Choose a cooking food processor if you regularly need to prepare and cook food in the same appliance. If you’re happy with your current cooking setup, a food processor may be enough, while a multicooker is mainly designed for cooking. Que Choisir recommends checking the usable capacity, overall size, included accessories and cleaning requirements to find features that suit your habits.
If you often make dishes that involve several steps, check that the functions and accessories really cover the recipes you cook. Que Choisir recommends considering the types of food you usually prepare and the accessories included.
When worktop and cupboard space are limited, compare how much room the appliance takes up when in use with the space needed to store its accessories. Que Choisir highlights the importance of considering its overall size.
If you cook for several people or prepare meals in advance, check the usable capacity and the filling limits for the dishes you make, rather than relying on the bowl’s stated total volume.
Choose this if: you often make soups, sauces or stews that require both preparation and cooking.
Things to consider: check which tasks are possible with the included accessories, the usable capacity and the space needed for the appliance and its parts.
Choose this if: you’re happy with your existing cooking equipment and mainly want to chop, grate, slice or mix.
Things to consider: this option doesn’t cook food. Que Choisir notes that a food processor can take up less worktop space than a cooking food processor.
Choose this if: your priority is cooking, stewing or making rice, without needing to carry out lots of motorised food-preparation tasks.
Things to consider: Que Choisir notes that multicookers generally don’t mix food. Also check the permitted quantities for each cooking mode.
Que Choisir recommends considering the appliance’s size, the types of food you want to prepare and the accessories actually included. First decide which steps you want to combine, then check the available space and the quantities you usually cook.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who considers it most important? |
|---|---|---|
| Food preparation and cooking | Do the functions and accessories cover the steps involved in the dishes you usually make? | If I want to avoid getting out several appliances to prepare and then cook a dish, I check every step I need to carry out. Consumers who prioritise combining these tasks are estimated to account for around 33%. |
| Space taken up | Measure the space needed to use the appliance and store its accessories. | With limited worktop or storage space, I want to use the appliance without having to reorganise the whole kitchen. Consumers who prioritise a compact size are estimated to account for around 27%. |
| Quantity prepared | Compare the usable capacity and filling limits for the dishes you make. | If I cook for several people or prepare meals in advance, I check the permitted quantities for the food I make. Consumers who prioritise the number of portions are estimated to account for around 20%. |
| Use and cleaning | Check whether it can be operated manually, how recipes are accessed and which parts are dishwasher-safe. | I want to use and clean the appliance without relying on functions or accessories I hadn’t planned for. Consumers who prioritise simple, straightforward use are estimated to account for around 20%. |
The filling limit depends on the appliance and the type of food you’re making. Que Choisir points out that the stated volume doesn’t necessarily match the amount you’re allowed to cook.
Compare the stated limits with the recipes you make regularly.
If the capacity is too small for your portions, you may need to cook in several batches.
Accessories shown in a demonstration aren’t necessarily included in the box. For the Silvercrest Monsieur Cuisine Compact SMCC 1100 A1, the two-tier steamer basket is a separate accessory, not part of the food processor.
Check what’s in the box and make sure any accessories you want to use are compatible.
A separate accessory may also need extra storage space.
In 2024, Que Choisir published reports of burns specifically involving the Moulinex Companion HF800. These reports don’t demonstrate the same problem with other Companion models; the manufacturer disputed that the problem could be reproduced under the normal conditions described in its instructions.
If you’re considering a second-hand or refurbished HF800, check the exact model number, the condition of the lid and the safety instructions for this model before making a decision.
The Monsieur Cuisine Compact SMCC 1100 A1 is an example of a cooking food processor designed for smaller quantities.
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY is a food processor designed to be used alongside your existing cooking appliance.
The range includes appliances for different needs, from food processors that also cook to compact multicookers.
The Cook Expert range includes separate models for food preparation and cooking.
These options cover three approaches: combine food preparation and cooking in a cooking food processor, add a food processor to your existing cooking equipment, or choose a compact appliance focused on cooking.
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Combines food preparation and cooking in one appliance. The product details list chopping, grating, mixing, steaming and stewing functions.
3,5 L bowl, stated to serve up to 6 people; manual mode and guided recipes are also listed.
The blades are very sharp and the bowl gets hot during cooking. Handle them with the precautions specified for the appliance.
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For cooking smaller quantities: the title states that it serves up to 4 portions. Que Choisir points out that multicookers generally don’t mix food.
Listed functions include pressure cooking, stewing, sautéing and steaming; some parts are stated to be dishwasher-safe.
Follow the filling limits and the appliance-specific instructions for pressure and steam.
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For chopping, grating, slicing or mixing when you already have a cooking appliance; this food processor isn’t specifically designed to combine cooking and food preparation.
The product details list a 1,5 L bowl and glass blender, as well as dishwasher-safe accessories.
The blades and discs are very sharp; the motor unit must not be immersed in water.
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For specific dishes in a compact cooking appliance. The product details list noodles, soup, hot pot and stir-frying, among other options.
Stated capacity of 1,2 L and two power settings: 500 W and 1 000 W.
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For cooking specific dishes: the listed programmes include rice, porridge, soup, steaming and cake. Que Choisir points out that multicookers generally don’t mix food.
Stated dimensions: 220 × 245 × 215 mm. The product details recommend leaving at least 40 cm of clearance above and 10 cm at the sides.
Generally, no: Que Choisir says that multicookers don’t usually mix food. If you need to chop or grate, plan to use a food processor or check the chosen model’s functions carefully.
Compare the filling limit for your recipes and cooking mode, not just the bowl’s total volume. Que Choisir gives the example of a 6 L multicooker with a 4 L limit for cooking; this limit doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
No, they’re not essential. For the model you’re considering, check whether manual operation suits you, which recipes are available without payment, and whether you need an app or an internet connection.
Identify the exact model and check the condition of the lid, along with the safety instructions specific to the HF800. The reports of burns published by Que Choisir in 2024 concern this specific model and don’t demonstrate the same problem with other Companion models.
When a consumer buys from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The period for making a claim is two years from delivery, according to the French Ministry of the Economy.