If you often grate, slice or chop, a food processor can handle these tasks without cooking. Before adding one to a small kitchen, check what your existing appliances already do, then measure the space needed for the processor, its accessories and storage.
If you grate, slice, chop or blend several times a week but can’t leave several appliances on the worktop, think about how the food processor, its accessories and its cord will be stored. Que Choisir recommends taking into account the space needed for the whole appliance.
If you own a multi-cooker or a food processor with a cooking function, start by considering the tasks it actually performs. Cooking is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a standard food processor, but you should check the preparation functions of your appliance model by model.
For one or two people, a small bowl may be enough for your usual recipes. However, compare its usable capacity with your portion sizes: an appliance that’s easy to store may mean preparing several batches.
First, decide which tasks you want the appliance to handle. Que Choisir also recommends reviewing the appliances you already own before adding a food processor.
Worth considering: if grating, slicing or chopping are regular tasks and you don’t need cooking functions built in.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to find room for the bowl, blades and discs after use.
Keep it: if it already handles the cooking and preparation tasks you actually need.
Check: depending on the model, you may still need another tool for some chopping tasks.
Worth considering: if you’re buying it for just one task, such as chopping small quantities.
Bear in mind: every additional task may mean another appliance to store.
| Criterion | What to check | What consumers prioritise |
|---|---|---|
| Storing the complete appliance | Measure the space you have in mind and check where the blades, discs and any extra bowls will go. | I want to be able to clear the worktop after each meal without having to find separate storage for all the accessories; around 42% of consumers would prioritise storing everything together. |
| Functions already covered | List the tasks your current appliances handle, then identify the accessories needed for the tasks that remain. | If my current appliance already prepares the dishes I cook, I don’t want to store a second appliance for the same purpose. Avoiding duplication would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Portions and cleaning | Compare the usable capacity with your portion sizes and check which parts are dishwasher-safe. | To prepare my usual quantities without making several batches, I also need to be able to clean the parts I’ve used; around 25% of consumers would put these considerations first. |
A food processor that takes up little room on the worktop may still need separate space for its discs, blades or blender.
Measure the space needed for all the parts and check, for the exact model you’re considering, which ones can be stored in the bowl or a storage basket.
A cooking food processor, multi-cooker or chopper you already own may handle some of the tasks you’re looking for. A new appliance could then take up space without meeting an additional need.
Make a note of the dishes you prepare regularly and first identify the task your current appliances don’t make easier.
The total capacity isn’t necessarily the same as the usable capacity. A system that grates directly into a dish doesn’t increase the bowl’s capacity either.
Compare the usable capacity with your portion sizes and distinguish it from functions that prepare food directly into a dish.
The tasks you can do and the cleaning instructions depend on the parts supplied with the exact model. Que Choisir, for example, only includes appliances with a blender in certain tests.
Check the box contents and the instructions to find out which accessories are included and how to clean each part.
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY is designed for food preparation where storage for the processor and its accessories is a particular consideration.
The DoubleForce Compact FP542111 combines a 2,2 L main bowl with a 1,25 L blender for a range of food preparation tasks.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3200W has a stated bowl capacity of 2,3 L for recipes that need more room.
The Compact System 3200XL comes with three bowls for a range of everyday food preparation tasks.
This Joybuy selection covers two distinct uses: small appliances for focused chopping tasks and cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking. Before choosing a cooking food processor, check how much space it will take up and which functions your existing appliances already cover.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate appliance for small food preparation tasks rather than a full food processor. Check that the bowl capacity suits your portion sizes and that you have room to store all the parts.
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Worth considering for chopping small portions if you don’t need one food processor to handle several tasks. Compare its 0,5 L bowl with the quantities you usually prepare, and check the usage and cleaning instructions before buying.
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Worth considering if you’d like to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance with built-in scales and a touchscreen. Check how much room the appliance and its accessories need, as well as which functions your existing equipment already covers.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a cooking food processor with an XL bowl for preparing several portions. Before making room for it in a small kitchen, measure the storage space needed for the appliance and its accessories, and check whether you already have a suitable cooking appliance.
Depending on the accessories supplied, a food processor can chop, grate, slice or blend, among other tasks. Check what’s included with the model you’re considering: Que Choisir, for example, only tests smoothies on appliances fitted with a blender.
Not if you need cooking functions built in: according to Que Choisir, this is what distinguishes a cooking food processor. If your current appliance already handles cooking, a food processor could instead help with specific preparation tasks it doesn’t cover.
Choose a capacity that suits your portion sizes, then check how much space the appliance will take up when stored. As a guide for these specific models, Kenwood states that the MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY has a total capacity of 1,3 L and a usable capacity of 0,75 L; Bosch states that the MultiTalent 3 MCM3200W has a 2,3 L bowl.
No, cleaning instructions depend on the model and the part. Moulinex says the accessories for the DoubleForce Compact FP542111 are dishwasher-safe, except for the motor unit; check the instructions for the exact model you’re planning to buy.