A food processor can replace several small appliances if you regularly chop, grate or slice, and the attachments supplied are right for the job. In a small kitchen, also consider how much space the bowl and attachments take up, as well as how many parts need cleaning. If you only make a few simple preparations, keeping separate appliances may be more convenient.
If you regularly chop, grate or slice, one central appliance could replace some of your separate equipment. Check that it comes with the attachments you need for your usual preparations, rather than relying on the advertised number of functions.
If you need to put the food processor away after every use, measure the space available in your cupboard or drawer. The bowl, lid and attachments also need to be easy to reach.
If cooking or regular baking is the main reason for your purchase, compare appliances designed for those tasks first. A food processor’s versatility doesn’t necessarily mean it can meet these specific needs.
When space is limited, start with the things you actually prepare, then think about what you’ll need to take out, wash and put away after each use.
Consider it: if you regularly carry out several food preparation tasks and the relevant attachments are included.
Bear in mind: even if some attachments can be stored in the bowl, you’ll still need space to use and clean the whole appliance.
Consider it: if you mainly blend small quantities and want to take out just one tool at a time.
Bear in mind: grating, slicing or kneading may require other appliances, which also take up space.
Consider it: a cooking food processor if cooking is your priority, or a baking-focused appliance if baking is the main reason for your choice.
Bear in mind: measure the space you’ll need and check whether this appliance would duplicate one you already own.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| What you usually prepare | List the tasks you do regularly and check that the exact model comes with the attachments needed to carry them out. | When I make several different things every week, I want to avoid keeping a separate appliance for each one; around 33 % of consumers would make this versatility their priority. |
| Size and storage | Compare the appliance’s height, width and depth with the space available, then check where the bowl and each attachment will be stored. | If I need to keep my worktop clear, I must be able to put all the parts away between uses; saving space would be a priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Small portions and cleaning | Check that the bowl suits the quantities you make and consult the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe. | For a small preparation, I don’t want to take out several awkward-to-clean parts; around 20 % of consumers would prioritise making this task simple. |
| Specialist use | Decide whether cooking or regular baking is essential, then compare appliances designed for that task. | If I mainly plan to cook with my appliance or make baked goods, that function matters more than versatility; it would guide the choice of around 14 % of consumers. |
The advertised number of functions doesn’t guarantee that the blender, disc or tool you need for a particular preparation comes with the model you choose.
Match each of your regular preparations to an attachment that’s listed as included.
If the attachment you need isn’t supplied, you may have to keep another appliance and find space to store it.
The bowl, lid and attachments can take up more space than the base alone, particularly under a wall cupboard.
Measure both the storage space and the room needed while the appliance is in use, then decide where each attachment will go.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, cooking is what sets a cooking food processor apart from food processors and stand mixers. It addresses a different priority from food preparation alone.
Choose this option only if cooking, simmering or steaming is one of your main uses.
Cleaning instructions vary by part and model; cleaning also involves drying and putting everything away.
Check the instructions for the exact model before deciding whether it’s easy enough to maintain.
The MultiPro Go FDP22.140GY is worth considering if being able to store it in a drawer is important to you.
The Easy Force range includes models worth comparing based on the attachments you need.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3531M is worth comparing with your available space if you’re looking for an appliance with several attachments that can be stored together.
Consider the Compact System 3200XL if its different bowls suit the food you prepare and you can make room for it.
This option is designed for preparing different types of food with a food processor. Before choosing it for a small kitchen, check how much space it takes up when stored and whether it comes with the attachments you need for your recipes.
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Worth considering if you’d like to use one appliance for several different preparations. Check which attachments are included, the cleaning instructions and how much space you’ll need to store the appliance and its parts.
First, check that the model you choose comes with attachments suited to the things you regularly prepare. For example, don’t assume a grating or slicing disc is included unless it’s listed among the supplied parts.
Compare the appliance’s height, and the space needed to open the lid or add ingredients, with the clearance you actually have. Kenwood lists a height of 30 cm for the MultiPro Go FDP22.140GY, while Bosch gives dimensions of 375 × 220 × 260 mm for the MultiTalent 3 MCM3531M; also check where you’ll store their attachments.
No: even if some parts are dishwasher-safe, you’ll still need to take them apart, dry them and put them away. Check the instructions for the exact model to see which parts can go in the dishwasher and which need to be washed by hand.