People who prepare several ingredients every day
You switch between vegetables, sauces and doughs, without expecting the same appliance to cook them too. A food processor is worth considering if its attachments cover the tasks you regularly do.
Who is this type of appliance for?
Small households and kitchens
The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how much you can prepare. For example, Magimix lists a total capacity of 1,7 L but a usable capacity of 600 mL for its Mini Plus. Compare both figures when they’re provided, as well as the appliance’s dimensions.
Households that chop vegetables and make dough
If grating or slicing features regularly in your recipes, check which discs are included. Add a dough tool to your list of priorities only if you plan to use it regularly; the attachments supplied depend on the version you buy.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the tasks you do regularly, then check what comes with the appliance and how much space it will take up, including its attachments.
Food processor
Worth considering: if chopping vegetables, mincing and sometimes kneading are regular parts of your food preparation.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for the appliance, its bowls and the attachments actually included.
Blender
Worth considering: if you mainly blend liquid or semi-liquid mixtures and don’t regularly chop ingredients using discs.
Limitation: a blender won’t replace grating or slicing discs, or a dough tool.
Stand mixer with attachments
Worth considering: if kneading and whisking are your main uses, particularly if you already own a stand mixer that’s compatible with food-preparation attachments.
Check: that each attachment is compatible, and whether it’s included or sold separately for your model.
Mini chopper
Worth considering: if you mainly chop small quantities and don’t need discs or a dough tool.
Limitation: on its own, it won’t meet regular grating or slicing needs.
| Criterion | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Attachments | Look for a chopping blade, discs for the cuts you want to make, and a dough tool if you make dough. Check what’s included with the exact version: Que Choisir’s test method distinguishes, in particular, functions that are only available when a blender or citrus juicer is included. | I often grate and slice vegetables, so those discs matter more to me than a long list of functions I’ll only use occasionally. |
| Bowl capacity | Compare your usual quantities with the usable capacity, if stated, without confusing it with the total volume. Also consider whether a small bowl would be useful for smaller quantities. | For a few portions or a small amount of sauce, I want a bowl that’s suited to what I actually make. |
| Size | Measure the height, width and depth of the complete appliance. Allow separate storage space for the bowls, discs and blades. | My worktop space is limited, so I need to be able to store the attachments I plan to use too. |
| Spare parts and warranties | Check the spare-parts availability commitments for the model you’ve chosen, along with the written terms of any commercial warranty. According to the DGCCRF, this is separate from statutory warranties. | Before buying, I want to know how to obtain a spare part and the terms on which a commercial warranty covers the appliance and its attachments. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on the number of functions advertised
A chopping or blending function may depend on a specific attachment. A generous set of attachments also needs plenty of storage space.
List the tasks you do every week, then check what comes with the exact version: blade, types of discs, dough tool and, if needed, blender or citrus juicer.
You may need to buy an essential attachment separately.
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Comparing only the bowl’s total volume
The usable capacity may be less than the total volume. A large bowl won’t necessarily suit the smaller quantities you usually prepare.
Look for the usable capacity if it’s published, and check whether a mini bowl would better suit the quantities you make.
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Forgetting to make room for the attachments
The bowl, discs, blades and dough tool take up space beyond that needed for the motor base. Blades also need to be stored safely.
Measure the space for the appliance and decide where each part will go before choosing a set of attachments.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with statutory warranties
In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes between statutory warranties and any commercial warranty offered by a retailer or manufacturer. An extended commercial warranty doesn’t replace them.
Before taking out an extended warranty, read its terms, exclusions and claims process. Keep the retailer’s information with your proof of purchase.
A few brands to know
Magimix
Magimix offers food processors in different sizes, with functions and bowls that vary by model.
- The brand lists discs, dough tools and nesting bowls in its range; check that they’re included with the model you choose.
- For the Mini Plus, Magimix lists a usable capacity of 600 mL for a bowl with a total capacity of 1,7 L. These figures don’t apply to other models.
Moulinex
Moulinex offers food processors with different sets of attachments depending on the version.
- The Moulinex product page for the Double Force 1000 W lists three reversible cutting discs.
- Don’t assume what’s included in a pack from the Double Force name alone: check the attachments supplied with the model you’re buying.
Kenwood
Kenwood may appeal if you already own a stand mixer and are thinking of adding a food-preparation attachment.
- Kenwood describes the KAH65.009PL food processor bowl as coming with five discs and a 2,4 L bowl for chopping, slicing or grating.
- Check that it’s compatible with your stand mixer and whether the bowl needs to be bought separately.
Appliances for food preparation without cooking
These Joybuy options include food processors for a range of preparation tasks and choppers for more specific needs. Choose according to the attachments your recipes require, not just the appliance’s name.
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Livoo DOP250N food processor, 1,5 L, 600 W, black
Worth considering if you’d like to combine several food-preparation tasks in one food processor. Check that the attachments included with the version on sale meet your chopping and kneading needs.
The title lists a capacity of 1,5 L and a power rating of 600 W. Also compare the usable capacity and the appliance’s dimensions with your usual quantities and available space.
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Bear QSJ-D03Q1, 300 W chopper with 2 L and 0,6 L glass bowls
An option to consider if chopping is your main use and you prepare different quantities. The title lists two glass bowls, with capacities of 2 L and 0,6 L.
If you also need to grate, slice or knead, check for the relevant attachments before choosing this chopper. For hot food preparation, follow the usage restrictions specified for its bowls.
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ochama food processor, 750 W, 1,8 L
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an appliance to chop and prepare vegetables without a built-in cooking function. The title mentions slicing, grating and discs, but check exactly what’s included in the pack for the cuts you want to make.
The stated capacity is 1,8 L; check the usable capacity and dimensions before deciding where to keep it in your kitchen.
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Kenwood Easy Chop+ CHP62.400SI, silver mini chopper
A mini chopper to consider if you mainly prepare small quantities or sauces. If you want to grate or slice vegetables, check that the appliance you choose includes the attachments you need.
Measure the space available for the appliance and its bowl. If you regularly knead dough, you’ll also need another piece of equipment.
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KitchenCook Model Matt Pod, 0,5 L mini chopper
Worth considering for chopping small quantities of ingredients, rather than as a replacement for all the functions of a food processor. The title lists a 0,5 L bowl.
It’s designed to be used in 15 to 20-second bursts, with a one-minute pause between cycles. Bear this in mind if you’re preparing several portions. Check for other attachments if you need to grate, slice or knead.
Frequently asked questions
Which attachments do I need for vegetables and dough?
For chopping, look for a suitable blade. If you regularly grate, slice or finely slice ingredients, check which discs are included. A dough tool is only useful if you often make dough. Check what comes with the version you’re buying rather than assuming that every model in a range includes the same attachments.
How do I choose the bowl capacity?
Start with the quantities you usually prepare and compare them with the usable capacity, if stated, rather than just the total volume. Also check the dimensions of the complete appliance and how much room its attachments need.
Can a stand mixer be used to chop vegetables?
Yes, if your model is compatible with the cutting attachments you need. For example, Kenwood offers the KAH65.009PL food processor bowl for chopping, slicing and grating. Check that it’s compatible with your mixer and whether the attachment is included or sold separately.
What does the CE mark on an electrical food processor mean?
According to the DGCCRF, the CE mark indicates the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting European requirements; it isn’t an independent certification. If you’re buying an appliance in France, also check its instruction manual and the retailer’s information about the warranties that apply.