Food processors and meat grinders are for anyone who cooks a lot at home: this category covers multi-function food processors, stand mixers with a bowl for dough and electric meat grinders. Our range includes over 200 models, with brands such as Bosch, Kenwood, KitchenAid and Philips.
Models differ in power, bowl capacity and the attachments supplied, so it helps to decide first what you will make most often.
How to choose a food processor or meat grinder
Purpose. A food processor chops, slices and grates vegetables, while a stand mixer with a large bowl is built for dough, creams and whipping. A meat grinder is for meat and mince. If you bake occasionally, a food processor is enough, but regular yeast dough calls for a stand mixer.
Power. Our range runs from 200 W to 1200 W. Around 300 W is usually enough for chopping and light mixing, while an 800, 1000 or 1200 W motor copes more easily with dense dough and larger batches. A stronger motor also helps a meat grinder with sinewy meat.
Bowl capacity. Bowls in our range run from about 2.1 to 5.5 litres. For one or two people 2 to 3 litres is enough, while a family that bakes should look at a 4.7 or 4.8 litre bowl. The usable volume for dough is always smaller than the stated capacity, so allow some margin.
Speeds and control. Some models have only 2 speeds and others as many as 10, and many offer smooth variable speed. This is useful when you start mixing flour, so it does not fly out of the bowl, and a pulse setting gives better control when chopping.
Attachments and cleaning. Check whether the set includes grating discs, a whisk, a dough hook or sausage attachments for the grinder. The bowl and many plastic parts can usually go in the dishwasher, but metal grinder parts are better washed by hand and dried well.
Brands we carry
- Bosch: a German brand known for its MUM series of kitchen machines and everyday food processors, and the one with the most models in this category.
- Kenwood: a British brand famous for its Chef and kMix kitchen machines with interchangeable attachments.
- KitchenAid: known for stand mixers with a metal body and tilt-head design that many people recognise at a glance.
- Philips: a Dutch brand offering food processors and meat grinders aimed at everyday home cooking.
- Zelmer and Sencor: Polish and Czech household appliance makers, with Zelmer long associated with meat grinders.
- Ariete and G3Ferrari: Italian makers of small kitchen appliances.
Also in our range: Maestro, Eldom, Concept and JVC.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a food processor and a stand mixer?
A food processor mainly chops, slices and grates, while a stand mixer with a large bowl kneads dough, whips and mixes. Many models combine both roles, but the main purpose is usually clear from the attachments in the box.
Can a food processor mince meat?
Only if the set includes a meat grinder attachment or a blade made for the job. A standard blade can chop soft, trimmed meat, but the result will not match mince from a grinder. If you mince meat often, a separate meat grinder is the better choice.
What bowl size is best for a family?
A bowl of 4 litres or more usually suits a family. Our range includes bowls from 2.1 to 5.5 litres, and 4.7 and 4.8 litres are common sizes. A smaller bowl is enough for one or two people and small batches.
Does the number of speeds matter?
Smooth speed control matters more than the number of fixed speeds. Models with 2 speeds suit simple tasks, while 10 speeds or variable control give you finer command when mixing flour, whipping and chopping.
