If you often prepare dishes that need heating, simmering or steaming, a cooking food processor can bring preparation and cooking together in one appliance. If you already have a way to cook and mainly want to chop, grate or blend, a multifunction food processor may be a better fit. UFC-Que Choisir notes that it can take up less worktop space, but you’ll also need somewhere to store its accessories. A stand mixer or blender is better suited to more specific tasks. In every case, compare the dishes you actually make with the space you have available.
If soups, sauces, slow-cooked dishes or steamed food are regular features in your small kitchen, a cooking food processor can bring several steps together. Bear in mind, though, how much space the appliance and its components take up, as well as the washing-up required afterwards.
If you have a hob, oven or another appliance for cooking, you may mainly need help with slicing, grating, chopping or blending. A multifunction food processor is worth considering, depending on which attachments you’ll use and where you’ll store them.
If kneading, mixing and whisking are the tasks you do most often, a stand mixer may be just what you need. Optional attachments are only useful if they suit the food you make and are compatible with your chosen model; they won’t add an integrated cooking function.
Start with the dishes you make regularly, then check the functions and accessories of the exact model before measuring how much space it will take up. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes cooking food processors by their cooking function and recommends checking their size and how easy they are to clean.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing or cooking | Identify the tasks you want the appliance to handle: chopping, blending, kneading, heating or steaming. Check the functions of the exact model rather than relying on its category name. | I want to combine preparation and cooking for slow-cooked or steamed dishes, so I’ll look at cooking food processors. If my current appliances already take care of cooking, I’ll focus on preparation with a multifunction food processor. |
| Main use | For dough and mixing, consider a stand mixer and check whether any optional attachments are compatible. If you only need to blend occasionally, compare a dedicated blender too, based on the functions you’ll use. | I mainly make dough and baked treats, so I don’t need to choose a cooking food processor just for that. If I only blend certain dishes, a dedicated appliance may be enough as an extra. |
| Space and storage | Measure the space where you’ll use the appliance and the clearance beneath your cupboards. Allow separate storage space for the bowl, lid, blades, discs and other accessories, unless you’ve confirmed they can be stored inside the appliance. | I want to be able to use the appliance without leaving it permanently on the worktop, then store all its components in the cupboards I have available. |
| Accessories and cleaning | Check which accessories are included and compatible with the model you’ve chosen. Look at how many parts need cleaning and check exactly which ones are dishwasher-safe. | I’d rather have functions that suit the dishes I usually make, without having to get out and wash lots of parts for every meal. |
| Noise and frequent use | When comparing models, look for tests covering noise levels, ease of use, build quality and durability. UFC-Que Choisir’s 2026 test protocol for multifunction food processors examines these criteria as well as the list of functions. | In my small kitchen, noise and ease of handling matter if I’m likely to use the food processor often. |
What you can make depends on the functions and accessories supplied with the model. An appliance designed to prepare ingredients won’t, by itself, replace one that cooks them.
Make a note of a few dishes you prepare regularly, then check which function and included accessory you’ll need for each one on the model you’re considering.
Bowls, lids and accessories may need to be stored somewhere other than alongside the motor unit. You’ll also need to check the available height if you plan to use the food processor beneath a wall cupboard.
Measure the space you’ll need to use and store every component. Don’t assume the accessories fit inside the bowl without checking this for the exact model.
A long list of functions doesn’t tell you how easy the appliance is to handle, how much washing-up it creates, how noisy it is or how well it holds up to repeated use.
When comparing models, look for tests that cover these points, and check separately which parts are dishwasher-safe.
An accessory offered for a range may not be included with every model. It may also need extra storage space.
Choose the attachments that will be useful for the dishes you make often, then check whether they’re included and compatible with the exact model.
These ranges illustrate different uses; their inclusion here doesn’t mean every model comes with the same functions or accessories.
The Companion range is worth considering if you want a cooking food processor that can prepare and cook food.
The MultiPro Go Blend FDP23.380GY is an example of a multifunction food processor designed to fit into a small storage space, without integrated cooking.
KitchenAid stand mixers are worth considering when mixing, whisking or kneading is your main use for the appliance.
The Cook Expert is a range of cooking food processors worth considering if you want to combine preparation and cooking.
These options include two cooking food processors that combine preparation and cooking, as well as a kitchen machine to consider if mixing and kneading are your main uses. Compare each model with the dishes you make and the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you want a cooking food processor that can also cook the dishes you prepare. Before choosing this model with its XL bowl, measure the space you have for it and decide where to store the accessories you’ll use.
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Another cooking food processor option if your meals involve both preparation and cooking. Check that it includes the accessories you need for the tasks you want to do, then measure the space required for the appliance and its storage.
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Worth considering if you mainly need an appliance for mixing, whisking or kneading and already have a way to cook. Check how much space you’ll need to use it, as well as to store the bowl and accessories.
Not for cooking, simmering or steaming: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the cooking function is what distinguishes a cooking food processor from a multifunction food processor. The latter is worth considering if you already have a suitable appliance for cooking and mainly want help preparing ingredients.
Focus on accessories for the dishes you make often, rather than a list of everything that might be available. Whether you want to steam, grate, slice, whisk or knead, check which components are included and compatible with the exact model. Only expect a blender or another attachment if it’s listed as included.
Don’t assume that an official rating will be displayed: food processors aren’t among the categories covered by the list published by ADEME. Instead, when comparing models, check the availability of spare parts and the repair options listed for each one.
You can look into repair, donating it or taking it to a suitable collection point. ADEME also says that some food processors and stand mixers may qualify for the Repair Bonus, depending on the type of repair and the conditions that apply when using an approved repairer.