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While all the food processors I’ve tested can get the job done when it comes to chopping, pureeing, mincing and slicing, they come in different bowl sizes and volumes with a range of additional features and price points. If size or price are limiting factors for you, the decision will become very easy since you will be able to quickly narrow the field to smaller and less expensive models. If the price does not matter much, and you have unlimited cabinet space for storage, a good place to start could be to consider what kind of use you imagine you have for a food processor on a regular basis.
The KitchenAid 8-cup chopper is a perfect food processor for those with limited control and storage space.
Food processor size and weight
There are no standard sizes for food processors, but they are typically categorized based on their cup volumes: small models in the 3 to 6 cup range, medium in the 7 to 10 cup range, and large in the 10 to 10. Range of 13 cups. Light models weigh between 5 and 10 pounds, while heavier models can be 15 pounds and above. Lighter models tend to have suction feet on the base, to prevent movement while the food processor is operating.
The Hamilton Beach 7073 can be purchased for $40 and is our pick for the best food processor.
Functions of the food processor
Food processors are mainly used to chop or dice and puree, with an S-shaped rotating blade doing the job. Chopping and chopping are other typical uses, but different food processors may include double-sided discs for these functions, or separate discs for each, and may include a separate anchor pin that holds these discs in place, where the Main S-blade is removed. . Short meals, such as pie crusts, can be made in a food processor, but kneaded meals are also possible, with many models out there offering separate plastic S-blades for this purpose.
Speed
Most recipes that involve food processors specify mixing or chopping at a high or low speed and therefore, you want a processor with at least two speeds and a powerful motor. The most common configuration is a low, high and pulse option. There are some food processors with only one speed, but this is extremely limiting, so look for a food processor with at least some speed range.
Attachments
While your food processor is primarily two spinning blades, many other attachments can expand the capabilities of your processor. Some come with several attachments such as discs for scraping, shredding and slicing, dough blades for kneading bread dough, and attachments for whipping cream, chopping nuts, peeling fruit or dicing vegetables. If you know what you do most often, make sure that your processor includes the blades and attachments you need, such as the right mixing blade, cutting blade, cutting blade or citrus. Some food processor models, such as Magimix, come with many of these attachments, while others must be purchased separately. Depending on your food processing needs, this may be something to consider. Remember, the attachments should not be difficult to clean, and you need to check if they can go in the dishwasher.
