Food Processor Buying Guide: Why Buy a Food Processor?
A food processor is one of the most versatile appliances you can have in your kitchen. Designed to make everyday food preparation quicker and easier, it can take care of everything from chopping vegetables and grating cheese to mixing dough and preparing homemade sauces.
Instead of spending time chopping, slicing and grating ingredients by hand, a food processor uses interchangeable blades and attachments to complete repetitive preparation tasks in seconds. It's particularly useful for busy households, keen home cooks and anyone who regularly prepares meals from scratch.
The Cooks Professional food processor range includes two 1000W models: the versatile Multi-Function Food Processor, available in three colour options, and the premium Multi-Function Power Food Processor, featuring a stainless steel body. Both combine food processing and blending functions in one appliance, but offer different attachments and finishes to suit your kitchen.
What Does a Food Processor Do?
A food processor is an electric kitchen appliance designed to prepare ingredients using interchangeable blades, discs and attachments. Unlike a traditional blender, which is primarily designed for liquids and softer ingredients, a food processor can handle a much wider variety of preparation tasks. Depending on the attachments included, a food processor can chop, slice, grate, shred, mix and knead ingredients with minimal effort.
Some of the most common food processor uses include:
- Chopping Vegetables: Quickly prepare onions, carrots, peppers and other ingredients for everyday meals.
- Slicing Ingredients: Create consistent slices of vegetables for salads, gratins and side dishes.
- Grating Cheese: Prepare larger quantities of grated cheese without the effort of a manual grater.
- Mixing Dough: Combine ingredients for bread, pizza dough and pastry using a suitable dough attachment.
- Preparing Sauces and Dips: Make homemade pesto, hummus, salsa and other recipes.
- Blending Ingredients: Use the included blender jug for smoothies, milkshakes, soups and sauces.
With the right attachments, a single food processor can replace several manual kitchen tools and help streamline meal preparation.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Food Processor?
1. Save Time on Everyday Food Preparation
One of the biggest advantages of a food processor is the time it can save in the kitchen. Chopping several onions, grating a block of cheese or slicing vegetables for a family meal can be repetitive and time-consuming. A food processor can complete many of these tasks in seconds, allowing you to spend less time preparing ingredients and more time cooking.
This is particularly useful when preparing larger meals, cooking for guests or making recipes that require several different ingredients. For example, a homemade vegetable soup might require chopped onions, sliced carrots and diced celery. Rather than preparing everything individually by hand, a food processor can significantly reduce the amount of manual work involved.
2. Make Cooking from Scratch Easier
Cooking from scratch gives you greater control over the ingredients you use, but the preparation involved can sometimes make it feel inconvenient. A food processor simplifies many of these tasks, making homemade recipes more manageable.
You can prepare fresh sauces, dips, dressings, pastry and dough without relying as heavily on pre-prepared ingredients. Homemade pesto, for example, can be made by processing fresh basil, nuts, cheese, garlic and olive oil. A food processor can also quickly combine ingredients for breadcrumbs, vegetable burgers or homemade dips. By reducing preparation time, a food processor makes it easier to incorporate more homemade meals into your routine.
3. Achieve More Consistent Results
When preparing ingredients by hand, achieving uniform slices or evenly grated vegetables can take practice. Food processors use dedicated slicing and grating discs to produce more consistent results, particularly when preparing larger quantities.
Evenly sliced vegetables are useful for dishes such as potato gratin, vegetable bakes and salads, while consistently grated ingredients can make mixing and portioning easier. Using the appropriate attachment also allows you to choose the preparation method that best suits your recipe.
4. Prepare Larger Batches with Less Effort
Food processors are particularly useful for batch cooking and meal preparation. Instead of chopping ingredients separately for several meals, you can prepare larger quantities in one session, saving time throughout the week.
Both Cooks Professional food processors feature a generous 3.5L processing bowl with a 2L working capacity, making them suitable for preparing family-sized quantities of ingredients. Batch preparation is useful for recipes such as homemade sauces, soups, chopped vegetables, pastry and dough. Prepared ingredients can then be portioned and stored appropriately for future meals, helping make busy weekdays more manageable.
5. Reduce Manual Chopping and Grating
Repetitive food preparation can be tiring, particularly when working with large quantities of ingredients. A food processor reduces the amount of manual chopping, grating and mixing required, making it a practical addition for anyone who regularly prepares meals from scratch.
Although some preparation is still necessary, such as washing ingredients and cutting larger foods into pieces that fit the feed tube, the appliance handles much of the repetitive work. It's particularly useful for tasks such as grating cheese, shredding vegetables and processing large quantities of ingredients.
6. Get Multiple Kitchen Functions in One Appliance
A food processor isn't limited to chopping vegetables. With interchangeable attachments, it can carry out several different kitchen tasks, reducing the need for separate preparation tools.
Both Cooks Professional models also include a 1.8L blender jug, allowing you to prepare smoothies, soups and sauces alongside traditional food processing tasks. This combination makes them especially versatile for households looking to get more functionality from a single appliance.
Cooks Professional Food Processors: Which Model Should You Choose?
The Cooks Professional range includes two multi-functional food processors, both designed to make everyday kitchen preparation easier. The standard Food Processor offers an extensive selection of attachments and three colour options, making it a practical choice for versatile home cooking.
The Power Food Processor sits at the top of the range, combining a stainless steel body with dedicated processing attachments and a premium finish. Both models share the same 1000W motor power and generous processing and blending capacities, so choosing between them comes down primarily to their construction, included attachments and design.
Cooks Professional Multi-Function Food Processor
The Cooks Professional 1000W Food Processor is designed to handle a wide range of everyday preparation tasks, combining food processing and blending functions in one convenient appliance. Its 1000W motor provides the power needed for chopping, slicing, grating, mixing and other food preparation tasks, while the included accessories allow you to adapt the machine to different recipes.
The food processor features a 3.5L mixing bowl with a 2L working capacity, alongside a separate 1.8L blender jug. One of its main advantages is the extensive accessory selection. The standard model includes seven different blades, along with additional attachments for tasks such as mixing, blending and preparing ingredients. It also features an integrated accessory storage drawer, helping keep smaller attachments organised and easy to find.
The standard Food Processor is available in three colour options: Black, Black/Silver and Black/Rose Gold, offering a choice of finishes to complement different kitchens.
Best for:
- Everyday home cooks looking for a versatile food preparation appliance.
- Households that regularly chop, slice, grate and mix ingredients.
- Anyone who wants a wide selection of attachments for different recipes.
- Kitchens where coordinating appliance colours is important.
- Families looking for a food processor and blender combination.
With its extensive attachments and generous capacity, the standard Food Processor is a practical all-rounder for everyday cooking.
Cooks Professional Power Food Processor: Best for Premium Performance and Finish
The Cooks Professional 1000W Power Food Processor is the premium model in the range, featuring a stainless steel body and a selection of dedicated food preparation attachments. Like the standard model, it features a 1000W motor, a 3.5L processing bowl with a 2L working capacity and a 1.8L blender jug. The Power Food Processor includes three processing discs and two blades, designed for chopping, slicing, shredding, grating and mixing ingredients.
Its reversible slicing disc provides additional flexibility for preparing ingredients in different ways, while the dedicated dough blade makes it easier to combine ingredients for homemade bread, pastry and pizza dough. The stainless steel body gives the appliance a more premium appearance, making it an attractive choice for contemporary kitchens. It also features a built-in accessory storage drawer, a safety interlock that prevents operation unless the bowl and lid are correctly secured, and automatic overheat protection to help protect the motor during demanding tasks.
Best for:
- Keen home cooks looking for a premium food processor.
- Households that regularly prepare homemade dough, pastry and baked goods.
- Anyone who prefers a stainless steel appliance finish.
- Cooks looking for dedicated slicing, shredding and grating attachments.
- Regular meal preparation and family-sized recipes.
The Power Food Processor is particularly well suited to households that want the versatility of a food processor combined with a premium stainless steel design.
Cooks Professional Food Processor vs Power Food Processor: What's the Difference?
Both food processors offer similar core performance, with a powerful 1000W motor and the same processing and blending capacities. The main differences are found in their construction, accessories and overall design.
| Feature | Food Processor | Power Food Processor |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1000W | 1000W |
| Processing Bowl | 3.5L | 3.5L |
| Working Capacity | 2L | 2L |
| Blender Jug | 1.8L | 1.8L |
| Attachments | 7 different blades plus additional accessories | 3 discs and 2 blades |
| Dough Preparation | Mixing and kneading accessories | Dedicated dough blade |
| Accessory Storage | Integrated drawer | Integrated drawer |
| Body Finish | Coloured plastic housing | Sleek stainless steel body |
| Colour Options | Black, Black/Silver, Black/Rose Gold | Silver stainless steel |
| Best For | Versatile everyday cooking | Premium design and dedicated preparation tasks |
Neither model has a higher motor wattage or larger processing capacity, so the Power Food Processor's main advantages are its premium construction and attachment configuration rather than increased motor power. For households looking for a wide selection of accessories and colour choices, the standard model offers excellent versatility. For those who prefer sleek stainless steel appliances and want dedicated tools for tasks such as dough preparation, the Power Food Processor is an attractive upgrade.
Food Processor vs Blender: What's the Difference?
Food processors and blenders are often confused because both use motorised blades to process ingredients. However, they're designed for different types of kitchen tasks. A blender is primarily used for combining liquids and softer ingredients into smooth mixtures, making it ideal for smoothies, milkshakes, soups and sauces. A food processor is designed for a wider variety of preparation tasks, including chopping, slicing, grating, shredding and mixing dough.
| Task | Food Processor | Blender |
|---|---|---|
| Chopping Vegetables | Excellent | Not ideal |
| Slicing and Grating | Excellent with attachments | Not suitable |
| Mixing Dough | Suitable with dough attachment | Generally unsuitable |
| Making Smoothies | Possible with blender attachment | Excellent |
| Blending Soups | Possible with blender attachment | Excellent |
| Making Pesto and Dips | Excellent | Suitable |
| Shredding Vegetables | Excellent with attachments | Not suitable |
If you mainly prepare smoothies and blended drinks, a standalone blender may be sufficient. However, if you regularly cook from scratch and need to prepare vegetables, dough, sauces and other ingredients, a food processor offers greater versatility. Both Cooks Professional food processors include a separate blender jug, giving you the benefits of both appliances in one machine.
What Can You Make in a Food Processor?
A food processor can be used for a surprisingly wide range of recipes, making it useful throughout the day.
For breakfast, the blender attachment can prepare smoothies, while the processing bowl can help mix ingredients for homemade breakfast bakes.
At lunchtime, you can quickly chop vegetables for salads, prepare homemade hummus or blend ingredients for fresh pesto.
For dinner, a food processor can help prepare vegetables for curries, casseroles and stir-fries, grate cheese for pasta dishes or mix dough for homemade pizza.
It's also useful for baking. Suitable mixing and dough attachments can help combine ingredients for pastry, bread and other homemade recipes.
Some popular food processor recipes include:
- Homemade pesto and hummus.
- Fresh salsa and vegetable dips.
- Pizza dough and pastry.
- Grated vegetable salads and coleslaw.
- Breadcrumbs and crumb toppings.
- Smoothies, milkshakes and blended sauces.
- Chopped vegetables for soups, curries and casseroles.
The range of recipes you can prepare will depend on the attachments fitted and the ingredients being processed, so always follow the instructions for your chosen model.
What Size Food Processor Do You Need?
Food processor capacity is an important consideration, particularly if you regularly prepare meals for several people. Smaller food processors can be useful for chopping herbs, garlic and small quantities of ingredients, but their limited capacity may make them less practical for larger recipes.
A full-sized food processor offers more flexibility, allowing you to prepare larger quantities without needing to process everything in multiple batches. Both Cooks Professional models feature a 3.5L processing bowl with a 2L working capacity. The distinction between total bowl capacity and working capacity is important. Although the bowl itself holds 3.5L, the rated working capacity is 2L, and individual recipes may require smaller quantities depending on the ingredients and attachment being used.
Both models also include a separate 1.8L blender jug for preparing drinks, sauces and other blended recipes. This makes either appliance a versatile choice for everyday household cooking and batch preparation.
How to Clean and Maintain a Food Processor
Keeping your food processor clean and properly maintained helps preserve its performance and ensures it's ready for regular use. After preparing food, unplug the appliance and carefully remove the attachments. Blades and cutting discs should always be handled by their non-cutting surfaces, as their edges can be extremely sharp. Wash removable parts according to the manufacturer's instructions, taking care to remove food residue from around the blades and attachments. The motor base should never be submerged in water. Instead, wipe it with a slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Before storing the appliance, ensure all components are completely dry and return the appropriate accessories to the integrated storage drawer. Regular cleaning and correct assembly will help keep your food processor in good working condition for years.
Is a Food Processor Worth Buying?
A food processor is worth buying if you enjoy cooking from scratch, cook for a family or want to reduce the amount of manual chopping, slicing and grating involved in everyday cooking. Its main advantage is versatility. With the right attachments, one appliance can perform several different preparation tasks, saving time and helping you achieve more consistent results.
The Cooks Professional range offers two practical options, both featuring a 1000W motor, generous processing capacity and an included blender jug. The standard Food Processor is ideal for households looking for an extensive selection of attachments and a choice of colours, while the Power Food Processor offers a premium stainless steel finish and dedicated preparation tools.
Whichever model you choose, a food processor can make everyday meal preparation quicker, easier and more convenient. Explore the full Cooks Professional Food Processor Collection to find the right model for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Processors
What is the main benefit of a food processor?
The main benefit of a food processor is saving time on repetitive kitchen preparation tasks. It can chop, slice, grate, mix and process ingredients more quickly than preparing everything by hand, making everyday cooking more convenient.
Is a food processor worth buying?
Yes, particularly if you regularly cook from scratch or prepare larger quantities of ingredients. A food processor can replace several manual preparation tools and help make chopping, slicing, grating and mixing easier.
Can you use a food processor as a blender?
Some food processors include a separate blender attachment. Both Cooks Professional models feature a 1.8L blender jug, making them suitable for preparing smoothies, soups, sauces and other blended recipes.
What is the difference between a food processor and a blender?
A food processor is designed for a variety of tasks, including chopping, slicing, grating and mixing dough. A blender is primarily designed for combining liquids and softer ingredients into smooth mixtures.
How powerful should a food processor be?
A 1000W food processor provides plenty of power for a wide range of everyday food preparation tasks. Both Cooks Professional models feature 1000W motors, making them suitable for chopping, slicing, grating and mixing ingredients when used with the correct attachments.
Can you make dough in a food processor?
Yes, provided the food processor includes a suitable dough attachment. The Cooks Professional Power Food Processor features a dedicated dough blade for mixing ingredients for bread, pastry and pizza dough.
Can a food processor grate cheese?
Yes. A food processor with a suitable grating disc can quickly grate cheese, making it particularly useful when preparing larger quantities for pasta dishes, bakes and other recipes.
What size food processor is best for a family?
A full-sized food processor with a generous working capacity is a practical choice for family cooking. Both Cooks Professional food processors feature a 3.5L bowl with a 2L working capacity, allowing you to prepare larger quantities of ingredients.
What's the difference between the Cooks Professional Food Processor and Power Food Processor?
Both models feature a 1000W motor, 3.5L processing bowl and 1.8L blender jug. The standard model offers an extensive selection of attachments and three colour options, while the Power Food Processor features a stainless steel body, dedicated dough blade and a different selection of processing discs.
Which Cooks Professional food processor should I buy?
The standard Food Processor is a good choice for everyday cooking and households looking for a versatile selection of accessories. The Power Food Processor is better suited to those who prefer a premium stainless steel finish and dedicated attachments for tasks such as dough preparation.