Households that prepare ingredients for chopping
If you regularly slice, grate or chop vegetables before cooking several portions, check which accessories are actually included with the food processor and the usable capacity of its bowls.
Who are these appliances for?
Households that also want to cook in the appliance
A cooking food processor lets you prepare, mix and cook in one appliance. Check that its usable capacity suits the quantities you usually make and that it will fit comfortably in your kitchen.
Households already equipped for cooking
If you’re happy with your pans and chopping utensils, a blender can handle mixtures blended in a jug. To blend directly in a saucepan or finish off smaller batches, consider a hand blender instead.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the tasks you do during a meal-prep session, then compare each appliance’s capacity and cleaning requirements with the quantities you usually make.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks you repeat | Work out whether you mainly need to grate and slice, cook in the appliance or blend. Check the accessories included with the exact model: Que Choisir only assesses additional food processor accessories when they are supplied. | I chop ingredients for several meals, or I only need to blend soups and sauces that are already prepared. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated usable capacity with the size of your largest batch, rather than confusing it with the total capacity. For example, Magimix lists 1.8 L usable capacity for the CS 5200XL Premium and 3.8 L usable capacity for the Cook Expert XL. These figures apply to those specific models. | Am I happy to prepare a batch in several rounds, or do I need to process my usual quantity in fewer steps? |
| Cleaning | Count the bowls, blades and accessories you’ll need to wash. Check which parts can be dismantled and which are dishwasher-safe on the model you’re considering. | After preparing several components, I want to clean the parts I’ve used without having to handle too many separate items. |
| Second-hand | Check the condition of the bowl, blades, seals and lid, then confirm the accessory list and exact model reference. If a product is described as reconditioned, ask what has been tested or repaired. | A used appliance could suit me, as long as I know exactly what condition it’s in and what comes with it. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Relying on the number of advertised functions
A grating or slicing function won’t help if the necessary accessory isn’t included with the model you choose. In its food processor tests, Que Choisir also distinguishes between accessories that are actually supplied.
Make a note of the tasks you do most often, then check which accessories are included and how they need to be cleaned.
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Confusing total capacity with usable capacity
The stated capacity of the whole bowl doesn’t necessarily match the quantity you can prepare. For example, Magimix product details distinguish between total and usable capacity for the CS 5200XL Premium and Cook Expert XL.
Compare each model’s usable capacity with the size of your largest batch, and follow the fill limits in its instructions.
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Expecting a blender to replace chopping accessories
Que Choisir describes a blender primarily as an appliance for blending mixtures. It doesn’t meet the same need as grating or slicing discs.
If chopping is the main part of your session, look for the relevant accessories. If your ingredients are already ready to blend, compare a blender with a hand blender based on the container you’ll use.
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Buying second-hand without checking the whole appliance
A missing bowl, seal or accessory could prevent you from using the appliance as intended, even if the model seems suitable for your tasks on paper.
Ask for the exact model reference, details about the condition of the parts and a list of everything included. According to economie.gouv.fr, a product described as reconditioned must have had its functions tested and, if necessary, been repaired or restored.
Which brands illustrate the different options?
Magimix
Magimix product details distinguish between the CS 5200XL Premium food processor and the Cook Expert XL cooking food processor.
- Magimix lists 1.8 L usable capacity for the CS 5200XL Premium, compared with 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL, which also cooks.
- These capacities apply to two specific models. Check the accessories and usable capacity of the model you’re considering.
Moulinex
Moulinex describes the Companion XL as a cooking food processor, the Perfectmix+ as a blender and the Quickchef+ as a hand blender.
- According to Moulinex, the Companion XL has a usable bowl capacity of 3 L, while the Perfectmix+ has a jug with a usable capacity of 1.5 L.
- According to Moulinex, the Quickchef+ comes with an 800 ml beaker and a 500 ml chopper. These accessories aren’t designed for the same purpose as a large preparation bowl.
Vorwerk
Que Choisir lists Vorwerk’s Thermomix among cooking food processors, alongside Magimix’s Cook Expert and Moulinex’s Companion ranges.
- This range belongs to the category of appliances that cook as well as prepare ingredients.
- To choose a specific model, compare its usable capacity, accessories and cleaning requirements with the meals you usually prepare.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, a blender for mixtures made in a jug, and hand blenders for blending directly in a container. Start by choosing the task that matters most for your meal prep.
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Robby Smart Multifunction Cooking Robot, XL bowl
Worth considering if you want to prepare and cook meal components in a cooking food processor. The title mentions built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check the usable capacity and accessories you need for your tasks. Also confirm what’s included with this model, as the number of recipes differs between the title and the detailed product listing.
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Ninja Detect Power Blender 1200 W BlendSense, 2-in-1 set
The jug and individual cups could suit you if you alternate between blended mixtures and smaller portions. This blender doesn’t replace grating or slicing accessories. Before pouring in hot soup, check the permitted temperatures in the instructions.
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Robby Multifunction Cooking Robot with scales and touchscreen
This cooking food processor is worth a look if you want to combine preparation and cooking. Before choosing it for several portions, check the bowl’s usable capacity. Also check the cleaning instructions for each part rather than assuming they’re dishwasher-safe just because the appliance has a rinse programme.
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ROUNY 4-in-1 hand blender, 700 ml beaker and 500 ml chopper
The blending shaft is designed for blending directly in a container. Compare the beaker and chopper mentioned in the title with the quantities you prepare separately. The product listing limits continuous operation to one minute, followed by a one-minute rest. Bear this cycle in mind if you’re planning a long session.
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BLACK+DECKER BXHBA601E hand blender
Worth considering for blending a mixture in its container, rather than as a replacement for a chopping food processor. If you plan to use the chopper, check that its capacity suits the quantities you prepare. The product listing says not to blend liquids above 60 °C or run the appliance continuously for more than one minute.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor replace a cooking food processor when preparing several meals?
It could suit your needs if you mainly repeat chopping, grating or mixing tasks and already have a way to cook your food. If you also want to cook in the appliance, that’s what distinguishes a cooking food processor, as Que Choisir explains.
What bowl capacity should I compare for several portions?
Compare the stated usable capacity with the size of your largest batch. For its specific models, Magimix lists 1.8 L usable capacity for the CS 5200XL Premium and 3.8 L for the Cook Expert XL. Always check the fill limits for the model you choose.
Is a blender suitable for soups prepared in advance?
A blender can blend soups and sauces, but the permitted temperature and usable capacity vary by model. Check the instructions before pouring in hot liquid. You’ll need another tool to grate or slice ingredients in larger quantities.
What should you check on a reconditioned kitchen appliance?
Check the model reference, the condition of the bowl, blades, seals and lid, and which accessories are included. According to economie.gouv.fr, a reconditioned product is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been repaired or restored if necessary.
What can you do with an old food processor or blender that still works?
ADEME says that small household appliances can be repaired, donated or resold, depending on their condition. If yours can no longer be used, find out where to take it for disposal rather than putting it in your household rubbish.