If you mainly want to combine food preparation tasks without cooking in the appliance, consider a food processor. If you also plan to cook regularly in the same bowl, consider a cooking food processor. A blender is a better fit for food that mainly needs blending. In each case, how much space you save depends on the accessories you need, how you store them and the size of the appliance you choose.
If you regularly chop, grate, slice or knead, but already cook with another appliance, start by looking at food processors. Check that the bowl and included accessories suit the tasks you typically do.
A cooking food processor is worth considering if you want to combine cooking with food preparation. Its capacity, where you’ll keep it and the parts you’ll need to clean should also suit how you plan to use it regularly.
For soups, sauces, purées or smoothies, a blender may do the job without the need to buy a food processor that also grates, slices or kneads. Check the model’s instructions if you plan to pour hot food into it.
First decide whether you want the appliance to cook, then match the tasks you actually do to the equipment included and the space you have available.
Consider this if: you often prepare ingredients, while another appliance already takes care of the cooking.
The trade-off: it won’t cook meals, and its bowls and accessories also need somewhere to be stored.
Consider this if: you want to prepare and cook regularly using the same appliance.
The trade-off: combining these tasks doesn’t remove the need to make space for the appliance and its parts.
Consider this if: you mainly blend food and don’t regularly need to grate or knead.
The trade-off: blending won’t replace the other food preparation tasks a food processor can do.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks covered | List the tasks you have in mind, then check which accessories are included with the exact model. Under UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol, some additional functions are only tested when the relevant accessory is supplied. | I want to combine the tasks I do often, without assuming that a function advertised for a product range is included with every model. |
| Built-in cooking | Check whether the appliance heats food and which cooking functions are listed for the model. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors from other food processors by their cooking function. | If I already cook with another appliance, I can prioritise food preparation alone. If I want to cook in the same bowl, this function becomes essential. |
| Space and capacity | Check the appliance’s dimensions, the space needed to use it and where you’ll store its accessories. Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you prepare. | My worktop needs to stay practical, and the bowl needs to suit the meals I make for my household. |
| Cleaning | Find out which parts need to be removed and washed; check the instructions to see whether they’re dishwasher-safe. Remember to allow for drying and storage too. | If I’ll use an appliance often, I’d rather know what cleaning involves before choosing. |
| Accessories and aftercare | Check that accessories are compatible with the exact model, and distinguish between those included and those sold separately. Read the terms of the commercial warranty, without confusing it with your statutory rights. | I want to know what I’ll need to keep, store or add so I can continue making the food I usually prepare. |
A function may depend on an accessory that isn’t included with the model you choose. The versatility advertised for a product range doesn’t necessarily tell you what comes in every box.
Make a note of the tasks you do most often, then check the product details and instructions to see which accessories are included and where you’ll store them.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the cooking function is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from other food processors. If you mainly want to chop, grate or knead and already have a cooking appliance, this function won’t meet your main need.
Start with the meals you usually make: decide whether the appliance needs to cook, then compare models in the relevant category.
Bowls, discs and blades take up space even when they’re not in use. Parts that are difficult to clean or store can also make everyday use more complicated.
Measure the space you have in mind, choose a bowl that suits the quantities you prepare, and check the cleaning instructions for each part.
The DGCCRF has highlighted unclear information about certain exclusions relating to accessories in the household appliance sector. A commercial warranty does not replace the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies in France to goods sold by a business, as the Ministry of the Economy points out.
Read the terms of the commercial warranty and keep the product description and your proof of purchase.
These examples represent different product ranges and features. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean that every function is available on every model.
Magimix offers a range of food processors designed for tasks including grating, blending, chopping and kneading.
The Companion range includes cooking food processors. For the I-Companion XL HF908120 model, Moulinex lists a 4.5 L bowl, 14 modes, five accessories and a vegetable slicer.
Vorwerk offers the Thermomix TM7 cooking food processor, as well as accessories listed separately in its French shop.
These two cooking food processors are for people who want to combine food preparation and cooking. When choosing between them, pay particular attention to the accessories included, usable capacity and the space required.
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For preparing and cooking with the same appliance, this model features an XL bowl and a large touchscreen. Before choosing, check the exact variant name, the accessories included and what the advertised recipes cover.
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This model is an option if you’re looking for one appliance that combines food preparation and cooking. Before ordering, check that it includes the accessories you need for your cooking tasks and read the instructions for cleaning the bowl.
No. It can combine several tasks, such as chopping, grating or kneading, but some functions depend on the accessories included with the model you choose. It doesn’t offer the built-in cooking function that distinguishes a cooking food processor.
Consider a cooking food processor if you want to cook regularly in the same appliance you use to prepare food. If you already cook with another appliance and mainly want to chop, grate or knead, look at food processors and the accessories included with them instead.
Check the list of items included with the exact model, then refer to the instructions if anything about a function is unclear. Don’t assume that everything advertised for a product range comes in the box; check separately that any additional accessories are compatible.
Compare the bowl’s usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, then find out which parts need to be removed, washed and stored. If you’re buying a blender for soups, also check the model’s instructions for hot liquids.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity in France applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business. It’s separate from any commercial warranty. Keep the product description and your proof of purchase so you can report any lack of conformity to the seller.