People who prepare vegetables regularly
You already have what you need for cooking, but regularly grate, slice or chop ingredients. The right discs and blades for these tasks matter more to you than an extra cooking function.
Who is this choice for?
Households looking to clear their worktops
You want to avoid buying an appliance that duplicates what you already own. Think about the space the food processor takes up, as well as where you’ll store its bowls, discs and other attachments.
Owners of a versatile stand mixer
A mincer, slicer-grater or food processor bowl could complement your existing mixer. Before choosing an attachment, check that it’s compatible with your exact series and model number.
Which criteria should come first?
Food processor
Consider it: if you already have cooking covered and regularly carry out several food preparation tasks.
Be prepared for: the tasks it can handle depend on the attachments supplied with that model, which will also need storing and cleaning.
Cooking robot
Consider it: if you want to combine food preparation and cooking in one appliance for recipes you actually make.
Be prepared for: its cooking function may duplicate appliances you already own. Que Choisir specifically distinguishes this function from that of a food processor.
Separate appliance or attachment
Consider it: if one task is your main priority, or if your stand mixer can take the attachment you need.
Be prepared for: each appliance or attachment has its own storage needs, and any fitting must match the model you own.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Regular food preparation | Look for the grating and slicing discs, as well as the blade, that you need for your recipes; check which ones are included. | If I often prepare vegetables or chopped ingredients, I mainly want to cut down on these repetitive tasks. Around 36% of consumers would make faster food preparation their priority. |
| Space and duplication | Compare the functions with your current appliances, then consider how much space the food processor and its attachments will need. | With cooking already well covered, I’d rather avoid a redundant appliance taking up cupboard space. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise avoiding duplication. |
| Built-in cooking | Decide whether you’ll use the slow-cooking or steaming function on this appliance; check its slicing attachments separately. | I want to prepare and then cook certain dishes in the same appliance, rather than simply speed up chopping. Around 21% of consumers would put this function first. |
| Attachments and compatibility | Make a note of the appliance’s exact model number and check which attachments are compatible, available and easy to store. | I already own a food processor I could add to, and don’t want to choose an unsuitable attachment. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this option to expand their appliance’s capabilities. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing built-in cooking just for the advertised versatility
In a kitchen that’s already well equipped, this function could duplicate what you own and take up more space. Que Choisir recommends distinguishing between food preparation and cooking needs.
Make a note of the tasks you do regularly. If they mainly involve chopping, grating, slicing or blending, start by looking at the attachments available for food processors.
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Assuming all attachments are included
A function advertised for a range may require a disc, bowl or fitting that varies from one model to another.
Check what’s included with the exact model. If you’re buying an attachment for an appliance you already own, make sure it’s compatible with its series and model number.
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Forgetting about storage for removable parts
The appliance itself isn’t the only thing you’ll need to store: bowls, blades and discs also need a home.
Measure the available space and check whether the chosen model has storage inside its bowl or comes with a dedicated storage box.
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Focusing on the number of functions instead of the recipes you plan to make
A list of functions alone won’t tell you whether the food processor has the right attachments and capacity for the things you usually prepare.
For every task that matters most, check the relevant attachment and the details for the specific model.
Brands to know when comparing ranges
Magimix
The brand offers CS food processors and Cook Expert cooking robots. Compare the two ranges depending on whether built-in cooking appeals to you.
- Magimix offers discs, blades and bowls for its food processors.
- Whether a citrus press or other attachments are included depends on the model, so check the list for the one you’re considering.
Moulinex
Its ranges include food processors, while Companion belongs to the cooking robot category mentioned by Que Choisir.
- The Moulinex catalogue lets you search for spare parts and food preparation attachments by appliance.
- An attachment listed for one model may not be compatible with another, or included with the appliance.
Bosch
The MultiTalent range includes compact food processors and other models to consider based on the tasks you have in mind and the space available.
- Bosch says that several attachments for the MultiTalent 3 MCM3100W can be stored inside its bowl.
- This applies to that specific model, so check the storage options for any other model you’re considering.
Kenwood
Its food preparation attachments may appeal if you already own a Kenwood stand mixer.
- The brand offers attachments for tasks such as mincing, slicing and grating.
- Platforms such as Prospero+ and Chef or Chef XL may not take the same fittings, so check exact compatibility.
Appliances for different preparations
These Joybuy appliances illustrate two different options: a food processor for preparing ingredients without a built-in cooking function, and two cooking robots to consider if you’ll use that function too. Before choosing, check that the attachments match the recipes you plan to make.
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ochama Food Processor 750 W, 1.8 L
Worth considering if your regular tasks include mincing, blending, slicing and grating, and you don’t need a built-in cooking function.
The product name mentions a 750 W motor, a 1.8 L capacity, grating discs and removable parts. Check the full list of included attachments and make sure you have enough room to store them.
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Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot, XL bowl
Consider it if you want to combine food preparation and cooking, and will use the cooking function enough to avoid duplicating the appliances you already own.
This version is listed with an XL bowl, built-in scales, a large touchscreen and 750 recipes. Check which slicing attachments are included and how they can be stored.
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Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot, scales and touchscreen
Worth considering if built-in cooking suits your recipes, as well as the food preparation tasks you want the appliance to handle.
This version is listed with built-in scales, a touchscreen and 680 recipes. If grating or slicing is one of your main reasons for choosing it, check which attachments are included for these tasks and how they can be stored.
Frequently asked questions
Which attachments should I look for if I mainly prepare vegetables and sauces?
For grating and slicing, look for the relevant discs; for mincing or making sauces, check that the right blade and bowl are included. Confirm they come with the specific model you’re considering rather than relying on the list of functions for the range.
Is a cooking robot worthwhile if I already own a multi-cooker?
Yes, if you genuinely want to prepare and cook certain dishes in the same appliance. If you already have cooking covered and your main priority is slicing and chopping, Que Choisir describes a food processor as the less bulky option compared with a cooking robot in this situation.
Can I add an attachment to my stand mixer instead of buying another appliance?
Yes, if an attachment for the task you have in mind is compatible with your mixer’s series and model number. For example, Kenwood offers food preparation attachments for specific platforms, so check the fitting before you choose.
What should I check if I might need to replace an attachment later?
Make a note of your appliance’s exact model number and look for the corresponding parts in the brand’s catalogue. The Moulinex and Kenwood attachment catalogues specify compatible appliances or platforms, so keep that model number handy for future searches.