What matters for your meals?
First decide whether you want to combine preparation and cooking, hand over most of the cooking, or keep these tasks separate. Then check the appliance you’re considering against the quantities you prepare, the space you have available and the parts you’ll need to clean.
| What to consider |
What to check |
Who is it for? |
| Preparing and cooking together |
Compare the tasks you do each week and the accessories included, such as a blade, mixer or steaming basket, depending on the model. |
I want to move from chopping or mixing to cooking without switching appliances for my usual dishes. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise bringing these steps together. |
| Handing over the cooking |
Check which cooking modes suit your dishes and which preparation steps you’ll still need to do with other tools. |
When the ingredients are ready, I mainly want to spend less time watching over the cooking. This would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Capacity and space |
Distinguish between the bowl’s usable capacity, its total volume and the capacity of a steaming accessory. Also measure how much space you’ll need while using it. |
I prepare several portions at once, but the appliance needs to fit in my kitchen without getting in the way of everyday tasks. Around 20% of consumers would put this balance first. |
| Cleaning and lifespan |
Check which parts are removable, how they should be washed and the service terms stated for the specific model. |
If washing it after every meal becomes a chore, I may use the appliance less, even if it has lots of functions. Easy cleaning would be the main requirement for around 20% of consumers. |
A food processor without a cooking function is still an option if chopping, grating or kneading takes up most of your time and you’re happy with the appliances you already use for cooking. Keeping several specialist tools can also make sense if you use their functions regularly, as long as you’re happy with the extra handling and storage. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a versatile appliance won’t necessarily excel at every function.
Brands to consider
These ranges show different ways to bring kitchen tasks together or keep them separate. Always check the specifications of the model you’re interested in.
Moulinex
The Companion HF840110 and Cookeo+ CE851A10 let you compare two Moulinex approaches: a food processor that combines preparation and cooking, and a multicooker focused on cooking.
- Moulinex lists a usable capacity of 3 L and five accessories for the Companion HF840110. For the Cookeo+ CE851A10, the brand specifies six cooking modes and a 6 L bowl.
- The Cookeo+ cooking modes shouldn’t be mistaken for chopping or grating functions. For the Companion, check the accessories and washing instructions for the model on sale.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 is aimed at people who want a cooking food processor with guided recipes on screen and are considering using the Cookidoo ecosystem.
- Vorwerk lists a 2,2 L bowl and a 6,8 L Varoma for steaming with the TM7.
- These two volumes are for different uses. Before choosing this model, also check the terms for accessing the recipes you’re interested in.
Magimix
Depending on the configuration, the Cook Expert range combines cooking in a bowl with food preparation functions such as grating, slicing, chopping, kneading and whisking.
- Magimix lists a usable capacity of 2,5 L for the standard Cook Expert and 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect.
- For the XL Connect, the 30-year motor warranty advertised by Magimix doesn’t provide the same cover as its three-year parts and labour warranty. Also consider how much space this model needs.
Appliances for preparing or cooking food
These Joybuy models cover two of the options discussed here: cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, followed by multicookers that focus on cooking. Start by deciding which task you want the appliance to handle. Their capacities and functions can’t be compared as if they all used the same type of bowl.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with XL bowl, scales and touchscreen
Worth considering if you want to combine preparation and cooking for your regular meals.
The product name mentions built-in scales, a large touchscreen and 750 recipes. To get a sense of everyday cleaning, check which parts of the configuration on sale are dishwasher-safe.
View on Joybuy
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Robby multifunction cooking food processor with scales and touchscreen
An option to look at if preparing food in the same appliance you use to cook matters more to you than guided cooking alone.
The product name lists 680 recipes. Before deciding how much to prepare, check the bowl’s usable capacity and the washing instructions for each part.
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Instant Pot Rio XL, 7-in-1 7,1 L multicooker
Worth comparing if you mainly want an appliance to cook several portions.
The product name specifies a stainless steel bowl. If you also want to chop, grate or knead in the appliance, check for those functions separately rather than assuming they’re included because it has cooking modes.
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Instant Pot Classic Daydream Blue, 7-in-1 5,7 L multicooker
Worth a look if your priority is choosing cooking modes for everyday meals while keeping separate tools for preparation.
The product name mentions slow cooking, steaming and four customisable presets. Measure the available space before choosing this model.
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Midea, black 9-in-1 8 L multicooker
Worth considering if you cook large quantities and are mainly looking for cooking programmes.
The product name lists 1 200 W, 12 preset menus and a non-stick bowl. Before use, check the dimensions and cleaning instructions, as well as the voltage and plug for the model on sale.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a cooking food processor replace a food processor?
Not for every task: a cooking food processor combines food preparation and cooking, while a food processor without a cooking function leaves cooking to another appliance. Accessories vary between models, so check for grating, slicing or kneading functions in particular if you use them often.
What capacity should I look for when cooking several portions?
Check the usable capacity of the component you’ll use to prepare the dish, rather than comparing the stated volumes alone. Moulinex lists 3 L of usable capacity for the Companion HF840110, while Magimix lists 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect. The capacity of a steaming accessory or a multicooker bowl is for a different use.
How can I assess how easy an appliance is to clean before buying?
Check which parts you’ll need to wash after each use for the dishes you usually make, then read the instructions for the exact model. A general statement that an appliance is dishwasher-safe doesn’t necessarily tell you whether every accessory can go in the dishwasher.
Does a manufacturer’s warranty replace your statutory rights in France?
No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, and is claimed from the seller. A commercial warranty from the manufacturer or retailer is separate: check exactly what it covers and keep your proof of purchase.