A food processor can replace several appliances if you regularly use its chopping, grating or slicing functions and have space to store the base, bowls and attachments. Que Choisir points out that results can vary between functions, so check which attachments are included and what quantities are suitable for your recipes rather than relying on the number of functions. If you mainly need it for one task, a dedicated appliance may be a better fit. If you also want to cook, compare food cookers and multi-cookers separately.
Prepares several ingredients each week but needs to be able to put the processor and its attachments away without leaving it permanently on the worktop. Que Choisir’s guides highlight the importance of considering where you’ll store the attachments.
Wants to combine chopping, grating and mixing, and compares the attachments actually included with the appliances they already own. Que Choisir points out that food processors may not be equally suited to all their functions.
Prepares larger portions or batches of dough and distinguishes the bowl’s stated capacity from the quantities permitted for each task. Manufacturers’ specifications may list different limits for different jobs.
A food processor only frees up space if you’ll genuinely use its functions and have somewhere to store its attachments.
Choose this if: you often prepare several types of ingredients and don’t need built-in cooking functions.
Bear in mind: results vary by function, and both the base and attachments take up space.
Choose this if: drinks and liquid recipes are your main priority, or you already have a blender that works for you.
Bear in mind: a blender on its own won’t replace discs for grating or slicing.
Choose this if: you mainly do one task and want to avoid attachments for functions you rarely use.
Bear in mind: several dedicated appliances may take up more space overall.
Choose this if: you genuinely want to cook or simmer food in the appliance.
Bear in mind: cooking is what sets it apart from a food processor designed for preparation, and not all cooking appliances can grate or slice.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and storage | Measure the space available and check where you’ll store the bowls, discs and other attachments. | If I’m already short on space on the worktop and in the cupboards, I want to be able to put the whole set of equipment away. Around 33% of consumers prioritise storage above all else. |
| Useful functions | List the tasks you do regularly and check which attachments are included for them. | When I often prepare several ingredients, I want to combine those tasks without keeping attachments I never use. Around 27% of consumers prioritise being able to prepare several things. |
| Quantities and capacity | Compare the bowl’s volume with the limits given for your recipes, especially dough. | When preparing larger portions or batches of dough, I check the limit for that specific recipe rather than relying on the bowl’s stated volume alone. Around 20% of consumers put the quantity they need to prepare first. |
| Main task | Look for tests covering that function and compare it with the appliance you already own. | If I mainly make one thing, such as drinks, I want to know whether an appliance designed for that purpose already meets my needs. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a specialist task. |
A multi-purpose appliance can shift the clutter from the worktop to the cupboards, with its bowls and attachments.
Make a list of the parts included and measure the space available before replacing your existing appliances.
Make room for the bowls, discs and attachments, including their storage box if one is supplied.
The Bosch MCM3401M has a stated bowl capacity of 2.3 L and a separate dough limit of 0.8 kg: these figures describe different things.
For kneading, check the maximum quantity specified for dough and the exact model number.
Results need to be assessed separately for each task. A wide range of advertised functions doesn’t guarantee the result you want for the job you do most.
Start with the things you prepare most often, then check the included attachments and tests for those functions.
If the attachments aren’t suitable for your main task, you may need to keep using the appliance you already have.
The MultiPro Go range, particularly the FDP22.140GY, is worth considering if storage height is a concern.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3401M is worth looking at if you’re interested in several chopping functions and storing attachments inside the bowl.
The Compact System CS 3200XL comes with several bowls and chopping attachments for a range of preparations.
The Double Force FP827E10 brings together several attachments, including discs, a blender and a dough hook.
The options below are food processors designed to combine several preparation tasks. Compare the stated bowl capacities and attachments with the recipes you usually make and the storage space you have available.
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Worth considering if you want to combine several preparation tasks in one appliance.
The product details list a 1.5 L bowl and blender, along with chopping, grating, slicing, kneading, mixing and blending functions.
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Worth a look if you want to combine chopping and blending functions, but check you have room for both containers.
The title lists a 2.5 L bowl, a 1.5 L container, three speeds and a pulse function. The product details also mention slicing, grating, chopping, kneading and whisking functions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking to combine preparation, blending and chopping. Check that the attachments suit the tasks you do regularly.
The product details list a 1.8 L capacity, a blender, a chopper and discs for slicing and grating.
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Worth a look if you prepare larger quantities and have a suitable spot for the bowl and attachments.
The product details list a 1.5 L glass container and a mixing limit of 3 to 3.5 kg. They also mention kneading and mincing meat.
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Worth considering if a large bowl and several attachments suit your recipes and the space you have for storage.
The product details list a 5 L stainless steel bowl, a 1.5 L glass blender, a meat mincer and dough attachments.
A food processor designed for preparation doesn’t, on its own, meet the need for built-in cooking. If you want to cook or simmer food in the appliance, compare the specific functions of a food cooker or multi-cooker.
Measure the space you have in mind, then compare it with the model’s dimensions and allow for the bowls and attachments you’ll need to store. Kenwood lists a height of 30 cm for the FDP22.140GY; Bosch lists dimensions of 375 × 220 × 260 mm for the MCM3401M.
Check the instructions for the exact model number, as the guidance may only apply to certain parts. Bosch states that some MCM3401M parts are dishwasher-safe, but this doesn’t apply to every part or to other models.
Make a note of the exact model number and check the terms of the commercial warranty, as well as the information available about spare parts. The DGCCRF explains that the requirement to make spare parts available applies to certain categories of goods. If the manufacturer tells the seller how long parts will be available, the seller must pass this information on to the buyer.
When a private individual buys from a business, the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods. The Ministry of the Economy states that the period is two years. For distance sales between a business and a consumer, the right to cancel is at least 14 days, subject to legal exceptions. These rights are separate from a commercial warranty.