Choose a multifunction food processor if chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading is your main bottleneck and you already cook on the hob or in the oven. Choose a cooking food processor if you want to combine preparation and cooking in the same bowl, or a multicooker if what you mainly need is programmable cooking that requires less supervision. Before you decide, check the usable capacity, footprint, included accessories and the terms for accessing guided recipes.
For stews, rice, soups or steaming during the week, a multicooker or cooking food processor is better suited to a routine where you want to minimise intervention once cooking has started. Que Choisir distinguishes between cooking managed by the appliance and preparation tasks alone.
If you already cook in conventional cookware but chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading takes time, a multifunction food processor is designed to handle these tasks directly. Que Choisir lists them among the preparation functions to compare between models.
A cooking food processor may be a good choice when several steps need to take place in the same bowl. However, compare usable capacity, the space required and the terms for accessing guided recipes for the model you choose.
Start with the tasks you repeat most often, then check that the capacity and storage arrangements suit your usual meals.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Active time and cooking | Identify the tasks handled by the appliance : chopping, grating, slicing, blending or kneading. Check the cooking programmes, timer and keep-warm function separately. | I want to reduce repetitive preparation tasks : a multifunction food processor could be suitable. If the main issue is keeping an eye on cooking, a multicooker or cooking food processor makes more sense. |
| Capacity and footprint | Compare usable capacity, not just the total volume. Measure the space available with the bowl and lid in place, then check the dimensions of the fully assembled appliance. | My appliance needs to remain accessible for everyday use while preparing our usual portions without requiring several batches. |
| Functions you will genuinely use | Check the accessories supplied and the programmes you will actually use. Distinguish preparation functions from cooking and connectivity features. | I would rather have an appliance focused on the tasks that slow me down than a collection of functions I rarely use. |
| Maintenance and service life | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe, the repair arrangements and the availability of parts for the exact reference. Also find out about take-back schemes for old electrical equipment. | Cleaning after every meal needs to be realistic, and I want to be able to plan for replacing or repairing my old appliance. |
A multifunction food processor may already chop, grate, slice, blend and knead. According to Que Choisir, it can take up less space when you are not looking for a cooking function.
List the three tasks you carry out most often in a typical week. If you already cook easily elsewhere, compare multifunction food processors first, along with the accessories actually included.
A multicooker’s cooking programmes may cover slow cooking, steaming, rice and keeping food warm, without demonstrating that it can grate, slice or chop ingredients.
Choose a multicooker to automate cooking, and keep a separate tool if chopping is your main bottleneck.
Product specifications sometimes distinguish between total and usable capacity, while dimensions can vary considerably from one model to another. The right capacity depends on your usual portions, not just occasional meals.
Compare usable capacity, the dimensions with the bowl assembled and the space available before comparing the number of programmes.
An appliance that is too large may lead you to cook in several batches or store it out of reach, limiting how often you use it.
Guided cooking can make it easier to follow each step, but apps, recipe libraries and access terms differ between brands and models.
Check the recipes available, the app terms and whether you genuinely want to follow guided recipes before making your final choice.
The Companion range brings together multifunction cooking food processors for people who want to prepare and cook in the same appliance, with programmes, accessories and a recipe app.
Magimix offers multifunction food processors for preparation, as well as Cook Expert models for households that want to add cooking within the same appliance family.
Instant Pot focuses on multicookers designed for people who want to combine several cooking methods in one pot.
Thermomix is a connected cooking food processor for people who prefer on-screen guided cooking and access to a recipe catalogue.
This Joybuy selection brings together cooking food processors for preparing and cooking in the same appliance, as well as multicookers for meals that mainly require programmable cooking.
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For households that want to prepare and then cook in the same appliance for several people.
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For reducing transfers between mixing, kneading, chopping, grating, steaming and slow cooking.
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For family meals where the main aim is to start cooking with less supervision.
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For cooking meals in one pot and reducing the need to monitor everyday cooking.
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For large batches of stews, rice, soups or steamed dishes using pre-set programmes.
Yes, if you mainly need to chop, grate, slice, blend, knead or whisk and already cook in a saucepan, frying pan or oven. It cannot replace an appliance that also provides programmable or autonomous cooking : for that, compare a cooking food processor or multicooker depending on the preparation tasks you need.
Measure the worktop and storage space with the bowl and lid in place, then compare these measurements with the dimensions of the exact model. Also check the usable capacity : Magimix, for example, states 1,3 L usable capacity from 3 L total for the CS 4200XL, compared with 3,8 L usable capacity for a 4,8 L bowl on the Cook Expert XL.
Yes, because they depend on the brand, model and service used. Moulinex presents a recipe app for certain Companion models, while Vorwerk links the TM7 to Cookidoo : check the terms shown when you buy and which recipes are available for the model you are considering.