Choose according to what slows you down: a multicooker lets you set a cooking programme with minimal supervision; a food processor prepares ingredients but doesn’t cook them; and a cooking food processor handles both preparation and cooking. If your current appliances already do the job, keeping them could save you from buying something you don’t need. In any case, check how much space the appliance needs, which accessories are included and how easy it is to clean.
If cooking keeps you in the kitchen, start by comparing multicookers and cooking food processors. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes their cooking function from that of a food processor, which only prepares ingredients. However, check how much supervision the appliance’s instructions say it needs.
You already have a way to cook, but slicing, grating or chopping takes time. In that case, a food processor is worth considering for these tasks, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Take stock of the functions you already use, then consider how much room you’ll need for the appliance and its accessories. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking your existing equipment and available space into account before choosing a food processor.
For everyday weeknight meals, start with what slows you down most: keeping an eye on cooking, preparing ingredients, doing both in sequence or avoiding another appliance.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| Programmable cooking | Check that the cooking modes suit your dishes, how much food you can actually cook and what supervision is required. | If I want to get a dish cooking and then do something else, staying by the hob is what slows me down most. Around 33% of consumers would make cooking their priority. |
| Preparing ingredients | Check which tasks it can handle and which accessories are actually included for the recipes you usually make. | When cooking is already taken care of, I mainly want to spend less time chopping or mincing. Around 25% of consumers would put food preparation first. |
| Combining preparation and cooking | Check the appliance’s functions and accessories, as well as the bowl capacity and how the parts are cleaned. | Weighing or mixing ingredients and then cooking them involves too many steps with the tools I have now. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise combining these tasks. |
| Avoiding a duplicate appliance | Compare your current appliances with the tasks you need to do, and measure the space required, including for accessories. | My kitchen already has the essentials; I want to know whether another appliance would genuinely make meals easier. Around 17% of consumers would prioritise avoiding extra equipment. |
A standard food processor can prepare ingredients, but it doesn’t offer the integrated cooking function that sets other appliances apart, according to UFC-Que Choisir’s guides.
Think back to your last few dinners: if keeping an eye on the cooking is what slows you down, compare multicookers and cooking food processors instead. If it’s chopping, look at food processors.
Some recipes need room in the bowl, so its stated capacity won’t necessarily match the usable volume for every dish, UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Check the instructions for the fill limits that apply to the dishes and portion sizes you have in mind.
Discs, bowls and other parts need space and must be cleaned after use. An appliance may be less convenient if these jobs don’t fit your routine.
Measure the space where you plan to keep it, decide where to store the accessories you’ll use and check the instructions to see which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Preparing several portions doesn’t remove the need to store meals and perishable leftovers safely. Anses recommends checking the temperature in the coldest part of your fridge and keeping it at 4 °C.
Follow the storage instructions for prepared food and don’t leave it at room temperature for too long before putting it back in the fridge.
Moulinex lists Cookeo among its multicookers and Companion among its cooking food processors. The brand also offers food processors.
Vorwerk describes Thermomix as a food processor that combines preparation functions with cooking modes.
Magimix food processors are designed for preparation tasks such as grating, slicing, chopping and kneading.
These appliances address three different weeknight needs: combining food preparation and cooking, setting a cooking programme or preparing ingredients with a food processor that doesn’t cook. Start by deciding which task you want to make easier, then compare the features of the models that fit the bill.
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Worth considering if you want to combine preparation and cooking rather than set a cooking programme and walk away: the product listing says not to leave the appliance running unattended.
The title mentions an XL bowl, built-in scales and a large touchscreen. Check that it has the functions and accessories you need for your recipes.
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Consider this if cooking is your priority rather than chopping ingredients. Check that its programmes suit the dishes you make during the week.
The title lists an 8 L capacity, 1 200 W and 12 preset programmes, including settings for rice, slow cooking and steaming. Check its size and electrical compatibility before buying.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a cooking appliance with a bowl rather than a food processor that prepares ingredients.
The title lists a 7.1 L capacity, a 7-in-1 configuration and a stainless steel inner pot. The product listing specifies 220 V: check that the appliance and plug are compatible with your electrical supply.
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Worth a look for meals cooked in a pot; compare the usable capacity with the portion sizes you usually make.
The title lists a 7-in-1 configuration, slow cooking, steaming and four customisable presets. Check its dimensions against the space you have available.
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Consider this if you already have a way to cook and mainly want to chop, slice or grate ingredients.
The title lists 750 W, a 1.8 L bowl, and blending and chopping functions. Check which accessories are included, how they can be cleaned and how much room you’ll need to store them.
Not necessarily. If chopping or mincing is what slows you down most, a food processor without an integrated cooking function may be all you need. If you’d rather set a cooking programme on the appliance, compare multicookers and cooking food processors, as distinguished by UFC-Que Choisir.
Choose accessories for the tasks you do regularly, then plan where to store them. Check the instructions for your model to see which parts are dishwasher-safe rather than assuming they all are.
No. An appliance doesn’t replace the rules for storing prepared food safely. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge at 4 °C and limiting how long perishable food stays at room temperature.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. If the appliance doesn’t match its description or meet the usual expected use, contact the seller and keep your proof of purchase, the product listing and the instructions. This legal guarantee is separate from a retailer’s returns policy.