The food processors are the most versatile tools in both a home and a professional kitchen. Whether you’re planning to make different kinds of dips or fresh salsa, it can turn a time-consuming chopping task into a quick and easy job. The right food processor can significantly reduce your prep time and give you more moments to enjoy with your family.
Not just chopping vegetables. Many food processors come with attachments for slicing, grating, and shredding; some even have specialized blades for mixing and kneading dough. After some good research, we selected some top-quality food processors for a variety of prep tasks, both large and small, in different styles. In this guide, we will cover popular brands like Breville, Cuisinart, Ninja, etc for your ideal choice.
Our Top Picks Based on Some Important Factors
Best in Power
Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System
Wattage: 1400W | Capacity: 64 Fluid Ounces | Number of Speeds: 3 | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Power Source: Corded Electric | Cleaning: Dishwasher safe
The Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System is a high-end product with the functionalities of a blender and a food processor. It offers you an attractive design with a powerful 1400-watt motor. It offers 5 versatile presets for effortlessly creating smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and dough. Its advanced programs combine precise pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns to handle tasks efficiently. The powerful dough mixer folds ingredients evenly, making up to 2 pounds of dough in just 30 seconds. Additionally, the 8-cup precision processor bowl ensures even chopping and smooth purees with exceptional precision.
Best in Mini
Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus Food Processor
Capacity: 64 Ounces | Size: 7″D x 9.25″W x 5″H | Wattage: 250W | Weight: 2.2 Pounds | Warranty: 18 Months | Cleaning: Dishwasher safe
The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Food Processor is a compact yet powerful kitchen tool designed for quick and efficient food preparation. It easily chops and grinds using a patented reversible stainless-steel blade. The user-friendly push-button control panel is paired with a durable, lightweight plastic body. It also offers two powerful processing options with the auto-reversing smart power blade. The food processor comes with a dishwasher-safe bowl and lid for easy cleaning. If you want to explore more options check our blog on the best Cuisinart food processors.
Best in Ease of Use
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack & Snap Food Processor
Cleaning: Dishwasher safe | Capacity: 12 Cups | Power: 450 watts | Material: Plastic | Wattage: 450 watts | Item Weight: 6.57 pounds
The Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor is a user-friendly kitchen appliance that combines ease of use with powerful functionality. This food processor easily handles chopping, shredding, slicing, and pureeing with precision. Its unique stack and snap assembly design eliminates the need for complex twisting and locking, making setup quick and simple. The 12-cup sealed bowl prevents leaks when processing liquids. The big mouth feed tube accommodates whole foods, reducing prep time. With convenient cord storage, this food processor is both efficient and easy to use, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen.
AESA self-learning AI tool discovered some valuable customer comments on Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor. The one mentioned, “I love this product because of its ease of use. I don’t have to line anything up and turn it until it clicks in place.”
Best in Attachments
Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment with SELF-DETECT
Attachments: Self-detect base, work bowl lid, 2 food push | Capacity: 12-cup | Power: 240 volts | Dimensions: 11.75 x 8.5 x 12.75 inches | Wattage: 1200 watts | Weight: 6.17 pounds
The Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment with SELF-DETECT comes with an attachment that eliminates the need for a separate appliance, offering a streamlined solution with its intuitive, user-friendly design. It allows for adjustable speeds, pulsing, and continuous operation, depending on your Vitamix base. With a 12-cup dry and 9-cup wet capacity, it is perfect for various food processing tasks. The attachment features a clear bowl, lid, and food pushers for easy use. Included components like the “S” multi-purpose blade and reversible slice/shred discs make food prep simple and efficient.
Best in Silent Operation
Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor
Capacity: 16 cup | Power: 1200 watts | Dimensions: 10.9 x 17.5 x 8.9 inches | Material: Die-Cast Metal Base and High Impact BPA-Free Bowl
The Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor offers exceptional performance and a quiet cooking experience. It comes with 5 multifunction discs and 3 blades, allowing for precise and varied food preparation. The 5.5-inch super wide feed chute minimizes pre-cut most fruits and vegetables, enhancing convenience. It includes BPA-free processing bowls, a large 16-cup bowl, and a smaller 2.5-cup bowl that caters to different processing needs. The LCD display features a count-up and countdown auto timer for precise control.
Our self-learning AI tool found some useful customer comments on the Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor. The one stated, “The food processor is surprisingly quiet. I didn’t know there was such a thing as a quiet food processor, but this one is. It’s a nice feature because I can listen to an audiobook or have a conversation without yelling while using it.”
Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Food Processor
Capacity and Bowl Size
When selecting a food processor, consider the capacity and size of the processing bowl. The bowl size determines how much food you can process at once, which is crucial depending on your cooking needs. If you often prepare large meals or cook for a family, a processor with a larger bowl, like 12-16 cups, will be more efficient. However, if you typically cook smaller portions, a smaller bowl may suffice and be more convenient to handle and clean. Additionally, some food processors come with multiple bowls of different sizes, offering versatility for various tasks.
Material and Build Quality
The material and build quality are crucial factors to consider. A food processor made from high-quality, durable materials like stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic will not only last longer but also withstand the rigors of regular use. A sturdy base ensures stability during operation, preventing the appliance from moving or vibrating excessively. High-quality materials in the blades and discs ensure they stay sharp and effective over time, providing consistent results. Investing in a well-built food processor may cost more upfront, but it can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Safety Features
Safety should be a top priority when selecting a food processor. Look for models that come with essential safety features, such as locking mechanisms that prevent the machine from operating unless the lid is securely in place. Overload protection is another valuable feature that stops the motor if it becomes overheated or overloaded, preventing damage to the appliance and ensuring safe operation. Non-slip feet are also important to keep the processor stable during use, reducing the risk of accidents.
Speed Settings and Controls
The number of speed settings and the type of controls a food processor offers can greatly affect its functionality. While some tasks may only require a single speed, others benefit from variable speeds that allow you to adjust the processing power based on the ingredient or desired consistency. Pulse functions are particularly useful for tasks that require more control, such as chopping or mixing delicate ingredients. A food processor with a range of speed options and responsive controls can offer more versatility, allowing you to achieve precise results for a variety of recipes.
Storage and Footprint
The physical size of the food processor and how easily it can be stored should also be considered, especially if you have limited kitchen space. Some food processors come with multiple attachments and accessories, which can be challenging to store if the unit itself doesn’t include dedicated storage options. Compact models or those with built-in storage for blades and discs can help minimize the space the processor occupies on your countertop or in your cabinets. Assessing the available storage space in your kitchen and choosing a food processor with a manageable footprint will ensure it fits seamlessly into your cooking routine.
Answers to Your Most Asked Questions
Can a food processor replace a blender?
While a food processor and a blender share some similarities, they are designed for different purposes, so one cannot entirely replace the other. A food processor excels at handling a wide variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, grating, mixing dough, and making purees because of its various blades and discs. It is particularly useful for solid or semi-solid ingredients.
On the other hand, a blender is specifically designed for liquids and is ideal for making smoothies, soups, and purees with a finer consistency. A high-powered blender can perform some tasks similar to a food processor, like crushing ice or making nut butter. It typically lacks the versatility to handle tasks like kneading dough or shredding vegetables. Therefore, while there is some overlap in their functions, having both appliances in your kitchen can provide a broader range of capabilities.
If you want to know more about the difference between a food processor and a blender then, explore our other blog Food Processor Vs Blender: Which is Better?
Can I use a food processor for hot ingredients?
Using a food processor for hot ingredients can be risky because the heat may cause pressure to build up inside the processor, potentially leading to splattering or even the lid popping off. Most food processors are designed for cold or room-temperature ingredients, so it’s best to let hot ingredients cool down slightly before processing them.
How can I easily maintain a food processor?
Maintaining a food processor is straightforward with a few simple steps.
- Clean Immediately After Use: Rinse the bowl, lid, and blades right after use to prevent food from drying and sticking.
- Disassemble Properly: Take apart all removable parts before cleaning to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Use Mild Detergent: Wash the components with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratches.
- Avoid Submerging the Base: Wipe down the base with a damp cloth. Never immerse it in water.
- Dry Thoroughly: Dry all parts completely before reassembling to prevent rust and mold growth.
