We Tested 8 Models to Find the Best Food Processor for Every Kitchen
Updated: May 03, 2024
Our Product Testing Team put eight food processors to work against cheese, vegetables, oil and other accoutrements. These are the five that impressed with their speed and strength.
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While cooking functions as a soothing hobby for some, others prefer to breeze through the process as fast as possible—especially for a weeknight dinner. When prep time takes too long by hand, the best food processor saves a lot of time (and energy!). These handy machines chop, blend, puree, dice, slice and deliver delicious salad dressings and burger fixings quickly, efficiently and without any additional prep tools required.
For our Test Kitchen, food processors are an indispensable tool. “A food processor is an investment kitchen appliance—something I will want to last for many years. So I’m going to do my homework before purchasing one,” says Catherine Ward, Taste of Home  prep kitchen manager and food processor expert.Â
Like Catherine, our Product Testing Team believes that any small kitchen appliance worth spending money on is also worth vetting prior to purchase. That said, we also know not everyone has the time or resources for in-depth research and hands-on testing. That’s why we enlisted our Product Testing Team to test and compare food processors from eight popular brands in order to locate the very best food processor for every kitchen, budget and skill level.
Whether you use it for whipping up salsa recipes or blending up an herby salad dressing, our expert Product Testing Team chose the picks below after they performed roughly 88 tests and collected about 260 data points in our controlled Product Testing Lab.
Best Overall Food Processor
Cuisinart Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor
Pros:
- Two slicing disks, shredding disk and chop blade
- Thin, uniform slices
- Compact for storage
- Includes plastic spatula
- Includes work bowl with cover
- Rubber grippy pads prevent slips
- Easily mixes thick dough
Cons:
- Least intuitive setup
- Sleeve and food pusher do not come apart
Capacity: 11 cups | Settings: On, Off, Pulse | Power: 625 watts | Size: 7 x 11.5 x 14.5 in. | Cord length: 31.5 in. | Weight: 12.75 lbs. | Warranty: Full 5-year motor warranty, Limited 3-year unit warranty | Dishwasher safe: All parts except motor
According to our tests, topping the list as the overall best food processor is the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor. Like our Test Kitchen’s favorite food processors, this option offers the perfect mix (get it?) of functionality and value. It performed so well in our tests that Product Testing Team Manager Annamarie Higley noted “there’s a reason why you think of Cuisinart when you think of a food processor.”
Apart from its easy-to-stash size and conveniently hefty weight that prevents it from slipping and sliding, we appreciate that this sturdy system looks as lovely as it runs. While it didn’t impress while slicing up mozzarella—a difficult feat for any food processor—the Cuisinart created very uniform slices and chops. It even excelled at mixing pastry dough, outperforming all the rest of the food processors with little effort.
While burdened with a slightly difficult setup that’s not very intuitive and a sleeve and pusher that don’t come apart, once users get the hang of assembly the learning curve evens out. This model even makes buttery-smooth pesto in a pinch—the pieces of herbs were really small and the ingredients blended together nicely. Even given the five star performance, it’s still not the most pricey model on our list, making it a great value that we expect to last through years of use.
Best Budget Food Processor
Black + Decker 8-Cup Food Processor
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to store
- Very lightweight and compact
- Suction cups on bottom
- Includes an interlock safety system
Cons:
- Inconsistent slicing, shredding and chopping
- Very loud
Capacity: 8 cups | Settings: Off/Pulse, On | Power: 450 watts | Size: 7.8 x 11.26 x 15.67 in. | Weight: 4.15 lbs. | Cord length: 24 in. | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty | Dishwasher safe: All removable parts can be washed in a dishwasher
Those on a budget should still enjoy above-average performance, which is why the Product Testing Team appreciates the Black + Decker 8-Cup Food Processor. Apart from the wallet-friendly price point that rings up at less than a quarter of some of the brands we tested, the small number of attachments install easily and suction cups keep this pick solidly in place.
At under five pounds, it’s easy to stash up on a high shelf, and the interlock safety system is a nice bonus that spares fingers from accidental cuts. Sure, it operates loudly and offers middling consistency when slicing, shredding and dicing. However, it operates on par with the Breville model when it comes to chopping and mixing up herbs and oil for pesto. That’s impressive, especially for an affordable option!
For the price, our Product Testing Team votes this one a winner when it comes to value. You can’t ask for a better price for those looking for a way to slice up their produce deliveries!
Most User-Friendly Food Processor
KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and use
- Slicing disc and two shredding discs
- Multi-purpose blade, dough blade, dicing kit and French fry disc included
- Chops uniformly
- Rubber circles prevent slips
- Storage caddy included
Cons:
- Fairly tall and difficult to store
- Feeder tube is rather small
Capacity: 13 cups | Settings: Low, High, Off/Pulse | Power: 500 watts | Size: 8.75 x 10.25 x 17.44 in. | Weight: 8.35 lbs. | Cord length: 31.5 in. | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty | Dishwasher safe: All parts are top-rack, dishwasher-safe
Some home cooks just need a reliable machine that chops evenly, and that’s about it. Enter the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor. This reliable appliance offers some of the most even slices, dices and chops of the group. Plus, there’s a number of attachments available for fancier home cooks, from slicing and shredding disks to dough blades, dicing kits and even a French fry slicing disk. Despite that, it’s easy and intuitive to whip up food processor recipes quickly and efficiently with this tool.
Despite the multitude of functions available, our Product Testing Team noted that assembling and operating the machine is incredibly intuitive. Once assembled it’s rather tall, so we recommend storing it in 2-3 pieces rather than fully snapped together. It does come with a helpful storage caddy—a nice extra. However, the team did have difficulty figuring out where each piece fits. Folks may prefer using their own organizers instead.
While running, rubber feet underneath the appliance prevent slips and sliding. Six adjustable thickness settings makes short work of veggies, whether a thicker cut or a paper-thin slice. The feeder tube may feel a little small for larger veggies like heirloom tomatoes and oversized potatoes, but cutting up produce before feeding it in easily solves this issue. We found the extra work worth it, especially given how precisely the machine chops and dices.
Best Food Processor with Accessories
Breville Sous Chef 12 Plus
Pros:
- Dough blade, micro-serrated S-Blade, shredder and mini processing blade
- Multiple pusher sizes included
- Slicing disc offers 8 adjustable thickness settings
- Includes plastic spatula and carrying case
- Easy to assemble
- Weighted with rubber grips
Cons:
- Extremely heavy and tall
- Not very uniform results with shredding and chopping
Capacity: 12 cups | Settings: Pulse, Start/Pause, Power/Off | Power: 1000 watts | Size: 8.5 x 15.5 x 16.5 in. | Weight: 17.15 lbs. | Cord length: 33.5 in. | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty | Dishwasher safe: Processing bowl and lid can occasionally go in dishwasher
While some folks prefer fewer bells and whistles to an appliance that tackles tons of kitchen tasks, others enjoy access to almost endless attachments. The Breville Sous Chef 12 Plus scratches the itch of the “extra” chef, with a variety of pushers and slicers. It truly earns its title as the executive chef’s second-in-command. Why choose between a blender or food processor when this option offers the best of both worlds?
Easy and satisfying to snap together thanks to helpful labels, it also boasts a safety interlock system. This prevents the motor from operating unless the bowl and lid correctly lock into position with the large feed pusher inserted. We also appreciate the hefty weight that lends to the overall high-quality feel and luxury aesthetic, even though that limits where we can store it.
It’s not just winning beauty pageants, though—this impressive appliance offers some of the thinnest, most uniform slices of all the food processors tested. While it flopped when it comes to uniform cheese shreds and chopped nuts, our pesto passed the texture test, incorporating the ingredients near flawlessly. As a bonus, a nifty carrying case and plastic spatula make it easy to stash the multiple pushers, slicers and blades safely.
Best Splurge Food Processor
Magimix 12-Cup Cuisine System
Pros:
- Sleek and durable design
- Two disks, blender mix, whisk, and two metal blades
- Three different bowl sizes
- Includes motor guarantee certificate
- Includes recipe book
- Spatula and storage box
- Thermal failsafe feature
- Operates quietly
Cons:
- Quite pricey
- Not easy to put together
Capacity: 12 cups | Settings: Stop, Auto, Pulse | Power: 650 watts | Size: 7.5 x 9 x 15.5 in. | Weight: 15.65 lbs. | Cord length: 45 in.| Warranty: 30-year guarantee for base and 3-year for parts | Dishwasher safe: Detachable parts can go in top rack of dishwasher
On the other end of the pricing spectrum is the Magimix 12-Cup Cuisine System, which rings up at nearly ten times the cost of the Black + Decker model. While we won’t shy away from calling this option expensive, it certainly earns its place as the best splurge option thanks to a number of luxe features and attachments. Plus, no budding chef can deny that this one offers the best aesthetics of the bunch!
At first touch, our Product Testing Team notes that this food processor should easily last through years of daily use. Consistent slices across the board—paired with a 15-pound mass that prevents slipping—give this sleek and sexy unit an edge on competitors. Whisk and blender mix attachments offer additional versatility in the kitchen. Those that prefer to process their own meat deliveries or who require even portions for entertaining will find it worth the hefty price tag.
The robust build comes fitted with a thermal failsafe. This function automatically switches the motor off when it’s overloaded or runs too long. Accompanying this food processor is a whopping 30-year warranty guarantee for the base and a motor guarantee certificate, which solidifies this as a worthy investment.
What to Look for When Buying a Food Processor
As Catherine mentioned, food processors are an integral appliance for any kitchen, meaning you’ll want to snag one that lasts for year to come. In addition to longevity, she recommends shopping around for food processors with a few specific features. “I want a food processor with a heavy enough base that it sits firmly on the counter without jumping around when processing firmer foods like hard cheeses and carrots,” she says.
Additionally, Catherine recommends seeking out an option with a variety of blades for chopping, slicing and shredding. “A big plus would be adjustable blades for slicing varied thickness,” she says. For some home cooks, this may not be as important of a factor, especially for those who own one of the best chef’s knives. However, we feel that the more functionality in an appliance, the better—assuming it doesn’t affect performance.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our Product Testing Team has a combined decade of experience with testing and evaluating products. We conducted all tests in our Product Testing Lab under controlled conditions in order to best rate each brush’s performance. We spent an estimated 40 hours on this test, including researching, sourcing, intaking and testing the products.
For this piece we also consulted food processor expert Catherine Ward. A lifelong foodie, Catherine Ward heads up the Taste of Home  prep kitchen. She also lends her expertise for articles about cooking and baking techniques, as well as kitchen tools. Catherine has worked in the hospitality industry for most of her career, catering and teaching cooking classes. She is happiest when she’s cooking for a table full of friends and family.
How We Found the Best Food Processor
First, we combed through stores popular with Taste of Home readers, including Walmart, Amazon and Sur La Table. From there, we identified top-selling food processors from each retailer, focusing on those with the best reviews and brand reputations. Once we narrowed down our list, we picked eight different food processors from eight different brands, focusing on a variety of options and price points that suit a diverse set of kitchen needs.
To test out each pick, we set up our Product Testing Lab with everything needed: cheese, tomatoes, walnuts and ingredients for salad dressing (oil, herbs and lemon juice). Once assembled, we conducted our evaluations, focusing on the factors below:
Setup and Assembly
Testers read through each instruction manual, then set up each food processor. We noted how straightforward, intuitive and simple it is to attach and swap out the various parts.
Specs, Construction and Appearance
For this category, we measured the length of each cord, weighed each food processor (including base, bowl and standard blade). From there, we assessed how loudly, comparatively, the machine runs while operating. This category also includes considerations like whether each pick fits under cabinetry and on storage shelves, whether it slides or scoots while running, if it feels durable, and any safety features included. Lastly, we looked at the aesthetics of each.
Performance
One of the most important aspects of a food processor is heartiness and whether it withstands hard foods (and foods that are more difficult to process). “I look for components to be solid—not thin and flimsy—that will hold up over time without breaking,” says Catherine.
In order to test for this, we used a block of chilled mozzarella. While many of the manuals recommended against using soft cheeses like mozzarella, we decided to use a block of adequately chilled cheese as a stress test. Some machines still performed better than others, so we feel the test is a good indicator on overall performance.
Each processor chopped walnuts, with the testers observing the uniformity of the pieces. In addition, each machine sliced tomatoes, after which we observed how thinly the machine successfully sliced them. We also noted whether the tomato requires cutting before adding it into the feeder tube. Testers then supplied the machine with garlic, herbs, lemon juice and oil to see how well the mixture blends and incorporates the oil. The final test involved checking how well pastry dough forms for pie bakers.
We also rated blade sharpness on a scale of 1-5 and noted whether items first require chopping before they’ll fit in the feeder tube. Testers also checked the quickness of the blade response when changing settings and whether adding oil to the machine is possible while running it.
Cleaning and Disassembly
Testers disassembled and hand-washed each food processor, noting the difficulty of the cleaning process as well as which parts, if any, can optionally go into a dishwasher.
Value
Value is the final consideration. Testers looked at each pick’s score, pros and cons, then looked at the cost. We noted whether or not each is worth the price, which indicates its value. Any warranty information also falls into this category. Lastly, we noted who each pick is best for (e.g. home cooks, the elderly, budding chefs, etc.).
FAQ
What is the best food processor for making bread?
Food processors can make excellent bread baking tools. When looking for a food processor for making bread, consider snagging an option that can withstand the grueling mixing process. In our testing, the Cuisinart 11-cup food processor performed the best with pastry dough. It did a good job fully incorporating all the ingredients—no flour buildup or big chunks of butter. Once we dumped it out, it formed into a ball easily as well.
What is the difference between a food processor vs blender?
Typically used for “wet” recipes like smoothies, blenders typically have a single blade and are longer and narrower than food processors. Usually, folks use blenders to—well—blend. On the other hand, food processors work best for chopping, mixing and slicing.
Can a food processor crush ice?
While some food processors crush ice without issue, some simply aren’t robust enough. Ice cubes are incredibly hard, meaning that it’s important to ensure that your food processor is up to the task—or risk breaking it. Always check the manufacturer’s manual before using ice in a food processor. Instead, consider a specialty ice cube tray or the Beast blender, which easily tackles ice cubes.
Originally Published: April 29, 2024
