A food processor is worth the space it takes up if you regularly grate, slice, chop and blend, provided the bowl suits the quantities you prepare and you have room for the attachments. If you mainly use just one or two functions, a few separate appliances may save you from storing discs and bowls you rarely use. Before deciding, compare the attachments included, the appliance’s full dimensions and the storage space you have available.
If you grate vegetables, slice ingredients, make sauces or chop ingredients every week, a food processor can handle several tasks. First, though, check where you’ll keep the base and each attachment once you’ve finished cooking.
Choose a bowl based on the quantities you prepare at a time, not just the size of your household. A small bowl may be enough for herbs or a sauce, but could feel limiting when making several portions of mash.
If you want to be able to replace a bowl, lid or disc, search for parts using the model’s full reference number. A brand having a parts catalogue doesn’t confirm that every part is compatible with your specific variant.
Start with the things you make regularly, then compare appliances against the quantities you prepare and the space you actually have.
Worth considering: if grating, slicing, chopping and blending are regular parts of your cooking.
Bear in mind: the base and attachments need storage space, even with a compact model.
Worth considering: if you only need an appliance for one or two types of preparation.
Bear in mind: several appliances can take up a lot of room if you start using them for a wider range of tasks.
| Criterion | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions you use | Identify the tasks you do regularly and check which attachments are actually included: a knife blade, grating or slicing discs, and any other attachments you need for your recipes. | I often grate and slice vegetables, so those discs matter more to me than a long list of advertised functions. |
| Bowl capacity | Compare the bowl’s capacity with your usual portions and check the maximum quantities specified for each preparation. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a bowl to suit your household and how you plan to use it. | A small bowl may suit me for a few herbs or a little sauce; for several portions prepared together, I’d look for a larger capacity. |
| Space required | Measure the height, width and depth of the space you have in mind. Check which attachments fit inside the bowl and which need to be stored separately, including any blender jug. | My worktop is small, so I need space for the base as well as the lid, discs and other parts once I’ve finished using them. |
| Replacement parts | Search the manufacturer’s French catalogue using the full model reference, then check that the bowl, lid or disc you want is compatible. Check whether a stated availability period refers to the brand’s policy or the stock of a specific part. | If a part needs replacing, I want to identify the exact one for my model before ordering it. |
Attachments you rarely use take up space without helping with the things you usually make.
Make a list of the tasks you do regularly, then check that the corresponding attachments are included with the model you’re considering.
A bowl that suits your portions doesn’t guarantee the appliance will fit under a wall unit or in the cupboard you have in mind.
Compare the full dimensions with your available space, including the height with the lid on if that matters for storage.
The discs may fit inside the bowl, while a blender jug or other parts still need to be stored elsewhere.
Check which parts fit inside the bowl, one by one. If you don’t have room for everything in your kitchen, consider an appliance with only the functions you use.
Two similar variants may use different attachments.
Note down the food processor’s exact reference and check the compatibility information in the manufacturer’s catalogue before choosing a part.
These examples illustrate different choices in size, capacity and storage. The details apply to the models named, not to every product in each brand’s range.
The MultiPro Go FDP22.140GY is designed for kitchens where storage height is a particular consideration.
The DoubleForce Compact FP542111 pairs a medium-capacity bowl with storage for the attachments inside the bowl.
The MultiTalent 3 MCM3401M lets you compare bowl capacity with the space available under your cupboards.
The CS 3200 XL is worth comparing if capacity and replacement parts matter as much to you as storage.
This mini chopper is best suited to small quantities that need chopping or puréeing. If you regularly grate or slice ingredients, check which attachments you need before considering this model instead of a food processor.
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For small quantities of herbs, sauces or purée, this mini food processor has a 0.7 L bowl and the chopping function listed for this model. A whisking disc is also listed as included. If you need to grate or slice ingredients, check which attachments come with it; also measure the appliance and the space you’ll need to store it.
First, check that it comes with a knife blade and the right discs for grating or slicing if you do these tasks regularly. A blender or other attachments are only worth considering if they suit the recipes you usually make. Check what’s included with the exact model reference.
Start with the quantities you prepare at a time. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a bowl to suit your household and habits. Also check the limits specified for each preparation, as the bowl’s total capacity may not be the usable amount for every recipe.
Search for the food processor’s full reference in the manufacturer’s French catalogue, then check the bowl, lid, knife blade or disc you’re interested in individually. Moulinex offers a search by reference; Magimix states that parts for the CS 3200 XL will be available for 30 years. In either case, check that the specific part is compatible.
Unplug the appliance and check the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe. UFC-Que Choisir reminds users not to immerse the motor unit in water; clean removable parts according to the instructions for your specific model.