For preparing and cooking in the same bowl
You often chop, mix and cook meals at home, and want to minimise transferring ingredients between utensils.
Who are these appliances for?
For those who already have cooking covered
You have an appliance for cooking food and mainly want to spend less time grating, slicing, chopping or blending.
For those who want to keep a closer eye on cooking
You’re happy to prepare ingredients separately, but would like a programme to take care of cooking rice or slow-cooked dishes.
What should you look for?
To choose between these options, start with the tasks you regularly do when preparing meals. Then check that the model’s features suit the space you have and the appliances you already own.
| Priority | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare and cook in one appliance | Check that the exact model can chop, mix and cook, and look at the bowl’s usable capacity. | I often chop, mix and cook the same meal, and want to avoid switching between appliances. Around 27% of consumers would make combining these tasks a priority. |
| Prepare ingredients without built-in cooking | Check that the blades and discs included are suitable for the tasks you do most often, and consider where you’ll store them. | If I already have cooking covered, I mainly want to grate, slice or chop more easily. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise food preparation. |
| Spend less time watching food cook | Compare the programmes and settings for the dishes you regularly make. | I can prepare the ingredients myself, but would rather not keep an eye on rice or a slow-cooked dish. For around 20% of consumers, automatic cooking would come before other needs. |
| Avoid buying something you don’t need | Measure the available space and check what your current appliances already do. Don’t forget cleaning and storing accessories. | My worktop space is limited, and I don’t want to add a machine that duplicates the functions of my existing equipment. Around 26% of consumers would prioritise saving space and avoiding duplication. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing food preparation with cooking
A food processor is designed for tasks such as chopping and grating, while a multi-cooker mainly takes care of cooking. The appliance’s name alone doesn’t tell you whether it can do both.
Think of three meals you make often. Note down the preparation and cooking tasks you’d like to spend less time on, then check that the model you’re considering can handle them.
-
Assuming the accessories shown are included
An accessory that’s compatible with a range, such as a vegetable slicer, may be sold separately from the pack you’re looking at.
Check the exact box contents against the accessories you need for the dishes you usually make.
-
Looking only at the bowl’s total capacity
The total volume and usable capacity can differ. You’ll also need to make room for the appliance and its accessories on your worktop.
Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, and measure the space you have, including room to open the lid.
-
Forgetting about cleaning and repairs
Using an appliance regularly means cleaning its parts. Over time, you may also need to maintain or replace some components.
Check the cleaning instructions and repair information for the exact model. ADEME recommends considering durability information when choosing an electrical appliance.
Brands to know
Moulinex
The Companion range combines food preparation and cooking. Accessories and features vary by model and pack.
- For the Companion XL HF80DB10, Moulinex lists a 4.5 L bowl and a 15-year repairability commitment.
- The vegetable slicer is also available as a separate accessory, so check whether it’s included in the pack you’re considering.
Magimix
The brand offers food processors without cooking functions, such as the CS 4200XL, as well as the Cook Expert range of food processors with cooking functions.
- Magimix lists the CS 4200XL as having a 3 L bowl, with a usable capacity of 1.3 L.
- Depending on the model and how you plan to use it, compatible accessories may need extra storage space. Check which ones are included.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 is a connected food processor with cooking functions that works with Cookidoo guided recipes.
- Vorwerk lists the TM7’s maximum bowl capacity as 2.2 L and says it can cook at temperatures of up to 160 °C.
- Consider whether this capacity and the guided recipes suit the quantities you make and the way you like to cook.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These appliances suit three different needs: preparing and cooking with a food processor with cooking functions, leaving most of the cooking to a multi-cooker, or preparing ingredients with a food processor. Start by choosing the function your kitchen is missing.
Image unavailable
Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot, XL bowl
Worth considering if you’d like to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance.
The product name indicates that it has built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check the dimensions and exact pack contents before making room for it.
Image unavailable
Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot, built-in scales
Another option if you want to prepare ingredients and then cook them using the same appliance.
The product name mentions a touchscreen. Compare the usable capacity and accessory cleaning instructions with your usual cooking habits.
Image unavailable
Instant Pot Rio XL 7.1 L, 7-in-1 multi-cooker
Worth a look if you mainly want an appliance to take care of the cooking while you prepare the ingredients separately.
This model is described as an electric pressure cooker with a stainless steel inner pot. Check that its capacity and size suit your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Instant Pot Classic 5.7 L, Daydream Blue
Compare it with your current equipment if timed cooking matters more to you than automating chopping or grating.
The product name describes a 7-in-1 multi-cooker with four customisable programmes. Measure your available space before choosing this version.
Image unavailable
ochama Food Processor 750 W, 1.8 L bowl
Worth considering if you already have a way to cook and mainly want to spend less time preparing ingredients.
The product name mentions slicing and grating discs, as well as detachable parts. Check that it fits on your worktop and read the cleaning instructions for each part.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor replace a food processor with cooking functions?
Not if you need built-in cooking. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between a food processor for food preparation tasks and a food processor with cooking functions. A standard food processor may be suitable if you already have a cooking appliance and mainly want to chop, grate or blend.
Can a multi-cooker chop ingredients too?
Don’t expect timed cooking to take care of chopping. UFC-Que Choisir describes a multi-cooker primarily as a cooking appliance. Check the features of the exact model and make sure you have the right tools for preparing ingredients if needed.
How do you choose an appliance that’s easy to clean regularly?
Check the instructions to see which parts can be removed and which are dishwasher-safe, particularly the bowl, lid and accessories you’ll use regularly. Vorwerk lists a pre-cleaning mode and dishwasher-safe parts for the Thermomix TM7; these features don’t automatically apply to other models.
How can you avoid accessories you don’t need or that are hard to replace?
Compare the included accessories with the tasks you actually do, then check the availability of spare parts for the specific model. ADEME recommends considering durability information when choosing an appliance that’s easier to maintain or repair.
What should you do with an old food processor in France?
You could have it repaired or donate it if it’s still in working order. If you need to dispose of it, ADEME directs consumers to an appropriate small electrical appliance recycling scheme, which accepts food processors.