Start by choosing according to the task you want to delegate: a food processor is best suited to chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading, while a cooking robot makes sense if you also want to cook or simmer in the same bowl. If you already have a multicooker that covers your cooking needs, a food processor or a few targeted small appliances can take care of preparation without duplicating that function.
If you already own a slow cooker or multicooker, a food processor can mainly speed up slicing, grating, chopping, blending and dough preparation. According to Que Choisir, integrated cooking is only worth considering if it genuinely adds a new function to your kitchen.
For soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes, steaming or recipes involving several stages, a cooking robot can bring preparation and cooking together. However, compare the usable capacity, programmes, cleaning requirements and how you access the recipes.
When worktop and cupboard space are limited, prioritise the functions you use every day, accessories that are easy to store and carefully measured dimensions. The number of advertised programmes is no substitute for checking the appliance’s actual footprint.
Start with the meals you usually prepare and the appliances you already own, then check the accessories, space required and long-term usage conditions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid duplicating cooking functions | Check whether there is a heating element, along with the cooking and steaming modes, then compare them with the functions of your existing multicooker or slow cooker. | I only want to prepare and cook in the same bowl if it replaces a step or supervision I currently have to handle. |
| Choose the right accessories | For the exact model, check the grating or slicing discs, blender, whisk, blade and steamer basket. An accessory available as an optional extra is not necessarily included. | My regular recipes should guide my choice: grated vegetables, sauces, smoothies, dough and steaming do not require the same tools. |
| Manage storage and cleaning | Measure the available space, the height with the lid on and the volume taken up by the accessories. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and keep the motor unit away from water. | I want to be able to leave the appliance accessible or store it easily, without creating extra washing-up after every meal. |
| Plan for long-term use | Review the terms for guided recipes, connected services, accessories and wear parts. Look for the part numbers of seals, lids or blades compatible with the model you are considering. | I would rather know about available services and replacement parts before relying on an app, accessory or specific component. |
You could end up storing and cleaning a second cooking appliance when your main need is chopping, blending or dough preparation.
Take stock of the appliances you already use and note which steps genuinely take up your time. If programmed cooking is already covered, compare food processors first.
A blender, citrus press, juicer or specific disc should not be assumed to be included. Que Choisir only assesses certain accessories when they are supplied with the appliance.
List three to five preparations you make regularly, then check the accessories included, how they are stored and how they are cleaned for the exact model.
Optional or rarely used accessories can take up space without replacing the appliances you actually rely on.
A frequently used recipe service may depend on model-specific terms, while a damaged seal, lid or blade can make the appliance harder to use if replacement has not been planned for.
Before buying, check the terms of the recipe service and look for the part numbers of wear parts available for the precise model.
Vorwerk states that access to Cookidoo for the Thermomix TM7 may require a subscription after the initial offer.
An appliance that is difficult to take out, store or clean is likely to be used less, even if it offers a wide range of functions.
Measure the intended space, check the height with the lid on, how the discs are stored and which parts are dishwasher-safe. Never immerse the motor unit in water.
Kenwood offers, among other options, a compact food processor for chopping, grating, slicing, puréeing and dough preparation without integrated cooking.
The Companion XL HF80CB10 is an option for households that want to prepare and cook in the same bowl, with a capacity designed for family meals.
The Thermomix TM7 is aimed at people who place great importance on guided cooking, meal planning and a recipe catalogue.
Magimix may be worth considering when the availability of replacement accessories and parts for the Cook Expert range is an important factor in your decision.
These Joybuy options include a food processor, cooking robots and a small chopper, allowing you to match your equipment to the preparations you genuinely want to delegate.
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For preparation before cooking, it combines a blender, chopper and slicing, grating and shredding discs in a 1.8 L bowl.
It does not offer integrated cooking, so you will still need a hob, multicooker or another appliance for simmering and steaming. Also check the dimensions, accessory storage and the part references compatible with this model.
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This option is designed for complete meals, bringing preparation, cooking and weighing together with an XL bowl, integrated scales and a touchscreen.
Plan a dedicated space before buying. Also check the exact recipe offering included and any conditions for accessing recipes via Wi-Fi.
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It is suitable for people who want to prepare and then cook in the same appliance, with integrated scales, automatic programmes and a touchscreen.
If grating or slicing is important to you, check the accessories supplied. Also review the recipe terms, Wi-Fi updates and the parts that are dishwasher-compatible.
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This mini chopper and blender is suitable for small quantities of vegetables, meat, sauces or dips, with a 600 ml glass bowl.
It does not replace a food processor for grating, slicing or kneading, and its format is less suitable for large family-sized quantities.
No. A cooking robot adds integrated cooking and can handle many preparations, but the accessories and results depend on the model. If grating, slicing or blending are essential, check that these functions are included rather than available only as optional extras.
Yes, if your multicooker already covers the cooking methods you use. The food processor can then complement it with chopping, blending, grating, slicing and dough preparation; Que Choisir states that it is relevant when the user is not interested in cooking or already has a slow cooker.
No. They can make it easier to get started and organise meals, but they are not essential for using a cooking robot. Check whether they are free, available for a limited period or linked to a subscription; Vorwerk states that Cookidoo may require a subscription after the initial offer for the TM7.
ADEME states that cooking robots can be repaired, donated or resold, or taken to the appropriate recycling channels for electrical and electronic equipment. Before replacing an appliance, check whether parts are available and what repair options exist for the model concerned.