Versatile cooks without a permanent spot for an appliance
You regularly prepare vegetables, sauces or mixtures using several different functions, but need to be able to put the appliance and its accessories away after use.
Who is this option for?
People who mainly use one function
You often blend or chop, but would rarely use the slicing discs, dough blade or whisk. The first thing to consider is whether an appliance you already own does the job well enough.
Consumers who care about how long their appliance will last
You want to know that you’ll be able to find a suitable replacement bowl or blade, or get the exact model repaired. A brand’s general claims don’t replace checking the parts and terms for the specific model.
What should you look for?
Start by thinking about the tasks your current appliances don’t handle well, then measure the space available for the food processor and all its accessories. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors by their cooking function. If you only want to prepare food, this function shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Dimensions of the assembled food processor and space for the bowl, blades and discs. | If I need to clear the worktop after every use, I need an accessible place to store everything. Around 36% of consumers would put storage needs first. |
| Useful functions | Frequently used tasks that your existing appliances can’t handle, and the accessories included. | I regularly chop, grate or slice, and want to avoid accumulating appliances that do the same job. Versatility would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portion sizes and cleaning | Useful capacity for the quantities you usually prepare, and the parts you’ll need to clean after a recipe. | For small preparations, I prefer a bowl that suits my portion sizes and fewer parts to wash. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this everyday use. |
| How long it will last | Parts compatible with the exact model and the terms of any repair service. | If one food processor is going to handle several tasks, I want to know how to replace a part or get this model repaired. This would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming more functions mean less clutter
A food processor can combine several functions, but its blades and discs also take up space and need cleaning. The space you save depends on which appliances it genuinely replaces.
Make a note of the tasks you repeat and set aside a place for every accessory you’ll use.
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Choosing a bowl based only on its total capacity
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you whether the bowl is suitable for smaller portions. Where it’s given, the useful capacity offers another helpful guide.
Compare the quantities you usually prepare with the bowl of the model you’re considering, rather than focusing only on the occasional meals you make for several people.
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Confusing parts availability with a full repair service
A stated availability period doesn’t tell you which parts are offered or what a repair service covers. Moulinex’s service package for its food processors notably excludes consumables and accessories.
Before buying, check the exact model, the parts catalogue and the terms of the repair service.
Depending on the service, parts, transport and accessories may be subject to separate terms.
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Choosing a cooking food processor when you only need food preparation
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors from other food processors by their ability to cook. This feature alone won’t solve a lack of space for chopping, grating or slicing.
First decide which food preparation tasks you need help with. Consider built-in cooking separately if that’s also one of your needs.
Brands to consider
These ranges offer useful points of comparison for storage and parts support. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not every product from each brand.
Magimix
The brand’s food processors let you compare capacity, dimensions and weight to see what suits your available space.
- According to Magimix, the CS 5200XL has a total bowl capacity of 3.6 L, a useful capacity of 1.8 L and spare parts that are available for 30 years.
- Magimix also lists this model as weighing 11 kg and measuring 450 × 213 × 272 mm. If you’ll need to move it often, check the route between its storage space and your worktop.
Moulinex
Some food processor models are designed with accessory storage in mind.
- Moulinex describes the Store'Inn FP320F10 as having built-in storage for its cutting accessories and a 3 L graduated bowl.
- Its repair service for food processors notably excludes consumables and accessories. Check the terms for the model you’re considering.
Kenwood
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY offers useful guidance for anyone looking to put their food processor away between uses.
- Kenwood lists this model as 30 cm high, with accessories that can be stored in the bowl and a wrap-around cord.
- Measure the inside of the cupboard or drawer you plan to use before choosing this storage solution.
Bosch
The parts and accessories catalogue is worth checking if you plan to keep your food processor for a long time.
- Bosch says spare parts for its food processors are generally available for 10 years.
- This general statement doesn’t confirm that every accessory is available. Search for parts compatible with the exact model.
Joybuy products for different needs
These products include a food processor for food preparation and appliances designed specifically for chopping or blending. Compare their functions with the tasks you do most often, then check how much space you’ll need to store the model and its parts.
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KENWOOD Easy Chop+ CHP62.400SI, silver chopper and blender
Worth considering if chopping or blending is what you mainly need. Check how much space you’ll need to store the appliance and its parts after use.
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Livoo DOP250N, black food processor, 1.5 L, 600 W
Worth considering if you regularly use several food preparation functions. The model name specifies a capacity of 1.5 L and a power rating of 600 W. Compare the bowl with your portion sizes and plan where to store the accessories.
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ROUNY H1, 4-in-1 hand blender with chopper and whisk
Worth comparing if you mainly want to blend, chop or whisk. The product name specifies a 700 ml beaker, a 500 ml chopper and a maximum power of 1,200 W. Make sure you have room to store all the parts.
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Bear QSJ-D03Q1, 300 W chopper with 2 L and 0.6 L bowls
Worth considering if chopping is your main need and two bowl sizes suit the quantities you prepare. It comes with two glass bowls, measuring 2 L and 0.6 L. Check that you have room to store both bowls and the blades.
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KitchenCook Model Matt Pod, 0.5 L mini chopper
Worth considering if you mainly chop small quantities. Compare its 0.5 L bowl with your usual portion sizes. If you often grate, slice or knead, check how you’ll manage those tasks too.
Frequently asked questions
Will a food processor replace my existing appliances?
It could replace some of them if the model you choose includes several functions you use regularly. Make a note of the things you usually prepare and check which of these your existing appliances already cover before counting an extra attachment as a genuine space-saver.
What should I measure before buying a food processor for a small kitchen?
Measure both the space you have for storage and the room you’ll need to use it. Allow for the clearance beneath wall units, the cupboard or drawer opening, and the space taken up by the bowl and accessories.
How can I plan for cleaning after food preparation?
Check the instructions to see which parts need to be taken apart and washed for the recipes you’ll make most often. Depending on the model and the task, you may need to clean the bowl, lid, blade or disc each time.
How can I check spare parts and repair options?
Look up the exact model in the manufacturer’s catalogue, then check which parts are sold, which accessories are compatible and what the repair terms cover. Magimix says parts for the CS 5200XL are available for 30 years; Bosch says parts for its food processors are generally available for 10 years. These statements alone don’t define what a repair service includes.
What are my rights in France if a new food processor bought from a retailer is faulty?
The legal guarantee of conformity may apply to a new food processor sold by a retailer to a private individual if the product does not conform to its description or expected condition. The DGCCRF states that claims must be made within two years of delivery. This legal guarantee is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by the seller or manufacturer.