Households that prepare vegetables often
If you regularly grate, slice or chop vegetables, herbs or cheese, start by checking which discs are included, the available cuts and the bowl capacity.
If you regularly grate, slice, chop and blend, a food processor can bring these tasks together, provided it comes with the accessories you need. If you mainly blend soups and sauces, your separate appliances may be enough. A compact model is better suited to smaller portions when storage space is a priority. Multiple bowls can make it easier to switch between small batches of sauce and family-sized preparations, but they also mean more parts to store and wash. Before you choose, compare the usable capacity and accessories, and consider how they’ll fit with your usual recipes and storage space.
If you regularly grate, slice or chop vegetables, herbs or cheese, start by checking which discs are included, the available cuts and the bowl capacity.
If you need to clear the worktop after every use, measure the space required for the appliance, its discs and its bowls. Some models let you store the accessories inside the bowl; check whether this is possible with the model you’re considering.
A small quantity of herbs or sauce and a preparation for several people won’t make the same demands on a bowl. Compare the usable capacities and consider whether bowls of different sizes would suit your recipes.
Start with the tasks you do regularly. A stand mixer or chopper may be all you need for a specific job, while frequent grating and slicing make it worth checking the discs supplied with a food processor. Then make sure your usual quantities and available space allow you to use and store the whole set.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable preparation | Whether grating and slicing discs are included, the cuts available and whether the pusher fits the feed tube. | I prepare vegetables often and want to avoid doing all the chopping by hand. Around 36% of consumers would make this food-preparation need a priority. |
| Capacity and preparations | Usable capacity, not just total capacity; bowls and accessories suited to both small batches of sauce and your usual quantities of soup or dough. | When I switch from a small batch of sauce to a preparation for the household, I want suitable capacities without having to make several batches. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Storage | Dimensions with the bowl and lid in place, space to remove the bowl, and safe storage for sharp accessories. | I need to clear the worktop after use and store all the parts together. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise a compact design. |
| Cleaning | Which parts are stated to be dishwasher-safe, and the instructions for dismantling and cleaning the blades. | If there are several parts to wash after every recipe, I want to be able to clean and handle them safely. Ease of cleaning would be the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A function is only useful for your recipes if the matching blade, disc or bowl is available for the model you choose. Extra accessories aren’t necessarily included.
Make a note of the dishes you prepare regularly, then check them against what’s in the box and the instructions.
The bowl’s total capacity may be greater than the amount you can use for a particular preparation. If the bowl is too small for your recipe, you’ll need to make it in batches.
Compare usable capacities and check the limits given for the preparations you usually make.
The discs and bowls need somewhere to go, too, where they can be stored without exposing their sharp edges.
Measure the space needed for the whole set and check whether the accessories fit inside the bowl or come with dedicated storage.
You may need a separate storage box if the parts can’t be stored with the appliance.
Dishwasher compatibility depends on the parts and the model; blades and discs need careful handling. The motor unit must not be immersed in water.
Follow the instructions, unplug the appliance before cleaning and take care when handling sharp accessories.
The Compact System CS 3200 XL is an example of a multi-bowl option for switching between preparations.
The Double Force Compact FP542111 is worth considering if you’re looking for a model that stores its accessories inside the bowl.
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY is aimed at consumers who place a high priority on storage.
It can handle some of the same tasks if the right blades and accessories are included. Check what you can prepare, the minimum quantities and which appliances you already own. Replacing several appliances only makes sense if you’ll actually use those functions.
Choose a bowl based on the quantities you usually make, checking its usable capacity and the limits for each type of preparation. A small bowl may suit small batches of sauce; for a family-sized soup, compare your recipe’s volume with the amount the model can actually blend.
No. Check the instructions for each part of the model. Moulinex states that the accessories for the Double Force Compact FP542111 are dishwasher-safe, but the motor unit is not. This doesn’t apply to all food processors.
Use the pusher when grating or slicing, then handle sharp parts carefully when cleaning and storing them, and keep them out of children’s reach. Never disable the safety mechanisms on the lid or bowl.