As a professionally trained baker and avid home cook, I consider a food processor to be the ultimate time-saving kitchen appliance. I’d much rather make a pie dough using one of these appliances than knead by hand. And manually grating carrots and other vegetables, rather than shredding them in a machine? Forget about it. So when my 15-year-old model finally started to show some signs of strain, I set out on a quest to find the best food processor in today’s market.
Ninja’s BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor has a powerful motor that pulverizes and shreds … [+] lightning fast, so if you’re looking for speed in the kitchen, this is it.
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I researched dozens of models before selecting five to rigorously test, and ultimately landed on the Breville Sous Chef 12 as my top pick. It was such an easy and precise machine to use for every single task that I found myself wondering why it took me so long to upgrade. If you’re not ready to invest quite that much but still want a great machine plus some much-appreciated extras, the best for most people is the Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup Food Processor. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly purchase, the Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Stack and Snap is a bargain for the functionality. Overall though, I was pleased with the performance of every model and think each has its place, depending on the cook and kitchen.
Best Food Processor Overall
A Superb Model For Those Who Know Their Way Around A Kitchen
Forbes rating: 5/5 stars
Capacity: 12 cups
Motor power: 1000-watt induction
Blades included: Chopping and dough
Discs included: Adjustable shredding and slicing
The Breville is the luxury upgrade I didn’t know I needed. It just felt effortless to use. There’s no struggle to fit the work bowl onto the base or to figure out just the right angle to place the lid to get it to slide on. Everything clicks into place and disassembles with ease. Unlike some other models, it has separate power and start buttons, but it’s easy to remember after your first use. Once the power button lights up, you simply choose between start and pulse.
This processor is best for those who know their way around a kitchen, and not those who’ve never used one of the machines before. For instance, there are no speed or “smart” buttons to signal how to chop or blend. But if you know how to use a processor, everything else about this model is designed for ease and efficiency. The large feed tube meant I didn’t have to cut down larger carrots. The reversible shredding disc has coarse and fine options, and the slicing disc offers a whopping 24 thickness settings, which makes me want to ditch my manual mandolin slicer for good.
It’s distinctly quieter than other models, and it zips efficiently through every task. The pieces of diced onion were uniform with just a few pulses, thanks to the super sharp micro-serrated blade, and my pie dough came out perfect (I actually nicked my finger the first time I used it, though I deducted no points for my own error.) But it was the nut butter test that finally sold me. I stopped to see how finely chopped the nuts were before their oils started to separate, which is important for certain recipes requiring this size cut. The nuts were by far the finest, driest batch tested.
It’s worth mentioning this model is noticeably heavier than the others at 16 pounds, so I recommend storing it on a lower shelf. And since Breville is an Australian-based company, a few online reviews note that replacement parts can be more difficult to come by if needed. It also doesn’t come with a storage container for the gadgets beyond the blade case. A separately purchased container can easily solve this, and I liked its performance so much that I couldn’t bring myself to deduct even a half-star.
Pros:
Noticeably quieter than other models
Very accurate fine dice
Excellent attachment options
Cons:
No storage container for attachments
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Best Food Processor For Most Home Cooks
An Impressive Option That Doubles As A Mini Processor
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Forbes rating: 5/5 stars
Capacity: 13 cups
Motor power: 550 watts
Blades included: Chopping and dough
Discs included: Adjustable dicing, shredding and slicing
Cuisinart became synonymous with the home food processor more than 40 years ago, and the brand still lives up to the hype. The Elemental 13-Cup Food Processor performed extremely well on all tasks, just shy of the Breville on the nut mincing. And while it is slightly louder, I don’t think I would have given it a thought had I not compared them side by side. The onion dices were uniform, the butter was evenly distributed in the pie dough and the carrot shred was fast and painless.
It has a classic bowl and lid that twist to click into place rather intuitively if you already know how to use a food processor. It offers high and low speed button options as well as pulse, though I found myself basically using just the high and pulse to compare it to the Breville. It disassembles and cleans as easily as the competition, and I managed not to draw blood when I removed the rather sharp blade.
Like the Breville, this machine has similarly well-conceived features like a wide-mouth feed tube, reversible shredding disc and an adjustable slicing disc with similar wide-ranging thickness capabilities. It even goes one step further by offering a third dicing disc. Best of all, the attachments all fit into designated slots inside a lockable storage case. If you have the space and love gadgets as much as you love cooking, the Cuisinart will be a welcome addition to your kitchen.
What ultimately bumped this model to a five-star status were the added mini bowl and mini blade attachments. They’re great for smaller jobs like mincing garlic, especially if you already have the machine out for other tasks or don’t want to invest in two machines. The smaller bowl nests inside the larger one to function and store, making it a convenient mini processor. I already have a separate mini chopper, Cuisinart brand in fact, and can attest to its ability and endurance. But it’s a really great deal to have two models in one. Plus, at $100 cheaper than the Breville, the value equation is hard to beat.
Pros:
Consistent results
Convenient storage container for attachments
4.5-cup nesting bowl for smaller tasks
Cons:
Extra space required to store the attachment container
Best Food Processor For Small Kitchens
A Sleek, Easy-To-Store Model From A Heritage Kitchen Brand
Forbes rating: 4.5/5 stars
Capacity: 13 cups
Motor power: 500 watts
Blades included: Chopping and dough
Discs included: Adjustable shredding and slicing
The 15-year-old machine I referenced earlier is a KitchenAid (which is still functioned well after so many years of use), so I was secretly rooting for this newer model from the heritage kitchen brand. It didn’t disappoint in terms of performance, right up there with my trusty old one and the new Cuisinart on all tests with similar adjustable discs. It diced, chopped and shredded with the same consistency as the Cuisinart, though was just shy of the Breville on the fine mince. The pie dough was indistinguishable from the other top models, meaning it yielded a perfect pea-sized butter chunk for that tender-yet-flaky crust.
This newer version of the KitchenAid is quite different from my old model and the others I tested. Rather than twisting the top to fit into the bowl like others, the KitchenAid has a flip top that snaps into the side and closes with a latch. If you’ve ever fought to close a food processor lid, you will enjoy this feature immensely. I’ll admit, it threw me off at first and I found it awkward to lift the bowl off because it felt unbalanced. That is, until I realized the flip top lid can be removed quite easily, after which then lifting the bowl made way more sense.
For those craving a smaller model without sacrificing quality, this processor is for you. The base is almost the same width as the bowl and slightly lighter than my old model, making the newer version sleeker and easier to store. All the parts are organized on a caddy that nests inside the bowl when it’s not in use. It took me a bit to figure out how to assemble it all, but it’s worth the learning curve to have it all self-contained.
The cord was about two inches shorter than other brands and my old model, so I almost had to switch my prep space to plug it in. Also, the feeding tube was on the back side of the processor, rather than the front like the others, making it slightly more awkward to feed into it. But I gave it bonus points since I can vouch for the longevity of its predecessor. All the KitchenAid products I own, including two six-quart stand mixers, have lasted well over a decade. If needed, KitchenAid also sells replacement parts through their site and the option to ship the products back to the manufacturer for repairs. There is a fee for those, of course, but it’s worth considering rather than buying a brand new, full-priced product.
Pros:
Attachments all nest for space-saving storage
Flip top lid
Brand with proven long-lasting performance
Cons:
Best Budget-Friendly Food Processor
A Model That Gets The Job Done And Doesn’t Break The Bank
Forbes rating: 4/5 stars
Capacity: 12 cups
Motor power: 450 watts
Blade included: Chopping
Disc included: Reversible shredding/slicing
If you’re just starting out on your journey as a home cook or you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option, consider this option from Hamilton Beach. For significantly less money, this food processor can still tackle basic tasks with ease, though the chopping and dicing aren’t as consistent or fine as they are with fancier models. When I compared the fine dice of nuts before fully processing, there was a noticeable difference in size before the oils started to separate. Also, the machine got hotter faster towards the end of the nut butter. That being said, every task was accomplished, so unless you’re making a highly precise dish, this food processor can get the job done.
I found pouring the water down the feeder tube for the pie dough a little awkward because the machine shakes, though the suction feet (not required for other models) do help stabilize it. It’s worth pouring a bit of liquid with the machine stopped, processing it and then repeating the steps until complete. The end result is the same—it just takes a little more time and thought. It’s also noisy compared to the more expensive models. But let’s be honest, chopping a cup of nuts always is. I don’t think I would have noticed as much if I hadn’t just used the Breville, which is incredibly quiet.
Overall, I was pleased with the performance on basic tasks, especially given the price point. It disassembles and cleans as easily as the other models. And like the KitchenAid, it’s narrow with attachments that nest in the bowl for storage, so it saves space as well as money. If you have a small kitchen and/or a small budget, this is a good option.
Pros:
Great functionality for a budget price point
Attachments all nest for space-saving storage
Cleans and stores easily
Cons:
Less stable than more expensive models at high speed
Best Mid-Tier Food Processor
A Powerful Machine That’s A Step Up From A Basic Model
Forbes rating: 4/5 stars
Capacity: 9 cups
Motor power: 1000 watts
Blades included: Chopping and dough
Discs included: Reversible shredding/slicing
Yes, I broke my own rules and tested a smaller capacity machine. I was hoping they would offer a 12-cup model, so it would be more evenly matched with the other brands. But given the reviews and rising popularity of the Ninja brand, I felt compelled to try it and see if it could measure up to the bigger machines. It did, which is why I decided to include this option.
If you want one step up from a basic model but aren’t quite ready to make that fancier upgrade, the Ninja is a great option. If you know anything about Ninja products, they are known for their speed and extremely strong motors. Unsurprisingly, this model pulverizes and shreds lightning fast. So, if you’re looking for speed in the kitchen, this is it.
Because this model relies more on the motor to process, the blade is noticeably less sharp right out of the box than other models. That means the fine processing isn’t as accurate. The onion chop wasn’t as even and the nut mince wasn’t as fine, but the machine was super efficient. Plus, duller blades also mean you’re less apt to injure yourself, so this is a great model for the accident-prone.
Also, if you want something a little more intuitive, the Auto-iQ preset buttons take the guesswork out of the process. Press chop, puree, dough, or disc, and it does the work for you. The Ninja assumes you know nothing and gives you a button to press accordingly.Similar to the Hamilton Beach, it has a reversible shredder/slicer blade with only one size option each, but you’ll be done in a fraction of the time versus doing it manually. It also has suction feet to help stabilize. But unlike the Hamilton Beach, it doesn’t really need them since it’s quite stable even though it’s super light.
The 9-cup capacity and small feeder tube will work just fine for most recipes, but if you use a processor a lot or like batch cooking, you might find those features limiting. And lastly, while it was very easy to assemble, I found small particles got caught in the rubber ring around the lid, making it a bit annoying to clean. I had to remove it to make sure it was spotless and struggled a bit to get it back on.
Pros:
Strong and fast
Intuitive preset buttons
Safer blades for accident prone cooks
Cons:
Bowl capacity limits certain tasks
What Makes A Good Food Processor
Before I dive into specifics, let’s touch on why you should buy a food processor in the first place. Simply put, it’s the ultimate kitchen multitasker. If you purchase a quality machine, it will give you the functionalities of a mixer, blender, chopping device, shredder and grater all in one. It significantly speeds up tedious prep work like mincing vegetables and shredding blocks of cheese, and since most parts are dishwasher safe, cleanup is easier, too. It’s equally as useful to cooks as it is to bakers, and if you’re the elusive hybrid who likes to do both (like me), it’s even better.
If you’re wondering what makes for a “good” food processor, it’s all about being multifunctional. If you want something that only blends or only chops, there are plenty of options to address those single tasks. But a good model will have a super sharp blade for chopping, mincing and pureeing; disc attachments that can shred and slice; and a feeding tube at the top where you can add ingredients while the machine runs. That tube is essential for the discs to function and is also super handy if you need to slowly drizzle ingredients into a mixture—think vinaigrette, mayonnaise and pie dough.
Food Processor Review Methodology
With so many options on the market, I decided to narrow my search to food processors that had the aforementioned attachments and medium-capacity bowls in the 12- to 13-cup range. Based on my experience, that is the size that most standard home recipes require. I eliminated mini choppers, large capacity bowls and multi-function hybrid models so I could assess the best options for most everyday kitchen tasks. I researched dozens of brands and models, and after considering consumer and expert reviews, I selected five well-regarded kitchen brands at various price points.
There are two notable models/brands that I eliminated from consideration. The first is the Cuisinart that started the home food processor movement, the 14-Cup Custom Food Processor. Though it consistently ranks at the top of most lists, I found the capacity slightly too large to compare to the other models. I was also tempted to include a model from Robot-Coupe, the French brand that invented the food processor for commercial kitchen use. But honestly, any time I’ve used one, I’ve hated it; I find them to be very clunky, hard to assemble and expensive.
To test in my home kitchen, I first made a single-crust pie dough recipe with weighted measurements to assess the blade accuracy with the pulse function. The butter should be pea-sized after five to eight pulses, and the mixture should come together once you’ve drizzled in the water in done another five pulses. I then made almond butter with three cups of roasted and cooled almonds to test motor strength and durability, assessing if the mixture was creamy and spreadable before the 15-minute mark. I stopped after 10 pulses to see how finely chopped the nuts were before the oils began to separate. I also finely chopped a medium-sized onion to assess consistency and size after 10 pulses. Finally, I took each shredder disc for a spin with a one-pound bag of carrots, which is what I normally need for an 8-inch carrot cake. I compared the shred size and consistency to the medium-hole side of my manual grater, which is what I would use if I made the cake by hand. In between each use, I disassembled, washed and reassembled to assess ease of use.
How To Choose The Best Food Processor For You
If you’re an ace in the kitchen and need a food processor that can do it all, definitely consider either the Breville or Cuisinart. Between their execution and amazing attachments, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better. That being said, these machines do require a bit more space to store all those goodies. Consider that you’ll need about the same size space next to your processor for the attachment storage.
With that in mind, if you’re short on space, opt for the KitchenAid or the Hamilton Beach instead. Their narrower bases and nesting capabilities are great for smaller kitchens and cooks that like to collect all the gadgets they can. Go with the KitchenAid if you want an investment piece and/or cook a lot. The Hamilton Beach is great for budget seekers, newbies or occasional cooks.
For those looking for lighter machines, the Ninja and Hamilton Beach are great options, as they both weigh less than eight pounds. (By contrast, the Breville is about 16 pounds.) I actually prefer to carry the base out separately from my closet and then go back for the rest of the attachments. Obviously, I think it’s worth that step for the performance aspect, but it’s something to consider if you have strength issues.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, let’s address the biggest complaint about food processors in general: assembly. There’s usually an extra learning curve because they have built-in safety functions, which is why most have turn-and-click bowls and lids that must be in precise spots before the blades will work. The absolute easiest, fastest and most intuitive to assemble was hands down the Breville. It replaces all that turning and clicking with a power button instead, which to me is worth every penny. No struggle, no learning curve, just pop on and go.
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