Food processor without a cooking function: what to check

Who is this type of appliance for?

A food processor without a cooking function is well worth considering if you regularly prepare ingredients, rather than making a whole meal in a single bowl.

If you already have cooking appliances

You already use a hob, oven or pans and want an appliance to chop, grate, slice or blend ingredients before cooking.

If you regularly prepare vegetables and dough

You regularly grate or slice vegetables and also make dough. The right capacity for each recipe, the discs supplied and whether there’s a dough hook matter more than a long list of advertised functions.

If you have a small kitchen or make small portions

You take the appliance out and put it away after use. Compare the space it takes up in your cupboard, how the accessories are stored and the bowl’s working capacity with your usual portions.

What should you check before choosing?

Start with the tasks you do regularly, then check the configuration on sale, the quantities it can handle and how much space it needs with the accessories put away.

Priority	What to check	What I need
Slicing and mixing	Look for grating and slicing discs, a blade and, if needed, a blending attachment. Check which items are included with the version you’ve chosen: UFC-Que Choisir assesses additional functions when the corresponding accessory is supplied.	I often prepare grated or sliced vegetables. Having a separate blender and chopper doesn’t mean I can skip checking how the appliance handles these tasks.
Dough and whisking	Check whether a dough hook or whisk is included and how much dough the model can handle. If kneading is your main priority, compare a stand mixer too; don’t assume it includes slicing accessories.	If I make dough regularly, I’ll prioritise the relevant function and capacity. If I mainly slice vegetables, I’ll look at the discs supplied instead.
Bowl capacity	Compare total capacity and working capacity on a like-for-like basis. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L for the CS 4200XL; Bosch states that the MC812M844 has a 3.9 L bowl and can handle up to 1.5 kg of dough.	My portions need to stay within the limit for the recipe I’m making, whether I’m preparing dry ingredients, liquid or dough.
Space and storage	Measure the space available with the bowl and discs in place. Check whether the accessories fit inside the bowl or come with a storage case: Bosch says several accessories can be stored in the MC812M844, while Kenwood supplies a case with the FDP65.450WH.	If I need to keep my worktop clear, I want to be able to put the whole appliance away easily after each use.
Cleaning and cooking	Check that each part is suitable for your preferred cleaning method. Only choose a built-in cooking function if cooking in the same bowl is something you need: this is the distinction UFC-Que Choisir makes between cooking food processors and standard food processors.	I want to be able to clean the parts I use often; my current appliances can continue to take care of the cooking.

What pitfalls should you avoid?

Going by the number of functions without checking the accessories

An advertised function doesn’t tell you exactly what’s included in the configuration you’re buying. UFC-Que Choisir assesses additional functions when the corresponding accessory is supplied.

Compare the list of included parts with the tasks you do regularly, then check the reference number for compatible accessories if you plan to buy more.
Confusing total capacity with usable capacity

The bowl’s limits can vary depending on whether you’re making dough, preparing dry ingredients or blending liquid. For the CS 4200XL, for example, Magimix gives a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L.

Start with the recipes you usually make and compare the stated capacities for the same type of preparation.
Forgetting where to store the discs and bowl

The food processor isn’t the only thing that needs putting away: its accessories take up space too, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.

Measure the available space and check the storage solution provided for the configuration you’re considering.
Choosing a cooking function you don’t need

According to UFC-Que Choisir, the cooking function is what sets cooking food processors apart from standard food processors and stand mixers. It won’t, by itself, meet your needs for grating, slicing or chopping.

Make a note of the tasks you want the appliance to handle. If you’ll continue cooking with the appliances you already own, compare food preparation accessories first.

Which brands and ranges should you compare?

These models offer different capacities and configurations. Always check which version is right for the tasks you have in mind and the space available.

Magimix

The CS 4200XL is worth considering if you’re looking for several food preparation tools in one configuration.

Magimix lists a total bowl capacity of 3 L, a usable capacity of 1.3 L, four discs, a dough hook and an egg whisk for this model.
Compare its usable capacity and the space it needs with your usual preparations and storage options.

Bosch

The MultiTalent 8 MC812M844 is designed with a bowl for preparing larger quantities.

Bosch lists a 3.9 L bowl, capacity for up to 1.5 kg of dough and space to store several accessories inside the bowl.
Check how much room the appliance needs and which accessories are included with the version you’re considering.

Kenwood

The MultiPro Express FDP65.450WH and MultiPro Go Blend FDP23.380GY suit different needs when it comes to capacity and storage.

Kenwood lists a 3 L bowl and a storage case for the FDP65.450WH. The FDP23.380GY has a working capacity of 0.75 L, and its accessories can be stored inside the bowl.
With a compact model, compare its working capacity with your portion sizes rather than looking only at the bowl’s total capacity.

Moulinex

The Masterchef Gourmet+ QA510110 is a stand mixer to consider if making dough and whisking are more important to you than slicing vegetables.

Moulinex lists a 4.6 L bowl and a baking kit for this model.
Some accessories are optional, so check the configuration if you also want to grate or slice ingredients.

Food processors available on Joybuy

These two food processors are options if you want to prepare ingredients without a built-in cooking function. Focus on comparing their slicing tools, bowl capacity and the accessories included with the version you choose.

Livoo DOP250N, 1.5 L food processor, 600 W, black

When choosing a food processor for preparing ingredients, check that the tools supplied can handle the tasks you do most often. The Livoo DOP250N is listed with a 1.5 L bowl and 600 W of power. Compare its usable capacity with your recipes and check how much room you’ll need to store it.

View on Joybuy

ochama, 1.8 L food processor, 750 W

This model’s product description lists a chopper, blender and slicing discs for chopping, slicing or grating. It has a stated capacity of 1.8 L and power of 750 W. Before choosing, check exactly which parts are included, the usable capacity for your preparations and the appliance’s dimensions.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can a food processor replace a blender, chopper and stand mixer?

Not necessarily. What it can do depends on the accessories supplied and the model’s limits. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between basic functions and those that require additional accessories. Check whether you actually need a blender, discs or a dough hook.

What size bowl should I choose for my preparations?

Choose based on the quantities you usually prepare and the capacity available for each recipe, not just the bowl’s total volume. Kenwood gives the MultiPro Go Blend FDP23.380GY a working capacity of 0.75 L, while Magimix lists a total capacity of 3 L and a usable capacity of 1.3 L for the CS 4200XL. Check the limits for dough and liquids separately.

Do you need a cooking food processor to prepare ingredients?

No, not if you mainly want to chop, grate or slice ingredients before cooking with the appliances you already own. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the cooking function is what sets a cooking food processor apart from other food processors. Consider one if you also want to cook in the appliance.