KitchenAid KFP0718 Food Processor Review

If you have a small kitchen but still want the convenience of a food processor, the KitchenAid KFP0718 is a popular choice. With a 7-cup capacity and a compact design, it promises to handle basic chopping, slicing, shredding, and dicing without dominating your counter. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to give you an honest look at what this machine can do.

Design and Build Quality

The KitchenAid KFP0718 has a classic, sturdy look with a metal drive shaft and a heavy base that keeps it stable during use. The work bowl is made of BPA-free plastic and feels thick enough to resist cracking. The lid seals tightly with a two-tab locking system, though some users note it can be a bit finicky to align. The feed tube is on the smaller side, measuring about 2.5 inches in diameter, which means you will need to cut whole fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces before processing. The included mini bowl is a nice bonus for small tasks like chopping garlic or herbs, and it fits inside the main bowl for convenient storage. The base has rubber feet that grip the counter, but at higher speeds the machine can still vibrate slightly. Overall, the build quality feels solid for the price point, with no sharp edges or flimsy parts.

Performance: Slicing, Dicing and Chopping

The 250-watt motor is adequate for most home tasks. The S-blade chops onions, nuts, and soft vegetables quickly and evenly. For example, it can turn a whole onion into fine dice in about 5 seconds with a few pulses. The reversible shredding/slicing disc works well for cheese, carrots, and cabbage; the slicing side produces even slices about 2-3 mm thick, while the shredding side is ideal for coleslaw or hash browns. The standout feature is the dicing kit, which produces neat cubes from potatoes, carrots, and other firm produce. To use it, you first insert the dicing grid into the bowl, then place the pusher on top. You need to cut ingredients into strips that fit the feed tube, then press them through. The result is uniform cubes, though softer items like bell peppers may get crushed. However, very hard items like whole carrots or frozen ingredients can stall the motor. The machine also tends to walk a bit on the counter at higher speeds, so you may need to hold it steady. For tough tasks, it is best to cut ingredients into smaller pieces and process in smaller batches.

Ease of Use

Assembly is straightforward: the bowl locks onto the base with a twist, then the blade or disc goes on the drive shaft, and the lid clicks into place with a two-tab system. The control panel has simple pulse and on/off buttons. The pulse feature gives you good control over texture, allowing you to achieve coarse or fine chops. One common complaint is that the lid can be difficult to remove after processing sticky ingredients, as the seal creates suction. You may need to wiggle it gently or run a spatula around the edge to break the seal. The feed tube pusher is designed to fit comfortably in hand, and the mini bowl has its own small pusher. The machine is relatively quiet for a food processor, measuring around 75 decibels during operation, which is comparable to a vacuum cleaner. It is not silent, but it is not overly loud either.

Cleaning and Maintenance

All removable parts are dishwasher safe (top rack), which makes cleanup easy. The blades are sharp, so hand washing is recommended to preserve their edge. The bowl and lid can trap food in crevices, especially around the feed tube and the locking tabs. A brush helps clean the disc slots and the dicing grid. The base should only be wiped with a damp cloth; never submerge it. Over time, the plastic bowl may develop minor scratches from blades, but this does not affect performance. The metal drive shaft is easy to wipe clean. For sticky residues, soaking the parts in warm soapy water before washing helps. Some users find that the mini bowl's small size makes it harder to clean by hand, but it is dishwasher safe.

Common Buyer Complaints

Frequent feedback includes the narrow feed tube requiring pre-cutting, the lid being hard to remove, and the motor struggling with large quantities. Some users report that the dicing kit can be fiddly to assemble and that the cubes are not always perfectly uniform. A few units arrived with minor cosmetic defects like scratches on the bowl, but overall reliability is good. The 7-cup capacity is a limitation for batch cooking, but for daily prep it is sufficient. Another common complaint is the lack of a storage case for the discs and blades, which can lead to lost parts or clutter. Some users also wish for a longer power cord; the included cord is about 3 feet long, which may require a nearby outlet.

Value for Small Kitchens

For its price point, the KFP0718 offers solid performance and the convenience of a dicing kit. It is not a commercial-grade machine, but for a couple or small family it handles most tasks well. If you prioritize counter space and occasional use, this model is a smart buy. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget. Compared to other compact processors, it stands out for its dicing capability and brand reliability. However, if you need to process large quantities or very hard ingredients regularly, you may want to consider a larger model with a more powerful motor.

Noise Level and Vibration

The KitchenAid KFP0718 operates at a moderate noise level, around 75 decibels, which is typical for a food processor of this size. The sound is a steady hum rather than a high-pitched whine. At higher speeds, the machine can vibrate noticeably on the counter, especially when processing dense ingredients like dough or hard vegetables. The rubber feet help reduce movement, but you may still need to hold the base steady during heavy tasks. For most everyday tasks like chopping onions or shredding cheese, the vibration is minimal. The noise level is acceptable for a kitchen environment and should not disturb others in adjacent rooms.