If you’re anything like majority of us, you may feel like there is never enough time in the day. Squeezing meal preparation into your day can be quite a hassle. Hand preparing your food might be too much of a time consuming process that you decide to forgo cooking all together and grab take out instead. If you’re tired of taking hours cutting, slicing, chopping or grating cheeses, then a food processor may just be your best friend. With a food processor, your preparation time is cut significantly, saving you countless hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed chef or cook every blue moon, buying a quality food processor is the best way to enhance your cooking experience. If you’ve new in market for a food processor or just simply looking for an upgrade, the various options can be overwhelming. They come in a range of sizes and features, it can be hard to know what is the best fit for you.
This article will serve as a guide in helping you make a selection for the best food processor for you. We will look at the top food processors and give an in-depth review on each one. We’ll help you match your individual needs to a product that fits you well. Our goal is to be the best resource in helping you save time in the kitchen!
Contents
- Selecting Criteria
- Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor
- Braun K650 Multiquick
- KitchenAid KFP1333OB 13-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice
- Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor
- BLACK+DECKER FP6010 Performance Dicing Food Processor
- Top Budget Buys
- Ninja Express Chop
- Hamilton Beach 70740 8-Cup Food Processor
- Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack and Snap Food Processor
- Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus Food Processor
- KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Mini Food Processor
- Tips to Consider Before Your Purchase
- Food Processor Vs. Chopper
- Care and Maintenance
Selecting Criteria
Many food processors on the market can come with a hefty price tag. The various attachments that are included seem to justify that price tag. Some models come with special functions such as dicing, kneading bread and whisking egg whites. Ultimately, the best way to judge a food processor is to see how well it does in performing its core tasks of chopping, grating, slicing and pureeing.
The food processors that we rate all have a similar construction. The core body includes a motor that rotates a spindle at a high speed. The spindle is fitted with one to multiple blades and discs that is contained within a bowl and lid. The quality of how these blades and discs process and grind dense food could make all the difference. Our rating system takes into account five criteria which are as following:
- Functionality
- Durability
- Customer Ratings
- Features
- Warranties
Based on this guideline, lets dive into the best food processors.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
The Cuisinart food processor beats many of its competitors when it comes to performance. The brand itself stands on quality and this model is no different. Exemplifying the true mission of Cuisinart, the DFP-14BCNY food processors outperforms many of its competitors.
The core of this food processor stands on a powerful 720-watt motor. These motor can chop and slice through the toughest of foods with no hesitation. The power is above standard for your average food processor.
This model includes an extra large feed tube which allows you to insert whole fruits and vegetables such as apples and celery. This is another feature that cuts down on preparation time. You will not have to do additional cutting and prepping before using the machine. In addition, the machine comes with a 14-cup bowl which allows you to handle large quantities of food all at once versus handling food in portions. Most of our top rated models come with smaller bowls.
The DFP-14BCNY comes with 3 separate stainless steel discs that has different tasks. The first is a slicing blade, the second is a chopping blade and the third is a shredding blade. This will give you the variety that’s needed in the kitchen with no need to use separate equipment to accomplish these tasks. All parts of the machine are completely dishwasher safe, which makes clean up a breeze. Some models come with more disc options but the combined 3 for the Cuisinart are more than efficient.
Versatility is highlighted with the 7 different food preparation functions. These are turned on with a simple touch button which make using the equipment very effective. Cuisinart backs up this food processor with a 3-year warranty that beats the standard 1 year warranty from competitors. If you’re looking for a quality food processor, then you will have a peace of mind when buying the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Similar in cost as the Cuisinart, the Braun is a close contender in comparison. The highlighted feature for the Braun K650 Multiquick is that it comes with quite a few accessories. This gives you variety in the kitchen, allowing you to accomplish multiple tasks without buying different machines to do different jobs. At times, customers find the additional attachments can be cumbersome. They require more extensive clean up and additional storage space.
The Braun K650 packs a powerful punch, housing a 600-watt motor. Although its not as powerful as some other food processors on the list, with the additional blades, it has no problem grinding and breaking down tougher foods. The manual speed dial is another feature that sets the model above competitors. Whereas some other models have predetermined speed settings, this model has a speed dial that allows speed to be gradually adjust the speed from levels of 300 RPM to 2000 RPM.
Unlike the Cuisinart, the Braun model comes with a 9 cup bowl. Although much smaller in comparison to the 14 cup, it will be sufficient enough to handle most jobs. This food processor is dishwasher safe, making it fairly easy to clean. One downfall is that some finer items such as shredded cheese tend to get stuck to the bottom of the blade. This can add additional clean up time.
Included with this equipment is the standard 1-year warranty. Although the warranty doesn’t stand in comparison to the 3-year warranty that Cuisinart offers, it should be more than enough due to limited customer issues.
The Braun K650 will be a great fit for the person whose looking for quality and a host of accessories.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
KitchenAid is a brand that prides itself on quality, and theres nothing short of quality with this food processor. However, this food processor doesn’t come cheap. The KitchenAid comes with an above standard size 13-Cup bowl that allows larger food jobs to be processes with out breaking up in quantities.
With only 360-watts, this machine comes with a little less power than some of its competitors. Like the Cusinart, it comes with 3 blade options that helps grind and break down food. With additional discs for soft food processing, the diminished power will be less noticeable. The blades and attachments are dishwasher safe, allowing for easy cleanup. However, some soft material can get stuck to blades, adding additional time to the cleanup process. The KitchenAid overall handles chopping, shredding and slicing food with ease. It does well in handling many of the food job.
Similar to the Cuisinart, this machine comes with an extra large food chute that cuts down on preparation time. This will allow whole fruits and vegetable to be processed without having to be cut up before inserting into the food processor.
Unlike competing models, the KitchenAid comes in a variety of colors. From red, black, blue, green and more, you’ll find many colors that will match any kitchen décor.
A 1-year warranty comes standard with the KFP1333OB. Nothing in comparison to what Cuisinart offers but with limited customer issues and outstanding customer service, this warranty wile suffice. If you are looking for a stylish food processor that will go with your kitchen décor, than this will be a great fit.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
The expensive price tag of the Breville Food Processor may be slightly alarming. It is more expensive then many other models reviewed here. Along with this hefty price tag comes power. This model houses a 1200-watt motor! That’s the most power found in consumer food processors. This has enough power to grind, chop and shred through the densest foods. It can knead bread dough, chop vegetables, shred cheese and much more. This blender grinds food faster and with better consistency than most models. With softer items, more control is needed due to items mashing rather than shredding.
This blender also outshines with a 16-cup size. This will allow you to process significant qualities of food. If you’re looking for the largest bowl size, then look no more. With 8 different blades and discs, this machines gives you a great range in the kitchen. Giving you a variety of options for the foods that can be prepared. It comes with a lot of attachments, more than most people will need. The model also gives you options as to color choices. It comes with 3 main colors, stainless steel, red and black. The attachments and bowls are all dishwasher safe, assisting with easy clean up.
The Breville BFP800XL comes with the standard 1-year warranty but the motor itself comes with a 25 year warrantly. Meaning that if the core part of the machine breaks, it will be replaced.
If you’re looking for quality and don’t mind paying extra in order to have the most powerful consumer blender, then the Breville is your top choice.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
This BLACK +DECKER is relatively budget friendly. The retail value is $149 but can be found at a cheaper price. Although, this model is cheaper than some of its competitors, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be sacrifice quality. Although, not as powerful as the Breville food processer, at 800-watts, it ranks higher amongst its competitors.
An 11 cup and 4 cup bowl is included. While the 11 cup is above the standard size, the 4 cup Is below standard six. However, this gives you the option to focus on smaller quantity foods. Its actually the only model on the lists that gives you the option of have different size bowls. This model includes 3 different blades and disc that gives you variety in your food preparation. It does a great job in chopping and shredding food but has a lower consistency, sometimes leaves bigger chunks of food. Also included is an extra large chute like other models. Ultimately, cutting down prep time since you won’t have to pre-dice your fruits and vegetables.
Clean up is easier with the BLACK +DECKER. Its dishwasher safe but the assembly and disassembly can add to the clean up time. The machine comes with a 2-year warranty that is more competitive than the standard 1-year warranty and provides more purchase security.
If you in the market for an inexpensive food processor that packs some great power, the BLACK + DECKER food processor is a great match.
Top Budget Buys
Quality
Price
Our Rating
If you’re looking for a great budget buy then the Ninja Express Chop is a great choice. It comes with a 3 cup bowl that is enough for small jobs. This is great for chopping items such as garlics, herbs and spices.
The motor comes with 200-watts, therefore, doesn’t have the most power but doesn’t disappoint when it comes to small jobs. It isn’t the best fit for larger, denser foods.
What is great about the Ninja is that its small and convenient. Its easy to clean and can be easily stored.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
The Hamilton Beach food processor is budget friendly. It comes with a 450-watt motor and will do all the chopping, shredding, slicing and mixing you need in order to perform kitchen jobs.
An 8 cup mixing bowl comes with the food processor, which is all that is needed. This will be able to handle relatively bigger jobs. The device somes with 2 stainless steel blades and disc that helps accomplish most kitchen tasks. The bowl and blades are dishwasher safe which helps assist in easy clean up. The feeder tube is not large enough to feed whole fruits and vegetables so it will require a little more prep time. Lastly, the machine has two settings, slow and fast.
Ultimately, this product does an awesome job for its price and size. If you’re looking for a food processor that’s inexpensive, then go with the Hamilton Beach 70740.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Another budget buy that packs power for a great price. This Hamilton Beach food processor comes with a 12-Cup bowl that will hold a fairly large quantity of food. This machine handles the tasks of chopping, mixing and pureeing with ease.
Included with his machine is a stainless steel blade that is dishwasher safe and helps with the ease of clean up. This machine will shred and slice with a reversible disc. There’s a function guide printed on the machine that informs users on which blade to use for specific jobs.
The specifications of the machine include a 450-watt motor that gives the machine significant power. The food processor includes an extra large feed tube that cuts down on prep time by eliminating the need to pre-cut.
What you’ll like most about this is that is designed for a simple fit. It doesn’t require awkward twisting and difficulties with assembling and disassembling. A great choice if you’re looking for a budget friendly buy that has good power and can handle larger quantities of food.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Cuisinart continues to be a brand that stands on innovation. This 11-cup food processor comes with a sleeker design than the original model. The stainless steel finish gives this machine a modern look while making it easy to clean.
A few upgrades that differentiate this model from the original are the easy to operate touch pad controls. The settings include on, off, pulse, and dough. These features give you control on how you want your food to be processed.
The processor includes a powerful 625-watt motor that helps grind down and break down denser foods. The set includes a blade and two stainless steel disc used for chopping, slicing and shredding while offering more variety when accomplishing different tasks. An extra large feed tube is a great feature that allows for whole fruits and vegetables to be inserted. Not having to pre-cut your vegetables will cut down in prep time. Lastly, the Cuisinart Prep 11 is dishwasher safe and comes with a large 11-cup bowl that allows you to make larger quantities all at once.
If you’re looking for a sleek modern design that’s easy to clean and handles big and small jobs, then this will be a great addition to your kitchen.
Quality
Price
Our Rating
If your needs are more modest, then a mini food processor might do the trick. This processor will work great with spices, herbs, salsa and sauces. It is lightweight and compact for easy storing. To master tasty sauces, a drizzle basin is included to effortlessly incorporate liquid ingredients while processing.
This 3.5 cup processor comes with 2 speeds and a pulse function that gives you control while cooking in order to produce fine results. The 3.5 cup bowl includes a locking blade, handle and a pour spout. This is great for chunky salsas, smooth sauces and creamy dressings.
The food processor equipment is dishwasher safe. It has a 1-year hassle free warranty. KitchenAid does a great job at matching your kitchen décor by coming in a variety of colors. If you want something light and compact and plan to process smaller items such as spices, sauces, and dressings, this is just the right processor for you.
Tips to Consider Before Your Purchase
What size is needed?
If you often cook for a large amount of people than it would be good to have a food processor that contains a large work bowl. One that is 14-16 cups would do great with holding large quantities of food. It is important to keep in mind that a larger size work bowl is typically attached to a larger price tag. This will also mean that the machine is bigger in size, weight and can take up more storage in the cabinet. A processor that has a size of 6 to 7 cup bowls are sufficient and can handle most jobs.
When you should spend more?
Cheaper machines are great for the budget and can be attractive when you’re deciding to pay $200 for a food processor versus paying $40. The clear cut answer may feel like going with the less expensive one. However, you’ll find that cheaper food processors perform sub-par in at least one of the primary functions. They also are typically louder in sound.
Food Processor Vs. Chopper
Full-sized food processors offer more versatility by being able to chop, slice and knead dough. Mini-choppers are the little siblings. Not capable as doing as much but owns its right in the kitchen. Their ideal for small jobs like chopping garlic, spices and herbs.
Food Processor
Great for chopping vegetables for soups or stews, slices potatoes and shredding cheese. Some models can whip eggs and knead dough.
Food Choppers
The major differences between food processors and mini choppers is functionality, power and capacity. They are light-weight, more compact and doesn’t contain functions such as slicing and shredding.
Care and Maintenance
The blades on food processors are not designed to be sharpened. If a consumer is using the food processor frequently than the blades can become dull. Most brands allow you to order additional blades off of the companies website.
When cleaning, its recommended to clean the work bowl with water and dish soap. This can be done with the machine on and running. A bottle brush can be used to clean the feed tubes and around the blades and disc.
It’s important to never submerge the base of the food processor in water. Gently wipe the base with a soft towel that’s damp and has a few drops of dish shop.
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