Choose a food processor if you regularly grate, slice, chop or knead: the included attachments, bowl capacity and space required matter more than the number of functions advertised. For small quantities to chop or preparations that mainly need blending, a mini chopper or blender may be enough. A cooking food processor meets a different need: it can cook as well as prepare food.
How often you use an appliance matters just as much as the range of tasks it can handle. A versatile appliance is only worthwhile if you’ll actually use its different attachments.
If you chop, grate and slice throughout the week, and occasionally knead dough, consider a food processor. Check that the discs, blade and dough tool you need for your recipes are included with the model you choose.
A food processor can combine several food preparation tasks, but you’ll need room for the base, bowls and attachments. Compare the dimensions and bowl capacity, and check how the parts can be stored for the specific model.
For smoothies and sauces, look at blenders; for small amounts of garlic, herbs or onions, consider mini choppers. These specialist appliances may not meet your needs for grating, slicing or kneading.
Consider one if: you regularly carry out several food preparation tasks, particularly grating, slicing and chopping.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for the appliance and its attachments, as well as time to clean them.
Consider one if: you mainly blend ingredients or chop small quantities.
Limitation: a specialist appliance won’t replace grating and slicing discs or a dough tool.
Consider one if: you also want to simmer or steam food in the same appliance.
How it differs: according to UFC-Que Choisir, built-in cooking is what sets it apart from a food processor designed for food preparation.
Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, start with the recipes you make regularly. Then check the exact model, rather than relying on the advertised list of functions alone.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Attachments | Look for a chopping blade, discs for grating or slicing, and a dough tool if you need one. Check that they’re included with the exact model: UFC-Que Choisir says that extra attachments are only assessed in its tests if they’re supplied. | I often prepare grated or sliced vegetables, and want to be able to do this with the parts included. |
| Capacity and space | Compare the bowl capacity with the quantities you prepare at a time. Measure the space for the appliance and decide where to store the bowls, discs and blades. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to store everything together without spreading the attachments around. For larger batches, I’ll also check the bowl capacity. |
| Cleaning and aftercare | Check the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe. If you’ll use the appliance often, also check the stated availability of spare parts and the repair terms for that model. | I want to clean the parts I use often with ease, and know how to replace an attachment if needed. |
A blender, mini bowl or citrus press doesn’t do the same job as a grating disc, and may not be included. So a high number of functions doesn’t tell you exactly what comes in the box.
List the tasks you do regularly, match each one to an attachment, then check what’s included with the exact model.
The base is only one part of what you’ll need to store: bowls, blades and discs also need to be kept somewhere accessible.
Measure the space you have and check how the model’s attachments can be stored. If you only need to do one task, compare specialist appliances too.
A cooking food processor lets you cook in the appliance, whereas the choice discussed here is primarily about preparing ingredients. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these two types by their cooking function.
Decide whether you only want to chop and mix, or whether you also want to simmer and steam food in the same appliance.
These details apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance from each brand. Always check the attachments and terms for the model you’re considering.
The Compact System 3200XL is worth considering if you’re looking for a food processor for a range of tasks in a household of one to four.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3531M is worth considering if you need a specific bowl capacity and storage solution, particularly when space is limited.
The Double Force FP825E10 is worth considering if you prepare larger quantities and plan to use several types of attachment.
The Kenwood range includes food processors and choppers, so the product category alone won’t tell you which tasks an appliance can handle.
This selection includes a food processor for a range of preparation tasks, as well as choppers and blenders for more specific needs. Start by thinking about what you do regularly, then check the contents and limitations of the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you want to chop, slice, grate and blend with one appliance. The product name mentions a blender and chopping and grating discs. Check what’s included, how much space you’ll need and whether there’s a dough tool if you plan to make dough.
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An option if you mainly chop small quantities or make sauces. For grating, slicing or kneading, check which attachments you need rather than assuming this type of chopper can do the job. Also check its capacity and cleaning instructions.
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The two glass bowls listed, with capacities of 2 L and 0.6 L, let you choose a container to suit the amount you’re chopping. If you also need to grate, slice or knead, check separately which attachments you’ll need. Follow the cleaning instructions, and don’t use the bowls or lids for hot food.
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Worth considering if blending and occasional chopping matter more to you than grating or kneading. Check which attachments are included for these tasks, and follow the stated limits for hot liquids and continuous use.
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The set, with a jug and individual cups, is mainly designed for blending different quantities. If you also want to chop, check which attachment is included. For grating, slicing or kneading, check what equipment you’ll need. See the usable capacities listed for each container.
A cooking food processor adds built-in cooking to food preparation tasks: UFC-Que Choisir cites simmering and steaming, for example. If you mainly want to chop, grate or slice and already have a way to cook food, start by choosing the preparation attachments you need.
Look for discs for grating or slicing, a blade for chopping and a dough tool if you make dough. Check the contents of the box for the exact model: under UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol, extra attachments are only tested if they’re included.
No. Follow the instructions for each part and the model you’ve chosen. Some manufacturers say certain parts are dishwasher-safe, but UFC-Que Choisir reminds users not to immerse the appliance body in water.
Search for the exact model on the brand’s website, then check its stated spare parts availability, warranty and repair terms. Magimix France, for example, lists 30 years of spare parts availability for the CS 3200XL. This applies to that specific model and its terms.