If you want to chop, blend and cook a meal in one appliance, choose a food processor with a cooking function based on what matters most to you: guided recipes to keep adjustments to a minimum, or a useful capacity suited to the quantities you prepare. Also check how much space it needs, which parts need cleaning and how you access the recipes. A multicooker paired with a food processor may be a better fit if you’re happy to use two separate appliances.
A food processor with a cooking function lets you prepare and cook food in a single appliance. However, the deciding factor will depend on how you organise your meals.
If you’d rather be guided than adjust every step manually, look at how easy it is to navigate the screen, the programmes available and which recipes you can actually access. Guided cooking doesn’t mean you can skip checking which accessories each recipe requires.
For family meals, entertaining or batch cooking, check the usable capacity or maximum fill level. The bowl’s total volume doesn’t necessarily match the amount you can cook in it.
If the appliance needs to stay within easy reach, measure the space it takes up with the bowl and accessories you use. Also check which parts can be removed and how to clean them after making sticky or greasy dishes.
Start with the feature that’s driving your purchase: guided cooking, the amount you can prepare, ease of cleaning or access to connected services. If you already cook in another appliance, a food processor may be enough; on its own, though, it won’t let you prepare and cook a meal in the same place.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use and guided recipes | See how to start, adjust and follow a recipe; distinguish between on-screen recipes and manual programmes. | If you want to make dinner without second-guessing every setting, step-by-step guidance may be a priority. Around 36% of consumers put this need for guidance first. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable capacity or maximum fill level, then check which accessories you need for your usual recipes. | When you need several portions ready at once, the amount that actually fits in the bowl matters more than its stated volume. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cleaning and space | Measure the space needed with the parts assembled and check the instructions for how to clean each part. | If you’ll use the appliance often in a small kitchen, how easy it is to take apart and clean, and keep within easy reach, could influence your choice. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this practical aspect. |
| Connected services | Check which recipes are available without a subscription, the renewal terms and which features work offline. | If I want to cook without relying on a connected catalogue, I want to know what’s still available without a subscription. This independence is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
A large bowl may have a lower maximum fill level. Magimix lists a total volume of 4,8 L and a usable capacity of 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL; Lidl lists a 4,5 L bowl with a maximum fill level of 3 L for the Monsieur Cuisine Smart.
Compare the relevant capacity for the soups, doughs or steamed dishes you plan to make, rather than looking only at the total volume.
On a connected model, the recipes displayed and related features may depend on a separate service. Vorwerk pairs the Thermomix TM7 with Cookidoo 3.0.
Before choosing a model for its guided recipes, check which recipes are included, the subscription terms and what the appliance can do offline.
Moulinex notes that extra cleaning may be needed after some cycles, particularly if food residue remains.
Check the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and how many parts you’ll need to take apart.
The bowl, lid and accessories also take up space while you’re using or storing the appliance. Que Choisir recommends considering the food processor’s actual footprint in your kitchen.
Measure your worktop and the clearance beneath your cupboards, then set aside space for the accessories.
These models give you an idea of the options available for guided cooking, capacity and accessories. The features listed apply to the models named, not every range from each brand.
The Thermomix TM7 focuses on guided cooking on screen and the Cookidoo service.
The Companion XL is designed for households looking for a large bowl and food preparation accessories.
The Cook Expert XL combines cooking functions with food preparation accessories in a format designed for larger quantities.
The Monsieur Cuisine Smart combines food preparation, cooking and touchscreen navigation.
These two Robby food processors are options for preparing and cooking in one appliance, with a touchscreen and built-in scales. Compare their usable capacity, recipe access and cleaning instructions based on the meals you usually make.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to follow recipes while preparing and cooking in one appliance. The Joybuy product page lists a 4,5 L bowl, with 3 L of usable capacity, as well as built-in scales. Check that this capacity suits your recipes and which recipes remain available under the connected service terms.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’re looking for a food preparation and cooking appliance with on-screen guidance. Its product title mentions built-in scales and 680 recipes. If you cook several portions at once, confirm the bowl’s usable capacity. Also check the instructions for cleaning the accessories and the terms for accessing connected recipes.
No, the terms vary by model and service. Vorwerk says the Thermomix TM7 works with Cookidoo 3.0. If guided cooking is important to you, check which recipes are available without a subscription, the renewal terms and which features work offline.
Not necessarily. Moulinex notes that extra cleaning may still be needed after a cleaning cycle. Check your model’s instructions to see which parts need to be washed separately and which are dishwasher-safe.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to non-compliant goods purchased from a professional seller, including items that don’t match the description provided. The Ministry of the Economy explains that it covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep the product listing and order confirmation so you can clearly describe the discrepancy.
In France, the DGCCRF says that if a contract was or could have been entered into online, it must be possible to cancel it online. Also check the service terms to find out when the cancellation takes effect and whether any contractual commitment applies.