As you might expect, I cook a lot. I was the first to say that I will never need a robot, connected or not, that would cook for me. But my years of expatriation were enough to make me change my mind: preparing bread, yogurts, making soups... I won't do without them. Far from replacing me, they are of great help to me on a daily basis and save considerable time.
How food processors fit into culinary tradition
The integration of kitchen robots does not mean the abandonment of culinary tradition, but rather an adaptation of it to the rhythms of our modern lives. Food processors make it easier and faster to prepare traditional and homemade dishes, without compromising quality or taste. From slow-cooked dishes like tagines to more technical desserts like pavlovas, food processors help preserve the taste and presentation of dishes while making meal preparation less complex, faster and more accessible.
The advantages of kitchen robots
Food processors offer many advantages. They allow great precision in measurements and temperatures, which is essential for successful recipes. They allow you to prepare a meal in advance and keep it warm. Plus, with programmable functions and built-in recipes, they help reduce cooking mistakes, allowing even novices to make complex dishes. Additionally, these appliances contribute to a cleaner, more organized kitchen, reducing the number of utensils needed and making cleaning after use easier.
Choices and considerations
The food processor market is vast, offering a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets. When choosing a food processor, it is important to consider its capacity, functions, ease of use, and durability. Consumers should also consider available kitchen space, as some robots can be quite bulky. It is advisable to look for devices with a good warranty and reliable customer support, ensuring their long-term use. So don't hesitate to ask your friends, family and the Internet.
Brands at the forefront of innovation
In France, several brands stand out for their offering of kitchen robots adapted to household needs. Among them, Thermomix and Magimix are positioned as leaders, offering high-end appliances that simplify everyday cooking. Their models, such as the Thermomix TM6 or the Cook Expert from Magimix, integrate large and readable touch screens, voice commands and dedicated applications that enrich the user experience. Beyond the big brands, you can also find cheaper equivalents like Monsieur Cuisine (lidl) or the Moulinex companion. Coming from the United States and now available in Europe and France, the Ninja Foodi is a slightly different kitchen robot: it is a multicooker and can replace an oven, a dehydrator, a pressure cooker, a steam cooker.
Safety and ease of maintenance
Safety and ease of maintenance are two crucial aspects for users. Modern food processors are designed with automatic locking systems, safety stops and easy-to-clean materials, ensuring risk-free use and minimal maintenance.
Comparison table of my three favorite kitchen companions:
I have chosen to present to you 3 that I know well: the Cook Expert and the Thermomix (mixing robots and cookers) and the Ninja Foodi, which does not have the mixing function, but which I discovered in the United States and which I can no longer do without (I actually had to buy one again when my student son left with my first Ninja).
| Criteria | Magimix Cook Expert | Thermomix | Ninja Foodi |
| Price (approximate) | 1 200 € | 1 350 € | €200 – €600 (depending on model) |
| Features | – Cooking, mixing, kneading, slicing, chopping, blending, steaming | – Cooking, mixing, weighing, kneading, steaming, emulsification | – Pressure cooking, steaming, air frying, roasting, simmering, grilling, dehydrating (depending on model) |
| Ability | 3.5 L – 4.8 L (depending on model) | 2.2L | 4.7 L – 7.5 L (depending on model) |
| Simplicity | Intuitive interface with color screen, automatic programs | Touchscreen with integrated recipe guide, intuitive controls | Interface varies depending on model, generally easy to use with predefined programs |
| Connectivity | Dedicated application to access recipes | Built-in Wi-Fi to access online recipes, software updates | Some models offer connected features |
| Accessories included | Steam basket, metal knife, mixer, etc. | Varies depending on the kit (measuring cup, spatula, cooking basket, etc.) | Accessories vary by model, often including steam basket, cooking rack, etc. |
For my part, I have the Cook Expert and the Ninja Foodi: I will say that with the Cook expert, I knead my dough, I grind, the soups almost make themselves, I prepare desserts, I cook risottos... With the Ninja, I pressure cook dried vegetables, rice, I cook and grill meats, chicken, fries, I make yogurts, I dehydrate, I steam… In short, these two robots are very complementary and used every day.
Conclusion
Kitchen robots represent a small revolution and have become almost essential in French kitchens, combining modernity, practicality, time saving and culinary tradition. They truly offer valuable assistance in meal preparation and allow everyone to make delicious dishes with less effort and more pleasure. Ultimately, I find that they are a perfect balance between advanced technology and ease of use and open the door to limitless culinary creativity.
Each food processor has its unique advantages, ranging from versatility and capacity to specialization and design. The choice will depend on the specific needs, budget, and space available in each kitchen.
