For preparing vegetables regularly
If you often grate, slice and chop ingredients, as well as making sauces, take a look at food processors. Check that the discs and blade you need are included in the configuration you choose.
Which appliance is right for you ?
The preparations you make most often matter more than the number of functions advertised.
For combining food preparation tasks without cooking
A food processor can handle several tasks without an integrated cooking function. According to Que Choisir, it’s the cooking function that sets a cooking food processor apart. Consider how much space you’ll need for the bowl and accessories before replacing several small appliances.
For baking above all
If you knead and whisk more often than you chop vegetables, compare stand mixers. Moulinex describes the whisk, beater and dough hook as the standard set; for chopping, grating or blending, check the accessories included with the exact model.
What should you check before choosing ?
Start with the food you usually prepare, then check the accessories included, the quantities you make and the space you have available.
| What to consider | What to check | Based on my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Chopping and accessories | Check which grating and slicing discs, blade and other tools are actually included with the model you’ve chosen. Que Choisir only tests additional functions when the relevant accessory is supplied. | I often grate or slice vegetables: a bowl that chops isn’t enough to confirm that the appliance can also do these jobs. |
| Sauces and mixing | For a blender, check which preparations it’s suitable for and the usable capacity of its jug. For a stand mixer, distinguish between the baking set and any blender or food processor bowl that may be available. | I mainly make liquid or smooth mixtures: I can prioritise a blender. If kneading and whisking are my main tasks, I’ll look at a stand mixer equipped for the job. |
| Quantities | Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually make, rather than relying on the stated total volume. For example, Moulinex lists a usable capacity of 1.5 L for the 2 L bowl of its Perfectmix+; capacities need to be checked for each model. | For a few herbs or an onion, a small chopper may suit my needs. For several portions or dough, I’ll check the quantity the specific appliance can handle. |
| Space and cleaning | Measure the space you’ve set aside and count the bowls and accessories you’ll need to store. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and how to obtain the right spare parts for your model. | I want to be able to take the appliance out, clean it and put it away after preparing my usual dishes, without leaving several parts on the worktop. |
| Integrated cooking function | Distinguish between food preparation functions and cooking in the appliance. Que Choisir identifies cooking as the feature that sets a cooking food processor apart. | I already cook my ingredients another way: I can compare food preparation appliances without choosing a cooking function I won’t use. |
What mistakes should you avoid ?
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Assuming “multifunction” means “accessories included”
Grating, slicing and some blender preparations may depend on accessories that vary by model. The same applies to chopping attachments available for some stand mixers.
Compare the exact contents of each box and, if an accessory is sold separately, check that it’s compatible with the model you’ve chosen.
Extra accessories may need to be bought separately and will also take up more storage space.
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity
The bowl’s total volume doesn’t always tell you how much you can use for a sauce or dough. Moulinex, for example, lists a usable capacity of 1.5 L for a blender with a 2 L bowl.
Compare the usable capacity and any limits for the preparations you make most often.
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Choosing a cooking food processor for simple preparation tasks
According to Que Choisir, an integrated cooking function is what sets a cooking food processor apart from other food processors. It won’t help if all you need is chopping, grating, blending or kneading.
If you don’t want to cook in the appliance, start by comparing food processors and appliances designed for the tasks you do most often.
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Forgetting about cleaning and spare parts
Bowls, blades and lids also need to be easy to clean and replace, subject to the conditions for each model.
Check the cleaning instructions for the relevant parts, the manual and the spare part references. Moulinex, for example, lists a blade among the parts available for one of its choppers.
Which brands should you compare ?
These brand examples illustrate configurations worth comparing; the features mentioned won’t necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers food processors, blenders, choppers and stand mixers.
- The brand describes the Easy Force FP246110 as having six accessories and a 1.8 L blender, and the Intention mini chopper as having a 0.5 L bowl.
- For stand mixers, check the model: chopping and blending accessories vary by configuration.
Bosch
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3631M provides a point of comparison for the capacity and storage options of a food processor.
- Bosch lists a 2.3 L bowl and says several accessories can be stored inside the bowl for this model.
- Check the contents and availability of the model you’re considering, rather than assuming the same configuration applies across the whole range.
Kenwood
Kenwood offers food processors and stand mixers that can be paired with additional food preparation tools.
- The brand lists a 3 L bowl and an Express Serve attachment for grating and slicing with the MultiPro OneTouch FDM73.480SS.
- For a Kenwood stand mixer, check whether the food processor bowl or blender you want is included or available as an optional extra with the model you’ve chosen.
Magimix
Magimix offers accessories and storage solutions for some of its food processors.
- The brand lists a storage box that can hold up to four cutting discs.
- Check that it’s compatible with the exact model and don’t assume the box or discs are included with the food processor.
Appliances for different preparations
This Joybuy selection includes a food processor, blending appliances and choppers for smaller preparations. Choose according to the cutting tasks and quantities you need; these appliances aren’t all designed for the same jobs.
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ochama food processor, 750 W, 1.8 L bowl
Worth considering if you want one appliance for chopping, blending and preparing vegetables. The product name mentions a blender, meat mincer, vegetable chopper and slicing and grating discs. Check the exact box contents, usable capacity and dimensions to make sure they suit your preparations and available space.
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ROUNY H1, 4-in-1 hand blender, 1,200 W max.
For blending a sauce or using a small chopper, rather than grating vegetables. The set is shown with a 700 ml beaker, a 500 ml chopper and a whisk; the product information limits continuous use to one minute, followed by a one-minute rest. For grating or slicing, look for an appliance with the right attachments.
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KENWOOD Easy Chop+ CHP62.400SI, mini chopper
Worth a look for chopping ingredients or making a small quantity of sauce. The product information lists a 600 ml bowl, so compare this with the quantities you usually prepare. If you want to grate or slice regularly, check whether the appliance you’re considering comes with discs.
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nutribullet Pro NB907CP, 900 W personal blender, Champagne
Worth comparing if you mainly make drinks or other smooth mixtures in individual portions. Check the cup capacity against your usual serving sizes; for grating and slicing, choose a configuration with suitable cutting accessories.
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KitchenCook Model Matt Pod, 0.5 L mini chopper
Its 0.5 L bowl is suited to small chopping tasks, such as preparing garlic or herbs. The product information recommends continuous cycles of 15 to 20 seconds, with one minute to cool down between cycles; bear this limit in mind if you’re preparing several batches.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a food processor and a cooking food processor ?
A cooking food processor has an integrated cooking function, which sets it apart from other food processors according to Que Choisir. If you only want to chop, grate, slice, blend or knead, compare the food preparation functions and accessories of food processors without assuming you’ll need an integrated cooking function.
Can a blender replace a food processor ?
A blender may suit you if you mainly make liquid or smooth mixtures, but it won’t handle regular grating and slicing, which require the right cutting tools. If you’re working with hot ingredients, also check what the instructions for your chosen blender allow.
Which accessories should you check before ordering ?
Check the contents list for the exact model and make sure it includes the tools you need for your recipes: a blade, grating and slicing discs, a kneading tool, whisk or blender, depending on how you’ll use it. Check separately what’s included, compatible or available as an optional extra; Que Choisir only tests additional functions when the relevant accessory is supplied.