Choose a cooking food processor if you want to chop, mix and cook in the same appliance, and can keep it readily accessible for regular use. If you mainly want to slice, grate, knead or blend, a multifunctional food processor may be enough. For slow-cooked dishes, rice or scheduled cooking, a multi-cooker often meets a more specific need.
You regularly prepare soups, sauces, risottos, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food, and want to handle preparation and cooking in a single bowl. The Que Choisir guide points out that the benefits depend on regular use and the amount of space genuinely available on your worktop.
Before adding another appliance, identify the function you are genuinely missing: integrated cooking, chopping large quantities or scheduled cooking. If you already own a blender, food processor or multi-cooker, a more targeted solution may cover your needs.
On-screen recipes and meal ideas can be useful if you enjoy cooking step by step. However, check whether the catalogue is included, free of charge or linked to a subscription, as well as which functions can be used without an internet connection.
Start with the recipes you genuinely prepare, then compare the functions, usable capacity and cleaning requirements rather than simply counting the programmes. The figures below come from a Que Choisir survey published in 2020 among 1,695 newsletter subscribers who already owned a food processor.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking | Check which steps are integrated: chopping, mixing, blending, steaming or cooking. Also compare the automatic programmes with manual mode. | I want to minimise transfers between appliances when my recipes alternate between preparation and cooking. In the 2020 Que Choisir survey, 52% of the 1,695 owners questioned felt that their food processor saved them time in the kitchen. |
| Guided recipes | Check access to the catalogue, any subscription terms, offline use and whether manual mode is available. | Step-by-step guidance appeals to me if I will use it to discover and follow new ideas. In the same Que Choisir survey, 49% of the owners questioned said that their food processor had broadened their recipe repertoire. |
| Capacity and footprint | Compare the usable or filling capacity, not just the total volume. Also measure the appliance with the bowl and accessories fitted. | I need to be able to prepare my usual portions without cooking several batches, while keeping the appliance within easy reach in my kitchen. |
| Cleaning and accessories | Check which parts are genuinely dishwasher-safe, whether spare parts are available and the exact reference of compatible accessories. | After a meal, I prefer manageable cleaning and the option to replace the parts subject to the most wear, rather than keeping an appliance that is difficult to maintain. |
A catalogue can provide inspiration, but it cannot make up for a bowl that is too small, a bulky appliance or functions that are poorly suited to your meals.
Make a note of five to ten dishes you genuinely cook, then check the functions required, manual mode and the terms for accessing the recipes.
A range of connected cooking food processors focused on integrated guided cooking. According to Vorwerk, the TM7 displays Cookidoo recipes on its screen and includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
A range of versatile cooking food processors with programmes, manual mode, accessories and the My Moulinex app. Some Companion XL models focus on offering greater capacity.
A multifunctional cooking food processor designed to combine cooking and preparation with several bowls and accessories, including grating and slicing functions depending on the configuration.
A connected cooking food processor distributed by Lidl, centred on automatic programmes and guided cooking, with a recipe catalogue advertised as free.
These Joybuy options cover two distinct uses: multifunctional cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, and multi-cookers for scheduled cooking in a single pot.
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Worth considering for home-cooked meals involving chopping, mixing, steaming and cooking in the same appliance.
The product details state 3 L of usable capacity, an integrated scale, a guidance screen, manual mode and automatic programmes.
Measuring approximately 40 × 26 × 36 cm and weighing 9.4 kg, it requires careful consideration of your worktop space. Also check the terms for accessing Wi-Fi recipes and the washing instructions for each accessory.
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This option suits you if you want to choose between integrated recipes, automatic programmes and manual preparation.
The product details state that it has a 3.5 L stainless-steel bowl, integrated scale, eight programmes, Wi-Fi and a rinsing programme.
Advertised functions include chopping, grating, mixing, kneading, steaming and slow cooking. Check the care instructions for the bowls and accessories, as well as the terms for accessing the recipe catalogue.
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Choose this when your priority is scheduled cooking for rice, dishes in sauce, yoghurt or steamed food.
The product details state that it has a 3.8 L stainless-steel pot, seven functions and twelve programmes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, sautéing and keeping food warm.
This multi-cooker does not chop, grate or blend ingredients. Check the stated power rating and the filling limits for your recipes.
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A choice worth considering for family meals prepared in a single pot, without integrated chopping or blending functions.
The product details state a nominal capacity of 5.7 L, seven cooking modes and dishwasher-safe parts.
The genuinely usable capacity depends on the recipe: the instructions specify not filling the pot beyond approximately two-thirds for pressure cooking and half full for expanding foods. Also check the available space before buying.
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This large pot is designed for preparing rice, soups, slow-cooked dishes and steamed food in larger quantities.
The product details state an 8 L capacity, 1,200 W, twelve preset menus, a 24-hour delayed start and keep-warm function for up to 12 hours.
Advertised functions include pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yoghurt, steaming, sautéing and reheating. It does not replace a food processor for chopping, grating, kneading or blending; consult the manual for filling limits and cleaning instructions.
Not necessarily. A cooking food processor adds cooking to preparation functions, while a multifunctional food processor remains suitable if you do not need integrated cooking or already own a slow cooker or multi-cooker.
Look first at the usable or filling capacity, then compare it with the number of portions and the recipes you prepare. For example, Magimix states a total capacity of 3.5 L and a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the original Cook Expert, while Lidl states a total capacity of 4.5 L and a filling capacity of 3 L for the Monsieur Cuisine Smart.
No. Terms vary depending on the ecosystem and model: some apps offer free recipes, while others provide access to a catalogue by subscription after a trial period. Check the model details, the app and the applicable terms at the time of purchase.
Check which removable parts are genuinely dishwasher-safe, as the bowl, lid, drive assembly and accessories may have different care instructions. Also check the availability of spare parts and their compatibility with the exact reference of your appliance.
When buying from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the seller must supply goods that conform to the contract; any commercial warranty is additional to, and does not replace, the legal guarantees.