Food Processors
Food Processors: Top Picks Compared
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY leads for versatility, the Breville BFP800XL excels with powerful motor, and the Hamilton Beach 70730 offers best value. We compared specs and owner feedback.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best overall
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY has a 14-cup work bowl and a powerful 720-watt motor. It includes a large feed tube and a variety of discs. Owners praise its consistent chopping and sturdy construction.
Bowl Capacity 14 cupsMotor Power 720 wattsIncluded Discs Slicing, shredding, choppingDimensions 10.5 x 8.5 x 15 inches
- Large capacity for family meals
- Powerful motor handles tough tasks
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Takes up counter space
- Lid can be tricky to align
Breville BFP800XL
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 best for power
The Breville BFP800XL features a 1200-watt motor and a 16-cup capacity. It has a unique stacking system for easy storage. Owners report excellent performance on tough ingredients like nuts and dough.
Bowl Capacity 16 cupsMotor Power 1200 wattsIncluded Discs Slicing, shredding, julienne, dough bladeDimensions 12.5 x 8.5 x 17 inches
- Extremely powerful motor
- Large capacity for big batches
- Multiple discs included
Hamilton Beach 70730
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best value
The Hamilton Beach 70730 offers a 10-cup bowl and a 450-watt motor at an affordable price. It has a simple, user-friendly design. Owners find it reliable for basic chopping and slicing.
Bowl Capacity 10 cupsMotor Power 450 wattsIncluded Discs Slicing, shreddingDimensions 10.5 x 8.5 x 14 inches
- Affordable price
- Compact size fits small kitchens
- Easy to operate
- Less powerful for heavy tasks
- No dough blade
KitchenAid KFP0718
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best for small kitchens
The KitchenAid KFP0718 has a 7-cup bowl and a 250-watt motor. It is designed for everyday tasks like chopping and pureeing. Its compact footprint saves counter space.
Bowl Capacity 7 cupsMotor Power 250 wattsIncluded Discs Slicing, shredding, choppingDimensions 9.5 x 7.5 x 13 inches
- Small footprint
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Good for basic tasks
- Small capacity
- Not for heavy dough
Best for: best for small kitchens
Cuisinart FP-8SV
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best for dough
The Cuisinart FP-8SV is a 9-cup model with a dedicated dough blade. Its 350-watt motor handles bread and pizza dough well. Owners appreciate the included dough function.
Bowl Capacity 9 cupsMotor Power 350 wattsIncluded Discs Slicing, shredding, dough bladeDimensions 10 x 8 x 14 inches
- Excellent for dough
- Reasonable price
- Includes dough blade
- Not as powerful as larger models
- Limited capacity
Ninja BN601
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 best for multi-purpose
The Ninja BN601 combines a 9-cup processor bowl with a 64-ounce blender pitcher. It has a 1000-watt motor and Auto-iQ programs. Owners like the versatility for both chopping and blending.
Bowl Capacity 9 cupsMotor Power 1000 wattsIncluded Attachments Processor bowl, blender pitcherDimensions 12 x 8 x 16 inches
- Two appliances in one
- Powerful motor
- Preset programs
- Bulky
- Some parts are not dishwasher safe
Best for: best for multi-purpose
Black+Decker FP2500B
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best budget
The Black+Decker FP2500B is a 8-cup processor with a 450-watt motor. It is simple and affordable for basic food prep. Owners find it adequate for everyday chopping.
Bowl Capacity 8 cupsMotor Power 450 wattsIncluded Discs Slicing, shreddingDimensions 10 x 8 x 13 inches
- Very affordable
- Simple operation
- Compact
- Basic features
- No pulse function
Key factors include bowl size, motor power, and included discs. We focused on real-world use, not just marketing claims.
Motor Power and Bowl Size
Motor power determines how well a processor handles tough ingredients. Higher wattage means better performance with dough and nuts. Bowl size affects how much you can process at once. A larger bowl suits families, while smaller bowls save space. Consider your typical batch sizes before choosing.
Attachments and Discs
Most processors include slicing and shredding discs. Some offer julienne, dough blades, or citrus juicers. More attachments increase versatility but also cost. Think about which tasks you do most. A basic set may be enough for simple chopping.
Ease of Cleaning and Storage
Look for dishwasher-safe parts to simplify cleanup. Some models have fewer pieces, making them easier to wash. Storage is another factor; larger processors take up more cabinet space. If you have limited storage, a compact model might be better.
Price and Value
Food processors range from budget to premium. Expensive models often have more power and accessories. However, a mid-range processor can handle most home needs. Compare features against price to find the best value for your budget.
Questions people ask
What size food processor do I need?
For a single person or couple, a 7 to 9 cup model works. Families of four or more should consider 11 to 14 cups. Larger bowls handle big batches but take up more space.
Can a food processor knead dough?
Yes, many processors have a dough blade and can knead bread or pizza dough. Check the motor power; at least 600 watts is recommended for heavy dough.
Is a food processor worth it?
If you chop, slice, or shred often, it saves time. It also helps with making sauces, dips, and dough. For occasional use, a smaller model may suffice.
What is the difference between a food processor and a blender?
A food processor uses interchangeable discs and blades for chopping, slicing, and shredding. A blender is designed for liquids and purees. Some machines combine both functions.
How do I clean a food processor?
Most bowls, lids, and discs are dishwasher safe. The motor base should be wiped with a damp cloth. Always check the manual for specific care instructions.
Can I crush ice in a food processor?
Some processors can crush ice, but not all. Check the motor power and manual. A blender is usually better for ice crushing.
What is the best food processor for making hummus?
A model with a powerful motor and a small bowl works best. The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY and Breville BFP800XL both handle hummus well.
Are food processors noisy?
They can be loud, especially at high speeds. Some models have sound-dampening features. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter option.
Can I use a food processor to make nut butter?
Yes, but it requires a powerful motor and patience. The Breville BFP800XL is known for making smooth nut butter.
How long does a food processor last?
With proper care, a good processor can last 10 years or more. Cheaper models may wear out sooner. Look for a warranty and durable construction.
The bottom lineSo which one?
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY is the best all-around choice for most homes. For heavy-duty tasks, the Breville BFP800XL is unmatched. Budget buyers will appreciate the Hamilton Beach 70730.
