Anyone who prepares vegetables and sauces in advance
If you grate, slice, chop and blend ingredients for several recipes, check which discs are included, the bowl size and how many parts you’ll need to wash after each session.
Who are these appliances for?
Households that make dough, too
For bread, pizza or cakes, kneading and whisking are also important when choosing an appliance. A stand mixer with a food processor attachment can handle these tasks as well as chopping, provided the version you choose includes the tools you need.
Anyone short on space or mainly blending
If you mainly make soups, sauces or blended drinks, a blender is a more focused choice. If you also need to grate or slice, check the accessories supplied with a compact food processor instead.
What should you look for before choosing?
Start with the tasks you do regularly, then compare the quantities you prepare and the parts you’ll need to store and clean.
| Criterion | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks | Check which tools are provided for grating, slicing, chopping, blending or kneading. Distinguish between the appliance’s built-in functions and those that require an accessory. | I mainly prepare grated and sliced vegetables, so I need the corresponding discs. If I only blend sauces and soups, a blender is worth considering. |
| Capacity | Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, and check the maximum dough capacity if you knead. The bowl’s total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much you can actually use. | I want to prepare my portions without having to work in several batches, but I don’t need a large bowl for every small sauce. |
| Accessories included | Check what’s in the box for the exact model and version: discs, blade, whisk, dough hook or an additional bowl. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the appliance’s basic functions and those performed using additional accessories in its testing protocol. | I want the tools I need for my usual recipes to be included from the start. |
| Storage | Check the appliance’s dimensions and how much space its bowls, discs and blades will take up. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing accessories you’ll use and making sure you have space to store them. | My worktop space is limited, so I need to be able to store the appliance and easily find the parts I use. |
| Cleaning | Check the manual to find out which parts are dishwasher-safe and how to take them apart. When comparing models, also look at durability and cleaning test results. | After preparing several dishes, I’d rather know how to clean the bowls and blades before choosing an appliance. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the advertised number of functions
A function may depend on an additional accessory or a specific version. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol distinguishes between the basic accessories and the additional accessories supplied with the models tested.
Make a list of the dishes you prepare regularly, then check which blades, discs, bowls and tools are included with the exact model you’re considering.
Additional accessories also mean more parts to store and clean.
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Comparing only the bowls’ total capacity
Usable capacity can differ from total capacity, and a small bowl may mean preparing a large quantity in several batches.
Compare your usual quantities with the stated usable capacity and, for dough, the maximum dough capacity specified.
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Forgetting about the accessories once the appliance is put away
Bowls, lids, discs and blades all need suitable storage and cleaning. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering how you’ll store the accessories when choosing a food processor.
Measure the available space and check whether you can store the parts you’ll use together. Consult the manual for cleaning instructions.
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Expecting a blender to grate or knead
A blender designed for blending won’t, by itself, provide the chopping discs or kneading tool needed for those tasks.
If grating, slicing or kneading is part of your regular meal prep, choose an appliance whose version on sale includes the relevant tools.
A few brands to consider
Bosch
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3201B is a compact model worth considering for chopping, mincing and blending.
- Bosch lists a 2.3 L bowl, a dough capacity of up to 0.8 kg and space to store several accessories inside the bowl for the MCM3201B.
- Check the accessories and cleaning instructions for the exact model: the MCM3201B’s specifications don’t apply to every Bosch model.
Magimix
The CS 5200XL is a useful example of the difference between a bowl’s total capacity and the amount you can use when preparing several dishes.
- Magimix lists a total capacity of 3.6 L and a usable capacity of 1.8 L for the CS 5200XL, as well as a 30-year motor guarantee and parts availability.
- Check what’s included with the version you choose before counting on a particular slicing kit.
Kenwood
The Multi Tasker KHC30.070GY combines stand mixer tools with food preparation accessories.
- For this model, Kenwood lists a 4.3 L bowl, a baking kit, a food processor bowl with blades and three discs, a 1.5 L blender and a mincer.
- Check which accessories are included and which compatible extras are sold separately.
Moulinex
The Perfectmix+ blender is worth considering if you mainly make blended recipes.
- Moulinex lists a 2 L bowl with a usable capacity of 1.5 L, removable blades and a dishwasher-safe bowl for this model.
- For grating, slicing or kneading, look for the relevant tools in a different type of appliance.
Joybuy blending options
These three blenders are mainly suited to recipes you prepare in advance that involve blending. If slicing with discs or kneading is central to your cooking, choose an appliance equipped for those tasks.
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Ninja Detect Power Blender BlendSense, 1200 W, 2-in-1 set
Worth considering if you mainly blend ingredients, with a set that includes a jug and a single-serve cup. The stated power is 1200 W; if you regularly grate, slice or knead, look instead for the tools supplied with a food processor.
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Bear LLJ-B12K1, 1.2 L blender, 500 W
Worth a look for blending and the small chopping or grinding tasks this appliance is designed for. The model is listed with two speeds, a pulse function and four stainless steel blades. If you often grate or slice, check that a disc-equipped food processor has the tools you need.
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Cecotec Power Black Titanium 1300Max, 1.5 L blender, 1300 W
For recipes that mainly involve blending, this model is listed with two speeds, four blades and an ice-crushing function. Check the usable capacity and cleaning instructions for the portions you make; grating, slicing and kneading require different tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is a food processor useful if I don’t want to cook with it?
Yes, if you need to prepare ingredients without a cooking function. Choose one based on the tasks you do regularly — chopping, grating, slicing or kneading — and the tools actually included.
How can I tell whether the discs or blender are included?
Check what’s in the box for the exact model and version, rather than relying on the list of functions for the product range. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between basic and additional accessories in its food processor testing protocol.
Are all the parts dishwasher-safe?
Don’t assume they are: check the manual for each model and accessory. UFC-Que Choisir advises that the appliance’s main unit must not be immersed in water; unplug it before cleaning.
What should I check if I want to be able to get my food processor repaired?
Check parts availability and the service terms stated for the specific model. Magimix, for example, lists parts availability for 30 years for the CS 5200XL; this applies to that model, not every food processor.