If you prepare several dishes at the weekend, start by choosing an appliance that suits the step you spend the most time on: a food processor for chopping, a cooking food processor for preparing and cooking, or a multi-cooker if your ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want to manage the cooking. To compare models, look at the usable capacity, the accessories included and the parts that need cleaning. These categories don’t all do the same jobs.
If you move from chopping to mixing and cooking while making several bases or dishes, a cooking food processor can cut down on transferring ingredients between appliances. However, check the accessories: not every model can chop in the same way. Que Choisir points out that functions and capacities vary between cooking food processors.
If you already chop your ingredients, a multi-cooker can handle the cooking in its pot. Que Choisir explains that these appliances don’t usually mix food, so you’ll need to arrange the preparation separately and, depending on the recipe, mix the ingredients yourself.
If you’re happy with your hob, oven and pans, a food processor can take care of repetitive tasks such as chopping, grating and slicing. If you mainly need one particular function, also consider a specialist food-preparation appliance instead of a model with features you’re unlikely to use.
Identify the step you repeat most during your meal-prep session, then check the quantities you can make and how easy the appliance is to clean. A specialist food-preparation appliance is also an option if you’re keeping your current cooking setup and only want to automate one task.
| What matters | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing and cooking in one appliance | Functions and accessories included; usable bowl capacity. | When several dishes need chopping, mixing and cooking, I’d rather avoid moving ingredients between appliances. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Managing the cooking | Modes you need for your dishes; fill markers for each cooking method. | My ingredients are already prepared, but I need to organise several cooking tasks during the session. Cooking would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Repeating chopping tasks | Blades and discs included; capacity suited to the ingredients you’re preparing. | I’m keeping my existing cooking equipment and mainly want to grate, slice or chop several ingredients. This kind of food preparation would come first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Storing and cleaning | Dimensions, accessory storage and cleaning requirements for each part; noise level if you’ve been able to try the model. | If I have to get the appliance out and put it away after every session, the number of parts to wash may matter more than its versatility. Around 15% of consumers would put these practical considerations first. |
A multi-cooker is mainly designed to cook food in its pot; according to Que Choisir, it doesn’t usually mix food. So it won’t, on its own, meet a regular need to chop, grate or slice ingredients.
Make a note of the tasks you actually repeat. If chopping is your main concern, compare the accessories on a food processor or cooking food processor before choosing a cooking appliance.
The stated capacity of a pot or bowl isn’t necessarily the amount you can use for every recipe. Fill markers and precautions to prevent spills may limit the amount you can cook in one batch.
Check the usable capacity and the instructions for the modes you plan to use, then work out how many batches you’ll need for your dishes.
The bowl, blades, discs and seals may all have different cleaning instructions. Taking them apart and storing them also matters when you’re preparing several dishes in a row.
Check the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be cleaned separately after use.
The European Commission explains that the CE mark does not mean that an EU authority has individually approved a product’s safety.
To identify the exact appliance being offered, check its model number, instructions and the seller’s contact details rather than relying on the mark alone.
The examples below illustrate different functions. Features provided by the manufacturers don’t automatically apply to every model from each brand.
The Companion and Cookeo ranges let you compare a cooking food processor with a multi-cooker.
The Cook Expert Original is worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking, including some chopping tasks depending on the configuration.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3200W is a food-preparation option to use alongside your existing cooking appliances.
These products cover food preparation combined with cooking, and cooking in a pot. If your only priority is grating, chopping or slicing while keeping your current cooking equipment, compare the accessories on a food processor instead. In all cases, check the usable capacity and the tasks the specific model is designed to handle.
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Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance. The product title mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check that the accessories cover your chopping needs and that the usable capacity suits your recipes.
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Worth looking at if cooking is your main priority. The product name mentions scales and a touchscreen. Before relying on this appliance to prepare ingredients, check its chopping, slicing and mixing functions carefully, along with its fill limits.
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Worth considering for cooking in a pot when you prepare the ingredients separately. The product title gives a stated capacity of 7.1 L and mentions a stainless steel pot. Check the fill markers before deciding how much to cook in each batch.
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Worth considering if you want to manage the cooking while chopping ingredients separately. The product title mentions four customisable presets, as well as slow-cook and steam functions. Check the instructions for the permitted quantity for each dish.
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Worth considering if you want to programme different cooking methods rather than automate chopping. The product name lists 12 programmes and a power rating of 1,200 W. Confirm the capacity in litres and the usable volume before planning several portions.
Not if your main need is to chop, grate or slice ingredients. A multi-cooker is mainly for cooking in a pot and, according to Que Choisir, doesn’t usually mix food. Choose one if cooking is your priority and you’re happy to prepare the ingredients separately.
No: check the usable capacity and the fill markers for your recipe. Que Choisir points out that a pot may not be filled to its stated capacity. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3.5 L and a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the Cook Expert Original.
Don’t assume so: cleaning instructions vary by model and part. Moulinex notes, for example, that a removable seal on its Companion needs cleaning. Check the instructions for the bowl, blades, accessories and any parts that need to be washed separately.
Check whether the pot has handles and follow the instructions for handling it after cooking. Que Choisir warns that some models require you to grip the pot by its rim, which could cause burns. Use suitable protection when instructed to do so.
No. The European Commission explains that the CE mark isn’t an individual safety approval by an EU authority. When choosing a specific model, also check its instructions and the seller’s identity.