For most anyone who spends regular time in the kitchen, a food processor is a staple item. Sometimes more complicated recipes will require them, but more often, a food processor will make a typical recipe incredibly easy. You’ll be able to spend your time doing the parts you love, and less time stressing uniform chops and perfect mincing with a food processor and that’s a big selling point. If you’re not sure where to start your search, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve done the legwork on research for you.
We reviewed dozens of food processors to identify the best of the best. We looked for food processors with a variety of attachments and the manual ones that will give you a more “hands-on” and portable option, too. We found the mini food processors for small jobs and the robust food processors that can handle anything you throw at it. No matter what you’re looking for in a food processor, we have the right one for you.
All through our research on food processors, we easily identified the Braun 12 Cup Food Processor as the best overall. With the efficient design and versatility of its blades and attachments, you’ll see exactly why it’s our top pick, and it will be yours, too.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Food Processors
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Food Processor Overall | Braun 12 Cup Food Processor | 4.6 |
| Best Food Processor/Blender | Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender Food Processor | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Food Processor | Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Compact Food Processor | 4.5 |
| Best Mini Food Processor | Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor | 4.5 |
| Best Food Processor and Meat Grinder | Homeasy Meat Grinder Food Processor | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Food Processor Overall: Braun 12 Cup Food Processor
The Braun 12 Cup Food Processor is made with the kind of German engineering that epitomizes efficiency. There are so many blades, you’ll have a specialized blade for each task and that means each one will be done in the best possible method. Your food processor won’t get stuck on a food that’s too dense, and you won’t over-chop soft vegetables by using the wrong blade. You’ll have a citrus press, chopper attachment, an S-blade with a protective cover, whipping attachments and kneading hook, two shredding blades a grating blade, and a fine slicing insert.
Though you have versatility galore, you’ll be happy to know that the compact design won’t take up too much of your valuable kitchen countertop real estate. Even the cord wraps and stores on board, so when not in use, you can place it in a cabinet without it getting in the way and bogging down your organization.
Over 1,500 customer reviews on Amazon have earned this food processor an overall rating of 4.6 stars. That is enough to tempt us, and after perusing the reviews, we’re convinced you’ll be tempted, too.
Braun 12 Cup Food Processor Key Features:
- 600 watts
- 11 speeds
- 1-year warranty
Best Food Processor/Blender: Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender Food Processor
The Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender Food Processor is perfect if you want a bit more versatility for a food processor. You’ll get the best results if you use the right equipment, and that means you need a food processor for some recipes and a blender for others. This is possibly your best option to get the best result from the fewest number of appliances. It will take up less space on your counter and you’ll love it so much that you won’t want to put it away ever. One appliance on your counter that does all you’ll need is far more likely to get used than the appliance stuck in a cabinet.
Nearly 10,000 customer reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.7 stars suggest this is more than a product you’ll appreciate, but also one you’ll love. After all, with 93% positive reviews, it’s a statistical likelihood you’ll be one of the many satisfied customers.
Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender Food Processor Key Features:
- Bonus recipe book included
- 64 oz food processor bowl, 72 oz blender pitcher
- 2 horsepower, 1500 watts
Best Budget Food Processor: Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Compact Food Processor
The Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Compact Food Processor is an excellent food processor to make your foods easier to prep for more complicated recipes. With an extra-large feed chute, you can place a block of cheese for shredding without all the pre-cutting that you have to do with other food processors and no hands are sore by shredding it manually. Switch the blades out and you’ll be making homemade peanut or almond butter in minutes.
We do want to caution you that though the 8 or 12 cup bowl is dishwasher safe, you can do damage to it if you wash it with loose items. It doesn’t mean you can’t just toss it in the dishwasher; it just means you don’t want to put it on the top rack with loose serving spoons or the blades. The force of the water during rinsing and washing will jostle the contents and may damage your processor bowl.
The numbers don’t lie, and when you consider the numbers for this food processor, that’s nothing but positive. It has around 8,200 customer reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.5 stars. The best number associated with it, though, has to be the price. You can pick this food processor up for under $40!
Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Compact Food Processor Key Features:
- 450-watt motor
- 2 size options
- 2 speeds + pulse control
Best Mini Food Processor: Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor
The Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor may not be much to look at – literally, that is. It’s only about seven inches wide, nine inches high, and has a capacity of just three cups, but just because it’s little doesn’t mean it’s not big on function. You’ll still get plenty of power to do your day-to-day food processor tasks; the 250-watt motor can easily chop your veggies blend your salsa, slice your onions, and so much more.
There are only two speeds, grind and chop, and the one blade is reversible to allow you to perform each of those operations flawlessly. So you won’t have extra parts that need to find a place while you’re using your food processor. The bowl and blade are dishwasher safe and the body is easily wiped clean. You may also appreciate that it was made to North American Electrical Standards.
More than 8,500 customers on Amazon felt strongly enough about this food processor that they came back to leave a review – earning it an overall rating of 4.6 stars. Consider how passionate you have to be to leave feedback on a product you’re satisfied with, and you’ll start to get an idea of how likely it is you are to be equally satisfied with this.
Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor Key Features:
- 4 packaging options with other common appliances
- 5 colors available
- 250 watts
Best Food Processor and Meat Grinder: Homeasy Meat Grinder Food Processor
The Homeasy Meat Grinder Food Processor is a multi-functional food processor and shopper that just happens to excel at another thing, as well: meat grinding. Its compact design may mislead you, but the 350-watt real power motor is enough to handle nearly any of your meats – you’ll use the slower speed to make sure it’s performing optimally. It has a large capacity that will allow you to bulk prepare so that you spend less time grinding and more time with the rest of your food prep.
There are four stainless steel blades included and two speeds to grind, chop or puree, and if you’re looking to make soups or baby foods, for example, a machine that can create each of these textures is a big game-changer. The secret to that consistent blend is the blades placed in a 4D design, to allow the upper portion of the cup to chop evenly with the bottom blades, as well.
With almost 1,000 customer reviews and an overall rating of 4.4 stars on Amazon, we think this is a food processor you’ll be more than satisfied with, should you choose to purchase.
Homeasy Meat Grinder Food Processor Key Features:
- 1-button operation
- 2-liter capacity bowl
- Nonslip mat included
Who Should Buy a Food Processor
For those who enjoy their time in the kitchen, a food processor can really maximize their performance. If you don’t have to spend the time to mince garlic or chop your vegetables, you’ll be able to spend that extra time creating more recipes and delectable delights. You can also spare yourself the misery of the onion chopping tears by just tossing the onion right into the food processor. Blending your foods together is never easier than with a food processor, either. You’ll be able to ensure a constant size in your foods; for example, the salsa made with a food processor can be blended together in a puree or you can keep it thick and chunky – and every bite will have every flavor in the recipe.
If you’re not big on complicated recipes, you may still want another perk that the food processor will offer: Natural, homemade foods – easier than ever. If you’re particularly conscious of your diet, then a food processor will help you enjoy the foods you love without all those extras that manufacturers will add to foods that may be harmful to your system. When you spend so little time making a healthy and real food alternative than the preservative heavy foods you love, fresh, homemade foods are well within your reach. Even if you’re not picky about your own foods, if you want to make your own baby food, a food processor is by far the easiest way to do so.
If you’re interested in other kitchen appliances to make your life easier, then you may also want to check out The Best Electric Can Openers or The Best Electric Pressure Cookers.
Important Features to Consider
A food processor should do several things. Here’s what to consider when selecting a food processor:
- Blender combination. Thou8gh you may be able to use a blender and a food processor interchangeable for some functions, you’ll definitely experience improved performance if you use the appliance specially designed for one purpose or another. You’ll have better purees with a food processor and better smoothies with a blender. So if you can use one base station to complete all the functions to their optimal potential, then all the better. You may need to seek a bit harder, though – remember “Jack of all trades makes a master of none” – but that’s why you’re doing your homework here.
- Attachments. You can find a food processor that operates to juice fruits, puree vegetables, chop nuts, even perfectly cut your rosemary with salt to create the perfect seasoning. You’ll want to be careful with the ratings and reviews when it comes to one attachment, though – a meat grinder is an excellent tool for your kitchen, but you want to make sure that it’s a robust enough motor with the appropriate blades. Meat can bog down a food processor easily, so don’t just use a regular grinding attachment. Grinding salt isn’t the same as meat.
- Dishwasher-safe. The food processor can be a life-saver in the kitchen. But let’s be blunt: it makes a lot of dishes. The difficulty is minimized on your food prep but is increased in your time spent doing dishes. Unless, of course, you find a food processor that you can just toss into your dishwasher.
- Capacity. You’ll want to bear in mind that the capacity of your food processor can limit your ability to complete a recipe, too. If you go too big, then it’ll take up a significant amount of your counter space, and moving it to a cabinet will make it difficult to lug it out every time you want to use it. Alternatively, if you don’t go big enough, you may need to do several “loads” of processing for your family’s recipe.
- Variable speeds. It may go without saying, but you’ll probably want multiple speeds for your food processor. You’ll appreciate the smooth operation of a set and go when you just want to puree a food well, but you’ll also get plenty of use out of a pulsing function, too. Check to make sure the food processor you purchase will have the appropriate speed and power for the purposes you have in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a food processor and how does it work?
A food processor is a kitchen appliance that will use electric blades housed within a removable cup to turn your foods into different desired consistencies. You can use one to create purees, chop vegetables, slice potatoes, shred cheese, juice fruits and vegetables, beat egg whites and so much more. Foods mixed in a food processor will have a more even texture and distribute the ingredients of your favorite recipes perfectly so that every bit is as wonderful as the last. There are a variety of blades to get different results and the more blades you have, the more functionality your food processor will have. You’ll be able to choose from different speeds and a pulsing operation to control the result as closely as you’d like.
Can you put ice in a food processor?
Yes! If you like crushed ice and you don’t have a refrigerator that can handle it very well, then you’ll love the effect that popping a handful of ice cubes in the food processor will have. All you have to do is plop it in and process until it’s fluffy and powdery. The smaller the crush, though, the faster it’ll melt, so use it right away for perfection – leftovers can be kept in a bag in the freezer, but may not be as good later. This is perfect for homemade slushies or snow cones.
Can I use a food processor to knead dough?
Oh yeah, you can. Some food processors even come with a bread kneading blade – it’s a dull plastic blade that works for some softer doughs. If you don’t have the kneading blade, though, or if you’re using a more dense dough recipe, you’ll probably have the most success with the regular metal blade anyways. Pro-tip: you’ll also want o use cold water with your doughs – the high speed of the food processor can overheat the dough and kill the yeast, stunting the rise and squashing the flavor a bit.
Should I buy a blender or food processor?
Both, probably. If you have a specific thing in mind, then you should buy the appropriate machine. However, there are a few workarounds that you can use to get the most for your money. First, you can get a base that works with both blender and food processor attachments. That means you won’t be sacrificing any functionality and only needed to make one purchase. The other alternative is to weigh your options and priorities. If you only want one, despite the foods they can’t process the same, then bear in mind that food processors have a wider variety of options. You can do more with a food processor than a blender, for sure. A blender may handle liquids a bit better, but not by much, so if you plan on using your appliance for more than just smoothies and milkshakes, the food processor is a safer bet.
Other Food Processors We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other food processors. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best food processors list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your kitchen. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Grinder or Blender Food Processors
- Mini Food Processors
- Wireless Food Processors
- Other Foor Processors
Grinder or Blender Food Processors
Elechomes Store Electric Food Processor and Meat Grinder
Chop, grind, and blend your foods to the exact texture you want with this compact blender and grinder food processor.
Key Features:
- 300 watts
- BPA-free glass bowl
- 3-layer thickened stainless steel blades
Cost: $40
This food processor will handle grinding your foods excellently with the specialized blades.
Key Features:
- 3-year warranty
- 400 watts
- Stainless steel bowl
Cost: $35
FOCHEA 3 In 1 Blender and Food Processor Combo
This combination unit will take care of virtually any of your food processing, blending, grinding, and chopping needs.
Key Features:
- Dishwasher safe
- 6″D x 15″H x 7″W
- 700 Watts
Cost: $60
Homgeek Meat Grinder and Food Processor
If you’re looking for a food processor robust enough to tackle grinding meat, you won’t want to pass up on this one.
Key Features:
- 1.2-liter bowl capacity
- BPA-free
- 300 Watts
Cost: $30
Oster Blender Pro 1200 with Food Processor
Whether you want to make s smoothie, salsa, or pesto sauce, this food processor combination can do it all.
Key Features:
- 10-year warranty
- 3 pre-programmed settings
- 16″ cord length
Mini Food Processors
This tiny food processor is big on power and can tackle all your kitchen needs with ease.
Key Features:
- 4 stainless steel blades
- Self-locking device
- Dishwasher safe
Cost: $30
If you want to make sure you’re minimizing the space your food processor takes without giving up any power, try this compact option.
Key Features:
- Dishwasher safe bowl, lid, and blades
- Stainless steel, unbreakable bowl
- 250 Watts
Cost: $30
MOSAIC Electric Food Processor
This food processor is perfect for chopping your foods, whether that be soft tomatoes or firm nuts.
Key Features:
- 400 Watts
- 4 stainless steel blades
- Glass or stainless steel bowl options
Wireless Food Processors
This food processor will use battery power to chop your foods wherever you need to take it, regardless of the wall plug locations.
Key Features:
- 2-speed settings
- 2 colors available
- Dishwasher-safe
Cost: $25
Kocbelle Wireless Electric Small Food Processor
This is a compact food processor that you can use on any surface that’s convenient – even on the kitchen island without any power.
Key Features:
- 1-touch electric chopper
- BPA-free glass bowl
- Rechargeable
Cost: $30
ZYLISS Easy Pull Food Chopper and Manual Food Processor
You’ll have full control of this food processor – because you’ll be providing the power used to make it function.
Key Features:
- BPA-free
- Dishwasher safe
- 5-year guarantee
Other Foor Processors
Your food prep will shrink substantially after incorporating this food processor into regular use.
Key Features:
- 12-cup BPA-free bowl
- Includes 2 blades
- 3-speeds
Cost: $75
Breville BFP660SIL Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor
Mix, chop, blend, and more with this food processor that will turn even the most difficult recipes into a total cakewalk.
Key Features:
- 5″ feed chute
- All food parts BPA-free
- 1000 Watts
Cost: $300
You’ll be pushing the “easy button” when you use this 14-cup food processor that will tackle larger recipes as well as the foods you prepare for just you.
Key Features:
- 14-cup capacity
- 3 packaging options with common kitchen items
- Dishwasher safe parts
Cost: $270
Cuisinart FP-8GMP1 Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor
Control the speed, the chop, and the overall result with the versatility of this food processor
Key Features:
- Integrated feed chute
- All removable parts are dishwasher safe
- 350 Watts
Cost: $90
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack & Snap Food Processor
Making salsa has never been easier and is just the tip of the iceberg of what this food processor can do.
Key Features:
- BPA-free in all food zones
- 6.25 H X 9.55 W X 8.76 D
- Stainless steel blades
Cost: $80
KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor
You’ll appreciate the quality you’ve come to expect from KitchenAid in this food processor.
Key Features:
- Dishwasher safe bowl, blades, and accessories
- 4 colors available
- 3-speed options
Cost: $100
Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor
With such a variety of blades, not only can this food processor tackle nearly any job that arises in your kitchen, but it does it all as efficiently as possible.
Key Features:
- Includes 3 blades
- 4 auto-IQ presets
- 1000 Watts
Cost: $90
NutriChef NCFP8 Multipurpose 12 Cup Multifunction Food Processor
This multipurpose food processor has excellent versatility as well as a secure lock that will make sure no extra messes are made during your food prep.
Key Features:
- Electronic overload protection
- Includes 6 blades
- 12-cup capacity
Cost: $90
This food processor holds a full 10-cups, making it plenty big enough to handle recipes for your entire family.
Key Features:
- 500 watts
- 5″ wide chute
- Includes dough blade
Cost: $40
