If your appliances already take care of cooking, choose a food processor without a cooking function if you regularly grate, slice, chop or mix ingredients. A compact model suits smaller quantities and limited storage space; several attachments are worth having if you’ll use them often, while a dedicated tool may be enough for a single task. Before choosing, compare usable capacity, the attachments included, how they can be stored and how easy they are to clean.
Your oven, hob or multicooker takes care of cooking, but preparing ingredients is time-consuming. A food processor without a cooking function is worth considering if you regularly repeat several tasks, such as chopping, grating and mixing. Que Choisir recommends taking the appliances you already own into account before buying.
If you’ll need to put the food processor away in a cupboard or drawer after every meal, check its height, usable capacity and how much space its attachments take up. A large bowl is of little use if you can’t easily store the whole set.
Grating, slicing, chopping and then kneading can make several attachments useful, provided they’re included with the model you choose. Que Choisir distinguishes between basic functions and additional functions, which depend on the attachments supplied.
Start with the tasks you actually repeat, then consider the space available and how much cleaning you’re prepared to do. If you mainly need it for one task, compare a dedicated tool too, rather than assuming a food processor with more features will suit you better.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Useful tasks | Identify the tasks you repeat and check that the exact model includes the discs, knife or tools you need. | If I often grate, slice and chop, I want to handle these tasks without adding a cooking function that’s already covered elsewhere. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise these preparation tasks. |
| Space and capacity | Compare usable capacity with the quantities you prepare, then measure the space needed for the food processor and its attachments. | In a kitchen where every bit of storage matters, I want an appliance that’s easy to get out and large enough for my usual portions. Space would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and lifespan | Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and what parts availability is stated for the exact model. | If cleaning lots of parts puts me off, I’d rather choose a set-up I can maintain regularly and find out what repair options are available. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
A cooking food processor meets a different need from chopping or mixing. If your existing appliances already cover cooking, its functions may be redundant; Que Choisir advises starting with the appliances you already own.
List the preparation tasks that slow you down before deciding whether a food processor without a cooking function—or simply a dedicated tool—is right for you.
An extra function is only useful if the relevant attachment is included and suitable for the food you prepare. Que Choisir notes that its tests of additional functions depend on the relevant attachments being supplied.
Check the list of parts for the exact model and focus on the ones you’ll use regularly.
The total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll be able to process. The food processor and its parts also need to be easy to access and store if they’re to be practical for everyday use.
Compare the stated usable capacity with your usual portions and measure the space available for the appliance and its attachments.
Any stated parts availability period or repairability commitment applies to the models and conditions specified by the manufacturer. It won’t necessarily cover other models in the range.
Check which commitment applies to the model you’re buying and distinguish it from the statutory guarantee you’re entitled to from the seller.
The CS 4200XL is for people who use several food-preparation tools but don’t need a cooking function.
The Double Force FP827E10 may suit people looking for a food processor with a wide range of attachments.
The MultiPro Go FDP23.140GY is designed for compact storage and smaller preparations.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3531M pairs a medium-sized bowl with attachments that can be stored inside it.
These two options meet different needs: the ochama food processor combines several preparation tasks, while the Mastrad mandoline focuses on slicing, grating and julienne cuts. Choose according to the tasks you actually plan to do.
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Worth considering if you want to chop, slice, grate and blend with one appliance, without needing a cooking function.
The product title lists 750 W of power, a 1,8 L capacity, a blender, a chopper and slicing and grating discs. Check the usable capacity, dimensions and attachments included with the set you choose. Also check which parts are dishwasher-safe.
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Worth considering if you mainly need to slice, grate or cut ingredients into julienne strips. This mandoline isn’t a substitute for a food processor’s chopping and mixing functions.
The product title lists six stainless steel blades and an adjustable thickness of 1 to 9 mm. Hand washing is recommended; use the hand guard and handle the blades with care.
Yes, if you mainly want to prepare ingredients rather than add another cooking function. Que Choisir presents a food processor without a cooking function as an option for people who already have other appliances; still, check that its tools suit the tasks you regularly do.
Start with the ones your recipes need: discs for grating or slicing, a knife for chopping, and then perhaps a dough tool or whisk. What’s included varies by model; Que Choisir only assesses additional functions when the corresponding attachments are supplied.
It depends on the model and the individual parts. Kenwood lists dishwasher-safe parts for the FDP23.140GY, while Bosch lists dishwasher-safe parts for the MCM3531M. Check the instructions for the model you choose before washing its bowls, blades and attachments.
If a product doesn’t match its description, you may be able to rely on the statutory guarantee of conformity with the business seller. The Ministry of the Economy explains that this mandatory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep the product description and proof of purchase to support your claim.