You often prepare vegetables, sauces or dough
If chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading takes up a large part of your preparation time, a food processor can handle these tasks. You’ll still cook using your usual equipment.
Who is each appliance for ?
Your choice depends on which step you want to make easier, rather than how many functions are listed on the box.
You want to prepare and cook in the same appliance
For soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes, a cooking food processor can reduce the need to transfer food between containers, depending on its functions and accessories. You’ll also need space for the bowl, lid and parts when they’re not in use.
You prefer programmable cooking
For rice, slow-cooked dishes or steaming, a multicooker lets you choose a cooking mode to suit your meal. Chopping the ingredients and, usually, mixing them are still separate steps.
How do the three appliances compare ?
First decide whether your priority is food preparation, combining preparation and cooking, or programmable cooking. Then compare the usable capacity, cleaning requirements and space needed for the specific model.
Food processor
Choose this if : you mainly want to chop, grate, blend or knead, and already have cooking equipment.
Bear in mind : you’ll generally need to transfer the prepared ingredients to another container for cooking.
Cooking food processor
Choose this if : you want to prepare and cook food in the same appliance for recipes that suit its functions.
Bear in mind : the bowl and accessories may need more storage space and cleaning.
Multicooker
Choose this if : your priority is programming the cooking of dishes prepared in a cooking pot.
Bear in mind : according to UFC-Que Choisir, these appliances generally don’t mix food.
| What matters to you | What to check | Which shoppers is this for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing ingredients | Check which blades and discs are included, then choose a bowl size that suits the quantities you usually prepare. | If I often chop or blend ingredients but already cook in a saucepan, it’s the preparation tasks I want to cut down on. Around 31 % of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Preparing and cooking | Compare the usable capacity, cooking modes and included accessories for the recipes you make. | For soup or a slow-cooked dish, I’d rather not transfer ingredients from one appliance to another. Combining preparation and cooking would be the priority for around 38 % of consumers. |
| Programming the cooking process | Check that it has the cooking modes you need, and review the filling limits and instructions for cleaning the cooking pot. | Once the ingredients are ready, I mainly want to start cooking with less supervision. Using a single cooking pot can also mean less washing up, depending on the dish. Around 31 % of consumers would have this as a priority. |
What to avoid before you buy
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Confusing versatile food preparation with all-in-one cooking
A food processor can chop, grate or blend without cooking the dish. If your main aim is to start cooking, you’ll still need to use saucepans and transfer the ingredients.
Think about the tasks you do most often when preparing meals, then choose the appliance that handles the one you genuinely want to make easier.
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Choosing based only on the stated capacity
The total capacity isn’t always the same as the amount you can use in a recipe. Filling limits are particularly important for liquids in a multicooker.
Check the model’s usable capacity and the limits stated in its manual, and compare them with the portions you usually cook.
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Forgetting about accessories and cleaning
The tasks an appliance can handle depend on the parts actually included. Bowls, blades, discs and baskets also need somewhere to go after use.
Check the list of included accessories, the washing instructions for each part and the space you’ll need to store everything.
You may need extra accessories for some tasks. Every part you use also adds to the storage and cleaning involved.
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Confusing a commercial guarantee with your statutory rights
In France, the Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds shoppers that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. A commercial guarantee is separate.
Compare the terms of any commercial guarantee on offer, and keep your proof of purchase and a description of the offer.
Brands to know
These ranges are examples of different uses. Their inclusion here is not a ranking and says nothing about the availability of a particular model.
Magimix
The Cook Expert range is an example of a cooking food processor that combines preparation and cooking, with accessories that vary by model.
- Magimix lists a total capacity of 3,5 L and a usable capacity of 2,5 L for the Cook Expert Original. Compare the usable capacity with the portions you usually make.
- The brand states that this model weighs 11,14 kg. Measure the space on your worktop or where you plan to store it.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers food preparation appliances, Companion cooking food processors and Cookeo multicookers. Compare the model that suits the task you want to make easier.
- Moulinex lists a 4,5 L bowl for the documented Companion model. The Cookeo range focuses on guided, programmable cooking.
- Functions, included accessories and usable capacities vary by model, so you can’t determine them from the range name alone.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM6 is one of the cooking food processors mentioned by UFC-Que Choisir. It’s included here as a point of reference for comparing this category.
- When comparing it with another cooking food processor, start with the preparation and cooking functions your recipes require.
- Check the capacity, accessories, recipe access and after-sales service terms for the model and offer you’re considering.
Appliances for different needs
These Joybuy products cover three ways to approach everyday meals: combine preparation and cooking in a cooking food processor, programme cooking in a multicooker, or prepare ingredients with a food processor. Compare their functions with the task you want to avoid, then check the capacity and cleaning requirements of your chosen model.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with XL bowl and scales
Consider this if you want to combine preparation and cooking in a cooking food processor. The product name mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check the usable capacity and space needed before choosing this model.
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Robby cooking food processor with scales and touchscreen
Another option if your priority is preparing and then cooking with a cooking food processor. The product name mentions built-in scales and a touchscreen. Check the bowl’s usable capacity and the cleaning instructions for its parts.
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Instant Pot Classic 5,7 L, Daydream Blue
Consider this if cooking in a single pot matters more to you than food preparation functions. The stated capacity is 5,7 L. Check the manual for filling limits relevant to your recipes, and plan to prepare the ingredients separately.
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Midea 9-in-1 8 L pressure multicooker
Worth a look if you want several cooking programmes for your meals. The model name lists a total capacity of 8 L, 1 200 W and 12 preset programmes. Don’t estimate portion sizes from the total capacity alone: check the filling limits and care instructions.
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ochama 750 W food processor, 1,8 L
Consider this if your priority is preparing ingredients before cooking with another appliance. The product name lists a 1,8 L bowl and blending, chopping, slicing and grating functions. Check which accessories are included and which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor replace a cooking food processor ?
Not if you want to cook food directly in the appliance. A food processor handles preparation tasks, but it may be all you need if you’re happy to cook in a saucepan or already have a suitable cooking appliance.
Does a multicooker always mean less washing up ?
No: it depends on which steps you can do in its cooking pot and what you’re making. UFC-Que Choisir says these appliances generally don’t mix food, so you may still need a knife, chopping board or other utensil.
Which capacity should you compare for a cooking food processor or multicooker ?
Compare the amount you can actually use for your recipes and the filling limits, not just the total capacity. For the Cook Expert Original, for example, Magimix distinguishes between a total capacity of 3,5 L and a usable capacity of 2,5 L. For a multicooker, check the instructions for the cooking pot on the model you’re considering.
In France, does a commercial guarantee replace the statutory guarantee of conformity ?
No. The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. A commercial guarantee is separate. Keep your proof of purchase and the product description if the appliance doesn’t match the offer.