You prepare meals regularly
You want to combine grating, chopping, mincing or blending without adding a cooking function you don’t need.
Who is this choice for?
You need to clear your worktop
You’ll need to put the appliance away after use, so the space required for the bowl, lid, blades and discs matters just as much as the space needed for the motor unit.
You prepare different quantities
You switch between small amounts of sauce, vegetables and larger batches. The bowl’s usable capacity and whether it comes with a mini bowl can help you decide.
Which features should you prioritise?
If you regularly prepare meals without needing a cooking function, start with the tasks you want to combine, then check your available space and usual quantities. If you already own a stand mixer, also consider what compatible attachments could add.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Combining food preparation tasks | Check which attachments are included for mincing, grating, slicing or kneading, based on the tasks you usually do. | If you often grate and mince, having both functions in one appliance matters more than the number of functions advertised. Around 40% of consumers would put this range of tasks first. |
| Storing the whole appliance | Measure the space needed for the motor unit, bowl and attachments, as well as the available height. | If you need to clear your worktop after every meal, being able to store all the parts becomes essential. This would be the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Choosing the right capacity | Compare the total volume, usable capacity if stated, and any kneading limit; check whether a mini bowl is available. | If you switch between small amounts of sauce and meals for several people, the bowl’s actual usable capacity matters more than its stated volume. Around 20% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Keeping baking at the heart of your cooking | If you own a stand mixer, check that each attachment you’re considering is compatible and find out exactly what it can do. | If mixing dough and whisking are still your main uses, occasionally adding a chopping function may be more worthwhile than replacing your appliance. This would be the priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
-
Counting functions without checking the attachments
An extra task requires the right attachment. UFC-Que Choisir explains that it only tests additional functions when the relevant attachment is included.
For the model and pack you’re considering, compare the list of included parts with the dishes you actually make.
-
Measuring only the motor unit
The bowl, lid, blades and discs also need a safe, accessible place to go.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then decide where each attachment will be stored.
-
Confusing bowl volume with usable capacity
The total volume alone doesn’t tell you how much you can prepare: usable capacity and the maximum dough quantity may be different.
Compare these details with your usual recipes before choosing a bowl size.
If the bowl is too small for a particular recipe, you may have to prepare it in batches, which means more handling and washing up.
-
Assuming a stand mixer with attachments is the same as a food processor
Mincing, grating and chopping depend on the attachments you choose and whether they’re compatible with the mixer base.
If these are the tasks you mainly need, compare the functions actually covered and the space the whole setup takes up before choosing this option.
Attachments may need to be bought separately and will require extra storage space.
Brands to consider for your needs
Magimix
The CS 4200XL is an example of a model with several bowls, making it easy to switch between small and large batches.
- Magimix states that this model has a total bowl volume of 3 L, with a usable capacity of 1.3 L, as well as a mini bowl and food preparation attachments.
- Check that its dimensions of 431 × 213 × 272 mm and the storage space needed for its attachments suit your kitchen.
Bosch
The MultiTalent 8 range is worth considering if you prepare larger quantities, but don’t assume every model comes with the same attachments.
- Bosch states that the MC812M844 has a 3.9 L bowl and can handle up to 1.5 kg of dough.
- Check the exact model number: included attachments and washing instructions may vary from one model to another.
Kenwood
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY is worth considering if space is a key factor in your choice.
- Kenwood lists two discs and a direct-feed Express Serve for this model.
- For kneading with the MultiPro Go, Kenwood’s guide specifies 250 g of flour, 150 g of water and a maximum kneading time of 30 seconds. Check whether this suits your recipes.
Moulinex
The DoubleForce Compact FP544111 is another model to compare if you want to combine food preparation tasks.
- Moulinex lists seven attachments for this model; check that they suit the way you cook.
- Moulinex’s repairability commitment doesn’t remove the need to check whether the specific replacement part you might need is available.
KitchenAid
Attachments are mainly worth considering if you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer and want to add food preparation tasks.
- KitchenAid offers attachments for mincing, grating and various types of slicing.
- Check that the attachments are compatible with your mixer base and find out what’s needed for each task; they’re sold separately from the stand mixer.
Two food preparation appliances on Joybuy
These two appliances are suited to different needs: the Livoo DOP250N is presented as a food processor, while the Robby combines a stand mixer, a blender and a meat mincer. Start by deciding which tasks you need to cover, then check what’s included with the model you choose.
Image unavailable
Livoo DOP250N food processor, 1.5 L, 600 W, black
Worth considering if you want to combine several food preparation tasks rather than add more appliances. Before buying, check that the included attachments cover your priority tasks, that the usable capacity suits your needs and that you have space to store everything.
Image unavailable
Robby stand mixer, 5 L, 1,000 W, 1.5 L glass blender and meat mincer
Consider this model if you need to work with dough, blend ingredients and mince meat. If you also need to grate or slice vegetables, check exactly which attachments are included in the pack and make sure you have space for everything. The product description recommends hand washing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor replace a cooking food processor?
It can combine food preparation tasks, but it won’t replace the cooking or slow-cooking functions of a cooking food processor. If you already have ways to cook your food, focus on whether the included attachments can handle the slicing and mixing you need, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
What bowl capacity should I choose for preparing several portions?
Compare your usual quantities with the usable capacity and any specific dough limits, not just the total volume. For example, Magimix states that the CS 4200XL has a total volume of 3 L but a usable capacity of 1.3 L; Bosch lists a 3.9 L bowl and a capacity of up to 1.5 kg of dough for the MC812M844. These figures relate to two specific models and measure different things.
Are all the attachments dishwasher-safe?
Don’t assume every part of a food processor has the same washing instructions: check the manual for your chosen model and each individual part. Bosch states that some parts of the MC812W501 are dishwasher-safe, while Kenwood lists certain dishwasher-safe parts for the FDP23.140GY. These instructions don’t automatically apply to other models.
How can I check spare parts before buying?
Search for the exact model number on the manufacturer’s website, then check the availability of the parts that matter for your needs, such as the bowl, lid, blades or discs. Magimix states that parts will be available for 30 years for the CS 4200XL, and Moulinex describes a 15-year repairability commitment for the DoubleForce Compact. These claims don’t confirm that every part is available immediately.