Anyone who wants to cook in the appliance
If you regularly make soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes or steamed vegetables, integrated cooking is what sets a cooking food processor apart from other food processors, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Who are these appliances for?
Households already equipped for cooking
If your hob, oven and saucepans already cover your cooking needs, a food processor can take care of prep tasks such as chopping, grating, slicing or kneading. These are among the functions assessed by UFC-Que Choisir.
Small kitchens
When space is limited, think about the bowls and accessories you’ll need to store, the room required to use the appliance and the parts you’ll need to wash after use.
What should you look for before choosing?
Start with a few dishes you make often, then check what the model you’re considering can do with the accessories included.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation or cooking | Think about which recipes you want to cook in the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors by this function; its tests of food processors include tasks such as chopping, grating and kneading. | I want to make soups or slow-cooked dishes in the appliance, so I’ll look at cooking food processors. If I already cook separately, preparation functions matter more. |
| Specific uses | For baking, check the model’s whisk, dough hook and beater. If you have a more limited need, such as making smoothies or juice, see whether a specialist appliance would be enough alongside your existing equipment. | I mainly make dough and whisked mixtures, or use one function very often. I may not need an appliance that can also cook. |
| Accessories | Check which discs, bowls and accessories are included, optional or compatible with the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocols assess some uses only when the relevant accessory is supplied. | I often grate and slice ingredients for meals, so I want to know whether the required discs are included in the box. |
| Space and cleaning | Compare the dimensions with the bowl fitted, and allow room to open the lid and store the accessories. Check the manual to see which parts are dishwasher-safe. | My worktop space is limited. I need to be able to keep the food processor within easy reach and store its parts without cluttering the kitchen. |
| Recipes and product support | If guided recipes appeal to you, check how you can access them. For the exact model, also check the manufacturer’s information about spare parts and repair options. | I might use the guided recipes, and I also want to know who to contact if a part needs replacing. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming every advertised function is available straight out of the box
Tasks such as grating or making juice depend on having the right accessory. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocols assess certain functions only when that accessory is supplied.
Make a note of the dishes you usually prepare, then check the listing for the exact model to see whether each accessory you need is included or optional.
Optional accessories mean more parts to budget for and find space to store.
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Expecting a food processor to cook your meals
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors by their integrated cooking function. A food processor can make preparation easier, but you’ll still need to cook the dishes separately.
Think of three or four meals you make often. If you want the appliance to cook them too, look at cooking food processors; otherwise, compare the preparation functions.
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Measuring only the appliance base
The bowl in place and the accessories you need to store also take up space. Magimix, for example, lists different bowl configurations for its Cook Expert Connect.
Measure the space you have, leave room to open the lid and decide where you’ll store the discs, blades and bowls.
Which brands should you compare?
These ranges are designed for different uses, so check the specifications of the exact model and package you’re considering.
Vorwerk
The Thermomix TM7 combines cooking and guided recipes in a connected cooking food processor.
- Vorwerk France lists 24 modes, cooking up to 160 °C and more than 10,000 guided recipes via Cookidoo for the TM7.
- Check how you can access the recipes, as well as the contractual terms shown for the model you choose.
Magimix
Magimix offers Cook Expert cooking food processors and Compact System food processors. Compare them based on whether you want to cook in the appliance or mainly prepare ingredients.
- Magimix lists a usable capacity of 2.5 L for the Cook Expert Connect. Its CS 3200 XL product information includes slicing, grating and kneading.
- The box contents and optional accessories vary by model, so check the exact reference.
Moulinex
The Companion range is designed for preparing and cooking food, while Masterchef Gourmet is better suited to baking.
- Moulinex describes Companion as a range that chops, prepares and cooks. Its Masterchef Gourmet+ listing specifies a 4.6 L bowl and a baking kit.
- Moulinex says that additional accessories for the Masterchef Gourmet+ are optional. Check which ones suit the food you prepare.
Which food processors should you consider on Joybuy?
These options include two cooking food processors for preparing and cooking in the same appliance, followed by a food processor for preparation when you already cook separately.
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Robby Smart cooking food processor with XL bowl and built-in scales
Worth considering if you want one appliance for both preparation and cooking. The product name mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check which accessories come in the box and how much space you’ll need to use them. Also confirm the number of recipes advertised, as it differs between the product title and description.
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Robby cooking food processor with scales and touchscreen
This option is for meals where you want to use preparation and cooking functions in the same appliance. The product name mentions built-in scales and a touchscreen. Before choosing, check the included accessories, dimensions and cleaning instructions for each part.
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ochama food processor, 750 W, 1.8 L
Consider this if you already cook separately and mainly want to bring preparation tasks together in one appliance. The product name mentions slicing and grating discs. Check the exact box contents, dimensions and cleaning instructions for each part.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor replace a cooking food processor?
Not if you want to cook recipes in the appliance: UFC-Que Choisir identifies integrated cooking as the difference between these categories. However, if you already use a hob or oven, a food processor can handle preparation tasks such as chopping, grating or kneading.
Which accessories should I check first?
Start with the ones you need for the food you usually prepare: discs for grating or slicing, and accessories for drinks, juice or steaming, depending on how you plan to use the appliance. Check what’s included, optional or compatible with the exact model.
How can I tell if a food processor will fit in a small kitchen?
Compare the available width, depth and height with the dimensions of the appliance fitted with the bowl you’ll use. Also allow room to open the lid, handle the bowl and store accessories separately.
Are all the parts dishwasher-safe?
Don’t assume this is true for every model. Magimix says that the accessories in its food processor range are dishwasher-safe, but check the manual for your chosen model to find out how to clean each part.