A multifunction food processor with cooking functions could suit you if you regularly make dishes that involve both preparing ingredients and cooking them, and you’re happy to assemble and clean its accessories. If you mainly need help with cooking, consider a multicooker instead. For chopping or grating without changing how you cook, a food processor without cooking functions or your separate appliances may be a better fit. The space you have, the usable capacity and access to guided recipes could all influence your decision.
If your usual meals involve chopping, mixing and then cooking, a food processor with cooking functions can bring these steps together. Check the functions of the specific model, though, and how much cleaning is needed between preparations.
On-screen instructions or guidance in an app can help you get to grips with the appliance. Check which recipes are built in, which are freely available and which require a subscription.
Measure the space you have, including the height needed to handle the lid. Also consider where you’ll store the accessories and which parts need washing after the meals you make most often.
Start with a few meals you actually make. The steps involved will help you choose the right type of appliance before you compare bowls, programmes and accessories.
Consider it if: you want to prepare ingredients and cook them using the same appliance.
The trade-off: you’ll need space for the bowl and accessories, as well as time to clean them.
Consider it if: chopping, grating or kneading matters more to you than cooking in the same bowl.
The trade-off: you’ll need to cook the prepared ingredients in another appliance.
Consider it if: you’re mainly looking for different ways to cook your everyday meals.
The trade-off: don’t assume it can chop or blend ingredients; check the model’s functions.
Consider them if: you’re happy with your current kitchen tools or prepare several dishes at the same time.
The trade-off: preparation, cooking and following recipes will still be spread across your appliances.
| Criterion | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Steps covered | List the tasks your recipes involve: chopping, grating, blending, mixing or cooking. Check the functions and accessories included with the specific model. | If I often prepare ingredients before cooking them, I want to know which steps the same appliance can actually handle. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the usable capacity, not just the total volume, with the quantities you usually prepare. Measure the space needed for the bowl, lid and accessories when stored. | I want to be able to leave the appliance out or get it out easily, without choosing a bowl that’s the wrong size for my portions. |
| Recipes and settings | Check the language and how you access the recipes, as well as the manual settings available. UFC-Que Choisir points out that supplied recipes aren’t essential for using a food processor with cooking functions. | Would step-by-step instructions help me, or would I rather adapt my own recipes? |
| Cleaning and accessories | Check which parts need assembling and washing for the meals you make regularly. Read the manual for care instructions and check the product listing for the exact contents of the pack. | After an everyday meal, I want to know how many parts I’ll need to take apart, clean and put away. |
| Repairs | Check the stated availability of parts for the specific model and the repair options. In France, the right to claim under the statutory legal guarantee of conformity from a professional seller depends on the conditions set out by law, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. | If a part wears out or the appliance breaks down, I want to know what repair options are available and who to contact. |
A multicooker designed mainly for cooking may not chop or blend ingredients; a food processor without cooking functions leaves that final step to your other appliances.
Note the tasks involved in three to five meals you regularly make, then check which ones are covered by the functions and accessories of the model you’re considering.
The usable capacity and the space needed to operate the appliance can affect how well it suits your portions and your kitchen.
Compare the usable capacity with the quantities you usually prepare, and measure the width, depth and height of the space you have.
What’s included varies between packs, while access to some guided recipes depends on a separate service.
Check the list of items supplied, which accessories are sold separately, the terms for accessing recipes and which settings you can use without a recipe service.
For the Thermomix TM7 in France, Vorwerk says access to Cookidoo requires a subscription after the stated trial periods.
The bowl, lid and tools are used regularly, so being able to get a suitable replacement part matters if you want to keep the appliance for longer.
Check the care instructions and parts availability for the exact model. If it breaks down, distinguish between the rights you can claim from the seller and the repair options available.
These ranges illustrate different approaches. Check the features and accessories for the specific model and pack you’re considering.
The Companion range combines food preparation and cooking, while Cookeo is more focused on cooking modes and guided recipes.
According to Vorwerk France, the Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking functions with guided cooking on Cookidoo.
The Cook Expert range combines cooking with multifunction food processor features, with different versions offering different sizes and connectivity.
Monsieur Cuisine is a range of food processors with cooking functions sold by Lidl and listed by UFC-Que Choisir as an alternative to established ranges.
This selection includes multifunction food processors with cooking functions and multicookers. The former are designed to combine food preparation and cooking; the latter are worth considering if cooking is your priority.
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Worth considering if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in a multifunction appliance. The product title mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check the number and language of the recipes, as well as the voltage and plug type for France.
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An option to consider if recipes displayed on the appliance are important to you when choosing a multifunction food processor with cooking functions. The title lists built-in scales and 680 recipes; check their language, the bowl’s usable capacity and electrical compatibility for France.
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Worth comparing if your meals mainly need different cooking modes rather than a food processor. The title lists 12 preset menus and mentions slow cooking and steaming, among other functions; check the usable capacity, voltage and plug type for France.
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A multicooker to consider if cooking is your priority and you already have appliances for preparing ingredients. Compare its usable capacity with your usual portions and check that it has the cooking modes you need. When pressure cooking, always follow the manual’s instructions on filling and releasing steam.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a cooking appliance to complement your food preparation tools. Check that its modes suit your recipes, whether guided recipes are available and what the manual says about pressure and steam.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says that supplied recipes aren’t essential. If you’d like step-by-step instructions, check their language and the terms for accessing them. For the Thermomix TM7 in France, Vorwerk provides access to Cookidoo through a subscription after the stated trial periods.
Check the exact pack’s product listing for the accessories you need for your meals, such as a blade, mixer, whisk or steam basket. An accessory shown for a range may be included with one version and sold separately with another.
Not if you also expect it to chop or blend ingredients without another appliance. Moulinex describes the Cookeo+ as offering pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking, among other modes. These meet cooking needs, but don’t indicate that it has chopping or blending functions.
For a purchase from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy says that you may be able to claim under the statutory legal guarantee of conformity from the seller, subject to the conditions set out by law. This is separate from any commercial guarantee offered by the manufacturer.
Yes, depending on the fault and the parts available for the model. In France, the ministries responsible for the ecological transition describe a repair bonus that’s deducted from the bill for certain products repaired by an approved professional. Check whether the appliance and repairer are eligible when you make your enquiry, and remember that this doesn’t affect any rights you may have against the seller.