Choose a food processor based on the tasks you do regularly: the accessories included and the bowl’s usable capacity matter more than the number of functions advertised. A compact model is easier to store if you usually prepare small quantities; a model with several bowls may be a better fit if you switch between small and large batches. If you mainly use one function, a separate appliance is another option. Consider a cooking food processor if you’d also like to cook in the appliance.
If you regularly chop, grate, slice or knead, use these recurring tasks to guide your choice of accessories. Then check that the bowl suits the quantities you prepare, rather than focusing solely on the functions listed.
One appliance can handle several tasks, but you’ll need somewhere to keep the base and accessories. Que Choisir recommends allowing for the space accessories take up and storing them in a way that suits how you use them.
A small sauce and a large batch of vegetables put different demands on the bowl. If you’re considering several bowls or a mini bowl, compare the usable capacity of each one and check which accessories come with the model you’re looking at.
Start with the tasks you do and the quantities you usually prepare. Then check that you’ll be able to store and clean the appliance and its accessories in your kitchen.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Accessories | Identify the blade, discs, dough tool or whisk you need for your recipes. Check what comes with the exact model you’re buying: under Que Choisir’s testing protocol, additional accessories are only assessed when they’re supplied with the appliance. | I often grate vegetables, but I wouldn’t necessarily use a citrus press. I’d prioritise the parts I need for the recipes I make regularly. |
| Capacity | Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, and don’t confuse it with the total bowl volume. Check the stated maximum dough capacity separately; a mini bowl may suit a different task from a large bowl. | For a sauce or a few herbs, I want to be able to prepare a small quantity. For several portions, I check what the bowl can really handle in one go. |
| Size and storage | Measure the space for the base, the clearance under your cupboards and the room needed for the accessories. Not every part will necessarily fit inside the bowl for storage. | I want to be able to take the appliance out and put it away without simply replacing it with a collection of discs and bowls. |
| Cleaning and spare parts | Check the manual for cleaning instructions for each part, and look for spare parts available for the specific model. When grating or slicing, Que Choisir recommends using the supplied pusher to keep your hands away from sharp accessories. | I want to be able to clean the parts I use regularly and know how to replace a bowl, disc or blade if needed. |
| Type of appliance | If you mainly need one function, compare a food processor with the separate appliance you already own. If you want to cook in the same bowl, consider a cooking food processor: Que Choisir distinguishes it from a standard food processor by its cooking function. | I mainly want to prepare ingredients without cooking them. I’d only consider cooking functions if they’d also be useful regularly. |
A function that requires a particular accessory doesn’t tell you, by itself, whether that accessory comes with the model you’re considering.
Make a list of the tasks you do regularly, then check what’s in the box to see whether it includes the blades, discs, dough tool, whisk or blender you’ll need.
These two figures don’t tell you how much you can prepare. You should also check the stated limit for dough separately.
Compare the stated capacities with your usual portions and check whether a mini bowl would suit the smaller quantities you prepare.
The base is only part of the overall size: bowls and discs also need to be stored and easy to reach whenever you use them.
Measure the space you have, especially the clearance under your cupboards, and check which parts can be stored in the bowl or in a dedicated box.
These examples refer to the models listed, not to every food processor made by each brand.
The CS 4200XL is an example of a food processor to consider if you switch between different batch sizes.
The Easy Force FP246110 brings several food preparation tasks together in one appliance.
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY and MultiPro OneTouch FDM73.480SS suit different needs when it comes to capacity and storage.
The MultiTalent 3 Plus MCM3PM38S is an example of a mid-sized model to compare against the food preparation tasks you do.
This selection includes cooking food processors, a food processor and a mini chopper for simpler tasks. Compare their food preparation functions with the way you plan to use them before deciding whether the extra functions are right for you.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d also like to cook in the appliance. For food preparation without cooking, check which chopping and kneading accessories are included and whether the usable capacity suits the quantities you make.
Image unavailable
Described as suitable for chopping, blending, slicing and grating, with a blender mentioned in its name. If these tasks are important to you, check the usable capacity, dimensions and which discs are actually included.
Image unavailable
This model combines food preparation and cooking. If your priority is chopping, grating or kneading, check which accessories are included, the bowl’s usable capacity and how much space you’ll need before choosing a cooking food processor.
Image unavailable
A separate option if you mainly want to chop or make small batches of sauce. If you regularly grate, slice or knead, compare the accessories available with a food processor instead.
Check the accessories listed for the exact model, not just the functions advertised for the range. Extra discs, a blender or a citrus press may vary by version. In its testing protocol, Que Choisir only tests additional accessories when they’re supplied with the appliance.
Where it’s listed, usable capacity is the figure to compare with the quantities you prepare. Check the dough limit separately. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1,3 L for the CS 4200XL, while Kenwood gives a total capacity of 1,3 L and a usable capacity of 0,75 L for dry ingredients in the MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY.
Follow the manual’s instructions for cleaning each part, and handle blades and graters with care. When grating or slicing, Que Choisir recommends using the supplied pusher rather than bringing your hands close to the accessories.
Consider a cooking food processor if you’d also like to cook your food in the appliance: Que Choisir identifies cooking as the feature that sets it apart from a standard food processor. If your regular tasks are mainly chopping, slicing or mixing without cooking, start by choosing a bowl and accessories that suit those tasks.