Households preparing several portions
You grate, slice and chop several ingredients for meals or batch cooking. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a bowl size to suit your household’s needs. Also check that the necessary attachments are included.
Who are these options for?
People who knead and also want to chop
Making dough is still your main use, but you’d also like to chop or grate ingredients. A food preparation attachment is only useful if it’s compatible with the exact model of your stand mixer.
People with limited storage space
You want to keep the food processor and its discs within easy reach without permanently cluttering your worktop or cupboards. Before choosing a large bowl, work out where you’ll store the attachments and how you’ll clean them.
What should you look for?
Food processor
Consider this if: you often carry out several food preparation tasks in a row and don’t need to cook the ingredients.
Bear in mind: the appliance and its attachments need storage space.
Stand mixer with attachments
Consider this if: kneading is your priority and your machine accepts the food preparation attachments you want.
Bear in mind: these tasks require separate attachments, which you’ll need to store and clean.
Dedicated appliance
Consider this if: you mainly blend, chop or grate for one particular purpose and don’t need a large, versatile bowl.
Bear in mind: if your needs grow, you may need several appliances to carry out different tasks.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and consecutive tasks | Main bowl capacity, quantities specified in the instructions and attachments supplied for carrying out several tasks in a row. | When I prepare several portions, I want to avoid stopping to empty the bowl or switch appliances. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this need for capacity and continuity. |
| Kneading and additional food preparation | Compatible model numbers for the food processor and attachments, as well as the discs and blades actually included. | I knead regularly and would like to be able to chop or grate occasionally without choosing a second full-size food processor. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Storage and cleaning | Space required, storage solution supplied, cleaning instructions for each part and spare part model numbers. | If I have limited cupboard space and use the appliance often, I want to be able to store its attachments and clean it easily. Around 25% of consumers put these considerations first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the advertised number of functions
A list of functions doesn’t tell you which attachments come with the model you’re choosing. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol also distinguishes between basic functions and additional attachments supplied with the appliances it tests.
Make a note of the tasks you do each week, then check that the corresponding discs, blades or other attachments are included in the box.
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Choosing a large bowl without planning where to store it
You’ll need space for the food processor, its discs and its blades. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide highlights how much room these can take up. Some Moulinex models come with a box or basket, but the one you’re considering may not.
Measure the space available and check the dimensions of the appliance and attachments, as well as the storage supplied, before settling on a capacity.
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Confusing a repairability commitment with parts availability
A general statement about repairability doesn’t confirm that the bowl, lid or disc you might need is listed in the catalogue for the model you’ve chosen.
Make a note of the product and after-sales service model numbers, then check the manufacturer’s available parts and repair options.
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Ordering a stand mixer attachment without checking compatibility
You can only use an attachment’s chopping or blending functions if it’s compatible with your exact stand mixer model.
Before ordering, compare the full model numbers of the machine and attachment in the manufacturer’s documentation.
Brands to consider for these tasks
Magimix
Magimix’s range of food processors without cooking functions includes the Mini Plus, CS 3200 XL, CS 4200 XL and CS 5200 XL series.
- Magimix says that grating, slicing, chopping, blending and kneading functions vary by model.
- For the model you choose, check the capacity, included attachments, cleaning instructions and available spare parts.
Moulinex
The Double Force models offer different bowl sizes and storage solutions across the Moulinex range.
- Moulinex lists a 3 L bowl and storage box for the Double Force FP821811, and a 2.2 L bowl and basket for the Double Force Compact FP542111.
- For the FP542111, Moulinex says the attachments are dishwasher-safe, except for the motor unit. Don’t assume the same applies to another model.
Kenwood
Kenwood’s range includes the KAH65.009PL food processor attachment for people who want to add food preparation functions to a compatible stand mixer.
- According to Kenwood, this attachment includes discs and a blade for blending, chopping, slicing or grating, as well as a storage pouch.
- Before choosing this option, check that it’s compatible with your machine and check the quantities allowed in the attachment’s instructions.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a food processor or a cooking food processor to prepare ingredients?
Choose a food processor if you need to chop, mince, blend or knead without a cooking function. Then choose a bowl and attachments suited to the quantities you prepare and the tasks you actually repeat.
Are all food processor attachments dishwasher-safe?
No, cleaning instructions vary by model and part. For example, Moulinex says that the Double Force Compact FP542111 attachments are dishwasher-safe, except for the motor unit. Check the instructions for the model you’re planning to buy.
How can you check spare parts before buying?
Make a note of the exact food processor model, then look for the bowl, lid, blades and discs in the manufacturer’s spare parts catalogue. Spare parts pages are available for some Moulinex models, but check each item you may need to replace.