The food processor is an essential tool used weekly for tasks ranging from making homemade hummus to quickly chopping vegetables for salads and creating nut butters. It is regarded as a sous chef in the kitchen. Top-tier food processors simplify various kitchen tasks, emphasizing the importance of choosing one that is both consistent and reliable.
Though all food processors share basic functions such as chopping, grinding, slicing, and shredding, their performance can vary significantly. The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor has been a personal favorite for years, but there are several other excellent options that might better suit different kitchen needs.
Factors like capacity, ease of storage, and durability were considered, alongside personal experiences with various models.
Presented here are some of the best food processors available to enhance your kitchen efficiency.
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Favorite Picks…
 | Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor | ||
 | Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor | ||
 | Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor | ||
 | Ninja Professional XL Food Processor | ||
 | Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro Food Processor |
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor has been a reliable fixture in their kitchen for many years, frequently used for a variety of tasks. It excels at creating smooth sauces and creamy nut butters, while its ample capacity accommodates larger quantities.
The large, paddle-style controls contribute to its ease of use, featuring only two settings—on and pulse—making it ideal for beginners and those who prefer a straightforward approach to cooking.
The food processor also boasts a large feed tube, simplifying the process of adding ingredients. It comes equipped with a standard slicing disc, a medium shredding disc, and a stainless steel chopping and mixing blade.
These attachments allow it to serve as a versatile substitute for a mandoline slicer or box grater.
Pros:
Provides consistent results
Features a large feed chute that reduces prep time
Boasts a sleek, stainless steel design
Cons:
Lacks variable speed settings
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor is favored for handling smaller tasks, such as chopping cucumbers for Tzatziki Sauce. With a 3-cup capacity, it is perfectly sized for chopping vegetables or making dressings.
Measuring 5.0 x 7.0 x 9.25 inches and weighing 2.5 pounds, it features two simple settings—chop and grind—making it easy to operate.
Although the motor is less powerful compared to full-size models, making it less suitable for tasks like making nut butters or cutting through harder foods, it excels in basic prep work and is easy to store.
Pros:
Simple to operate
Conveniently easy to store
Affordable price
Cons:
Weaker motor
Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor
For those who don’t plan to use their food processor on a daily basis, a more affordable option might be ideal. The Hamilton Beach 10-cup food processor is a budget-friendly choice designed for occasional use.
Despite its less powerful motor compared to some other models, it offers a substantial 10-cup capacity and features three settings—two speeds and a pulse mode—that handle most kitchen tasks with ease.
This model includes a chopping blade and a slicing/shredding disc.
A standout feature is its built-in scraper attachment, which continuously scrapes the sides of the bowl as you process, so there’s no need to stop and clean the sides with a spatula.
Although its rounded design makes it somewhat bulkier—measuring 15.47 x 10.25 x 8.43 inches and weighing 4.7 pounds—it should not pose a problem if stored in a pantry or cabinet rather than on the counter.
Pros:
Offers multiple speed settings for versatile food processing tasks.
Features an integrated scraper attachment that continuously cleans the sides of the bowl, eliminating the need for manual scraping.
Priced affordably, making it a cost-effective choice for those who don’t need a high-end model.
Cons:
The motor is less powerful compared to more advanced food processors, which may limit its effectiveness for tougher tasks.
Ninja Professional XL Food Processor
Ninja is renowned for producing user-friendly kitchen appliances that cater to beginners or anyone seeking simplicity in their cooking tools.
The Ninja food processor excels in versatility, equipped with two blades and slicing discs while being easy to operate. It features four preset programs—chop, puree, dough, and disk—and three manual settings: low, high, and pulse.
With a generous 12-cup capacity, this food processor can handle large recipes and meal preparations for the entire family. Its extra-large feed chute allows for the insertion of larger food pieces with minimal pre-chopping required.
Measuring 17.5 x 10.7 x 8.7 inches and weighing 10.9 pounds, it provides both efficiency and ample space for various kitchen tasks.
Pros:
Features a range of versatile settings for various food processing tasks.
Includes an extra-large feed chute, reducing the need for pre-chopping.
Accommodates larger recipes and family-sized meal preparations.
Cons:
Has a larger footprint compared to some other food processors, which may require more counter or storage space.
Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro Food Processor
For those with large families, who engage in meal prepping, or frequently entertain guests, a larger-capacity food processor might be essential.
This particular model, though a bit pricey, offers a wealth of useful features. It boasts a generous 16-cup capacity and an exceptionally powerful motor capable of handling a wide range of ingredients.
Measuring 10.9 x 8.9 x 17.5 inches and weighing 19.7 pounds, it includes two feed chutes for precise cuts with different-sized foods.
The food processor comes with a variable slicing disc featuring 24 settings, ranging from extra thin to 8 millimeters thick.
Additionally, it includes a 2.5-cup mini-processing bowl for smaller tasks, effectively providing the functionality of two machines in one. The settings include On and pulse for versatile operation.
Pros:
Spacious 16-cup capacity, ideal for large batches and family-sized meal prep.
Provides versatility with two feed chutes and a variable slicing disc featuring 24 settings.
Includes a 2.5-cup mini-processing bowl, adding functionality for smaller tasks.
Cons:
Relatively heavy, weighing 19.7 pounds, which may be cumbersome to move.
Conclusion
When choosing a food processor, it’s important to consider various factors to find the right model for your needs. The ideal food processor should align with your kitchen habits, whether you require a large capacity for batch cooking or a compact size for occasional use.
Key features to think about include the processor’s capacity, which affects how much you can prepare at once, and its versatility, including the range of settings and attachments available. Consider whether you need specialized functions like variable slicing or mini-processing bowls for smaller tasks.
Also, evaluate the appliance’s size and weight to ensure it fits comfortably in your kitchen space and is easy to store or move. Lastly, keep your budget in mind, balancing cost with the features and performance you need.
Selecting the right food processor can greatly enhance your cooking efficiency and make meal preparation more enjoyable.
