If you often grate, slice, chop and blend vegetables or sauces in larger quantities, start by comparing food processors based on the accessories included and their usable capacity, rather than bowl capacity alone. If you mainly make large batches of dough and whisk mixtures, a stand mixer may be better suited to your cooking, but check its slicing and grating attachments separately. For a few sauces or smaller quantities, a blender or chopper may be all you need.
If you grate, slice, chop or blend ingredients for several meals, check which tools are included and how much you can actually prepare in the bowl. A wide range of functions is no substitute for the discs and blades you’ll use regularly.
If dough, mixing and whisking are more important to you than chopping vegetables, look at the bowl and baking tools. With a versatile stand mixer, check separately which attachments you’ll need for grating or slicing.
If your cupboards are already full, consider how much space the appliance, bowls and discs will take up. Accessories stored together in a box or inside the bowl may be easier to put away than lots of pieces you only use occasionally.
Start with the dishes you make most often, then check the capacity, tools and storage space needed for the complete appliance.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Where stated, distinguish between total volume, usable capacity and the maximum dough capacity. Compare these figures with the recipes you actually make. | I prepare several portions at once, without wanting to make multiple batches or choose a bowl based only on its stated capacity. |
| Accessories | Check which grating and slicing discs, blades and baking tools are included with the exact model. Also check which tools are suitable for smaller quantities. | I often grate and slice vegetables, or, conversely, most of my cooking involves dough and mixtures. |
| Storage | Measure the space available for the appliance, bowls and accessories. Check whether a storage box or in-bowl storage is included. | I want to be able to put away the parts I use without giving up a whole cupboard to accessories I only use occasionally. |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Check the instructions for how to dismantle and clean each part. Search the parts catalogue by exact model for bowls, lids, blades and discs. | After preparing a large batch, I need to clean the tools I’ve used and be able to identify a replacement part if necessary. |
The bowl’s total capacity doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can use for every recipe. For example, Magimix gives the CS 5200XL a total capacity of 3,6 L and a usable capacity of 1,8 L; Bosch lists a 3,9 L bowl and a maximum dough capacity of 1,5 kg for the MC812M844. These figures measure different things.
Compare the stated limits for the food you usually prepare, especially dough and smaller quantities.
A versatile stand mixer doesn’t necessarily come with the tools to grate or slice. Extra attachments also need space and cleaning.
List the food you prepare most often and check the contents of the exact model you’re considering, tool by tool.
Discs, blades and bowls need to be easy to reach if you’re going to use them regularly. UFC-Que Choisir recommends factoring storage into your choice of food processor.
Measure your available space and check how the essential parts can be stored with the appliance.
A brand’s parts catalogue doesn’t guarantee that every bowl, lid or blade will fit every model. Bosch, for example, asks you to search for parts using the appliance’s E-Nr. number.
Make a note of the full model number and check the parts you need in its compatibility catalogue.
These examples show the difference between versatile food preparation and baking. Always check the equipment included with the exact model you choose.
The CS 5200XL is a food processor to consider if chopping and other no-cook food preparation are part of your regular routine.
The MultiTalent 8 MC812M844 combines a bowl designed for family-sized portions with a range of food preparation functions.
The Chef Titanium XL KVL8305S is primarily designed for baking and dough-making, with chopping functions to check separately.
These two appliances are suited to different kinds of no-cook food preparation: the ochama model focuses in particular on chopping vegetables, while the Robby combines a food preparation bowl with baking tools. Check their capacity limits and accessories against the recipes you make.
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Worth considering if you regularly chop, slice and grate vegetables or blend ingredients: the product description lists these functions and grating discs. The bowl is listed as 1,8 L; check its usable capacity and the quantities allowed for your recipes. Check the instructions before putting any part in the dishwasher, as the cleaning guidance on the product listing is inconsistent.
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Worth considering if you also make dough: the product description lists baking accessories, a meat mincer and a 1,5 L blender. Check the usable capacity of the 5 L bowl for your batch sizes. Grating and slicing are listed, but check the accessories list to confirm that the corresponding tools are included. Hand-washing the parts is recommended.
When choosing a processor for your recipes, first check the model’s usable capacity and stated preparation limits, then look at its total volume. Magimix gives the CS 5200XL a total capacity of 3,6 L and a usable capacity of 1,8 L; Bosch lists a 3,9 L bowl and a maximum dough capacity of 1,5 kg for the MC812M844. These figures aren’t a direct comparison of the same quantity.
Not necessarily: a large bowl and baking tools don’t mean that chopping discs are included. The Kenwood Chef Titanium XL KVL8305S includes, among other things, a 6,7 L bowl and a dough hook. Check separately which compatible accessories you’ll need to grate or slice vegetables.
Check the model’s instructions to find out which bowls, lids, blades and discs can be dismantled and are dishwasher-safe. To find replacement parts, search using the appliance’s exact model number: Bosch, for example, uses the E-Nr. number to identify compatible parts.