A food processor could be a good choice if you regularly grate, slice and chop, provided the model you choose includes the accessories you need and fits in your kitchen. If you mainly need it for one task, compare it with a dedicated appliance instead. And if you also want the appliance to cook, look at food cooking processors separately.
If grating, slicing and chopping crop up several times in your weekday meals, a food processor is worth comparing with the utensils you already use. Check that it comes with the discs and blades you need for these tasks.
Combining several functions in one appliance only saves space if you can easily store the bowl, motor unit and accessories at home. Measure the available space, particularly under your wall cupboards.
If you want more than chopping and mixing, compare the food preparation and cooking functions of a cooking food processor with those of the appliances you already own.
Start with the tasks you repeat every week, then check that each appliance’s accessories and size suit your portions and available space.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks covered | Check which blades and discs are included for chopping, grating and slicing. Check separately whether it comes with a blender or citrus juicer: Que Choisir only tests these functions on appliances equipped with the relevant accessories. | “I often prepare vegetables in different ways and want to know exactly which tasks the appliance can handle.” |
| Dedicated or multifunction appliance | Compare the tasks you do most often with the functions of your current appliances. If you mainly blend soups or chop small quantities, consider a hand blender or a dedicated chopper too. | “I regularly need it for just one task, so I’d rather avoid a large bowl and accessories I’d rarely use.” |
| Bowl and portion sizes | Distinguish between total volume and usable capacity where both are listed. Check the minimum and maximum quantities recommended for your recipes, and whether the appliance comes with a mini bowl. | “I want to prepare my usual portions, including a small sauce, without relying on the advertised litre capacity alone.” |
| Storage and cleaning | Measure the available height and depth, and allow space for the accessories too. Check which parts of the exact model you’re considering are dishwasher-safe and whether replacement parts are available. | “My worktop space is limited, and I want to be able to put the appliance away and clean it after an everyday meal.” |
| Cooking | Decide whether you only want to prepare ingredients or also cook them in the appliance. For a cooking food processor, check the cooking modes, accessories and usable capacity for your portions. | “I’d like the appliance to handle some of the cooking too; a food processor that only prepares ingredients wouldn’t meet my needs.” |
A blender, citrus juicer and extra discs depend on the equipment supplied with the specific model. The range name alone doesn’t tell you what’s in the box.
Make a note of the tasks you do most often, then check each accessory included with the version you’re considering.
Total volume and usable capacity can differ. For example, Magimix lists a total volume of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1,3 L for the CS 4200XL; these figures don’t describe the same amount of food.
Compare the usable capacity and recommended quantities with your portion sizes, then measure the space you’ll need for the appliance and its accessories.
Cooking serves a different purpose from grating, slicing or chopping ingredients before cooking them with your usual equipment.
Consider this category if you genuinely plan to use the cooking function. Otherwise, compare food preparation appliances that don’t cook first.
A damaged bowl, lid or accessory can limit how much you use your food processor, even if the motor unit still works.
Before you decide, check that replacement parts are available for the exact model and look into repair options.
These details apply to the models listed, not to every appliance from each brand.
The CS 4200XL is an example of a food processor supplied with several bowls.
The MultiPro Go FDP22.140GY is designed for kitchens where storage is an important consideration.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3200W combines several food preparation tasks in a bowl-style food processor.
The Companion HF840110 is an option if you need a cooking food processor that can cook as well as prepare ingredients.
This option is for food preparation without cooking. It’s worth considering if you want to chop, slice or grate ingredients for your weekday meals.
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This model combines the chopping, slicing and grating functions you need to prepare ingredients for a meal. Its listing states a power rating of 750 W and a 1,8 L bowl. Check the usable capacity for your portions, the dimensions for your storage space, and the exact list of discs and other accessories included.
No. These functions require the relevant accessories. Que Choisir, for example, explains that it only tests smoothie-making on appliances fitted with a blender. Check what’s included with the model you’re considering.
Start by comparing the usable capacity and recommended quantities for your recipes, rather than looking at total volume alone. Magimix lists a total volume of 3 L but a usable capacity of 1,3 L for the CS 4200XL, while Bosch lists a 2,3 L bowl for the MCM3200W.
Consider a cooking food processor if you want to prepare and cook ingredients in the appliance. Moulinex says its Companion combines chopping, mixing and cooking. If you already cook on your hob and mainly want to grate or chop, compare food preparation appliances without a cooking function instead.
ADEME classifies food processors as small electrical appliances. Depending on its condition, first consider having it repaired or donating it, then look for a suitable collection point near you.