If you regularly prepare vegetables, sauces and dough in large quantities, choose a food processor based on the usable capacity for your recipes, the accessories included and the space you have available, rather than the number of functions alone. A large bowl is worth considering if you often cook in batches; a compact model is easier to store, but may mean preparing mixtures in several batches. If you mainly use one type of preparation, compare a food processor with a specialist appliance too.
You prepare vegetables, sauces or dough for several meals. The amount you can process at a time matters just as much as the advertised functions. In particular, check the usable capacity and, for dough, the maximum quantity allowed.
You switch between chopping, slicing, blending and sometimes kneading. Checking the tools supplied with the exact model will tell you more about whether it suits your recipes than the total number of functions.
You want to keep the appliance within easy reach without giving up too much space to the food processor and its accessories. Compare its dimensions, storage requirements and the parts you’ll need to clean after making your usual recipes.
For food preparation without built-in cooking, start with the quantities and tasks you repeat most often, then check that the food processor will fit in your kitchen.
Worth considering: if you regularly prepare several portions and want to mix or knead larger quantities.
The trade-off: the bowl’s total volume doesn’t tell you how much sauce or dough you can process, and you’ll need to keep the appliance somewhere accessible.
Worth considering: if storage is your priority and your mixtures will fit in a small bowl. Some models can also slice or grate directly into a separate container.
The trade-off: slicing or grating into a separate container doesn’t give the bowl the capacity of a large model for blending or kneading.
Worth comparing: if kneading, blending or slicing makes up most of what you do and a dedicated appliance meets the requirements of that task.
The trade-off: each appliance needs its own storage space and maintenance. Que Choisir points out that a food processor won’t necessarily deliver the same results across all its functions.
| Feature | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for larger batches | Compare the usable capacity, if stated, and the maximum dough quantity. Check whether you can slice or grate into a separate container. | If you’re preparing several meals in advance, having to split every mixture or batch of vegetables can make cooking more complicated. Around 33% of consumers say processing capacity is their top priority. |
| Accessories to suit your recipes | Check the list of parts included with the exact model, particularly the slicing discs and dough tool if you plan to use them. | If you switch between vegetable, sauce and dough recipes, it’s important to have the right tools from the outset rather than relying on a long list of functions. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having the right accessories. |
| Storage space and cleaning | Measure the space you have, including room for the accessories, and check which parts are dishwasher-safe. | In a small kitchen, taking out and cleaning lots of parts after every use can make an appliance less convenient for everyday cooking. Around 20% of consumers put easy storage and cleaning first. |
| Dough and specific textures | Check which tool is designed for your preparation, its quantity limits and, if the result is crucial, test results for the exact model. | If dough or sauces feature regularly on your menu, you may want to prioritise the results for those tasks over the advertised versatility. Around 20% of consumers put kneading or achieving a particular texture first. |
A large number on the bowl doesn’t guarantee that you can fit an entire recipe inside. For example, Magimix states that the CS 4200 XL has a total bowl capacity of 3 L, but a usable capacity of 1.3 L.
Compare the usable capacity, where stated, and the maximum dough quantity with the amounts in your usual recipes.
Grating, slicing and kneading all require the right accessories. What’s included varies by model: some Magimix accessory sets are sold separately, while Moulinex lists the parts supplied with the Double Force FP827E10.
Make a list of the dishes you prepare most often and check that the accessories you need for each one are included before choosing a model.
Rated power alone isn’t enough to judge how well an appliance grates, blends or kneads. Que Choisir tests each of these functions separately.
For the task that matters most to you, check the accessory, quantity limits and, if necessary, independent test results for the exact model.
A food processor that’s difficult to take out or put away can be inconvenient, even if its functions suit your recipes. On the other hand, a small bowl may mean having to prepare several batches.
Measure the space you have and check where the parts can be stored, as well as their cleaning instructions.
The MultiTalent 8 range may appeal to households looking for a large bowl and a choice of food-preparation tools. Bosch says the MC812M844 has a 3.9 L bowl and can handle up to 1.5 kg of dough.
The Cuisine Système XL range is worth comparing if you want to know exactly which slicing and food-preparation tools are included.
The Double Force range may suit households looking to bring several slicing, mixing and kneading tasks together in one appliance.
The MultiPro Go range is aimed primarily at people short on storage space. Kenwood lists the FDP23.140GY with a 1.3 L bowl and a height of around 30 cm.
These models are for food preparation without built-in cooking. Compare them based on the quantities you make and the recipes you cook: their bowls and tools aren’t all designed for the same tasks.
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Worth considering if you want one food processor for slicing, mixing and preparing dough. For larger batches, compare the bowl’s actual usable capacity of 1.5 L and the permitted quantities with your recipes.
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Worth comparing if you mainly prepare vegetables and sauces: the product name mentions a blender, chopper and slicing or grating discs. Check which parts are actually included, the bowl’s usable capacity of 1.8 L and the cleaning instructions for each component.
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Worth considering if dough and large mixtures matter more to you than slicing vegetables. The product is listed with a 5 L bowl, a 1.5 L glass blender and a meat mincer. Check the permitted quantities and which slicing tools are included. Hand-wash the parts in line with the stated instructions.
Look for suitable grating and slicing discs, a blending tool that works for your sauces and a dough tool that’s explicitly included if you plan to make dough. What comes in the box varies by model: a high number of functions doesn’t guarantee that every accessory is included.
No. The total volume isn’t necessarily the usable capacity for a particular preparation. For example, Magimix states a total capacity of 3 L but a usable capacity of 1.3 L for the CS 4200 XL. If you plan to knead, check the maximum dough quantity too.
Not necessarily: check the instructions for each part of the version you’re buying. Kenwood lists the bowl, lid, blade and discs among the dishwasher-safe parts of the FDP23.140GY, but that doesn’t apply to every food processor.
The food processors covered here are designed to prepare ingredients without cooking them. Depending on their accessories, they can chop, grate, blend or knead, among other tasks. If you want to cook in the same appliance, compare the features of a cooking food processor instead.
You may be able to claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity from the professional seller if the product doesn’t conform to its description. According to France’s Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, you have two years to make a claim for both new and second-hand goods. Any commercial warranty is in addition to, and does not replace, this statutory guarantee.