Choose a cooking food processor if you want to prepare and cook food in the same appliance, and have an accessible space to keep it. If you already have cooking covered, a food processor can handle preparation tasks; if you only need to do one or two specific jobs, a specialist appliance is also worth considering. In every case, allow space for the accessories and check how to clean the parts you use.
If you want to combine food preparation and cooking, consider a cooking food processor. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, cooking is what sets it apart from a food processor. Check that you have an accessible place in your kitchen for the appliance and its accessories.
If a hob or multicooker meets your cooking needs, a food processor can take care of chopping, grating or kneading. However, UFC-Que Choisir notes that its accessories also take up space.
If you mainly blend or chop small quantities, compare the space taken up by a specialist appliance with that needed for a food processor and its accessories. This option makes sense for the tasks you actually do.
Start with the tasks you do regularly, then measure the space needed for the appliance in use and its accessories when stored.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and cooking | List the tasks you do each week. According to UFC-Que Choisir, cooking is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a food processor; a multicooker generally does not mix ingredients by itself. | I want to prepare and cook food in one appliance, or my hob and multicooker already cover cooking. If I only do one or two types of preparation, a separate blender or chopper may be enough for those tasks. |
| Space and storage | Measure the width, depth and height with the bowl, lid and attachments in place. Decide where to keep discs, extra bowls and other accessories, and check that the bowl capacity suits the quantities you usually make. | I need to keep my worktop usable and don’t want to move several items every time I prepare something. |
| Cleaning | Count the parts you use for your usual recipes. Check the model’s instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be washed by hand. | I’d prefer an appliance with parts that are easy to clean when I use them regularly, not just parts supplied for occasional use. |
| Parts and services | Check how long parts are stated to be available for the exact model, and review the terms for guided recipes or the app. In France, the DGCCRF says that sellers must tell customers how long parts will be available if they have this information. | If I plan to keep the appliance for a long time or use connected recipes, I want to know which parts are covered and what remains available without a subscription. |
An appliance that takes up little worktop space may come with bowls and accessories that need to be stored elsewhere. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights how much room food processor accessories can take up.
Before you choose, measure the appliance as you’ll use it and decide where to store each item you plan to keep.
Cooking is what sets a cooking food processor apart, but it may duplicate the functions of appliances you already use. A food processor handles preparation tasks without this feature.
For a week, make a note of what you actually cook, chop, grate, knead and blend, then compare the functions you need.
Changing bowls or attachments during food preparation means more parts to clean. Dishwasher compatibility can also vary from one part to another.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering and count the parts you’ll need to remove and wash for your usual recipes.
Parts availability, commercial warranty terms and access to connected recipes depend on the specific model and service. A claim made for one model won’t necessarily apply to all the others.
Keep the terms that apply to the appliance you choose, and check separately which parts are covered and what access you’ll have to connected features.
A recipe service may require a subscription once an introductory offer ends, so check what you can still use without it.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they don’t describe every product in each brand’s range.
Moulinex offers food processors as well as Companion cooking food processors.
The Cook Expert is a Magimix model to consider if the stated availability of parts is important to you.
According to Vorwerk, the Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking functions with the Cookidoo recipe platform.
This selection includes a cooking food processor and four appliances designed for specific preparation tasks. Compare them based on what you need to do and the space you have, rather than assuming they all perform the same functions.
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Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance. The product title specifies built-in scales and a touchscreen. Measure the space needed with the accessories, and check the required voltage and cleaning instructions before choosing.
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Consider this if blending is a regular task and you use another appliance for cooking. Check which accessories are included and how much storage space you’ll need for the ways you plan to use it.
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This mini chopper is a good match if you’re mainly looking to chop, rather than use all the functions of a food processor. Check that the capacity suits the quantities you usually prepare, and consult the instructions for cleaning each part.
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Worth comparing if you’re mainly looking for a blender without an integrated cooking function. The product title specifies two speeds, a pulse function and four blades. Also check where you’ll store the bowls and accessories you use.
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Worth considering if you mainly need to blend drinks. The product title specifies a portable, USB-rechargeable model; check that its capacity and usage requirements suit the quantities you plan to make. If repairability matters to you, find out which parts are available.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a cooking food processor adds cooking to its food preparation functions. A food processor is mainly used for tasks such as chopping, blending, grating or kneading. If you already have an appliance for cooking, check whether these preparation functions meet your needs.
Measure the width, depth and height with the bowl, lid and attachments you’ll use in place, including the clearance beneath wall units. Then allow space for each accessory that won’t fit inside the appliance.
No. Check each part in the model’s instructions. For example, Moulinex says that the Double Force Compact’s accessories, except for the motor unit, are dishwasher-safe. This doesn’t apply to every food processor in the brand’s range.
The stated availability of spare parts can help you assess the repair options for the model you’re considering. In France, the DGCCRF says that if a seller knows how long parts will be available, they must tell the customer at the time of purchase. Also check which parts are covered.
Terms vary depending on the model and service. Vorwerk offers an introductory Cookidoo offer for the Thermomix TM7, while Moulinex says its app is free for certain Companion models. Before choosing, check how long any introductory offer lasts and which features you can use afterwards without a subscription.