Food Processors

Food processors come in several different bowl sizes ranging from small single cup food processors to huge multi cup food processors. Do you need a mini-prep appliance that can handle one or two cups, or do you need a much larger 11-cup processor? Commonly available sizes include 2-cup, 3-cup, 4-cup, 8-cup, 9-cup, 11-cup and even 14-cup, so it’s easy to find the size you need. Whether you need a mini food processor for chopping small quantities of veggies or if you need a much larger model, there is an option that’s perfectly suited to your needs. There are even adjustable cup food processors that allow you to switch between bowls of multiple sizes. When deciding on the bowl size for your processor, remember the size of your kitchen as well. Choppers with larger bowls take up much more space than mini food processors.

Like most small kitchen appliances, food processors and mini food processors are available from numerous brands. Some of the most popular manufacturers of these mini-prep stations including Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, Breville, Nutribullet and KitchenAid. From the popular Hamilton Beach Stack line to the higher-end Breville Sous Chef or Cuisinart Custom food processor, there are several options in many price ranges from which to choose. The Breville Sous Chef line is great for experienced cooks while Hamilton Beach products are perfect for beginners. These countertop machines also come in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen. Red, black, white, gunmetal gray and stainless steel are the most popular options.

Think about what tasks you need your food processor to perform. Will you use it strictly as a chopper and dicer, or will you perform other tasks like grating and slicing? Will you need to use it to puree food and combine ingredients together like a blender? If you plan to use your food processor for a multitude of kitchen tasks, look for one with plenty of attachments. There are special blades that are made for things like slicing and shredding. There are even attachments that will allow you to mix and prepare dough. Love veggie noodles? Look for one that has an auto-spiralizer attachment. If you're looking for the processor with the most options, look for one from KitchenAid. KitchenAid processors come with a multitude of attachments, and their ExactSlice system ensures perfectly prepped food every time. The ExactSlice system allows you to to adjust slicing thickness simply be sliding a lever. When shopping for a multipurpose kitchen appliance, it’s also important to look for safety features. Things like rubberized feet keep processors in place and prevent accidents. Make sure the feed tube is long enough that you cannot put your fingers inside and that the multi cup food processor you choose has a feature that prevents it from turning on if the bowl is not in place securely. You may also want to invest in an accessory that will safely store the blades for your chopper.

Pay close attention to the wattage when shopping for a processor. The higher the wattage, the most power the appliance has. Processors with a higher wattage chop through food faster, and they are capable of handling greater quantities of food at one time than less powerful models. Choosing one with a wattage that meets your specific needs makes prep work much easier.

If you plan on using your food processor for several years, look for one that comes with a warranty. Many brands, including Cuisinart, KitchenAid and Hamilton Beach stand behind their products and offer warranties that protect your purchase. Most brands offer a one-year warranty, but some higher-end brands offer two-year warranties.