If your current appliances already take care of cooking, start by thinking about which preparation tasks take up your time. A food processor can combine chopping, grating or blending without adding a cooking function, while a cooking food processor is only worth considering if you also plan to cook in it. Before replacing your separate appliances, compare the accessories actually included, the storage space you’ll need and the parts that need washing.
If you’re happy with your hob, oven or multi-cooker, focus on the chopping, grating and mincing tasks you’d like to combine. According to Que Choisir, what sets a cooking food processor apart is its cooking function, which could duplicate what your current appliances already do.
If you regularly grate, slice, chop or blend, a food processor is worth considering when the model comes with the attachments you need. Que Choisir assesses additional functions in its tests when the relevant accessories are included with the appliance.
If you often knead dough or whisk, a stand mixer may be a better fit for your main needs. Que Choisir recommends considering how often you make these preparations. Check the accessories separately if you also want to chop vegetables.
Take stock of your appliances, then start with the task you genuinely want to make easier. Cooking, preparing ingredients, storage and kneading don’t necessarily call for the same equipment.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid duplicating cooking functions | List your cooking appliances and consider whether cooking directly in the processor would save you a troublesome step. | My hob and oven already meet my needs; I don’t want to add another cooking function. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise avoiding this duplication. |
| Make ingredient preparation easier | Check which blades and discs are included for the jobs you do often, such as chopping, grating or slicing. | I prepare vegetables regularly and want to avoid changing utensils at every stage; around 27% of consumers would make this convenience their priority. |
| Reduce storage and washing-up | Allow space for the base, bowls and accessories, and check which parts are dishwasher-safe. | I have limited cupboard space and don’t want lots of parts to clean after a small amount of preparation. Around 19% of consumers would put this constraint first. |
| Knead and whisk regularly | Compare the bowl capacity with the quantities you usually make, and check which tools are included and whether the accessories you want are compatible. | I often bake bread or cakes and want an appliance that’s suited to these tasks first and foremost; around 18% of consumers would make this their main need. |
What you can do depends on what comes with the model you choose. Que Choisir only tests additional functions when the relevant accessories are supplied.
Make a note of the preparations you do often, then check each one against the list of included parts.
According to Que Choisir, the cooking function is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a standard food processor. It could duplicate what your current appliances do if they already cover the cooking methods you use.
Before choosing this option, ask yourself which integrated cooking step you’d genuinely use.
Bowls, lids and discs also take up space and need cleaning. A large bowl may be impractical for the small preparations you usually make.
Measure the space available for all the parts, and choose a bowl capacity that suits the quantities you prepare.
How long spare parts are available may depend on the specific model. A range with a parts catalogue doesn’t guarantee that every component for the model you’re considering is listed.
Search for the exact model reference and check which parts are available, as well as the stated availability period for that appliance.
The brand offers food processors, cooking food processors and hand blenders; the right choice depends on the model and the accessories supplied.
The Cook Expert Connect is worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking.
Its stand mixers are worth considering when kneading and whisking matter more to you than chopping.
The Thermomix TM7 is worth considering if integrated cooking and guided recipes suit the tasks you want to bring together.
These appliances cover several ways of preparing meals: a food processor without a cooking function, a cooking food processor, a hand blender with a chopper and a stand mixer geared towards baking. Start by choosing the function your kitchen is missing, then check what comes with the exact model.
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Worth considering if you also want to cook in the appliance, rather than simply replace food preparation tools.
The product name mentions a large touchscreen and 750 recipes. Check which accessories are included and how much space they’ll take up.
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Worth considering if chopping, slicing and grating are regular parts of your food preparation and you don’t need an integrated cooking function.
The product name mentions a blender, meat mincer and grating discs. Check exactly what’s included, the dimensions and the washing instructions for each part.
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Consider this if you plan to use the integrated cooking function as well as the preparation features; it could duplicate what your current appliances already do.
The product name mentions 680 recipes. Check which accessories are included for the preparations you have in mind.
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Worth considering for occasional blending and chopping without setting up a stand mixer; check whether these functions are enough for your needs.
The product name lists a maximum power of 1 200 W, a 700 ml beaker, a 500 ml chopper and a whisk. This doesn’t mean it can grate with a disc or knead dough.
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Worth considering if you’re mainly looking for an appliance to knead, mix or whisk regularly.
If you also want to chop or grate, check which accessories are included and which are compatible with the AK80.
It can handle food preparation, but it won’t offer the integrated cooking function of a standard cooking food processor. If your oven and hob already meet your cooking needs, focus on checking that the included accessories cover the tasks you want to make easier.
Compare the list of included accessories with the tasks you plan to do. Que Choisir notes that its tests assess additional functions only when the relevant accessories are supplied with the model.
Make room for the base and each bowl, lid and disc, then check the washing instructions for the model. Built-in storage can help keep some accessories together, but it won’t reduce the number of parts that need cleaning.
Search for the exact model reference in the manufacturer’s catalogue or with the retailer. Check which parts are available, how to order them and any stated availability period for that model, rather than relying on the brand’s reputation alone.