If your batch-prep mainly involves chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading, choose a food processor without a cooking function. A cooking food processor is a better choice if you want to prepare and cook food in the same appliance. If you already own a multicooker, first compare the tasks it handles with the ones you still need to do, then check the usable capacity, accessories and space required.
You grate or slice vegetables, chop herbs, or make dough and sauces, but already use another appliance for cooking. It’s worth comparing food processors by the size of their bowls, the accessories included and how easy they are to store.
If your batch-prep regularly includes soups, hot sauces or slow-cooked dishes, a cooking food processor lets you prepare and cook food in the same appliance. Check that its usable capacity suits the portions you plan to make.
If you already have cooking covered, a food processor can chop or blend ingredients before they go into the multicooker. Be sure to measure the space you’ll need to use and store both appliances.
Start with the dishes you make most often, then compare the cooking functions you need, the genuinely usable capacity and the accessories included with each model.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Food preparation | Look for grating and slicing discs, as well as tools for chopping, blending or kneading. Check that they’re included with the exact model you’re considering. | I often prepare vegetables and meal bases: which tasks come up often enough to make these accessories worthwhile? |
| Cooking | According to Que Choisir, the cooking function is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a standard food processor. Compare the cooking functions you want with those offered by your current appliances. | Do I need to cook dishes in the appliance, or can I use the multicooker, oven or pans I already own? |
| Capacity | Compare the stated usable capacity, not just the total volume, with the quantities you plan to prepare. Also check whether there are extra bowls for when you’re working with smaller amounts. | I want to prepare several portions without assuming the entire bowl can be filled for every recipe. |
| Everyday use | Measure the space needed for the appliance and its accessories. Check the cleaning instructions and, if noise matters to you, look for a test of the exact model. | I need to be able to get the appliance out, use it and put it away for every meal-prep session. |
A cooking food processor may duplicate the cooking functions of a multicooker or another appliance you already use.
Make a note of what you prepare in a typical week and identify the dishes you genuinely want the appliance to cook.
Usable capacity depends on what you’re making; when cooking, you may also need to leave room in the bowl.
Compare the stated usable capacity with the portions you want to make, and check whether you’ll need to cook in batches.
A list of functions doesn’t tell you which discs or bowls come with the model you’re considering. You’ll also need somewhere to store the accessories.
Check exactly what’s in the box and make room for the parts you plan to use.
In France, the DGCCRF explains that an optional commercial warranty is in addition to statutory warranties; it doesn’t replace them.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its duration, cover and exclusions with the rights that already apply to your purchase.
The CS 5200 XL is a food processor without a cooking function. Magimix lists a 3.6 L large bowl, a 2.6 L medium bowl and a 1.2 L mini bowl.
Moulinex offers Double Force food processors without cooking functions, as well as Companion cooking food processors. The right choice depends first on how much you need the appliance to cook.
Vorwerk’s Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking. The brand lists a 2.2 L bowl, 24 modes and cooking temperatures of up to 160 °C.
These options include two cooking food processors for preparing and cooking in one appliance, plus two choppers for more specific food-preparation tasks.
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Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook food in one appliance. The product title mentions an XL bowl and built-in scales; check the usable capacity and whether it includes the accessories you need for your usual chopping tasks.
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For dishes that involve cooking, if you expect to use this function regularly. The product title mentions built-in scales and a touchscreen; check the usable capacity and which chopping accessories are included.
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For smaller, more specific food-preparation tasks rather than grating or slicing with discs. Compare the bowl size with the portions you usually prepare.
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For chopping ingredients without expecting it to replace every function of a food processor. The product title mentions a 1.5 L glass bowl and stainless steel blades; check how much you can actually use for your recipes.
Yes, if you mainly want to chop, grate, slice, blend or knead. For slow-cooked dishes, steamed food or hot sauces, you’ll need another appliance or a cooking food processor.
Start with the quantities you prepare in one session and compare them with the stated usable capacity, rather than looking at the total volume alone. A second bowl can also be handy if you sometimes prepare smaller quantities.
Not for chopping tasks: a multicooker can handle some cooking, but it can’t replace discs for grating or slicing. Que Choisir also points out that these appliances don’t generally mix food, so the two types of appliance can complement each other if you regularly use their respective functions.
No. The DGCCRF explains that an optional commercial warranty is in addition to statutory warranties and doesn’t replace them. For a food processor bought from a professional seller in France, the Ministry of the Economy says you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years. Check the cover and exclusions of any extended warranty separately.