Households that prepare and cook meals regularly
You often work through several steps to make meals at home and want to know which ones a single appliance can genuinely handle.
Who is a food processor with a cooking function for?
Households that cook in larger quantities
You make family-sized portions or prepare several meals in advance. The usable quantity for your recipes matters more than the stated capacity alone.
Households that already have appliances
You’re happy with your cooking appliances and want to know whether assisted preparation would offer enough to justify buying another one.
Which features should you compare before buying?
| What matters | What to check | Who is most likely to prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Combining preparation and cooking | Compare the steps in your usual recipes with the functions and accessories included with the exact model. | When I often make dishes that go from chopping or mixing to cooking, I want to switch appliances less without creating more parts to clean. Around 29% of consumers prioritise combining these steps. |
| Making the right quantities | Check the usable capacity for your recipes and how much space the appliance and its accessories need. | For family-sized portions or several meals prepared in advance, I want to avoid making multiple batches and make sure the capacity suits the quantities I prepare. Around 23% of consumers put the quantity made per batch first. |
| Keeping washing-up to a minimum | Check the instructions for cleaning each part and note when you’ll need to change accessories between recipes. | If I cook often, I want to be able to clean the appliance and get it ready to use again without adding too many extra steps to every meal. Around 18% of consumers prioritise easy cleaning. |
| Keeping running costs under control | Check which recipes are available, whether any subscriptions apply, and which accessories are included or sold separately for your chosen model. | If I plan to use guided recipes or additional accessories, I want to know what extra costs might come on top of the purchase price. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the total cost of use. |
| Avoiding clutter and duplication | Measure the space available and compare the food processor’s functions with those of appliances you already own. | If I’m happy with my hob and oven, I want to avoid giving space to an appliance that would duplicate what I already have. Around 12% of consumers prioritise available space and how well an appliance complements their existing equipment. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing based on the bowl’s total capacity alone
The stated capacity doesn’t always match the quantity you can put in the bowl when cooking. For the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, Silvercrest states a 4.5 L bowl with a maximum fill level of 3 L.
Check the fill limit and instructions for the exact model, then compare them with the quantities in your recipes.
If the permitted quantity is less than you need, you may have to prepare several batches.
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Assuming guided recipes are always available for free
Access to guided recipes can affect the cost of using an appliance, but it isn’t essential to every cooking function. For the Thermomix TM7, Vorwerk states that purchases include three months of Cookidoo at no extra cost; a subscription is then required to continue using the service.
Check the terms of the service linked to the model you’re considering and compare them with the way you cook, especially if you plan to use your own recipes or a manual mode.
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Assuming every accessory mentioned is included
Accessories can vary by model and bundle. Que Choisir explains that its tests of additional accessories cover those supplied with the appliance; manufacturers also sell some tools separately.
Compare the list of items included with the exact bundle against the steps your recipes require.
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Expecting an all-in-one appliance to replace your existing equipment without compromise
A new appliance takes up space and adds parts to clean. In its earlier survey of food processor owners, Que Choisir noted that washing-up and unsuitable recipes were among the reasons people used their appliances less.
Before replacing or adding to your appliances, compare a few meals you make regularly, the steps the food processor would handle and the extra cleaning it would involve.
Brands to consider for different needs
Moulinex
The Companion range includes food processors with cooking functions, with accessories varying by model.
- For the i-Companion HF901120, Moulinex lists a chopping blade, kneading blade, mixer, whisk, steam basket and connected scales among the accessories.
- Check what comes with the specific model you choose: these accessories aren’t necessarily included with other Companion models.
Silvercrest
The Monsieur Cuisine range lets you explore guided food processors with cooking functions and configurations that vary by model.
- For the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, Silvercrest describes cooking, blending and recipe functions, as well as steaming accessories.
- For this model, the stated 4.5 L bowl has a maximum fill level of 3 L. Always check the model number and the corresponding limit.
Magimix
Cook Expert models combine preparation and cooking, with differences between variants, particularly in usable capacity and connectivity.
- Magimix states a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the Cook Expert Chrome Mat and 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect Premium.
- Additional accessories are sold separately. Check the capacity and what’s included with the exact variant, rather than assuming the figures for another model apply.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 combines guided cooking with meal planning through Cookidoo.
- Vorwerk states that the bowl holds 2.2 L and specifies which tools are included with the TM7.
- Vorwerk says new subscribers receive three months of Cookidoo at no extra cost, after which a subscription is required to continue using the service. The brand’s claim that the food processor can replace other appliances doesn’t guarantee that it will do so for every household.
Kenwood
The Cooking Chef KCL96.004DG is worth considering if kneading and whisking are part of your regular cooking.
- Kenwood states that this model has induction heating and a 6.7 L bowl.
- The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you the usable capacity for every recipe. Additional food preparation accessories are available as optional extras, so check whether the ones you need are included.
Joybuy products for meal preparation
This selection features a food processor with a cooking function for combining some preparation and cooking steps, as well as a food processor to use alongside the cooking appliances you already own.
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Robby Multifunction Food Processor with Scales and Touchscreen
Worth considering if you want to combine preparation and cooking steps in one appliance.
The product description states a capacity of 3.5 L, enough for up to 6 people, and more than 680 guided recipes. Listed functions include blending, kneading, chopping, grating, steaming and simmering.
The chopping, grating and slicing blades are described as very sharp; handle them with care.
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Livoo DOP250N Food Processor, 1.5 L, 600 W
Worth considering if you want to prepare ingredients with a food processor while continuing to use your hob or oven for cooking.
The product description states that it has a 1.5 L bowl and functions for kneading, chopping, grating, slicing, emulsifying and mixing. It lists six accessories, including a grating and slicing disc, a chopping blade and a kneading disc, as well as dishwasher-safe accessories.
The chopping blade and grating and slicing disc are described as very sharp; handle them with care.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor without a cooking function replace one with a cooking function for my meals?
Depending on its accessories, it can handle food preparation tasks, but it won’t provide the built-in cooking function that distinguishes a food processor with cooking capabilities. If you’re happy with your hob and oven, consider it as a possible addition rather than an automatic replacement.
Can I use the same recipes and put every part in the dishwasher?
Don’t assume so: recipe access depends on the service and model, and you should check the instructions to see how each part needs to be cleaned. Follow food hygiene and storage advice too. Anses warns that cross-contamination and breaks in the cold chain can encourage bacteria to grow.
What extra costs might I face after buying?
Check separately which accessories are included or sold as optional extras, and the terms for accessing guided recipes. For new Thermomix TM7 buyers, Vorwerk states that three months of Cookidoo are included at no extra cost, after which a subscription is required to continue access. This condition applies to this service and model.
What warranty and cooling-off period apply in France?
For a purchase by an individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years from the date the goods are delivered. For a distance purchase, the right to cancel is generally at least 14 days, subject to legal exceptions. The French Ministry of the Economy explains these rights; a commercial warranty does not replace them.
Does the CE marking guarantee a food processor’s cooking performance?
No: it doesn’t demonstrate cooking performance or show whether the appliance is suitable for your recipes. The DGCCRF explains that the CE marking expresses the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting applicable requirements and is not a certification mark.