Households that often prepare vegetables and dough
If you regularly grate, slice, chop or knead, compare the bowl’s usable capacity and the tools supplied for these jobs. A long list of advertised functions is no substitute for checking this.
Who are these appliances suited to?
Kitchens with limited space
If you’ll need to take the food processor out of a cupboard for every meal, measure the space available for the appliance and its accessories. Storage for the discs, cord and bowl matters just as much as the size of the base.
Households that also want to cook in the food processor
If you want to prepare food and then simmer or steam it in the same appliance, compare the cooking functions of a food processor with a cooking function with those of your existing appliances. UFC-Que Choisir draws a clear distinction between cooking food processors and standard food processors based on their ability to cook.
How do the options compare?
Compact food processor
Consider this if: storage is your priority and you mainly prepare small quantities.
Bear in mind: a smaller bowl may mean working in batches, and the accessories vary by model.
Food processor with a large bowl
Consider this if: you regularly grate, slice or knead for your household, but don’t expect the food processor to cook.
Bear in mind: a large total bowl capacity doesn’t guarantee the same usable capacity for every preparation, and the appliance will need space.
Food processor with a cooking function
Consider this if: you regularly want to simmer or steam food in the appliance.
Bear in mind: the built-in cooking function may duplicate an appliance that already meets your needs.
Separate appliances
Keep these if: your current tools cover the tasks you actually do and you rarely prepare large quantities.
Bear in mind: they don’t bring all the tasks together in one appliance, and each needs its own storage space.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable bowl capacity | Compare the usable capacity for different ingredients with your usual quantities, rather than relying on the advertised total capacity. | If you prepare large quantities of vegetables or dough, avoiding several batches becomes a priority; around 29% of consumers would put a suitable capacity for these meals first. |
| Size and storage | Measure the space you have in mind, then check the food processor’s dimensions and how much room its accessories need. | In a kitchen where you need to keep the worktop clear, I want to be able to store the bowl and discs easily; nearly 29% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Built-in cooking function | Check that the cooking modes and accessories suit the dishes you make, then compare them with your current appliances. | If you want to prepare food and then simmer or steam it in the same appliance, cooking functions matter more than cutting tools alone; around 21% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
| Accessories and cleaning | Check what’s included with the exact model and read the cleaning instructions for each part in the manual. | If my current appliances already cover some tasks, I’d rather avoid having extra parts to store and clean; around 21% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Confusing total capacity with usable capacity
The bowl capacity shown doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can prepare, particularly when working with liquids or dough. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L, but a usable capacity of 1.3 L for the CS 4200XL.
Compare the stated usable capacities for the preparations you’re interested in with the quantities you usually make.
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Choosing a bundle because it has lots of accessories
Discs or bowls you rarely use still take up space and need cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir says that its tests of additional accessories cover those that are actually supplied.
Make a list of your current appliances and check what’s included with the exact model, as well as how you’ll store the parts you choose to keep.
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Choosing a cooking function when you only need food preparation
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes a food processor with a cooking function from a standard food processor by its ability to cook. This may duplicate your hob, oven or multicooker if they already meet your needs.
Choose a food processor with a cooking function for dishes you genuinely want to cook in the appliance; otherwise, compare a standard food processor with your existing tools.
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Putting every part in the dishwasher
Cleaning instructions can vary from one part to another. UFC-Que Choisir recommends always checking the manufacturer’s manual.
Follow the instructions for your specific model, never immerse the motor unit in water, and handle blades and discs with care.
Brands to know when comparing
Magimix
The CS 4200XL is an example of a food processor designed for food preparation, without a built-in cooking function.
- Magimix lists a total bowl capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L for this model, along with cutting and kneading tools.
- If you often cook in large quantities, compare the usable capacity of 1.3 L with your usual preparations rather than relying on the advertised 3 L total.
Kenwood
The MultiPro models featured by Kenwood France range from the MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY, designed for compact storage, to models with a 3 L bowl.
- Kenwood lists a total capacity of 1.3 L and a usable capacity of 0.75 L for the MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY; the MultiPro OneTouch FDM73.480SS is advertised with a 3 L bowl.
- The bowl, tools and storage options vary between these models, so check the exact configuration before choosing.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers both food processors for preparation, such as the Double Force FP821811, and Companion food processors with a cooking function.
- The brand lists a 3 L bowl for the Double Force FP821811 and a 4.5 L bowl for the Companion XL HF80DB10 food processor with a cooking function.
- The Companion’s cooking function meets a different need from a standard food processor; also compare the accessories included with the model you choose.
Joybuy models for preparing or cooking
These models let you compare a Livoo food processor with two Robby food processors that have cooking functions. First decide whether you’ll use a built-in cooking function, then check the capacity and accessories of the model you’re considering.
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Robby Smart food processor with cooking function, XL bowl, built-in scales and large touchscreen
Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance instead of using separate equipment for cooking.
This model is presented with an XL bowl, built-in scales, a large touchscreen and 750 recipes. Check the manual for the cleaning instructions for each part.
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Livoo DOP250N, black food processor, 1.5 L, 600 W
Worth considering for smaller preparations if you’re looking for a food processor without an advertised cooking function.
The bowl is listed as 1.5 L and the power as 600 W. Compare the usable capacity and dimensions with your usual quantities and the space you have for storage.
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Robby food processor with cooking function, built-in scales and touchscreen, 680 recipes
Worth considering if preparing and cooking in the same food processor suits the way you regularly cook.
This model is presented with built-in scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes. Before relying on it for large quantities, check its usable capacity and exactly what’s included in the bundle.
Frequently asked questions
What bowl capacity should I choose if I cook often?
Choose based on the usable capacity you need for your preparations, not just the total capacity. For example, Kenwood lists a total capacity of 1.3 L but a usable capacity of 0.75 L for the MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY, while Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L for the CS 4200XL. Compare these figures with the quantities you usually prepare.
Are the accessories shown always included with the food processor?
No. Check the list of accessories included with the exact model and configuration you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir explains that its tests of additional accessories only cover parts that are actually supplied.
How can I check whether the accessories are dishwasher-safe?
Check the manual for cleaning instructions for each part of the model you choose. UFC-Que Choisir notes that some bowls or accessories may be dishwasher-safe, but recommends always following the manufacturer’s instructions. Handle blades and discs with care, too.
Does a repairability commitment replace the legal guarantee in France?
No. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. Any repairability commitment advertised by a brand should be considered according to its own terms; it does not replace this legal guarantee.