Food processors

How to choose a food processor

A food processor is really two different appliances under one name: the multifunction processor that slices, grates and chops, and the planetary stand mixer that kneads dough and whips. Before buying, decide which job you do more often — it determines both the bowl shape and the power you need.

• Type. A processor works with discs and an S-blade: salads, grated cheese, chopped onion. A planetary mixer moves the whisk around the axis of the bowl — it is the machine for yeast dough, cake batter and whipped cream. Bake every week — pick a mixer; chop and grate — pick a processor.
• Power. 500–800 W is enough for chopping and light dough, 1000–1200 W kneads a kilo of yeast dough without overheating, 1500–2000 W is for dense bread dough and a big bowl. Use the power filter on the left.
• Bowl capacity. 2–2.5 l suits a couple, 3.5–4.5 l a family, 5–6 l those who bake several loaves at once. Usable volume is about 2/3 of the nominal figure.
• Attachments included. A blender jug for smoothies, a mincer head, cutting discs, a dough hook — each attachment replaces a separate appliance. Check what is in the box and what can be bought later.
• Speeds and pulse. 6–7 speeds cover most needs; a soft start keeps the flour in the bowl, and pulse mode helps crush ice and chop nuts.
• Cleaning and storage. Dishwasher-safe bowls save time; the processor lives on the worktop, so measure the height under the wall cupboard.

Food processors in our range

Multifunction processors with discs and a blender: Bosch MultiTalent 3 Plus (900 W, 2.3 l) and MultiTalent 8 (1000 W, 3.9 l), Bosch MCM3401M and MCM3501M with a mincer head and ice crushing, Philips Viva Collection HR7530 and HR7510, Daily Collection HR7320 and HR7310 (1.5 l blender jug), Adler AD 4216 (4 l) and Tristar MX-4817 (5 l). Planetary stand mixers for dough and cream: Bosch MUM58200 (1000 W, 3.9 l), the Gorenje MMC1000 series with 4.5 and 6 l bowls, ETA Gratus EVO Elegance (1500 W, 5.5 l), Tefal Bake Easy (500 W, 3.5 l), Mesko MS 4217, Adler AD 4226b and Camry CR 4223 (2000 W, 5 l). In a class of its own is the cooking robot Cecotec Mambo CooKing Victory (1700 W, 19 speeds), which heats as well as mixes.

Brands

Bosch covers both types: MultiTalent is a compact processor with plenty of discs, MUM is the stand-mixer classic. Philips Viva and Daily Collection are affordable processors for everyday grating and chopping. Gorenje MMC1000 offers a big bowl and a mincer head for sensible money, ETA Gratus is a sturdy Czech mixer for dense dough. Tefal Bake Easy suits light baking, Adler, Mesko and Camry are the budget end of the range, and Cecotec Mambo is the only robot with heating.

Related products

For lighter jobs see hand mixers, for drinks blenders. Meat has its own meat grinders, thin slices their food slicers. The whole section is food prep, with the wider range in kitchen appliances.

Frequently asked questions

Processor or stand mixer? If you chop, grate and make smoothies — a processor. If you bake bread, pies and cakes — a stand mixer.

Will a processor knead yeast dough? Yes, with at least 800 W and a hook included. For a kilo of dough choose 1000 W and a bowl of at least 3.5 l.

Does the blender jug replace a separate blender? For smoothies and soups, yes. For crushing ice, make sure the model lists that function specifically.

Are the parts dishwasher safe? Bowls, lids and most plastic parts usually are; wash blades and discs by hand so they stay sharp. Wipe the motor unit with a damp cloth.

How is it delivered? A compact processor fits a parcel locker (Omniva, DPD, Venipak, 1–2 working days); a large stand mixer comes by courier.