Food processors may be the most overlooked kitchen appliance. For such small devices, they have a remarkable range of skills. Some processors have the workings of both a blender and a standing mixer with interchangeable blades and disks.
There is a wide variety of food processors out there in the market, from manual to a blender-processor duo. If you’re in need of a one-stop-shop food processor that’s capable of doing anything from pureeing vegetables to kneading dough, then one with a large bowl and faster motor will suit you better than a mini-chopper with a three-cup bowl. However, even the smallest and least powerful chopper can cut, mince and grind onions, garlic, herbs and spices, or make sauces and spreads, which takes away the time and effort of using a knife when prepping food. And while a food processor may have more parts to clean than a single fixed-blade in a blender or a knife and chopping block, almost all parts in this kitchen appliance are dishwasher safe, minimizing clean-up time and effort.
If you’re a constant meal-prepper, love to try new recipes, or are just looking to simplify your time in the kitchen then a food processor may be right for you. Below is a list of six different food processors based on price, style, motor-power, size and their overall ability to finish whatever job you need. Here are some recommendations:
Best-Value
The Cuisinart 14-Cup Processor is the best deal when it comes to food processors with a 720-watt motor and 14-cup Lexan work bowl it is comparable to the Kitchen Aid 14-Cup Food Processor for $100 less. While both appliances have the ability to slice, shred, chop and make dough, the Cuisinart is simply more powerful than the Kitchen Aid’s 420-watt motor.
Shop Now: $166.99
Inexpensive
The Hamilton Beach Food Processor checks all the boxes when it comes to features you would find on an expensive food processor, but is priced at just under $50. The appliance has a powerful 450-watt motor with two different speeds plus pulse. A large chute that can fit a whole block of cheese feeds into a 10-cup bowl and while it is large enough for most jobs, the processor is still easily storable. What makes it really stand out from other food processors is the bowl scraper, which works while the machine is both off and on and helps to remove food from the side of the bowl.
Shop Now: $44.99
High-End
If you use your food processor at least once a day and view the purchase of a food processor as an investment then the Breville Sou Chef is for you. An appliance that has “brings professional prep to your kitchen,” has been regarded to double as a standing mixer. The Sou Chef has 1200-watt motor and a 16-cup bowl, it and comes with accessories for slicing, dicing, chopping and kneading.
Shop Now: $399.95
Small Portions
In need of an appliance that will speed up cooking by chopping and mixing your foods but don’t want to invest in an expensive, heavy-duty food processor? The Hamilton Beach Food Processor Mini-Chopper has a three-cup bowl making it perfect for smaller portions but has the capacity to handle an array of foods like onions, herbs, nuts and more with its powerful 350-watt motor. The stainless steel chopping and mixing blades, bowl and lid are easy to clean as they are dishwasher safe.
Shop Now: $19.79
All-In-One
If you’re in need of both a blender and food processor look no further than the Nutri-Ninja Kitchen System. A base that fits both a 64-ounce Food Processor bowl and a 72-ounce Blender pitcher operates at 1200-watts. In addition to the dishwasher-safe and BPA-free pitcher and bowl, the system also includes a dough blade, chopping blade, two 16-ounce Nutri Ninja Cups with to-go lids and a 30 recipe inspiration guide.
Shop Now: $136.79
Another great two-in-one option that is comparable to the Nutri-Ninja Kitchen is the Oster Pro 1200 Blender with a Food Processor Attachment. The Oster Pro has a 1200-watt motor and a seven-speed system. It is priced at $90, making it more cost-efficient than the Nutri-Ninja.
Shop Now: $81.88
Hand-Held
A perfect on-the-go, express chop Ninja Food Chopper has a 200-watt power-pod that cuts, minces and grinds evenly and better than a knife, but requires no big machine. The 16-ounce container with a splash guard that doubles as its storage lid is ideal for garlic, onion, herbs and spices, nuts, bacon crumbles, spreads and sauces. All parts are BPA-free and all detachable parts are dishwasher safe, making cleaning effortless.
Shop Now: $19.47
