Since their advent back in the 70s, food processors are making life easier for amateur cooks. To this day, it’s a must-have appliance for every homemaker. Who wouldn’t want an electric kitchen assistant to help around with the dirty work?
Even though the best food processor doesn’t shorten the cooking time, it does help you complete the tedious tasks that come with it. These include chopping, shredding, and grating, ultimately cutting down considerably from your prep time.
However, let us take you in on a secret. Not all food processors will make your kitchen tasks more manageable. Some lousy ones from unreliable brands may need constant repairs or prove to be entirely inefficient for the advertised jobs.
To avoid such inconveniences, you need to choose the best food processor Consumer Reports available when you plan to buy one.
That’s where our best food processors review comes in. We’ve picked out the top-rated products from well-known brands and all the required information to help you make your purchase. So let’s get started.
The 10 Best Food Processors for 2024 Reviews by Consumer Reports
Now that you’ve been through all the information, you need to pick out the ideal food processor to fit your needs; you can skim through our top picks to make a final decision.
We’ve rounded up all the details you need, along with the functional aspects and downsides of each product in these reviews below. Read along to get the best food processor for yourself.
1. Best Overall Food Processor: Breville BFP800BSXL
Breville is one of the pioneering brands in the kitchen appliance sector. The Australian company began creating small kitchen appliances about a century ago, before extending its reach towards the US. Today, Breville products are one of the most trusted ones across the country.
Features
With the Breville BFP800BSXL, you’ll get a set of 5 multi-functional discs and three blades that you can use to slice, chop, grate, and puree your foods. They’re easy to attach and come with a locking system that keeps them steady during rigorous operation.
Another thing we love about this model is its BPA-free processing bowls. They’re built out of sturdy, non-toxic materials that’ll last you long term without becoming a health hazard for you and your family.
Moreover, this food processor is easy to store, even if you have limited space at hand. It comes in a storage box that you can keep vertically or horizontally on your countertop, depending on your area. This way, it won’t take up your valuable workspace.
Furthermore, the fantastic food processing system is accessible and easy to operate as well. It has an LCD screen that shows your options and a timer so that you can keep track of your work.
Besides, cleaning this model is a breeze. All parts are dishwasher safe, so all you have to do is pop them inside and store them up again after use. You can use this processor to cut, grind, slice, and puree your foods. Also, it’s great for beating and kneading dough. It cuts each piece evenly so that you’ll get even cooking for your delicious dish.
Pros:
- Easy operation
- Wide chute eliminates the need for pre-cutting
- Visible LCD
- Heavy-duty induction motor
- Large food pusher
- Non-toxic materials
- Easy maintenance
- Space-saving design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Poor customer service
2. Runner-Up: Cuisinart DFP-14BCWNY
Cuisinart is the pioneering company that bought the food processor into the limelight back in 1973. Founded by Carl Sontheimer, the illustrious inventor of the machine, Cuisinart holds the flagship status in the food processor market. Here we’ve reviewed one of the best Cuisinart food processors for you.
Features
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCWNY is an elegant looking machine that not only looks great sitting on your countertop but makes life easier for you as well. Its brush metal finish will go well with your kitchen decor and upgrade its overall look at once.
It comes with separate discs for slicing, shredding, and chopping. You can switch these blades easily to complete multiple tasks, one after the other.
Similarly, it has a durable Lexan work bowl with a 14-cup capacity. So whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this processor is large enough for both.
The bowl is combined with a large feed tube so that you don’t have to cut your veggies before putting it inside the container. Also, you get a variety of food pushers, both small and large, so that you can switch them according to your needs.
Furthermore, the processor has a power range of 720 watts and has a pulse button alongside the on and of buttons as well. It’s also integrated with safety features to make operation risk-free for you. These include efficient blade and bowl locking systems.
The best part is, this food processor is easy to maintain. You can clean all the parts in your dishwasher without any extra hassle.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- High power motor
- Total eight different prep functions
- Strong stainless steel blades
- Control panel is accessible with single-touch operations
- Noiseless operation
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- No customer support
- Plastic parts tend to disintegrate over time
3. Best Budget Food Processor: Braun Fp3020
Braun is a famous consumer product brand based in Germany. It offers a wide range of products when it comes to food processors. This food processing system is one of the best food processors under $100. It’s versatile, functional, and affordable at the same time.
Features
You can use the Braun Fp3020 to slice, chop, knead, and beat your food and make it ready for cooking. Also, this processor has a juicer attachment so you can get a complete meal prepared for your family in no time.
The best part about this Braun processor is its variable speed functions. The user has full control over the speed variations. The system comes with a pre-set speed function that’s ideal for all purposes, but if you want to change that to fit your needs, you can choose from 11 different speed options.
This high-capacity 12-cup food processor delivers up to 900 watts of power during use. That’s a great feature considering it’s one of the best cheap food processors you’ll find in the market.
Besides that, it comes with a wide range of useful tools you can use to complete different tasks. These include separate cups for dry and wet ingredients, multiple stainless steel blades, and durable steel discs for cutting, slicing, and emulsifying your food for salads and soups.
Most importantly, the machine is easy to set up, and you can store it anywhere in your kitchen due to its space-saving design. You can clean it quickly, as all its parts are dishwasher safe, except the motor, of course.
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Space-saving design
- Safe design
- Durable stainless steel parts
- Dishwasher safe
- Ample capacity
- Multiple speed options
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Makes some noise when used for processing harder vegetables
4. Best Food Processor Blender Combo: Ninja Mega Kitchen System (BL770)
Ninja is a well-known house care brand based in LLC. It offers a wide range of kitchen and home appliances, including grills, cookers, ovens, and food processors.
Features
This Ninja model is one of the best small food processors in the market if you’re a couple living alone or someone with a small family with minimal cooking needs. It’s a combined machine that facilitates lending as well as other food processes easily.
It is equipped with a pulverization pitcher that can hold 72 ounces at a time. That’s ideal for making frozen treats and creamy smoothies for your children. Along with that, the processor comes with a small eight-cup bowl, which is perfect for you if you’re cooking for 3-4 people.
You can cut, slice, grind, and puree your food in the bowl, and even knead about 2 pounds of dough in less than a minute. Also, you can use this processor to make refreshing drinks in its 16-ounce cups.
We love this model because it’s the best baby food processor, as it can handle small quantities with precision. While large processors usually require ample amounts of food to finish the process correctly, this one can reduce food wastage if cooking for a baby.
Pros:
- BPA-free non-toxic parts
- Easy setup
- 1500 watt power
- Reversible blades
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Ideal for drinks, salads, and smoothies
- Handles small amounts of food well
Cons:
- The blender pitcher may need to be cleaned by hand
- Not ideal for emulsifying foods
5. Best-Rated Food Processor: Hamilton Beach Compact
Our best food processor list is not complete without the mention of Hamilton Beach products. With over 100 years of experience in the food processor market, it’s one of the most reliable brands of heavy-duty and functional food processors. This compact Hamilton Beach model is the best mini food processor for small households.
Features
This eight cup model is ideal for processing food for your daily needs. At the same time, it’s compact enough to be stored easily anywhere in your kitchen. The sleek design will easily match your kitchen decor and look great sitting on your countertop as well.
The eight-cup bowl comes with a large feeding chute, so you don’t have to waste time cutting food up before you put inside the processor. Moreover, the heavy-duty blade can easily handle giant vegetables and hard blocks of cheese and process them for use; however, you want.
You can use this processor for chopping, shredding, slicing, and pureeing. Besides that, you can control the speed range through the pulse option to get perfect results according to your recipe.
Furthermore, all the parts a durable and sturdy. The stainless steel disc is reversible so that you can use it for multiple purposes. Besides that, the blades are heavy duty and give you the precision you need with your cuts. You can even flip the lid provided and fix it over the bowl to store your food.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Great for processing small amounts
- Ideal for baby food
- Durable disc and blade construction
- Heavy-duty motor
- Multiple speed and pulse options
- Dishwasher safe design
Cons:
- Pulse is limited to only three seconds
- Not ideal for smooth nut butter
6. Best Commerical Food Processor: Robot Coupe R2N Continuous Feed Combination
Robot Coupe is a dedicated food processor company based in France. With its origins from a nation known for its a variety of food textures and techniques, its food processor provides unlimited options for home chefs like you. You can say it’s one of the best value food processors in the market today.
Features
First of all, the setup comes with a unique, smooth ‘S’ shaped blade you won’t find in other food processors. The durable blade with an efficient design helps you blend, emulsify, and puree foods with high liquid content. You can also create great fruit combinations and creamy smoothies for your children.
Secondly, it has a gray plastic working bowl with a 3-quart capacity. As compared to high capacity food processors, 3 quart isn’t much. However, if you’re looking for an ideal processor for a small family, this one will work great for your everyday meal preparation.
Thirdly, the device is easy to operate. You can choose from the buttons provided on the base to start the process and adjust the speed range according to your needs. You can also use the pulse button to emphasize the process and give your food a smoother texture.
Lastly, the model has a reliable safety system that reduces the risk of accidents and food wastage. The lever-activated machine will restart automatically in case of a power outage.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Durable blade with a unique design
- Sturdy working bowl with medium capacity
- Reliable safety system
- 1-year warranty against defected parts
Cons:
- The working bowl is not transparent
- Expensive
7. Best Manual Food Processor: VeggiChop Hand-Powered Food Chopper
Chef’n is the ultimate food processor brand for modern-day chefs. Their products are designed with innovative solutions to modern problems.
This VeggieChop Hand Powered model is perfect for families using minimal energy and great for outdoor trips and camping. Also, it’s affordable and probably the best value food processor for you.
Features
The Chef’n VerggieChop model is easily the best mini food processor there is. Even if you don’t have electricity, or are planning to use it efficiently, you can chop up your vegetables, fruit, and boneless meats with perfection.
This hand-powered food processor helps you save up on energy bills if you’re living on a budget. It enables you to chop, slice, and grind your food to make everyday cooking a quick process, even without electricity.
It’s also very easy to operate as compared to electric food processors. All you have to do is fill the working bowl, fix the lid in, and pull the cord to get the perfectly processed food you want. You can create delicious recipes like guacamole, salsa, pesto, and even hummus.
Besides that, no electricity reduces the risk of accidents and food wastage while you’re working.
This processor has a compact design so you can easily store it anywhere in your kitchen. The best part is that everything in the model is dishwasher safe, so you can have a hassle-free cleaning session after you’re cooking.
Pros:
- Energy-saving
- Great for compact living areas
- No safety hazard
- Multi-purpose
- Heavy-duty blade
- Cheap
Cons:
- No speed customization options
- Cannot puree foods completely
8. Best Small Food Processor: KitchenAid KFC3516TG 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
KitchenAid is a go-to home appliance brand for Americans. It’s owned by Whirpool Corporation and is one of the first companies offering efficient home appliances for its consumers. This small cup food chopper model is no exception regarding its productivity and functionality.
Features
This KitchenAid Cup food Chopper is ideal for home cooks who prefer their foods fresh and organic. The model comes with a 3-ounce working bowl, which is enough for small families.
The bowl is integrated with a pouring spout, so you can use your food directly after it’s processed according to your needs. That’s great for whipping up quick sauces and salad dressings, as well as breakfast smoothies for your kids.
Most importantly, the device has dual speed options combined with a pulse button so you can customize the settings according to your recipe. This way, you can get coarse, grainy results, as well as fine, smooth purees.
Moreover, this mini food processor is compact and lightweight. You can place it anywhere on your countertop, or carry it along with you on trips as well. Also, the processor is very easy to clean. You can pop all the parts into your dishwasher without any extra hassle.
Pros:
- Compact lightweight design
- Safe locking system
- Durable blade
- BPA-free non-toxic working bowl construction
- Dual speed settings
Cons:
- The lid is tricky to get on and off
- Very less capacity for medium-sized households
- Expensive
9. Best Food Processor For Baby: Elechomes 8 in 1 Baby Food Processor
Elechomes is a famous brand known for its smart home appliances ranging from cleaning and cooking gadgets. This baby food processor is a dedicated processing unit for your little ones. It’s one of the rare options you’ll find on the market for babies.
Features
This baby food processor by Elechome has eight powerful features to help you create the healthiest meals for your child. The best part is, you won’t need to cook the food after it’s processed, the machine will steam and heat the food for you as well.
Ideal for busy parents out there, this device can help you defrost frozen food, and heat them for consumption. Besides that, you can mix several fruits and veggies and blend them to create nutritious and delicious purees for your little one.
Furthermore, the device is easy to control. You can set the time according to your needs and also set a pulse rate every 6 seconds. This way, your delicious puree will be ready after only three rounds in the processor. Also, this processor has a two-layer basket design, so you can cook two foods at once.
Most importantly, the device is made of BPA-free materials. Also, there are no phthalates or lead traces in its parts as well to minimize any health hazards to your baby. You can load all the parts into the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Dual basket design for cooking multiple foods simultaneously
- Heating and defrosting options
- Speed controls
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Compact design for easy storage
Cons:
- Expensive
10. Best Larg Food Processor: Kitchenaid Kfp1466er 14-Cup Food Processor
As we mentioned before, KitchenAid is the most sought-after brand in the US when it comes to reliable kitchen appliances. This large KitchenAid food processor is a heavy-duty machine that can help you cook for a huge household, or even entertain your guests.
Features
This 14-cup food processor is designed with a hands-free technology to dice and slice your fruits and veggies effortlessly. It has an adjustable ExactSlice feature that lets you set the speed range and customize the slices from thick to thin according to your recipe.
Besides that, you can choose from the high and low-speed range and set the pulse as you need for hard and soft ingredients. Also, this processor sports a two-in-one feed tube. You can either use the narrow or wide opening depending on the size of your vegetables.
Moreover, the processor has heavy-duty, durable blades that slice your food in no time. You can use the reversible discs to customize the way you cut your foo for delicious salads.
Furthermore, it has great safety features to reduce accidents while you’re working. The UltraTight Seal locks tightly over the bowl to minimize leakage risks. This way, you won’t make a mess or waste food while cooking.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Dual speed options
- Hands-free operation
- 2-in-1 speed tube
- Enhanced safety features
- Durable blades and discs
Cons:
- The locking mechanism is hard to get right – the mixer will only run locked properly.
- See also: The Best Air Fryers For 2024 Reviews
What is a Food Processor?
Before we get to the reviews, let’s first check out the specifics of a food processor so that you know what you’re looking for. Mainly, a food processor is a set of useful appliances and attachments that work together to complete a versatile range of tasks for multiple varieties of food.
It was invented back in 1973 by an illustrious engineer, Carl Sontheimer. He transformed the basic industrial blender into a single machine that could complete multiple tasks. The device gained immense popularity and became a national bestseller in no time.
After Sontheimer’s invention took the food preparation market by a storm, more advancements were conducted on the machine to make it more productive. Today, our primary food processor can do a lot besides chopping, slicing, and grinding.
Unlike a dedicated single-task appliance such as a juicer or blender, a food processor lets you shred, grind, chop, dice, and puree almost any food you want. Besides that, some models can even juice up seasonal fruits, beat your cake and meringue batter, or also help knead bread dough.
Let us guess, the long list of features is making you excited? Take a look at what you’ll need in the ideal food processor for your kitchen so you can choose easily from our reviews below.
How to Choose the Best Food Processor? America’s Test Kitchen
If you’re planning to buy a food processor, you’ll need to know what is the best-rated food processor first. Mainly, you could say that a food processor is designed to prep your food for cooking. Most importantly, the device is designed to save your time and make your cooking process more manageable and less tiring.
Any food processor that doesn’t let you achieve that is, by all means, entirely useless. Here are some essential factors to consider when you’re purchasing a best-rated food processor for yourself.
Your Eating Habits
Eating habits and needs are what most people forget to take into account while purchasing a food processor. Most of the time, you’ll see people going for high-performing, powerful processors for their 4-person family. That’s creating an unnecessary expense for yourself.
Look into your and your family’s needs. You don’t need a high-capacity food processor for a small family. Also, keep in mind your likes and dislikes to see if you’ll need specific features. For example, if you like most of your vegetables raw and crunchy, you won’t need a processor that purees food.
Your Storage Space
A full-range food processor has enough parts and attachments to fill up one or two normal-sized cabinets. Make sure you have the space to store your processor.
You can choose compact designs if you have minimal space at hand. Besides that, you can check the size of your favorite processor and get a cupboard or countertop custom-made for its storage.
Check The Attachments
As we mentioned before, check the attachments carefully and make sure you choose a model that offers most of the features you need. Storing unneeded accessories is a nuisance you don’t want to go through.
Safety Features
Locking mechanisms are relatively new in food processors, considering the number of accidents that can occur during these processes. You wouldn’t want the lid to fall off while you’re blending a liquid or your bowl to get displaced while you’re beating your eggs.
Such situations can lead to serious food waste and a lot of hassle. To save your time and avoid such accidents, go for models that offer reliable safety features.
Customization Options
Food processors come with all kinds of speed ranges and modes that you can set according to your needs. The more options you have in your appliance, the more precise you can be with your recipes.
Easy Maintenance
There’s nothing more tiring than cleaning each part of a food processor after you’re done with your work. Nowadays, you can get dishwasher safe models that are a breeze to clean up. Go for those if you intend to save extra time in your daily routine.
How Do Food Processors Work?
The best ood processor works through the main part of its body, the motor. Machines with large, powerful motors will work better and produce consistent results. Also, the heaviness of the motor makes the machine stable and safe from toppling over during rigorous operation.
The upper shaft is connected to the motor below. This shaft delivers power from the motor to the blade above and makes it a spin. Once everything is locked into position, from the blade shaft to the lid above, the motor ignites and starts working to process your food.
During operation, you can add more foods to the processor through the feed tube. For harder food like vegetables, you can use the plunger to push the food deeper inside.
How To Use A Food Processor?
Using the best food processor is easy if you follow the instructions carefully. First of all, you’ll need to select the blade and disc you’re going to work with and attach it to the processor.
After that, fix the lid on top of the bowl firmly, and start putting your food inside through the feed tube. You can also put the food inside first, then fix the lid.
If you’re using larger foods, you can cut it for faster processing. Turn the processor on and watch it work.
Follow your recipe and keep adding ingredients until your food is ready for your required consistency.
Food Processor Vs. Blender: Difference Between Food Processor and Blender
Although there are many similarities between food processors and blenders, the two appliances are designed for different purposes. It’s important to highlight that so that you don’t end up using the devices incorrectly and cause permanent damage.
Blenders are used for liquid foods. They help you make refreshing smoothies, juices, and purees. They can crush things like ice and nuts, but cannot do so without some liquids added to the mixture. Mainly, blenders are equipped with features that help handle liquid foods such as reservoirs and pouring spouts.
While they’re great for liquids, blenders cannot do much when it comes to prepping your food for everyday cooking. That’s where a food processor comes in.
A food processor can grind dry nuts and process liquid foods as well. It can also slice, chop, shred, and grate multiple foods that the blender is not equipped for.
Conclusion
That concludes our review of the best food processors of 2024 reviews by Consumer Reports. We listed our favorite products from the top-rated brands to help you make the best choice for your kitchen faucets. If you don’t think any of these options fit your needs, you can use the information we’ve provided here to select the ideal model for yourself from the many options available online.
Remember, the best product for you is not the most expensive one with the most features. Instead, it’s the one that fits your needs and cooking habits. Make sure you choose well to avoid further inconveniences in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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