs, a dough tool or a blender, depending on how you’ll use it. | If I grate, slice and chop every week, I want the right tools included in the configuration I buy. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise these tasks and their accessories. |
| Bowl capacity | Compare the stated usable capacity for the food you prepare, not just the bowl’s total volume. | When preparing vegetables or dough in larger quantities, I’d rather minimise the number of batches than rely on the figure printed on the bowl. This would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space needed with the lid fitted, and allow room to store the blades, discs and bowls. | If I have to take the food processor out and put it away after every use, the space taken up by all its parts becomes crucial. Around 27% of consumers would put storage space first. |
| Appliances you already own | Make a list of the tasks your appliances already cover. If you’re considering a stand mixer attachment, check compatibility by model number. | If I already have a blender or stand mixer at home, I’m mainly looking to add the tasks I can’t do with them. Avoiding duplicate appliances would therefore be the priority for around 13% of consumers. |
A stated function may depend on an accessory that’s only supplied with a particular variant. In its tests, Que Choisir distinguishes between additional functions depending on whether the relevant accessory is included.
Identify the tasks you’ll do regularly, then check what’s included with the exact model number rather than relying on the product range name.
The two figures can differ: Kenwood states that the FDP23.140GY has a total bowl capacity of 1.3 L and a usable capacity of 0.75 L for dry or liquid ingredients.
Compare the stated usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, taking the type of food into account.
If you keep a food processor in a cupboard, you’ll also need room for its lid, bowls and accessories. Que Choisir recommends taking its overall size into account when choosing.
Measure the space available and decide where you’ll store the blades and discs before you buy.
Stand mixer attachments may only be suitable for certain series. Bosch, for example, lists specific compatibility details for accessories for its kitchen machines.
Make a note of your mixer’s full model number and check it against the manufacturer’s compatibility information.
These examples of different configurations highlight what to compare. Equipment can vary between models within the same range.
The MultiPro Go range shows how a compact format can suit small batches and easier storage.
The Double Force and DoubleForce Compact ranges include models with different sizes and accessories.
The Compact System 3200 XL combines several bowls with functions such as grating, slicing, blending and kneading.
Bosch accessories are worth considering if you already own a stand mixer from the brand and want to add another food-preparation function.
These two food processors are featured for no-cook food preparation. Compare their tools and the capacity that suits your recipes. The stated volume doesn’t replace usable capacity or measuring the space needed for storage.
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For no-cook food preparation, check that the included tools suit your chopping, grating or kneading needs.
Stated volume: 1.5 L; rated power: 600 W. Check the usable capacity and dimensions if the quantities you prepare or your storage space will determine your choice.
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Worth considering if you want to combine chopping, cutting and blending for no-cook food preparation.
Stated volume: 1.8 L; rated power: 750 W. The product description mentions a blender, a meat grinder and grating discs. Check exactly what’s included, the usable capacity and the dimensions before choosing.
First, check that the exact model number includes the tools you need for the food you usually prepare: a blade, grating or slicing discs, a dough tool, a blender or a mini chopper, depending on your needs. Que Choisir notes that its tests of additional functions depend on whether the relevant accessories are included.
A compact food processor may be suitable if you’re happy to work in several batches, or if the model lets you grate and slice directly into a dish. If you want to mix or knead a larger quantity in one go, compare the usable capacity of each model. For example, Kenwood lists a usable capacity of 0.75 L for the FDP23.140GY.
No. Check the instructions for your model and distinguish between the removable parts and the motor unit. For the Kenwood FDP23.140GY, the brand’s product information says the pusher, lid, bowl, blade and some discs are dishwasher-safe. This doesn’t apply to every food processor.