Start by thinking about the tasks you repeat and the appliances you already own. A compact food processor is worth considering if space and smaller quantities are your main priorities. A larger bowl is better suited to bigger batches, while a cooking food processor is only relevant if you also want the appliance to cook. Whatever you choose, compare the included accessories, usable capacity and storage requirements with the recipes you make regularly.
You often make dinner and want one appliance to handle tasks such as chopping, grating and blending, without asking it to cook. According to a 2024 survey conducted in France by OpinionWay for Lustucru, 61% of respondents spent 30 minutes or less preparing dinner on a weekday evening. This figure relates to preparation time, not choice of equipment.
You regularly chop vegetables or make dough for several people. Check the quantities the appliance can handle for your recipes, as well as whether it can also manage smaller preparations in a suitable bowl or attachment.
You want to bring several food preparation tasks together without permanently taking up space on your worktop. The appliance’s dimensions, the space its accessories take up and its usable capacity may matter more to your choice than the number of functions listed.
Make a list of the tasks your existing appliances already handle. Keeping them may be enough if they’re still straightforward to use. If you’re buying a new appliance, compare quantities, available space and whether you need a cooking function; Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors in particular by this last feature.
| Criterion | What to check | Which consumers is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Useful versatility | List the tasks you do regularly, then check that the blades and discs needed to carry them out are actually included. | I want to combine chopping with other food preparation tasks I do often, rather than keep several appliances for the job; around 36% of consumers would prioritise this versatility. |
| Quantities prepared | Compare the total capacity and, where stated, the usable capacity. For dough, check the maximum quantity specified for the model. | When I prepare large quantities of vegetables or dough, my usual batches need to fit in the appliance; capacity would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space you have available and check where you’ll store the accessories, as well as the cleaning instructions for each part. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to get the food processor out, clean it and put it away without making every meal more complicated; around 21% of consumers would put ease of use first. |
| Cooking function | Work out whether your recipes really need the appliance to cook, simmer or steam. | If I also want the appliance to cook my meals, preparing ingredients alone won’t meet my needs; this would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A food processor may be compatible with an accessory without that accessory being included. So the tasks it can perform may not be the ones you can do with the version you buy.
Identify the accessories your recipes require and compare them with the precise list of items included.
The usable capacity and maximum dough quantity may differ from the capacity shown for the bowl. A large bowl doesn’t necessarily solve the problem of preparing small quantities either.
Compare the stated capacities with the batches you usually make, and check whether a small bowl or mini chopper would suit your smaller preparations.
According to Que Choisir, the cooking function is what sets a cooking food processor apart from a food processor. If you already cook your meals in a pan or another appliance, this extra function may not address your main need.
Identify the recipes for which you genuinely want to automate a cooking step before comparing the two types.
The bowl is only part of the space you’ll need. If you use the appliance regularly, storage, noise and ease of use matter too; Que Choisir includes these aspects in its testing criteria.
Measure your available space, check how the appliance and accessories can be stored, and look for parts or accessories that are compatible with the exact model number.
The CS 3200 XL is an example of a size to compare when usable capacity matters as much as total capacity.
The MultiTalent range includes compact sizes as well as models with large bowls. Compare individual models rather than assuming they all have the same capacity.
The Double Force range includes different configurations for preparing ingredients; the details below relate to the FP821811.
These products let you compare food processors with different capacities, as well as cooking food processors if you also want to handle cooking in the appliance. Compare each model with your recipes and the appliances you already own.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare ingredients and cook with a single appliance.
The title mentions an XL bowl and built-in scales. Check which accessories are included for chopping tasks, as well as how much space you’ll need to store the appliance.
The number of recipes varies across the information available for this model, so confirm what’s included before using it as a deciding factor.
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If you mostly prepare small quantities, compare the 1.1 L bowl with your usual portions before choosing this size.
Check that this model includes the accessories you need for the tasks you do in your kitchen. If noise is a factor in your choice, look for information specific to the FP5E too.
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If you switch between preparing vegetables, sauces and dough, check that the accessories for this model are suitable for each of the tasks you do regularly.
The title lists a 1.5 L bowl and 600 W of power, but these figures don’t replace checking the usable capacity and maximum quantities. Check the cleaning instructions for each part.
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Consider this if you want to prepare ingredients and also carry out cooking steps in the appliance.
If you want to grate or slice with this model, check the exact list of included accessories. Also check the usable capacity and the space needed for the appliance and its attachments.
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If you want to bring several food preparation tasks together, compare the functions you’ll actually use with the exact contents of this model.
The title lists 750 W of power and a 1.8 L bowl, along with grating discs. Confirm which discs and other accessories are actually included, then check the usable capacity, size and cleaning instructions.
Yes, for tasks its configuration can genuinely handle, provided the necessary accessories are included. Check separately for a blending bowl or attachment, a chopping blade and the discs for the types of slicing you do often.
No: compare it with the usable capacity and the quantities the appliance can handle for your usual preparations. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 2.6 L but a usable capacity of 1 L for the CS 3200 XL; these figures apply to this specific model.
Consider a cooking food processor if you want the appliance to handle some of the cooking, simmering or steaming too. If you only need to prepare ingredients, first compare a food processor with the appliances you already own and check that it includes the accessories your recipes require.
Yes, especially for parts you may need to replace, such as the bowl, lid or a blade. Magimix, Bosch and Moulinex provide information about accessories or servicing, but always check compatibility and availability for the exact model you’re considering.