For those who cook frequently, having both a blender and a food processor is beneficial. Blenders are perfect for making smoothies, puréed soups, nut butters, and crushing ice. On the other hand, food processors are ideal for tasks that require a gentler touch. Chopping nine onions finely for a Bolognese, for example, would be time-consuming with a knife, but a food processor can handle it effortlessly in minutes. It’s also great for preparing pestos, chimichurris, salsas, and emulsifying sauces without the need for intense whisking. Moreover, it can bring doughs together with just a press of a button. To discover the best food processors of 2023, Food and Meal sought advice from expert cooks who have been using specific models in their homes for years.
What to look for in a food processor
| Versatility | A top-notch machine effortlessly dice or mince whole fruits and vegetables like onions, carrots, and herbs in no time. It should handle various tasks like grinding hard cheeses, pureeing soups, making sauces, emulsions like mayo, and even kneading bread dough. When choosing one, opt for a model that can also slice and shred foods like tomatoes and cheese. |
| Â Accessories | It not only come with a standard work bowl for chopping and pureeing but also offer extra accessories like slicing and shredding discs, smaller work bowls for finer tasks, dough blades, dicing accessories, and blender attachments for smoothies. Opt for models that are top-rack dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning. |
| Weight | A sturdy and heavier base often means better performance in it, but it doesn’t always indicate more power. On the other hand, lighter materials make processors more budget-friendly and easier to handle and store. Don’t overlook features like suction cups, as they ensure a stable base during use on the countertop. |
| Warranty | This machines are considered long-term investments, with some lasting for decades. Before making a purchase, check the brand’s warranty. The length of the warranty may vary for the motor and accessories, providing you with assurance and peace of mind regarding your investment. |
| Weight | A solid and heavier base generally translates to better performance, but it doesn’t necessarily mean more power. However, it made of lighter materials can be more affordable and easier to move around and store. Pay attention to details like suction cups, as they help keep the base stable on the countertop during use. |
Best food processors
Cuisinart 14 Cup Food Processor
We were highly impressed with the Cuisinart model, as it received outstanding scores in all aspects. One of its standout features is its simplicity; with just two buttons – on/off and pulse, using this food processor is a breeze without any confusing settings. It operates swiftly, efficiently, and packs a punch in terms of power.
Testing the various attachments was a delight, and their performance exceeded our expectations. The standard blade provided precise and evenly diced onions, without any crushing. The grated attachment worked like a charm, effortlessly shredding cheddar cheese with minimal residue stuck to the grater. While setting up the attachments had a slight learning curve and caused some initial frustration, consulting the manual quickly resolved the issue. The best part is that all parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
Although we didn’t include this model in our tests, we can’t overlook its popularity and positive reviews. The KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper is a favorite among users, especially for smaller kitchens or households that don’t require large capacity food processors.
Its straightforward design offers two speeds and pulse options for coarse or fine results. Despite its compact size, the blades are powerful and can handle chopping, slicing, and pureeing with ease.
Measuring only seven inches wide, it won’t take up much space on your countertop or in a cupboard. The variety of over 15 colors allows you to match it to your kitchen’s style. When it’s time to clean up, simply toss the bowl in the dishwasher for easy maintenance.
Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor
We were pleasantly surprised with the Ninja Plus Professional Food Processor, especially considering its price under $200 and the abundance of extra features and attachments, most of which are dishwasher-safe. The variety of buttons allows you to find the perfect setting for any task. During our testing, this food processor effortlessly chopped onions, sliced zucchinis evenly, and grated different types of cheese with precision.
While the setup and attachments may not be the most intuitive, and the blade position in the bowl can be a bit frustrating, the overall value and usefulness of the features outweigh these minor drawbacks. Although it has a smaller capacity compared to some other models, we would still recommend this food processor to friends and even consider buying one for ourselves. All in all, it’s a slam dunk in our book.
Breville 16-Cup Sous Chef Peel & Dice Food Processor
The Breville food processor not only boasts user-friendly simplicity but also comes with an impressive array of attachments and features that any home cook or frequent host would find invaluable. With a dicing kit, peeling disc, five slicing discs, three blades, a spatula, two mixing bowls, storage box, and cleaning brush, it covers all bases.
Throughout our tests, we were delighted with its even slicing, shredding, and dicing capabilities, and the base’s timer proved useful for sensitive tasks. The only thing we found lacking was an included grater attachment. As for cleanup, it’s a breeze – just place the removable parts in the dishwasher and wipe the base clean with a damp cloth.
Thermomix® TM6™
The Thermomix TM6 is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers food processor functions such as chopping, grating, crushing, mincing, grinding, and milling, all conveniently controlled by its touchscreen and large knob. On top of that, it provides steaming and sauté functions, along with unique features like sous-vide and fermentation. The package includes various components like a mixing knife, spatula, butterfly whisk, splash guard, Varoma basket for steaming, simmering basket, and mixing bowl. With an integrated scale, heating system, and touchscreen control panel, it’s a powerhouse in the kitchen.
While the Thermomix does have a steeper learning curve compared to most food processors, it offers a wide range of useful culinary techniques. The main drawback is its higher price tag, but it can replace multiple appliances, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. The brand provides a complimentary 1-hour introductory tutorial to help users get the most out of their Thermomix right from the start. Additionally, it offers thousands of recipes via the Cookidoo app, and its smart, connected technology allows for over-the-air software updates, introducing new programs like bread proofing. The latest innovation even allows users to order groceries directly through the machine.
FAQs
- What is a food processor, and how does it differ from a blender?
- A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can chop, slice, shred, and purée various ingredients. It differs from a blender in its ability to handle solid foods more effectively.
- What features should I look for in a food processor?
- Look for a powerful motor, different blade and disc attachments for various tasks, a large capacity bowl, easy-to-use controls, and dishwasher-safe components.
- What is the ideal size of a food processor for home use?
- The size depends on your cooking needs. For most households, a food processor with a capacity of 9 to 13 cups is suitable for everyday tasks.
- Can a food processor handle dough and kneading?
- Many food processors come with dough blades and are capable of kneading dough for bread, pizza, and other baked goods.
- Are food processors easy to clean?
- Most food processors have removable and dishwasher-safe parts, making them relatively easy to clean. However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.
- Can a food processor be used for nut butter and other challenging tasks?
- High-quality food processors with powerful motors can handle tough tasks like making nut butter, grinding meat, and more. Look for a model with the necessary attachments.
- Are there food processors with multiple speed settings?
- Yes, many food processors have multiple speed settings and pulse functions, allowing you to control the processing speed for different tasks.
- What safety features should I consider?
- Look for safety features such as a locking mechanism to prevent the processor from operating unless properly assembled and secured.
- Can a food processor replace other kitchen appliances?
- While a food processor is versatile, it may not completely replace other appliances like blenders or stand mixers. However, it can handle a wide range of food preparation tasks.
- Are there food processors with compact designs for small kitchens?
- Yes, some models are designed with a more compact footprint for kitchens with limited space.
