Choose a cooking food processor if you want to chop, blend, knead and cook in the same appliance, while accepting that it will generally take up more space. A multifunctional food processor is better suited to slicing, blending and baking when you already have a cooking appliance; a multicooker focuses on automating the cooking process, but usually leaves chopping and mixing to be done separately.
You want to chop, blend, mix and cook recipes in one continuous sequence to reduce everyday preparation. A cooking food processor or, if your priority is scheduled cooking, a multicooker can be compared with the appliances already in your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir notably distinguishes between the cooking functions of a cooking food processor and those of a multicooker.
You need to balance versatility against the appliance’s actual size. A multifunctional food processor may be suitable if you do not need integrated cooking, but its accessories also require storage space. According to UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide, multifunctional food processors without cooking functions are generally more compact.
A multifunctional or cooking food processor becomes particularly useful if grating, slicing, chopping, kneading, whisking and blending are among your most frequent tasks. Check that the discs and tools you need are included with the version you choose.
Start with the tasks you carry out most often, then compare the usable capacity, the space the appliance actually occupies and the accessories you need.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions you will genuinely use | Check integrated cooking, chopping and grating tools, kneading, automatic mixing and steaming separately. Also check the exact accessories included. | I want to avoid buying an appliance that automates just one step while chopping or mixing remains part of my daily routine. A multifunctional food processor does not necessarily cook; a multicooker generally does not replace food-preparation tools. |
| Capacity and size | Compare usable capacity rather than total volume alone. Measure the space needed with the bowl, lid and accessories fitted, then allow room to store them. | My portions must suit my household without turning the worktop or cupboards into storage space. A multicooker pot requires a filling allowance depending on the recipe. |
| Cleaning and ease of use | Check which parts are specifically dishwasher-safe, the restrictions listed in the instructions and any pre-cleaning programmes. To compare noise levels, look for measurements taken using the same testing method. | I want to use the appliance regularly, without discouraging cleaning or unnecessarily complicated programming. Guided recipes can make it easier to use, but check the conditions for accessing them. |
| Running costs and accessories | List the accessories needed for your recipes, any recipe services, trial conditions and parts compatibility. Distinguish the manufacturer’s repairability commitment from the statutory guarantee that applies to the seller. | The versatility I am looking for should not depend on extra purchases or a subscription that I do not want to keep using long term. |
A multifunctional food processor can chop, grate, slice, blend and knead without offering integrated cooking. Conversely, a multicooker mainly automates cooking and generally requires manual mixing; choosing one instead of the other may leave your main tasks unresolved.
Make a list of your last ten preparations and separate the chopping, mixing, cooking and steaming stages. Choose the solution that covers your most frequent tasks without leaving out an essential accessory.
The amount you can actually use may be lower than the stated capacity, particularly when a safety margin is required. An appliance that is too small means cooking several batches, while an oversized model takes up space without being used for every meal.
Compare usable capacity, the documented number of portions and your usual quantities. Also measure the appliance with the bowl, lid and accessories in place.
Guided recipes, browning or air-fryer-style functions, moulds and replacement parts can change the equipment you actually need and the storage space required.
Make a list of the accessories needed for your usual recipes and check subscriptions, trial periods, compatibility and available parts separately.
Claims that an appliance operates quietly are not enough to compare several appliances directly if the measurement conditions differ.
If noise is important to you, consult independent tests that state the sound level and testing method, or listen to the appliance in a demonstration.
Thermomix takes an all-in-one cooking food processor approach, combining food preparation and cooking with guided recipes via Cookidoo.
The range combines Companion cooking food processors with Cookeo multicookers, allowing you to choose between preparation with cooking and primarily scheduled cooking.
Cook Expert is designed as a large-capacity multifunctional cooking food processor, bringing together preparation, chopping and cooking with multifunctional bowls.
MultiPro is a multifunctional food processor without integrated cooking, aimed at households that prioritise chopping, blending, whisking and kneading.
This selection brings together Joybuy cooking food processors and multicookers suited to preparing a range of regular meals, depending on whether you are looking for preparation with cooking or mainly scheduled cooking.
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Worth considering if you want to combine mechanical preparation and cooking for regular meals, with a stated usable capacity of 3 L for 6 to 8 people.
The model features a large touchscreen, integrated scales and 750 recipes. Measuring 40 × 26 × 36 cm and weighing a stated 9.4 kg, it needs a stable location; also check the conditions for accessing recipes via Wi‑Fi.
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This cooking food processor may be suitable for carrying out chopping, grating, mixing, kneading, steaming and slow cooking in one appliance.
Its 3.5 L bowl, touchscreen and 680 recipes are stated to support preparations for up to six people. Compare this capacity with your usual quantities and check the arrangements for recipes or Wi‑Fi updates.
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An option for households mainly looking to automate the cooking of a range of dishes in one pot.
The model lists a 5.7 L capacity, up to six portions and pressure-cooking, slow-cooking, sauté and steaming programmes. You will need separate utensils for chopping, grating, kneading or mixing; follow the filling limits for pressure cooking.
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This multicooker is designed for everyday cooking in one pot, with stated programmes for pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, steaming, sautéing and yoghurt.
The stated capacity is 3.8 L and the dimensions are 35.1 × 31.8 × 25.6 cm. It does not replace a chopping or kneading food processor; check reference RIPC41-BK if power is an important consideration.
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Worth considering for scheduled cooking of large quantities, with a stated capacity of 8 L and up to ten portions.
The model lists 12 programmes, a 24-hour delayed start, keep-warm for up to 12 hours and a steaming basket. Chopping, grating, kneading and automatic mixing still need to be done separately; check the usable capacity and filling limits.
Not for every task. A multicooker is mainly designed to cook, brown, slow-cook, sear or schedule recipes, and it does not generally mix food. If you often grate, slice, chop or knead, plan to use a separate food-preparation processor or choose a cooking food processor that includes these functions.
Compare the usable capacity where it is provided, rather than looking only at the total volume. With a multicooker, a safety margin is needed to prevent spills; UFC-Que Choisir, for example, states that a 6 L Cookeo pot can cook a maximum of 4 L. Also check the instructions for any minimum quantities.
No, it depends on the brand and model. Vorwerk states that new TM7 customers require a Cookidoo subscription after a three-month offer for new subscribers, while Moulinex presents free apps for Companion XL and Cookeo+ on its product pages. Check the applicable terms when you buy.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. It is enforced against the professional seller; the manufacturer’s commercial warranty may be added but does not replace it.