Affordable food processor
The Best Food Processors Under $100 in 2022
Trendy air fryers, slow cookers, and 10-in-one blenders have gotten all of the love and attention in recent years, but it’s the timeless food processor that effortlessly yields our favorite dips, sauces, and spreads. A chef staple and meal prep necessity, the small but mighty appliance can be found in practically any restaurant kitchen and should find a permanent spot in yours, too.
“Food processors help cut down on prep time and will make your life a lot easier,” says executive chef John Villa from NYC’s Cucina 8 1/2. “They’re great for anything from puréeing vegetables to making pesto to mincing vegetables. We use them a lot in our dishes as a base or as an added garnish.”
Lucky for you, most high-quality food processors are also affordably priced at under $100, so we’ve rounded up our favorites so that you can be well on your way to chopping, pulsing, and puréeing bliss. Check out the best food processors under $100 below.
Our Top Picks- Best Overall: Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor
- Best Value: Elechomes Electric Food Processor
- Best Small Capacity: KitchenAid KFC3516WH Food Processor
- Best Large Capacity: Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Duo Plus Food Processor
- Best Manual: ZYLISS Easy Pull Manual Food Processor
Best Overall
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Capacity: 9 cups | Power Level: 1,000 watts
- Four preset programs to meet different meal prep needs
- Extremely strong motor
- Food chute and pusher
- Price frequently jumps to $119
Why we chose it: No ingredient stands a chance with this Ninja food processor that, frankly, does it all.
At a whopping 1,000 watts with four preset programs (chop, purée, dough, shredding disc), three speeds (low, high, pulse), and a long chute for last-minute ingredient additions (like olive oil for homemade dressings), there is nothing about this machine (other than inconsistent pricing on e-retailers like Amazon) that we can complain about. It chops, shreds, and purées with ease and even has enough power to mix up to two pounds of dough in only 30 seconds. Needless to say, it will be an appliance you’ll actually use on a daily basis and even includes a 20-recipe inspiration guide to cut the guesswork out of dinnertime.
Best Value: Elechomes Electric Food ProcessorBest Value
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Capacity: 8 cups | Power Level: 300 watts
- Very inexpensive
- Sturdy glass bowl base
- Easy to use
- A weaker motor
Why we chose it: At less than $40, Elechomes ensures you get your money’s worth and then some.
Pinching pennies? No problem. You can chop your herbs and eat them, too, with this inexpensive Elechomes model that cleverly uses a dishwasher-safe glass bowl as its base. Its stainless steel shell is also as attractive as it is functional, offering built-in mute bearing to reduce the noise of the motor, as well as overheating protection to prevent it from working and burning out at higher temperatures. It is also, perhaps, the easiest to use on this list with a one-touch button that will mince most foods in only six (!) seconds.
Best Small Capacity: KitchenAid KFC3516WH Food ProcessorBest Small Capacity
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Capacity: 3.5 cups | Power Level: 240 watts
- Includes two speeds and pulse option
- Great at puréeing
- Easy to use
- A weaker motor
Why we chose it: This (dare we say) adorable model is ideal for anyone living solo.
There is no need to waste precious counter space if you live alone and are meal prepping for one. KitchenAid’s KFC3516WH model is small but mighty with a stainless steel blade and BPA-free work bowl that features a locking blade, handle, and easy pour spout. Every design detail has been taken into consideration, but quality is not sacrificed with size, making it a purchase you’ll feel extra good about.
Best Large Capacity: Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Duo Plus Food ProcessorBest Large Capacity
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Capacity: 12 cups | Power Level: 500 watts
- Dual-bowl versatility
- Can fit whole tomatoes, potatoes, and onions
- Removable parts are dishwasher-safe
- Pouring a challenge due to low blades
Why we chose it: Feeding a family? Hamilton Beach has you covered with a 12-cup contraption that can take on meals en masse.
Hamilton Beach is more like Hamilton Beast with this jumbo-sized model that can take on whole fruits and vegetables in a 12-cup bowl. Its versatile S-blade allows amateur cooks to chop, mix, and purée to their heart’s content and its plastic parts are easily removable and dishwasher-safe so that cleaning is less of a chore. Looking to make a quick and small sauce or garnish? A four-cup bowl nests on the inside so you don’t have to rely on the larger bowl to make everything. That means less mess and less inconsistent textures. And that’s something we can all get behind.
Best Manual: ZYLISS Easy Pull Manual Food ProcessorBest Manual
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Capacity: 3 cups | Power Level: N/A
- Booster arms keep food from sticking
- Easy to transport with hand-powered pull design
- Inexpensive
- Top of device isn’t machine washable
Why we chose it: ZYLISS offers a contraption that is not only perfect for camping and road trips, but also a mini arm workout.
Electricity? Who needs it. There is something oddly therapeutic about pulling a string to slice and dice your fruits and vegetables. Two blades rotate in opposite directions to chop ingredients while booster arms on the top and bottom keep the food from sticking and encourage more uniform cuts. Obviously, the more pulls, the finer the outcome, so yank that cord with caution, and enjoy beautifully prepared salsas, pestos, and even smoothies in practically no time.
How We Chose These ProductsWe polled some of our favorite chefs to ask about the food processor brands and models they’d recommend to consumers. From there, we narrowed this list down to options that were less than $100 and boasted consistently positive reviews on Amazon and their own websites. After trying a handful of our own, we then selected the best of the best in the five aforementioned categories.
Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Food Processors Under $100Blending PowerThe higher the motor wattage, the more powerful the machine. While something as high as 1,000 watts (like our pick for best overall) may not be necessary for the bulk of your cooking needs, it’s a wonderful feature to have and will purée your ingredients in practically no time.
VersatilityMost food processors can do it all: chop, mince, blend, and purée to either meal prep ingredients or create your favorite dips, spreads, and sauces. That said, some models specialize in some actions over others. Be sure to research versatility in speed levels, blade types, and capacity to ensure that they accommodate the majority of your go-to recipes.
Easy to CleanMost detachable parts in a food processor are dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up. Be sure to also consistently wipe down external surfaces to prevent mold and food accumulation. You don’t want a model with lots of nooks and crannies or you’ll have to potentially spend money on professional cleaning.
Ask the ExpertsNot all food processors are created equal. For a few quick tips on features to keep in mind while shopping, we chatted with executive chef John Villa from NYC’s Cucina 8 ½.
Q: How many watts should a good food processor have?“The bigger the better. For me, over 500 watts.”
Q: Can I use a mini chopper as a food processor?“Those are really just for chopping vegetables.”
Q: Which food processor do chefs use? Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a food processor?“Make sure it's sturdy. You don't want to go cheap. A good processor will last a long time. I also look for firm steel blades that will hold an edge longer.”
Our TakeWhether you haven’t perfected your knifework, don’t have much time, or are simply too lazy to chop, mash, blend, and purée ingredients for dinner, a food processor is a wise investment. Sure, you could always spend your hard-earned dollars on more expensive versions of these food processors that seemingly do it all, but it’s likely that most of its features will go unnoticed and unappreciated. An affordable, simple, and classic food processor will always come in handy, making it a cut above the rest and a welcomed and necessary addition to any kitchen countertop.
The 9 Best Food Processors of 2023
The winner is the Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
By
Donna Currie
Donna Currie
Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce Eats and is the author of Make Ahead Bread.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
and
Katya Weiss-Andersson
Katya Weiss-Andersson
Katya Weiss-Andersson is a commerce editor for The Spruce Eats. With eight years of experience as a professional chef cooking in cramped kitchens and developing recipes with limited space and equipment, Katya has become an expert on how to make life easier in the kitchen.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/25/22
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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Tested & Approved
The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor wins best overall by our testers, earning high ratings for ease of use, an extra-large feed tube, and top-level performance. For a budget pick, the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper is incredibly user-friendly and performs very well for the price.
A food processor can shred, grate, chop, mix, grind, and puree ingredients quickly and efficiently, saving you tons of prep time. You can shred beets for borscht, grind nuts for fresh nut butter, or turn graham crackers into crumbs for a pie crust, just to name a few. Food processors can also be used to mince herbs, puree baby food, create dips like hummus in one step, and emulsify dressings.
Most food processors come with attachments that can be used to knead bread and pizza dough, shred blocks of cheese, and slice vegetables in several thicknesses. Our Lab and in-home testers evaluated the top models on their design, ease of use, features, effectiveness, ease of cleaning, performance, and value. Each food processor was put through its paces with onions, cheese, zucchini, mayonnaise, and bread dough to make sure the ones that landed on this list are truly the best.
Here are the best food processors, according to our home and Lab tests.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor at Amazon
Best Budget:
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack & Snap Food Processor at Amazon
Best Versatility:
GE Food Processor at Amazon
Best Design:
KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor at Amazon
Best Mid-Capacity:
Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup Food Processor at Amazon
Best Large Capacity:
Magimix Compact 5200 XL Chrome Food Processor at Amazon
Best Power:
Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor at Amazon
Best Attachment:
Vitamix Food Processor Attachment at Amazon
Best Manual:
Zyliss Easy Pull Food Processor at Amazon
In This Article
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Our Picks
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How We Tested
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Other Options We Tested
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What to Look For
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FAQs
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Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Amazon
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What We Like
Powerful 720-watt motor
Quick and effective
Extra-large feed tube
Incredibly durable and long lasting
What We Don't Like
Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor Review
Who else recommends it? Tom's Guide and Good Housekeeping both picked the Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor.
What do buyers say? 85% of 10,800+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.
A true kitchen workhorse, this doesn’t have a lot of frills, but will get the job done easily. The brushed stainless steel food processor has two large paddle buttons, one for “on” and one for “off/pulse,” which are all you really need. The 14-cup work bowl is large enough for family cooking and has an extra-large feed tube with large and small pushers, so you won’t need to cut ingredients to make them fit. This includes one shredding disc, one slicing disc, and a removable disc stem that fits both, along with a metal blade for chopping, mixing, blending, and emulsifying.
Our at-home tester was impressed with how well the machine kneaded dough, and our Lab testers reported that it was easy to use, aside from assembling the attachments for the first time. They did note that this machine was somewhat tricky to clean, but that it was a great value for an average-priced food processor. One of our editor's parents has had this same food processor for decades, and it still works like new. Cuisinart makes some of the best food processors out there for home kitchens, and this model really exemplifies that.
Price at time of publish: $250
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Capacity: 14 cups | Settings: On, off/pulse | Power: 720 watts | Size: 11 x 7.9 x 14.8 inches | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Warranty: 3 years for the entire unit, 5 years for the motor
Lab Test Takeaway
"This product would be great for any home cook who wants to use their processor in multiple ways...I would buy this for myself."
Amazon
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What We Like
Easy to use
Efficient storage
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
This affordable food processor has a simple, easy-to-use design that snaps into place easily. Like with most food processors, the main blade chops, mixes, purees, and emulsifies, and an attachment disc is included with a slice side and shred/grate side. Four clearly labeled buttons let you choose between the different functions, and the blades store neatly inside the machine.
Cleaning this food processor is easy, with the only issue being the gap between the plunger and lid lip where food can gather. This food processor is not as heavy-duty or durable as some others on this list, so it will likely need replacing after a few years if used often (our Lab tester recommended hand washing to prolong its lifespan). That said, it's easier to put together, take apart, and clean than some of the pricier models, and it still yields very consistent results.
Price at time of publish: $65
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Capacity: 12 cups | Settings: Shred/slice, puree/mix, pulse, off | Power: 450 watts | Size: 8. 76 x 9.55 x 16.25 inches | Weight: 6.57 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Lab Test Takeaway
"Every attachment just slides over the drive. Nothing snaps in or has any extra parts."
GE
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What We Like
Extra-sharp blades
Lots of attachments for versatility
Easy to assemble, use, and clean
What We Don't Like
This food processor combines a powerful motor with sharp blades, so if you want to get your hummus super smooth or sweet potatoes shredded quickly, this is a great option. Our Lab testers were very happy with how easy this machine was to set up, use, and clean—she said it was simple and straightforward. Its biggest selling point is its versatility; rather than just coming with a standard blade, slicing disc, and grating disc, this also comes with a french fry disc, dough blade, emulsifying disc, mini-chopping bowl, and spatula.
This food processor is easy to clean by hand, but our Lab tester mentioned that they got cut on both an attachment and the blade, and noted, "You just have to be especially cautious because of how sharp it is." They also said that it had bit of inconsistency when chopping onions and zucchini, but felt that it was a great value that's worthy of recommending to friends and family.
Price at time of publish: $159
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Capacity: 12 cups | Settings: Low, high, pulse, off | Power: 550 watts | Size: 10.3 x 12.2 x 16 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Lab Test Takeaway
"I expected this food processor to cost more than it does. With just three settings, it's a powerful appliance with super-sharp blades"
KitchenAid
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Another particularly good value, our Lab tester found this food processor to be extremely user-friendly and self-explanatory. In addition to the regular blade, it comes with an adjustable slicing disc, a reversible shredding disc, a dough blade, and a storage caddy that allows you to store all the pieces compactly inside the bowl.
Since the plunger has an oil drip, cleaning can be slightly more involved, but it doesn't have many nooks and crannies for food to get stuck. Our Lab tests noted a tiny bit of inconsistency with dicing and shredding, but overall it performed very well.
Price at time of publish: $200
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Capacity: 13 cups | Settings: High, low, pulse | Power: 500 watts | Size: 8.7 x 10.25 x 17.43 inches | Weight: 9.7 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Lab Test Takeaway
"It made a great mayonnaise and sliced the zucchini perfectly."
Amazon
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What We Like
Easy to set up, use, and clean
Adjustable slicer and reversible shredder
Consistently excellent performance
Very tight seal to prevent leaks
What We Don't Like
The 13-cup Elemental from Cuisinart comes equipped with two work bowl sizes (13 and 4 cups) to handle large and small jobs. The wide-mouth tube features small, medium, and large pushers. Blades and the bowl lock in with a very tight seal. This model is more user-friendly and easy to assemble than some other Cuisinart models, and still performed beautifully in our Lab tests.
This includes an adjustable slicing disc to let you choose the thickness of your slice, a dicing disc with a 10-millimeter grid, a reversible shredding disc for medium and fine shredding, a dough blade for mixing and kneading, and a stainless steel blade for chopping, blending, and emulsifying. It also includes a cleaning tool to help clean the nooks and crannies of the cutting accessories and a storage case to keep everything contained instead of rolling around a drawer.
Price at time of publish: $200
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Capacity: 13 cups (large bowl), 4 cups (inner nested work bowl) | Settings: High, low, off, pulse| Power: 550 watts | Size: 8.10 x 10.43 x 16.43 inches | Warranty: 3 years
Lab Test Takeaway
"This was a very effective food processor. It performed consistently in chopping, slicing, grating, and emulsifying."
Williams Sonoma
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Magimix 5200 XL 16-Cup Food Processor Review
This machine comes with three bowls so you can work with small to extra-large amounts of food and use one after the other. When you’re done, the bowls nest inside the machine for convenient storage. There are three buttons for easy operation, and the induction motor adjusts the amount of power used so it can power through dense materials easily. The wide feed tube accommodates large foods, while the three-stage pusher can handle different-sized ingredients without them tipping over or cutting unevenly.
The chopping blades (to fit separate bowls) are made by Sabatier, so they are knife-quality. The proprietary Blendermix insert moves the food around in the bowl, so it blends more smoothly and results in a creamy texture, like a blender. The special dough blade mixes and kneads even dense bread dough. The whisk can whip cream or beat egg whites, just like a stand mixer.
This also includes 2- and 4-millimeter slicing discs and 2- and 4-millimeter grating discs, a spatula for easy cleaning, a free recipe app, a storage case, and a citrus juicer. The juicer was the most exciting addition for our home tester, who was able to juice half a grapefruit down to the rind in just a few seconds. Our Lab testers were very pleased with this machine's performance across the board.
Price at time of publish: $549
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Capacity: 16 cups (main bowl), 12 cups (midi bowl), 6 cups (mini bowl) | Settings: Stop, auto, pulse | Power: 1100 watts | Size: 10.3 x 8.3 x 17.6 inches | Weight: 24.5 pounds | Warranty: 3 years for parts, 30 years for the motor
Lab Test Takeaway
"I really liked the multiple bowls and attachments that came with this food processor. It made switching jobs very easy and gave me enough space to do what needed to be done with easy cleanup."
Amazon
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
This Ninja food processor comes with a low price tag and high functionality. It's got a streamlined, attractive design, a very powerful 1,000-watt motor, and four different presets in addition to its high, low, and pulse settings. The machine comes with a 9-cup bowl with a feed chute lid and pusher, quad chopping blade (as opposed to most chopping blades, which have only two knife edges), dough blade, reversible slicing and shredding disc, and 20-recipe guide.
Our Lab testers noted that this product was somewhat confusing to put together, but what it lacked in user-friendliness, it made up in performance. The machine yielded beautiful results in all of our Lab tests, and was also easy to clean. The only other downside our testers found was that since the chopping blades sit slightly higher, they needed to scrape down the sides of the bowl more often.
Price at time of purchase: $200
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Capacity: 9 cups | Settings: Chop, puree, dough, disc, high, low, pulse | Power: 1,000 watts | Size: 7. 32 x 9.88 x 15.55 inches | Weight: 7.65 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Lab Test Takeaway
"I would definitely recommend this food processor. The ease of use, performance, volume capacity, myriad of functionalities and storage system made this a slam dunk."
Vitamix
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
Vitamix Food Processor Attachment Review
This product is just an attachment that requires you to have a Vitamix base, but if you have one already, it eliminates the need for a whole separate appliance. This food processor has an intuitive, user-friendly design that can easily be adjusted to different speeds; any Vitamix base you have will allow for pulsing or setting a continuous speed of your choice. Our at-home tester said it was a little noisy, but that will depend on which base you have.
Our Lab testers raved about this attachment's performance throughout all of their tests, and said that it offered a ton of consistency and longevity. They also said it was pretty easy to clean—there are a lot of different parts, but everything is dishwasher safe. At $200 not including the Vitamix base, this comes with a high price tag, but if you already have a Vitamix, this is by far the best choice.
Price at time of publish: $200
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Capacity: 12 cups | Size: 11.75 x 8.5 x 12.75 inches | Weight: 6.17 pounds | Warranty: 3 years
Lab Test Takeaway
"There is nothing this product really couldn't do, with multiple blade attachments and that signature Vitamix base that gives you control of the speed very well."
Wayfair
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What We Like
What We Don't Like
No electricity is needed for this model, as it works with the simple pull of a handle. The two blades spin in opposite directions, so they’ll spend their time chopping rather than moving food in a circle, while stationary arms at the top and bottom send food into the blades. Even hard foods, like carrots or nuts, require little effort. A few pulls will give you chunky nuts or salsa, while more pulls can give you a smooth puree.
Our Lab testers found this particularly helpful for chopping onions and aromatics. Since this doesn’t require power, you can use it outside when you’re barbecuing or take it camping.
Price at time of publish: $50
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Capacity: 3 cups | Power: Manual, pull handle | Size: 5.2 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 0.84 pounds | Warranty: 5 years
Lab Test Takeaway
"This chopper had extremely easy and fast cleanup since it's small, has very few moving parts, and has nowhere for food to get trapped. "
Final Verdict
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor is our top pick because of its incredible longevity, stellar performance, and solid versatility. If you have a smaller budget, we recommend the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper.
How We Tested
We tested 19 food processors side-by-side in our Lab. Our Lab testers evaluated each product on how easy it was to put together and change out its attachments (first without looking at the manual, and then with help from the manual), how well it chopped onions, how well it grated multiple types of cheese to multiple grate sizes, how well it sliced zucchini, how well it made mayonnaise, how well it kneaded bread dough when applicable, and how easy it was to disassemble and clean. From there, they also determined value based on performance in relation to price and offered additional insights on each product's strengths and weaknesses.
We also sent several food processors to our editors for at-home testing.
How We Test Products
Other Options We Tested
- Waring Commercial Food Processor: This was actually the best-performing food processor we tested; it's powerful, effective, simple, and overall a kitchen beast. The catch is that it's $753, and we couldn't justify having an item on our list that costs more than a car payment. If this is in your budget, though, you get what you pay for—it handled all our Lab tests flawlessly, and its simple three-button design makes it extremely easy to operate.
- Cuisinart Complete Chef: This is another product around the $700 mark, and it is a superior food processor that also offers all sorts of cooking functions. We were not able to evaluate the additional functions and features during our testing, so they may be great, but we can't speak to those at this time.
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
What to Look for in a Food Processor
Size
When it comes to food processors, size really does matter. A large food processor won’t do a good job at chopping small quantities because the pieces of food will collect on the bottom or sides of the bowl where they can't reach the blade (this is not as much of an issue when using a slicing, grating, or shredding disc.) As for using a small food processor for large quantities, you'll have to work in batches and empty the bowl repeatedly, which can get annoying. Some food processors solve the problem by including bowls of several sizes, and some home cooks keep both a full-size food processor for bigger jobs as well as a mini food processor for just mincing garlic and other small-quantity aromatics.
Disc Options
It’s great to have options for different shredding and slicing sizes, but if a food processor comes with a large number of discs, you'll need to find a place to store them. Some food processors have reversible blades with different sizes or functions, while others have discs with adjustable cutting sizes. Some food processors are designed to store their discs and other attachments right in the bowl, which saves space and keeps everything organized.
Special Features
How will you use your food processor? Do you want special options, or will a basic model fit your needs? While pretty much every food processor has a chopping blade and can slice or grate using a disc, some models may have extra features, like a dough blade, an accompanying recipe app, or various color options.
Price
For home cooks who don't plan to use their food processors often, there are some really excellent choices at low prices. The average price of the food processors we tested was $244, but you can find a few reliable, versatile, and high-performing options around $60. The issue with the lower-priced options is that they won't last as long, whereas a good food processor can last you decades and still perform better.
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FAQs
What is a food processor?
A food processor purees, slices, crumbles, minces, grates, shreds, emulsifies, dices, mixes, kneads, and more.
Can a blender be used as a food processor?
Blenders and food processors have similar functions, but they're not usually interchangeable. As a rule of thumb, a blender should be used when the final product is something you can drink, drizzle, or dip—things with mostly soft or liquid ingredients. This includes soup, smoothies, nut milk, apple sauce, and blended cocktails. With blenders, it's best to use at least one liquid ingredient, as dry ingredients alone can get stuck around the blades and end up not blended.
A food processor should be used for dishes you'd eat with a fork or spoon, so solid or semi-solid ingredients work best. You don't necessarily need a liquid element here, which makes it the right choice for breadcrumbs, dough, shredded cheese, and chopped, sliced, or diced vegetables. You can use it to make riced cauliflower, chutney, and even minced meat. Food processor blades rotate much more slowly than blender blades and are shaped differently, giving you greater control and more precise cuts. There's also a feeder tube, which allows you to add as little (or as many) ingredients as you want, which can then be tamped toward the blade with a tool.
Foods including hummus, smooth salsas, thicker salad dressings, pesto, and whipped cream can be made in either a blender or a food processor.
Can you make smoothies in a food processor?
Most food processors are capable of making smoothies, but the process is a little different than if you were to use a blender. If you plan to take this route, don't add all the ingredients at once because they probably won't blend evenly and may even spill out everywhere. First, add your greens (if using), followed by frozen fruit. This will keep your drink cold without the addition of ice. Next, add your liquid ingredients, put the lid on the appliance, and blend. You may need to scrape the bottom to mix further, and make sure everything is getting blended as well as possible. When you're done, remove the blade from the processor and pour. Just be careful of messes here, as your processor likely won't have an actual pour spout.
Long story short: You can make a smoothie in a food processor, but it's going to be quicker and easier in a blender.
Can you grind coffee beans in a food processor?
Using a dedicated coffee grinder with a conical burr is the best way to grind coffee beans, but you can get the job done with a food processor, which is essentially a larger version of a blade grinder. Just pour a few scoops in and pulse, tilting the processor occasionally to make sure all the beans move into the blade. Repeat until you have your desired amount of grounds.
What can't you make in a food processor?
Food processors aren't typically made to handle hot foods, although there are some exceptions. If a machine is made with glass or heat-resistant plastic, it may be able to process ingredients up to a certain degree. Since this isn't always the case, you should check with the manufacturer to find out. Generally, if you're making soup, you should let the ingredients cool before blending.
Here are some other things you should avoid putting in a food processor: copious amounts of liquid, tough meat, bone, gelatin, fruit peels, and ice.
The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Donna Currie is a cookbook author who writes roundups and reviews products for The Spruce Eats. She has tested more than 90 kitchen products for the brand.
This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef. Katya has a full-sized food processor that she uses for everything from shredding potatoes for latkes to making cheesecake filling, as well as a mini food processor that lives on the counter for mincing garlic, ginger, and chilies. When it comes to food processors, Katya is a Cuisinart fan through and through.
The 7 Best High-Powered Blenders of 2023
Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Best food processors in 2022. Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-food-processors
9 Best Food Processors 2022. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a26064214/best-food-processors-review/
KP top 11 rating
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just learning how to cook, food processors are incredibly useful tools. These machines are jack-of-all-trades that can chop and chop many ingredients, as well as take on heavier jobs like kneading dough. They're also good for light work - especially useful when you only need to make a handful of basil or chop up a few nuts.
We have prepared our ranking and determined which models are the best food processors in 2023. Read and leave your opinion! nine0003
Editor's Choice
GARLYN S-500
GARLYN S-500. Photo: garlyn.ruThanks to its power and quality, a 5in1 kitchen machine can replace several appliances at once: a planetary mixer, a stationary blender, a meat grinder, a vegetable cutter and a dough mixer.
With its large capacity (5.5 l bowl), this model is one of the most compact and handy. The case itself is made of strong and durable metal, which is very easy to care for. High power is enough to perform all functions, and the speed of work is smoothly adjustable. nine0003
Metal attachments will help you cook a lot of dishes and make cooking tasks much faster, from churning mousses and crushing ice to making homemade minced meat and signature cocktails.
With high power (1200 W), the manufacturer also took care of safety, so you won’t have to worry about overloading and overheating of the motor either.
Editors' Choice
Key Features
Base Color | Black | 9002
Pros and cons
Large bowl, metal body
2. Philips HR7510
Philips HR7510. Photo: yandex.market.ruIf there is a need for healthy homemade food, then you will like the Philips HR7510. The capacity of the bowl is enough for your family, and the power of 800 W will allow you to finish the work in the kitchen quickly. It is not for nothing that the company has created this range of compact devices specifically for those who live in the frantic rhythm of the city.
Key features
Power could be more
3. Bosch MUM4657
Bosch MUM4657. Photo: yandex.market.ruThis model of food processor incorporates the Bosch reputation and a wide range of accessories. The device has a large bowl: 3.9 l, and it is also possible to knead up to 2 kg of dough. The kit includes a wide range of attachments: a whisk for kneading batter, a round whisk for whipping cream and egg whites, a nozzle for kneading hard dough, a universal cutter with three discs for different types of cuts and a meat grinder. nine0026
Pros and cons
Reliability, large bowl
4. Bosch MCM3110W
Bosch MCM3110W. Photo: yandex.market.ruThe Bosch MCM3110W food processor is equipped with a multifunctional knife and metal discs. With their help, the harvester carries out cutting, shredding, grater, grinding. All accessories can be easily removed and washed in the dishwasher. The power of the combine is 800 W, the working volume of the bowl is 2300 ml, which allows you to cook a considerable amount of food in one cycle. nine0026
Pros and cons
Manufacturer, design
No overload protection
5. Kenwood KVC5100B
Kenwood KVC5100B. Photo: yandex.market.ruA kitchen machine is a powerful (1200 W) device that can replace most of your items in the kitchen. The model is equipped with a bowl made of borosilicate glass, along the edges of which there are handles, and a measuring scale on the wall. The harvester is equipped with a soft start, 6 speeds and a pulse mode, which you can easily switch thanks to a convenient regulator located on the side panel of the device. nine0026
Pros and cons
Design, large bowl
6. Redmond RFP-3909
Redmond RFP-3909 . Photo: yandex.market.ruUsing the device, you can grind, squeeze, beat, mix, chop or chop ingredients - just think about how many kitchen appliances you will have in your kitchen in one. The device can operate at a speed of 18500 rpm, while the power of the combine is 1500 W - it will help you make all the preparations for cooking very quickly. The dimensions of the product are 42x21x24 cm - not so much for such a functional device. nine0026
Pros and cons
Power 1500W, high speed
Small bowl
7. Vitek VT-1443
Vitek VT-1443. Photo: yandex.market.ruThis kitchen machine is designed for mixing ingredients, preparing sauces, desserts (whipped cream, puddings, cocktails, mayonnaise), as well as for kneading dough. It is compact and fits perfectly in any kitchen, even the smallest. And the capacity of the bowl will allow you to cook for a large family of 3 or more people. But the lack of a pulse mode can strain some housewives. nine0026
Pros and cons
Price, powerful
No pulse mode
8. Centek CT-1136
Centek CT-1136. Photo: yandex.market.ruThe work of the harvester is carried out with a high power of the electric motor of 1000 watts. Comfortable operation is facilitated by the presence of non-slip rubberized feet. The model is equipped with a metal bowl of 5 liters and a glass container for a blender of 1.5 liters. The functionality is also good - the equipment has six speeds with the possibility of smooth adjustment and operates in a pulsed mode. The device can replace your meat grinder, blender, and is also complemented by a dough attachment and a whisk. nine0026
Pros and cons
Very powerful metal bowl
9.
KitchenAid 5KFP1335ER KitchenAid 5KFP1335ER. Photo: yandex.market.ruThis model is ideal for kneading dough, whipping cream or proteins. The power of the combine corresponds to 300 W, so it does an excellent job with medium-intensity work. The food processor is equipped with a 3.1 liter plastic bowl. You can choose one of two operating speeds. The kit comes with a set of different attachments and discs, including a dough attachment, a whisk for whipping, a sharp utility knife, discs for chopping and slicing. nine0026
Pros and cons
Reliability, large bowl
Price will turn many off
10.
Kitfort KT-1320 Kitfort KT-1320. Photo: yandex.market.ruThe food processor is equipped with a grater, a universal knife and a shredding disc. It effectively cuts, shreds and rubs vegetables for all kinds of salads and vegetable dishes. The device is equipped with a power of 500 W, with 2 operating speeds for different cooking modes. The capacity of the plastic bowl of the combine is 1 liter. The weight of the device in 2.2 kg allows you to easily move it around the kitchen (and not only) without problems. nine0026
pluses and minuses
Price, compact dimensions
Small bowl
How to choose a kitchen combine
A couple of tips for choosing a food combine were given to us Dmitry Kravtsov, a sales consultant of the store Biluir .
Be aware that some food processors are quite hefty machines. Make sure you have space to store them in an accessible place. And if noise is an issue for you, ask for a demo at the store first - some models are significantly noisier than others. nine0003
Bowl capacity is the key to a successful purchase. The largest models have a bowl capacity of more than 4 liters, which is enough if you are busy cooking for a small family.
Versatile and efficient, a good food processor will become your indispensable assistant in the kitchen. It can be used to grind cheese, make biscuit dough, baby food puree, grind spices and more. But before heading to the store, consider these factors to make sure you've chosen the best food processor for your business. nine0003
Features
Most food processors have only one motor speed, and some have a small hole in the top to allow easy addition of other ingredients. They usually come with a "pusher" that fits into this tube and helps you add larger items to the machine while keeping your fingers safe.
Make sure the machine you choose has a "pulse" button for giving small pulses of power (suitable for coarse grinding or quick kneading of dough). You'll appreciate a smooth touchpad for controls that's easier to clean than raised buttons, and dishwasher-safe parts. nine0003
Power
Make sure the machine you choose is powerful enough to handle heavy tasks such as kneading hard dough, chopping raw carrots or chopping hard cheese. For a full-sized processor (9 cups or more), look for a motor with at least 600W.
Size and capacity
Food processors come in all sizes, from tiny 3-cup choppers to 20-cup versions that can function in a restaurant kitchen. Which size is best for you depends on the number of people and the recipes you want to make. Whether you're typically preparing meals for a family of four, or making dough for a single batch, an 11-cup processor is sufficient. If you frequently grind small amounts of herbs or nuts, or make small amounts of sauces, find a processor that includes a small work bowl and blade, or invest in a separate 3-cup processor. nine0003
Accessories
Some food processors come with a range of accessories designed to get the most out of your machine. They can include work bowls and blades of various sizes, discs that cut and grate products of various thicknesses. Before you spend extra money on a car with all these "bells and whistles", consider whether you will really use them.
Ranking of the best food processors of 2022
Contents
A food processor is a universal device that can single-handedly replace several household appliances at once (which must not only be assembled and disassembled, but also stored somewhere).
Especially for you, I made a selection of the top ten best food processors in 2022 , selected according to reviews, popularity and rating on the Yandex.Market website.
10. Normann AFP-947
- Power: 1000W
- Bowl volume: 2 l
- Blender, grinder, emulsion attachment, grater, whisk attachment
- Citrus Juicer
One of the most inexpensive food processors in the rating, at the same time, it has a good set of functions: it has ten nozzles, and there is even such a rather rare thing as an emulsion one. It can grind, grate (largely and finely), chop into chunks and small translucent slices, and there is also a special nozzle for pancakes that Russians love. nine0003
It can also be used to squeeze juice, knead dough, grind coffee and cereals into flour, beat whites to a dense stagnant mass. And although the Norman model does not have a meat grinder separately, it may well work as a grinder.
Two operating modes allow you to cope with any volume of products, and a special impulse mode is designed for especially stubborn ingredients.
However, miracles do not happen, and the manufacturer, generously “dumping” the functionality, saved on motor power - the peak power is indicated on the box, and it differs from the working one in a big way. In reality, the combine does not reach up to 600 W, so it will not master dense products with a viscous structure (like sun-dried tomatoes). And frozen meat grinds easily and quickly. nine0003
The price ratio
Large selection of nozzles
There is no nozzle “Cubes”
Power less than the declared
narrow hole of the vegetable engine requires preliminary cutting
9.
Vitek VT-1446 9000 9000- Power: 1300 WT
- Bowl volume: 5 l
- Safety glass blender, mincer, whisk attachment
- Plastic body
Vitek's VT-1446 has a meat grinder, a blender with a tempered glass body and a mixing bowl - everything an ordinary household needs. Dense rubber suction cups hold the combine firmly on the table even during the most energetic operations, and the motor will cope with both dumpling dough and meat chopping (customers advise chopping it according to the instructions, at 5-6 speeds; at lower speeds it can chew). nine0003
Vitek's engineers missed the first speed, perhaps - the harvester sets such steep revolutions that it seems that the mixer is about to come off and go to conquer space (fortunately, this is just an illusion, the device is durable and does not threaten anything). Plus, at the end of the auger of the meat grinder, the recess where the gasket and the knife itself are inserted is very narrow and deep, and after work, something will surely clog into it. Therefore, I recommend keeping a set of toothpicks at hand - to clean the crevice. nine0003
Quality of materials and assembly
Glass Billet
Power and performance
A washed with revolutions at the first speed
Requires additional care
8. Philips HR7605 9000 9000
- Power: 350 W
- Bowl volume: 2.1 l
- Shredding disc, emulsion nozzle, grater, utility knife
- Plastic body
- Compact accessory storage
This combine is small, compact, and the motor is located not next to the bowl, but directly above it. There are not so many nozzles - a disc for liquids, a classic S-shaped knife and five nozzles (two graters, slices and straws), so the HR7605 is hardly suitable for avid cooks. However, he will perform the basic operations perfectly well - he will beautifully cut the vegetables for the salad, grate the carrots, whip the proteins into a strong foam and chop the meat into a portion of cutlets.
Another nice feature of the combine is a wide feed opening, which means that the food does not need to be processed for a particularly long time during cooking. Large potatoes HR7605 will not pull, but half - quite. nine0003
In addition to detailed instructions for using the combine, you can find interesting and tasty recipes in the instructions.
Compact
wide loading hole
is easy to collect, disassemble and care for
Detailed user guide with recipes
No slices with cubes
7. Moulinex QA150110
- Power: 800 W
- Bowl volume: 4.8 l
- Beater
The model of the food processor from Mulinex is distinguished by good power (working, not peak) and six operating modes at once; There is also a pulse mode. It will easily beat anything and to any consistency, and will also cope with dense dumplings dough (there is a special hook attachment for it).
It's nice that the bowl is made of stainless steel, and the manufacturer also attached a special anti-splash cover to it - so hands, the walls of the machine, and the table will remain clean. nine0003
If you don't feel like just kneading the dough and whipping the whites, you can expand the functionality of the combine by purchasing a gearbox unit, a meat grinder assembly and / or a blender bowl.
Mulinex has set up a special hotline for all household appliances issues, where you can ask how to properly assemble the appliance and how to handle it in the best possible way.
powerful
stainless steel bowl
good technical support
small set of default functions
6. Garlyn S-500
- Power: 1200W
- Bowl volume: 5.5 l
- Safety glass blender, mincer, grater, whisk attachment
- Stainless steel body
Elegant and stylish, made entirely of stainless steel, it will brighten up any kitchen. The body is heavy, metal, even at maximum speed it will stand as solid as a rock.
The Garlyn S-500 is easy and simple to operate - the speeds are switched with a slight turn of the knob. The mixer is very good, stirs without lumps and beats the proteins to the state of "even cut with a knife." The whisk nozzle is very good, large, impressive, effective (all nozzles are also metal). The bowl has a transparent lid. Both the bowl and the lids and nozzles are removed and put on with a slight movement of the hand. nine0003
It's just a shame that with such a design, structural thoughtfulness and an excellent meat grinder, a grater with a shredder leaves much to be desired. Some users got completely blunt nozzles, without sharpening, which is very disappointing given the price of the product.
design
power
quality of materials and assembly
ease of use
unfinished grater with shredder
5. Kitfort KT-1354
- 0635
- Bowl volume: 4 l
- Safety glass blender, whisk attachment
- Plastic body
Quite a powerful and inexpensive food processor in elegant red color. Stainless steel bowl, large - 4 l, and the container for the blender is made of tempered glass. With such a volume of the bowl, you should not be afraid that you need to lay only large portions of the product - even one or two proteins are whipped easily, without problems and without smearing on the walls.
Multi-tool: you can use both mixer and blender at the same time, saving cooking time. And although the Kitfort KT-1354 does not have a built-in meat grinder, however, the meat can be chopped. True, small dances with a tambourine will be required: it is better to cut the meat into small pieces (removing the veins) and freeze slightly. nine0003
The manufacturer decided to save money on the blender drive clutch - it is so soft that even with a slight pressure with a fingernail, a trace remains. It is better not to chop "heavy" ingredients - like ice, for example - in a combine.
Powerful
Compact
is not afraid of a small amount of products
can be used simultaneously both a blender and a mixer
Blender drive clutch
4.
REDMOND RKM-4050 9000
- Power: 1200 W
- Bowl volume: 5 l
- Beater
This model is only a base (mixer with three attachments), the functionality of which can be expanded by purchasing additional accessories. A blender, a meat grinder and a vegetable cutter of the same company are sold separately; of course they are fully compatible.
Specifications indicate peak power, actual power is 800W. There are six modes of operation, there is a pulse. As the mixer works perfectly, quickly, without lumps, the dough comes out homogeneous and airy. nine0003
The combine has a problem - the fragility of the whisk attachment. The problem is in its plastic upper part, which is put on the motor - it is fragile and can fail. True, Redmond has no problems with spare parts, there are many service centers, so the problem, although unpleasant, can be solved.
compact
powerful
great functionality with optional accessories
loose whisk attachment
3.
Polaris PKM 1104
- Power: 1100 W
- Bowl volume: 5 l
- Safety glass blender, mincer, whisk attachment
If most other food processors of the rating are sold according to the principle: here is the base for you, buy the rest yourself, then Polaris went the other way. Here is the whole food processor, with all the components - a mixer, a blender and a meat grinder, and the price for it is indicated as is.
The device itself turned out to be successful - powerful, practical, versatile, while it does not have exotic functions that are rarely used. There are nozzles for different types of dough - dense and liquid. The meat grinder cuts larger and smaller. Rubber suction cups keep the harvester firmly on the table surface even when crushing ice. nine0003
The gears switch smoothly, without jerks (six operating modes), it works quietly. The warranty is two years, and the Polaris company is widely represented in the vastness of Rus', so there should be no problems with service and spare parts.
powerful
universal
no need to buy additional attachments
2. Kenwood kMix KMX750WH
- Power: 1000 W
- Bowl volume: 5 l
- Beater nine0634 Stainless steel body
The most expensive food processor in the 2022 ranking looks solid: it is entirely made of stainless steel, the upper part of the body is lacquered (you can choose models of different colors). Its power is already 1000 W (nominal). The bowl also matches: metal, voluminous, 5 liters deep, with a comfortable handle and splash-proof lid. The number of operating modes is six.
The whole design is well thought out, right down to the attachments: the whisk and batter is adjustable in height - that is, the entire mass of the product will be processed from top to bottom. It is not afraid of KMX 750 and small volumes - it calmly beats one or two eggs into a strong foam. nine0003
If you wish, you can increase the capabilities of the combine by purchasing a meat grinder for it - it is also very good, it has three degrees of grinding, it processes almost any meat. And if the instructions seem incomprehensible, it doesn’t matter - Kenwood has its own hotline.
excellent quality materials and workmanship
stainless steel body and bowl
not afraid of small volumes of product
planetary, with nozzle height adjustment
1. Bosch MUM54A00
- Power: 900 W
- Bowl volume: 3.9 l
- Beater
- Plastic body
- Compact accessory storage
The first place in the ranking of the best combines in 2022 goes to the product of the German manufacturer for several reasons.
- Powerful 900 W motor (not peak, but rated) is able to handle even heavy, dense dough for pizza and dumplings.
- The nozzles at the mixing part of the combine rotate in three directions at once - this means that after cooking you do not have to scrape off the product layer from the walls and manually mix the leftovers into the total mass. nine0635
- Bosch engineers have thought of even such a trifle as stopping pastry nozzles: they stop just in the most convenient position for their extraction.