Choose a food processor based on the tasks you repeat and the appliances you already own. A model with a large bowl is well suited to bigger batches, while a more compact one may suit smaller quantities if it comes with the right accessories. Consider a food processor with a cooking function if you also want to cook in the bowl. In every case, check which tools are actually included and how much space you’ll need to store them.
If you grate, slice or chop vegetables for several meals, look at the bowl capacity and the discs supplied. Make sure you also have an accessible place to store these accessories: Que Choisir points out that the appliance’s size is an important factor when choosing a food processor.
A sauce or a handful of herbs won’t fill the bowl in the same way as a family-sized preparation. Check whether the model comes with a small bowl or mini chopper, while making sure it can also handle your larger batches.
If you want to prepare and cook soups, hot sauces or slow-cooked dishes in the same bowl, look at the functions offered by a food processor with a cooking function. If you also grate or slice vegetables, check which cutting accessories are included in the pack.
First, distinguish between food preparation and cooking: a cooking function is only worth paying for if you expect to use it regularly. Then choose the bowl and accessories to suit the quantities and tasks you do most often.
Consider it: for smaller quantities when space is limited and you don’t need an integrated cooking function.
Bear in mind: you may need to work in several batches when preparing larger quantities, and a suitable small bowl isn’t always included.
Consider it: if you often prepare several meals at once. Bowls in different sizes can also come in handy for smaller quantities.
Bear in mind: the advertised total capacity may be greater than the usable capacity, and the appliance and its accessories will need storage space.
Consider it: if you regularly want to prepare and cook soup, hot sauce or a slow-cooked dish in the same bowl.
Bear in mind: grating and slicing tools aren’t necessarily included in the pack you choose.
Keep them: if your current equipment already covers the tasks you do most often and a new food processor would mainly take up more space.
Bear in mind: recipes that use several appliances mean switching between them.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for batch cooking | Compare total and usable capacity. If you’ll be kneading, check the maximum dough quantity specified too. | When I prepare vegetables or dough for several meals, I want to minimise the number of batches without exceeding the bowl’s limits. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise this capacity above all else. |
| Accessories included | Compare the tasks you need to do with the list of discs, blades, kneading tools and other accessories supplied with the exact model. | I want to grate, chop and knead with one appliance without finding out that an essential tool is missing from my pack. The accessories actually included are the top priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Small quantities and storage | Check whether a mini bowl or mini chopper is included, then consider how much space you’ll need for the appliance and its parts. | For a handful of herbs or a small sauce, I want a suitable tool that’s easy to take out and put away. This everyday need is the priority for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Integrated cooking function | Think about which dishes you’d cook in the bowl and which functions your current appliances already offer. | Before adding a food processor with a cooking function, I want to know whether I’ll use it often enough to prepare and cook food, rather than keep my appliances separate. Around 14% of shoppers put this first. |
A function may depend on an accessory that isn’t included in the pack. Que Choisir only carries out some tests, including those for smoothies and crushed ice, on appliances supplied with the relevant accessory.
Make a list of the tasks you do regularly and check which tools come with the exact model, rather than relying on the ‘multifunction’ label alone.
Total capacity and usable capacity are not the same thing. Magimix, for example, lists a 3 L bowl for the CS4200XL, but a usable capacity of 1.3 L. On the other hand, a large bowl on its own may not be right for chopping a few herbs.
Compare the measurements that matter for your recipes and check whether the model comes with a small bowl or mini chopper.
A food processor with a cooking function is most useful when you want to prepare and cook food in the same bowl. If you want to grate and slice with a Companion, don’t assume the vegetable slicer shown separately by Moulinex is included in the pack.
Think about which meals you make during the week would genuinely benefit from this cooking function, then compare it with what your current appliances can do and what’s included in the pack you’re considering.
Blades, discs and other parts all play a part in getting long-term use from your food processor. Electrical appliances that no longer work must also be taken to a collection scheme separate from household waste.
Check that spare parts are available for the model you choose. In France, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists collection points, waste recycling centres, shops and social and solidarity economy organisations as options for handing in an old appliance.
The range includes food processors with several bowls for different preparation tasks.
The MultiTalent range includes food processors with different capacities and accessories, depending on the model.
The brand offers both traditional food processors and Companion cooking food processors for preparing and cooking food in the bowl.
These models cover two approaches to preparing meals ahead: cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, and a food processor for preparation tasks. Compare the bowl capacity and accessories with the quantities you usually make before choosing.
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Consider it if you want to prepare batches and then cook them in the same appliance. Check that the supplied tools are right for the way you cut ingredients, and that you have space to store them.
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Consider it if you want to switch between preparing and cooking food. For larger batches, check the bowl’s usable capacity. Also check which grating and chopping tools are included in the pack.
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Consider it for smaller preparations if you don’t need an integrated cooking function. Check that a 1.5 L bowl is big enough for your batches, and think about where you’ll store the appliance and its accessories.
No. These tasks depend on the accessories supplied with the model you choose. Compare the contents of the pack with the jobs you usually do. Que Choisir only tests some additional functions when the necessary accessory is supplied with the appliance.
Start with the quantities you usually prepare and check the usable capacity, not just the advertised total volume. For the CS4200XL, for example, Magimix lists a 3 L bowl with a usable capacity of 1.3 L. If you’ll be kneading, check the maximum dough quantity for the model you’re considering too.
A food processor with a cooking function makes sense if you regularly want to prepare and cook food in the same bowl. If your main tasks are chopping, grating and kneading, first look at what your current appliances can do and the accessories that come with a traditional food processor.
Don’t assume it does: what’s included depends on the model and the pack. Moulinex sells a separate Companion vegetable slicer for grating and slicing. Check the list of supplied accessories before choosing this food processor for preparing vegetables.
Take it to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists collection points, waste recycling centres, shops and social and solidarity economy organisations as options.