A food processor with a cooking function is a good choice if your recipes often involve chopping, mixing and cooking, and you want to do it all in one appliance. If your ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want to set a cooking programme, a multicooker may be enough. To choose the right model, compare its usable capacity, included accessories, cleaning requirements and access to recipes with the way you cook.
The main benefit comes from being able to carry out several recipe steps in sequence, not simply from the number of functions listed.
For soups, sauces or slow-cooked dishes that require chopping, mixing and then cooking, an appliance that handles all these tasks can save you from transferring ingredients between containers. Check that the functions you use most are included on the model you’re considering.
The bowl’s usable capacity matters more than its total volume when you’re checking whether it can handle a recipe. For steaming, also look at the basket and how much space the appliance takes up with its accessories fitted.
If you plan to follow guided recipes or use the accessories regularly, find out how to access them, how to clean each part and what the brand offers in terms of spare parts.
First decide whether you need to prepare ingredients in the appliance itself. Then compare models based on your portion sizes, recipes and day-to-day cleaning.
Choose this if: you regularly chop or mix ingredients before cooking them in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: the bowl, lid and tools you use will need cleaning, and the appliance will take up space.
Choose this if: chopping, grating or kneading is your priority, and you’re happy to cook afterwards in a saucepan, frying pan or oven.
Bear in mind: a recipe that involves both preparation and cooking won’t be completed in a single container.
Choose this if: your ingredients are already prepared and you mainly want to start a pre-set cooking programme.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to chop, blend or knead ingredients separately.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation steps | Check the specific model’s chopping, mixing and heating functions. See which tools are included for steaming, grating or slicing. | I often prepare ingredients before cooking and want to know which steps I can actually do in the same appliance. |
| Portions and steaming | Compare the usable capacity or maximum fill level, not just the total volume. Check the steamer basket separately, along with the space needed around the appliance. | When preparing several portions, I want to make sure my recipe fits in the bowl. If I’m steaming, I also need a basket that’s suitable for the food I plan to cook. |
| Cleaning | Read the cleaning instructions for the bowl, blades, seals and base. Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be washed by hand. | How many parts will I need to take apart and clean after a meal? This matters to me if I use the appliance often. |
| Guided recipes | Check where recipes are available, whether you need an app and what terms apply after any included trial period. | If I plan to follow the on-screen steps, I want to know which recipes I’ll still be able to access with the model I choose. |
| Storage and support | Measure the space you have available with the accessories fitted. Check the specific model’s terms for spare parts and any warranties offered. | I have limited worktop space, or I’d rather be able to maintain the appliance and replace a part than leave it unused. |
A bowl advertised as 4,5 L won’t necessarily hold 4,5 L of food: Moulinex states that the Companion XL has a usable capacity of 3 L, while Lidl sets the Monsieur Cuisine Smart’s maximum fill level at 3 L.
Start with the volume your recipes require, then compare it with the usable capacity or published fill limit for each model.
A function being available within a range doesn’t guarantee that the required accessory is included with the configuration you choose. Que Choisir only assesses optional accessories in its testing when they’re supplied.
Check what’s included for the tasks you do, such as steaming, whisking, grating or slicing.
Depending on the configuration, you may need an additional accessory for some tasks.
A connected screen and a recipe catalogue are two separate features: access to content may depend on an app or subscription.
Check the terms for the recipes you want to use, particularly after any included introductory period.
Some parts of the appliances concerned still need to be cleaned separately. Moulinex specifically excludes the drive shaft and locking ring from dishwasher use, while Vorwerk says the TM7 base must be cleaned by hand.
Check the instructions for the specific model and find out how to remove the blades, seals and other parts you’ll handle after making your usual recipes.
These examples show different capacities and approaches to cooking. The specifications and commitments mentioned are those published by the manufacturers.
According to Vorwerk, the Thermomix TM7 combines food preparation and cooking with guided recipes through Cookidoo.
According to Moulinex, the Companion XL HF80DB10 combines food preparation and cooking programmes with a stated usable capacity of 3 L.
The Cook Expert XL Connect brings together cooking and food preparation functions, including the grating and slicing features listed by Magimix.
According to Lidl, the Monsieur Cuisine Smart combines food preparation and cooking functions with recipes available over Wi-Fi.
These two Robby models are suited to anyone looking for a food processor with a cooking function that can handle preparation and cooking in sequence. Before choosing, compare the included tools, the space you have at home and the terms for accessing recipes.
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For recipes that go from preparation to cooking, check that the included tools suit the tasks you usually do, particularly chopping and steaming. This model is presented with an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check the terms for accessing the recipes you’re interested in.
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If you want to prepare ingredients and then cook them, check which tools are included for the tasks you do, such as grating or steaming. Built-in scales and a touchscreen are listed in the model name. For your portion sizes, check the bowl’s usable capacity rather than just its stated total volume.
Not automatically. A food processor with a cooking function combines food preparation and heating, but the tools vary by model. Check what’s included for grating, slicing or steaming in particular. If you only want to start cooking with ingredients that are already prepared, these food preparation functions aren’t essential to your choice.
Check the bowl’s usable capacity or maximum fill level, then compare it with your recipes. Moulinex lists a usable capacity of 3 L for the Companion XL, Magimix lists 3,8 L for the Cook Expert XL Connect, and Lidl states a maximum fill level of 3 L for the Monsieur Cuisine Smart. The number of portions also depends on the recipe and cooking method.
It depends on the model and recipe service. Que Choisir recommends checking the access terms. Vorwerk requires a subscription for Cookidoo recipes on the TM7, while Moulinex offers step-by-step recipes in its app for the Companion XL. Check the terms for the recipes you plan to use regularly.
The answer depends on the food processor’s instructions. Moulinex states that the Companion’s drive shaft and locking ring are not dishwasher-safe; Vorwerk says the TM7 base must be cleaned by hand. Also check the instructions for the seals, blades and accessories on the model you choose.