If you regularly grate, slice and chop, choose a food processor that comes with the tools you need. If kneading and whisking are your main priorities, a stand mixer may be better suited to your tasks; check separately whether it has chopping attachments. A blender or chopper you already own, or even your own kitchen tools, may be enough if you only prepare other dishes occasionally.
If you regularly make salads, gratins or vegetable sides, what comes in the box matters more than the full list of functions a range might offer. Check for grating and slicing discs, as well as a chopping blade. These are among the uses tested by Que Choisir and described for certain ranges by Magimix and Bosch.
If you mainly make bread, dough or whisked mixtures, compare the tools supplied and the quantities accepted for the exact model. A stand mixer is worth considering, but don’t assume it can also grate or slice without an additional attachment.
If you already own a blender, chopper or hand mixer, start by working out which tasks you actually need help with. Que Choisir points out that food processors take up a lot of space: the base, bowls and attachments all need to be stored somewhere convenient for regular use.
Start with the task you do most often, then compare the tools supplied, the quantities you prepare and the space you have available. If you plan to keep separate appliances, apply the same checks to the tasks they already cover.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Chopping and grating | Grating and slicing discs, chopping blade, and the exact contents of the box. | When vegetables are often on the menu, I want the chopping tools included from the outset. Around 30% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Kneading and whisking | Kneading hook and whisk included; the amount of dough accepted for the model you choose. | For regular doughs or whisked mixtures, I first look for tools suited to the batches I make. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Space and duplication | Base dimensions, attachment storage and appliances you already own. | In a kitchen that’s already well equipped, I prefer to identify the tasks I still need to cover before adding another appliance to store. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the space it will take up. |
| Cleaning and frequent use | Parts that are dishwasher-safe and, if these criteria matter to you, tests of the exact model for noise, build quality and durability. | If I prepare ingredients often, taking the parts apart and cleaning them shouldn’t make the appliance a chore to use. For around 20% of consumers, cleaning and durability are the main priorities. |
Que Choisir says its testing protocol looks at factors including motor and attachment durability, build quality and noise levels. This helps you know what results to look for, but it does not, on its own, compare the models featured here on these criteria.
A range may offer more attachments than the particular box you choose. Que Choisir explains that its tests cover additional functions only when the corresponding attachments are supplied.
For each task you do often, check that the relevant tool appears in the contents list for the exact model.
Kneading and whisking don’t guarantee that an appliance can grate or slice. Kenwood, for example, lists attachments that let you use its Chef XL for other preparations as optional extras.
If you often chop vegetables, check which attachments are compatible, what they include and how much storage space they need.
Chopping attachments mean more parts to store and clean.
A food processor left at the back of a cupboard may not be convenient for regular use. Que Choisir highlights how much space multifunction appliances can take up.
Measure the space for the base and attachments, then cross off any tasks that your current appliances already cover.
A warranty or a statement about parts availability describes a commitment that is subject to terms and conditions; it doesn’t measure the model’s noise, stability or durability. Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses these aspects separately.
If one of these criteria will determine your choice, look for a test of the exact model and read the warranty and parts-supply terms separately.
Magimix food processors are designed for tasks including chopping, mincing, blending and dough preparation.
The MultiTalent range brings together different food-preparation tasks in multifunction food processors, including the MCM3531M.
Chef XL stand mixers are primarily designed for kneading, mixing and whisking.
Moulinex offers multifunction food processors and lists chopping, grating and slicing attachments for selected models.
These appliances suit a range of ways to prepare ingredients, without making built-in cooking the main consideration: a food processor for chopping, a mini chopper for specific tasks, and mixers designed for dough. Start by choosing according to the tasks you do most often, and check what comes in each box.
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Worth considering if you want to bring several food-preparation tasks together in one appliance. The title specifies a 1.5 L capacity and 600 W power; check which attachments are included for grating, slicing and kneading. Do not immerse the motor unit when cleaning.
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An option if chopping small quantities and making sauces matter more to you than chopping large batches. Check that the bowl capacity suits the quantities you prepare; if you also need to grate, slice or knead, check those functions separately. Take care when handling the blades during cleaning.
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Worth a look if grating and chopping vegetables are regular parts of your food preparation. The title mentions chopping discs and a 1.8 L bowl; confirm what comes in the box, the quantities allowed for each task and how much space you’ll need before choosing it.
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Worth considering if you mainly want to knead, whisk and mix. Check the amount of dough it can handle and its operating limits for your usual recipes; don’t assume grating or chopping tools come with the baking attachments. Also allow for the recommended clear space around the appliance.
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Worth a look for kneading or whisking, with a stated 5 L bowl and 1000 W power. The accessory lists in the description don’t agree on whether a blender, chopper and dough tools are included, so confirm the exact contents of the box. Hand washing is recommended.
No: attachments available for a range aren’t necessarily included in every box. Kenwood, for example, lists optional attachments for expanding the capabilities of the Chef XL. Check the contents list for the exact model, especially for chopping discs.
Look for results for the exact model rather than trying to infer these qualities from its specifications. Que Choisir says it assesses motor and attachment durability, build quality and noise levels. For everyday cleaning, also check which parts of the model you choose are dishwasher-safe.
No. The wattage alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance will grate or knead, or how noisy or durable it is. First compare the tools supplied and the quantities suited to your recipes. If these points are decisive, look for tests of the exact models.
Check how many bowls, lids, blades and discs you’ll need to take apart, then see which are dishwasher-safe. This information applies to specific parts, not necessarily the whole appliance; Bosch, for example, mentions it for some parts of the MultiTalent 3 MCM3531M.