The Best Food Processor

If you love to cook your own food from scratch just as much as I do, you’re probably aware of the fact that preparation is a time consuming task.

And if you’re like me, always running short on time, you’ll definitely appreciate a bit of help in the kitchen.

For the purpose of prepping everything quickly, I’ve invested in a proper food processor to help me with the slicing, dicing, chopping, and mixing of all kinds of ingredients.

In contrary to countertop blenders and hand immersion blenders, there’s no need to add any liquids to your food processor. It can either crush or chop your solid ingredients to a nice uniform mass, perfect for the freshly made guacamole or pesto.

We also appreciated it, back when our son was just a baby. It works great for baby food too, and you can even make a large batch and refrigerate it for later.

All in all, it does exactly what it’s intended to do – food processing.

So, what is the best food processor?

I know a great food processor when I see one, and therefore decided to make a list of top picks along with my team here on ConsumerJar.

We spent a great amount of time reviewing and researching the best options, so check out this list and see which one fits your needs.

Top pick: Premium multifunctional food processor

What we like: This Breville Sous Chef food processor will turn your kitchen into a whole 5-star restaurant setting. Its high-torque direct-drive 1,200W motor and the three sharp, high-strength blades allow the processor to handle the toughest food processing jobs. And the best bit is that the food processing takes place in the extra-large 16-cup bowl.

It’s a multifunctional food processor with 5 functions displayed brightly on the LCD screen display, an auto-timer that makes for hands-free operation, and 24 control settings, which allows easy determination of the thickness of your slices.

We also like feed chute options – extra wide and mini-feed chutes for controlled slicing, as well as the smaller 2.5-cup processing bowl for smaller portions of food.

All you need to know: When you hear Sous Chef food processor, the first that crosses your mind is an appliance that takes over the menial tasks of food prep. This Breville lives up to expectations with its power, strength, attachments, and additional functional features.

If you are hosting Christmas this year, you know what that means – mounds of food, all expecting extensive food prep that could leave you sore for days. With all the chopping, grinding, shredding, and mincing work that awaits, you might want to invest in this multifunctional food processor. With its 1,200W direct-drive, high-torque motor (with safety braking system), the extra-large 16-cup (3.8l) bowl, and the three high-strength blades, this processor will make food prep enjoyable since it will neither tire you out or take all night. The extra 2.5-cup bowl ensures easy processing when you need a little dip, sauce, dressing, onions, or garlic.

It’s worth noting that this processor features an S-blade system, which means that the blade is micro-serrated for swift action needed for mixing, chopping, and processing. The variable slicing disc, on the other hand, features 24 settings that allow you to choose the variable thickness from the thin 0.3mm slices to the thickest slices at 8mm.

Then you have the 5 function discs and the three blades which are ideal for different functions, along with the 24 thickness settings that ensure perfect slices. The extra-wide and the mini-chute options ensure effortless cutting of longer slices and the prevention of tipping for the long, thin ingredients like carrots, respectively. The extra-wide chute is ideal for whole fruits and larger veggies.

The LCD screen display ensures effortless control of the processor functions, and you might also like the multi-directional timer that counts up and down, stopping the processor once the time is reached.

The food pushers – the small food pushers, improve processing precision and control of your smaller ingredients while also tripling in function as the measuring and adding cup. Keep in mind, however, that the food processor always runs well, whether this pusher is in or out. The large food pusher, on the other hand, is not only the ideal unit for pushing food down the feed chute, but it’s also an important part of the processor since the processor will not run without this part, and it must also be placed correctly.

The silicone seal prevents leakages while the solid die-cast metal base prevents tipping during processing. The non-skid rubber feet further prevent toppling over while enhancing safety and the processor’s stability.

Finally, its storage is easy, and the cleaning even easier since the parts are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

Specifications:

• Wattage: 1,200W
• Bowl Material: Plastic
• Bowl Capacity: 16-cup and 2.5 cups capacity
• Accessories: plastic spatula, 2.5-cup bowl

Budget pick: Space saving 2-in-1 food processor

What we like: Cuisinart is a beloved brand that’s been around for years, and its popularity comes from many obvious reasons. Today, we look at this small beauty, a mini food processor from Cuisinart. Its design is beautiful with a white finish, and you won’t have to hide it away when it’s not in use. Its size is the perfect definition of mini, making it the perfect appliance for small kitchens and casual cooks or individuals with small families.

The food processor chops and grinds at a single touch of a button, and the 24-ounce bowl means easy handling and processing of just enough burrito dip for one or two servings.

Driving its function is the 250W motor, which is a literal workhorse, as well as the exclusive auto-reversing SmartPower blade that works well for the two processing functions. The touchpad controls are also impressive and easy to use and clean.

All you need to know: Designed in Italy, this Cuisinart mini processor comes with a 250W workhorse that gives this processor all the power it needs to chop and grind different ingredients in seconds. Along with the powerful motor, there is the auto-reversing SmartPower blade, which enhances the function of the processor, and also the chop/grind buttons that make this processor super-convenient.

The sharp and the blunt edges of the stainless steel blades boost the grinding and chopping actions of the processor. The chop function deploys the sharp side of the blade to chop herbs, onions, and the bread crumbs while the grind function deploys the blunt side of the blade, which is ideal for grinding nuts, cheese, or coffee beans. The spatula puts all the ingredients in, and it might also come in handy when removing the chopped ingredients from the bowl.

Its 24-ounce bowl is the perfect size for small families and food preps for one or two meals. Also, on size, this whole processor is compact, at 18inches high, and it won’t take up much space on your kitchen counter.

Cleaning is easy thanks to the dishwasher-safe removable parts, and also the wipe-clean design of the touchpad. The stainless steel blade should be hand washed.

It has a beautiful design, and plastic construction makes it very lightweight. You can tuck it in your cabinet easily.

Specifications:

• Wattage: 250W
• Bowl material: BPA-free plastic
• Accessories: Spatula, stainless steel blade

Affordable mid-size food processor

What we like: If you are looking for a mid-size food processor, then you should know that you cannot go wrong with this Hamilton Beach 70730. We like that the processor is budget-friendly, an excellent option for amateur cooks, and it comes with fancy features.

It’s also nice to note that this processor will work just as effectively as the high-end food processors thanks to the 10-cup bowl capacity, the flip lid design that eases storage, and its large feed chute that takes on whole fruits and large cheese blocks, saving time.

Its 450W motor, the two speed-operation, and the bowl scraper attachment further enhance the function of the food processor. We are also impressed with its versatility.

All you need to know: Anyone shopping for an affordable food processor to use at home might like this food processor by Hamilton Beach. This food processor is a handy addition to your kitchen, it will save you a lot of time on food prep, and it will also add versatility to your dishes.

With its 10-cup capacity, this processor is good enough to handle food prep for family and visitors if you host frequently. You might also like the little storage space it takes up since its lid flips over.

It’s powerful too. With a 450W motor, a high-strength reversible stainless steel disc, and a stainless steel blade, it will chop, puree, and mix ingredients in seconds. Its large feed chute saves the time otherwise spent cutting up whole fruits or blocks of cheese. The two speed functions (high and low) and the pulse functions enhance your control. The bowl scraper attachment will scrape down food/ ingredients from the side of the bowl and keep the ingredients as close to the blades as possible. The scraper also saves time when emptying the bowl.

Note, however, that the power of this processor is lower than that of the high-end models, which means that you should anticipate a few imperfections.

Specifications:

• Wattage: 450W
• Bowl Material: Plastic
• Accessories: Bowl scraper

Classic food processor made in Europe

What we like: Power, strength, durability, efficiency, safety, and reliable function; these are the top reasons why we like this Braun classic food processor.

German-engineered, this 12-cup food processor boasts impressive chopping and blending functions. It’s versatile and the ideal size for families. We also like how easy it is to finetune its speed, the seven attachments that enhance its functionality, not to mention its 600W motor and the safety created by the BPA-free parts.

All you need to know: Made in Europe and boasting the best of German engineering, this Braun FP3020 is one of the best food processors for families and individuals without space constraints. With its white finish, the processor adds a modern flair to any kitchen.

It comes with a 600W motor (with a 900W peak power), which is a real workhorse and the reason for the versatility of the processor. You could use it for slicing, chopping, whisking, or kneading. The versatility is further enhanced by the 7 unique attachments, the variable speed, and the pulse mode. Despite its power, the Ultra-Quiet technology makes this food processor one of the low-noise appliances you will have in your kitchen.

It further boasts a low-power consumption from the energy-efficient design, and it’s easy to use.

Its 12-cup capacity makes this processor the perfect size for families, and it also marks the end of chopping onions and other ingredients in two or more batches. Note that the 12-cup capacity applies to dry ingredients. If you are dealing with wet ingredients, then you are looking at a 9-cup capacity.

Cleaning the processor is easy since all the removable parts are dishwasher safe. Regarding safety, the processor only starts if it’s closed properly – the processor’s bowl locks into the motor base.

Specifications:

• Wattage: 600W, 900W peak power
• Bowl Material: Plastic
• Accessories: 7 attachments for slicing, kneading, shredding, and whipping. It also features a citrus juicer attachment, a top-rated S blade, and the Ultimate Kugel potato Latkes blade.

Food processor with extra large feeding tube

What we like: What’s not to like? From its extra-large feeding tube, which makes the processor easy to use, even as it prevents spills when handling liquid ingredients, to the family size 11-cup capacity and the powerful motor, this food processor could be exactly the powerhouse your kitchen has been missing. It comes with a 5-year full warranty on its motor, and all the right attachments and blades needed for different functions like shredding cheese, slicing vegetables, mixing batters, emulsifying, and mincing herbs and garlic. We also like the extra chopping blade, the shredding/ slicing discs, and the spatula. Also, the plastic parts are BPA-free and safe.

All you need to know: Cuisinart is a top-rated brand of kitchen appliances’ manufacturer, and it appears that the brand is living up to the high expectations we’ve placed on it, in this brand.

This food processor is the right-sized processor for families thanks to its 11-cup bowl capacity, its versatile features, and the powerful, industrial-grade motor. At 625 watts, stainless steel mixing and chopping blades, along with the stainless steel thin (2mm) slicing disc, the 4mm medium slicing disc, and the shredding disc, this processor bring to your kitchen all the features you need to make food prepping painless, even joyful.

The processor can do just about everything, from chopping onions and potatoes to kneading bread dough. It also has a kneading cover for the latter. Besides the slicing and shredding discs, it also comes with a mixing blade and food pushers (small and large). All these work in harmony to simplify food prep, making it possible for you to start eating healthy foods.

You might also like the detachable disc stem, the spatula, and the fact that the plastic parts of the food processor are all BPA-free.

Specifications:

• Wattage: 650W
• Bowl Material: Plastic
• Accessories: Flat cover, spatula, instructions & recipe book, chopping blade, slicing/ shredding discs, and feed tubes.

Compact yet useful food processor

What we like: This food processor comes with a lot of impressive features, but our favorite features are the versatility and the power held in such a compact processor. This processor boasts a super robust motor that makes it easy for you to chop, slice, mix, shred, and puree different ingredients easily. It’s also quite safe, thanks to the BPA-free parts, which are a dishwasher. We also like the processor’s ease of cleaning and the little storage space it takes.

All you need to know: This Hamilton Beach food processor is one of the best medium-sized food processors on the market, boasting a great deal of versatility. Its robust 500 Watts moor will chop, shred, slice, mix, and puree all the ingredients you are planning to use. And speaking of ingredients, you might also like how easy it is to use add dry or wet ingredients to the bowl, thanks to the continuous feeding chutes. The large feeding chute allows you to put in an entire block of cheese.

The versatility is further enhanced by the reversible shredding and slicing discs made of stainless steel and designed to handle the toughest of ingredients with ease and in seconds. Besides the discs, it also features sharp, high-strength chopping blades that ensure ease of use. Thanks to the discs, the blades, and the powerful motor, you can process large batches of ingredients easily, and you can also chop nuts with just as much ease.

Note that the versatility of this food processor is enhanced by the speed switch.

It’s also easy to clean since all the removable parts – lid, bowl, chopping blade, and the reversible disk, are dishwasher safe.

Besides the medium size, the food processor doesn’t take up much storage space because the lid easily flips over, saving cabinet space.

Specifications:

• Wattage: 500W
• Bowl Material: Plastic
• Accessories: chopping blade and reversible discs (shredding/chopping)

Small and user friendly food processor

What we like: This Cuisinart food processor is one of the smaller food processors on the market, and what we like about this is that the processor doesn’t take up much space on the kitchen counter or cabinet. The small size also makes this the ideal food processor for smaller families or individuals interested in adopting a healthier eating lifestyle.

The food processor is powerful, and it’s loaded with a number of features that boost its versatility. We also like the Lexan bowl of this processor since it’s dishwasher-safe and virtually shatterproof. Also, it looks great on any kitchen counter thanks to its brushed stainless steel housing, a feature that enhances the food processor’s durability.

All you need to know: This 9-cup bowl food processor will take up little space on your kitchen counter and even in the cabinets thanks to its small size. It boasts a brushed stainless steel finish that gives your kitchen a touch of class while enhancing the durability of the food processor.

It boasts a powerful 600W motor, high-strength chopping blade, a shredding disc, a slicing disc, and its speed is also adjustable. The reversible shredding disc and the slicing disc boost the efficiency of the food processor. All these features give the processor its high degree of versatility while also ensuring that you achieve the right consistency at all times. You could use this food processor to make pizza dough, dips, sauces, and salsa, among others, thanks to its multifunctional design. The food processor can chop, puree, shred, slice, emulsify, and knead.

The 9-cup bowl is a Lexan bowl that is virtually indestructible and dishwasher-safe. The wide-mouth feed tube will hold whole fruits and vegetables, saving prep time. The other features that increase the efficiency of the food processor include the spatula and the detachable stem.

You may also like the easy to use touchpad controls with a pulse, On, and Off functions. Also, all the removable parts are dishwasher safe.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a kneading blade.

Specifications:

• Wattage: 600W
• Bowl Material: Lexan

Manual food processor for small portions

What we like: There is a lot to like about this manual food processor, but our favorite has to be the compact manual design, which makes this the ideal food processor to use outdoors when camping or when trying to cut down your electricity cost. Additionally, it features a multi-blade design, and despite the manual design, this food processor/ chopper chops ingredients in seconds.

All you need to know: If you are looking for an affordable, manual food processor or food chopper, then this Zyliss Easy-Pull food processor is the ideal fit for you. It is small, taking up very little space on your kitchen counter. Its small size also makes this the best portable food processor, and you can take it with you camping or any other outdoor adventure.

This food processor also boasts a multi-blade design of dual-acid etched blades that blend your food ingredients in seconds, as well as booster arms located at the top and at the bottom of the bowl to prevent food from sticking to the bowl’s sides.

Despite its manual operation, its hand-powered pull design is easy to use – just pull the handle up and away, firmly as you hold the processor down. Don’t use too much force though.

The other impressive feature of this food processor is its simple storage made possible by the collapsible handle, which folds at the top easily.

The bowl has a 25-ounce capacity, and it’s dishwasher-safe (top rack). Note, however, that you must not submerge the lid, just wipe it with a damp piece of cloth.

Specifications:

• Power: Manual
• Bowl Material: Plastic
• Bowl Capacity: 0.84lbs

Are food processors worth it?

In a recent article we discussed whether food processors are worth it or not. You might also want to read our article on stand mixers vs. hand mixers vs. food processors, if you want further insights into what kitchen appliances are worth your hard earned money.

A food processor does indeed make cooking easier for you, which you’d find most chefs agreeing with. It serves multiple purposes and helps you chop, slice, shred, grind, blend, and much more.

On the other hand, owning a food processor is not always a walk in the park. You’ll have to endure a high level of noise when it’s running, and it can be hard to clean after use. Especially if leftover foods have dried into the blades and bowl.

We don’t think the trade-offs should be enough to put you off though, as it has so many advantages that make it worth buying for anyone who like their foods fresh and home-cooked.

Things you can do with a food processor

If you’re wondering what you could do with a food processor, here’s a list of things you can do. You can actually do a lot more than what is listes below, as it’s only your imagination that sets the limit. The food processor is a very capable little workhorse, and therefore also a favorite among many homecooks.

• Make pancake batter
• Churn heavy cream into butter
• Slice veggies
• Grind oats into gluten-free oat flour
• Grind meat
• Shred cheese
• Grind nuts into butter
• Shred cookies into cookie crumbs
• Whip up mayonnaise
• Shred/ slice potatoes
• Mince garlic and herbs
• Knead dough
• Grate carrots
• Shave brussels sprouts
• Make breadcrumbs

Cheap vs. premium food processors

Everyone with a food processor talks about how great their lives have been since they started using these little appliances. No one can imagine ever cooking without a processor, once they start using it. While most of these individuals agree on the fundamental role played by these multi-purpose tools, few people agree on the functions of the cheap and the premium quality processors. So, we’ll look at the differences between the cheap and the premium food processor, and what they can or can’t do.

Cheap food processors are great for: 

• Casual/ occasional cooking
• Light tasks and soft ingredients
• Temporary use

Premium food processors are great for: 

• Everyday use
• Intensive processing of whole and hard foods and ingredients
• Long-term use
• Industrial use