Claire Krieger/Taste of Home
Food processors are kitchen all-stars—they make quick work of laborious jobs like shredding potatoes, slicing vegetables and chopping nuts. But with so many models on the market, it can be hard to know what the best food processor really is.
Unless you buy several food processors and try them out in your own kitchen, how can know which one will help your favorite recipes shine? That’s where our Test Kitchen comes in. Our culinary experts tried the most popular food processors and found three top favorites.
How We Found the Best Food Processor
ⓘ
Over the course of several months, our cooks and food stylists used the most popular food processors in their daily work of testing all of the recipes that readers send in. Our team also put each food processor through a series of standardized tests to see how they performed side by side. We evaluated the food processors based on these factors:
- Chopping capability: How uniformly could the processors chop an onion into 1/4-inch pieces? How well could they blitz up hard peppermint candies?
- Slicing strength: How well could the processors slice a potato and then a tomato? Did these foods have to be trimmed in order to fit into the feed tubes?
- Blade:Â Did the blades reach small amounts of ingredients? How well could they process three rehydrated chiles?
- Price: Are the food processors affordable? Was their performance reflected in their price?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Food Processors
After months of testing and regularly using multiple different food processors in our Test Kitchen (here’s how we test out products), our culinary team identified a clear favorite, as well as two runners up.
Best Overall: Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
Via homedepot.com
This stainless steel Cuisinart food processor is perfect for tackling all sorts of kitchen tasks—from chopping and shredding to slicing and dicing like a dream. Our culinary experts appreciated its simple controls, its 14-cup capacity and the three different blades it comes with.
This dishwasher-safe model impressed our entire Test Kitchen by sailing through every challenge. It chopped an onion in seconds (and minced it with just a few extra pulses), quickly ground up peppermint candies (perfect for all sorts of minty candy cane recipes), and sliced through both a potato and a tomato with ease. We only had to slice these foods in half in order to fit them into this food processor’s large top chute.
Our Test Kitchen was most impressed by how well this Cuisinart model tackled chopping jobs both large and small. Want to put together a giant batch of homemade pesto? It’s a cinch. Got just a few chiles to blitz? No problem. The blade sits very low to the bottom of the bowl so it can capture every last bit of your ingredients. The three hot peppers were instantly blitzed (ready for stirring into your favorite spicy chili recipes).
- Settings: On and pulse
- Blades: Chopping blade, slicing disc and shredding disc
- Strength: 720 watts
- Price:Â $230
Shop Now
Best for Casual Cooks: KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor
Via amazon.com
If you only need to use a food processor occasionally or are just starting to get the hang of one, the KitchenAid food processor will do the job—and look great doing it. It’s easy to assemble and is amazingly quiet at high speeds.
With three different speed settings (low, high and pulse), you can chop, mince, puree, mix, slice and shred various foods. This model’s two-in-one feed tube includes a pusher than can help you guide ingredients into the bowl, and it has a small tube that you can drizzle oil into while making homemade salad dressings.
This plastic food processor has a leak-resistant seal and is dishwasher-safe.
- Settings: Low, high and pulse
- Blades: Multipurpose blade and reversible slicing/shredding disc
- Strength: 250 watts
- Price: $99
Shop Now
Most Budget Friendly: Black + Decker 8-Cup Food Processor
Via amazon.com
For the (very affordable) price, this Black + Decker food processor performed way above our expectations. It’s lightweight yet stable—thanks to some mighty suction cups—but incredibly loud, even on the lowest speed.
This dishwasher-safe food processor has stainless steel blades and a pusher that you can use to nudge ingredients into the bowl. With non-skid suction feet, this appliance won’t shift around as you’re chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing.
- Settings: On and pulse
- Blades: Chopping blade and reversible slicing/shredding disc
- Strength: 450 watts
- Price:Â $35
Shop Now
What to Make with a Food Processor
ⓘ
You might just rely on your food processor to accomplish normally tedious tasks—like shredding cabbage for this Pennsylvania Dutch coleslaw or crushing up graham crackers for a crumb crust.
But you can get creative with this tool. Our Test Kitchen recommends using the shredding disc (which comes with all three food processors featured here) to shred up veggies like cauliflower and cabbage and incorporate them into meatballs for an easy, healthy appetizer—try it with our recipe for sneaky turkey meatballs.
While food processors can do many of the same tasks as blenders, it’s helpful to know when to use your food processor vs. your blender—for instance, food processors are better at crushing up dry, crunchy foods like nuts and grains.
If you want a miniature version, here’s our list of the best mini food processors.
Sneaky Turkey Meatballs
Like most kids, mine refuse to eat certain veggies. In order to feed them healthy foods, I have to be sneaky sometimes. The veggies give these meatballs a pleasing texture while providing valuable nutrients—and I'm happy to say my kids love 'em. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Go to Recipe
Roasted Eggplant SpreadBlack pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice BowlsThis tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Don’t have a food processor at home? Check out our list of the
best mini food processors before you buy one.
Lemony Walnut-Raisin GaletteThis flaky, buttery pastry dessert has a filling of fruit, walnuts, coconut and cinnamon. There's a lot to love! For even more appeal, dollop sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving. —Ellen Kozak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dad's Famous StuffiesThe third of July is almost as important as July Fourth in my family. We make these stuffed clams on the third every year, and it's an event in and of itself! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Almond-Coconut Lemon BarsGive traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Garlic Garbanzo Bean SpreadMy friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Aunt Rose's Fantastic Butter ToffeeI don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
Texas Garlic Mashed PotatoesThese creamy potatoes get their flavor burst from garlic and caramelized onions. Their savory goodness makes any meal better. —Richard Markle, Midlothian, Texas
Freezer BurritosI love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacks—I've even had them for breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania
Chocolate-Topped Strawberry CheesecakeCreamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Homemade Canned Spaghetti SauceDIY canning spaghetti sauce recipes are a tomato grower's dream come true! Use up your garden bounty and enjoy it later in the year. —Tonya Branham, Mt. Olive, Alabama
Everything Bagel Chicken StripsI love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Pumpkin Pie Tartlets with Maple Pecan CrustAfter discovering I had multiple food sensitivities, I began developing holiday recipes that would be safe for me, but enjoyable for others, too. These tarts are delicious—with no gluten, eggs or dairy! —Chantale Michaud, Guelph, Ontario
Baked Baby Potatoes with Olive PestoThese little cuties pack all the appeal of a dinner baked potato into a perfect bite-sized appetizer. I top each one with a dollop of sour cream and coarsely ground pepper. —Sarah Shaikh, Mumbai, India
White Chocolate Cranberry Almond TartA sweet white chocolate drizzle perfectly balances the tangy cranberries in my signature holiday dessert. I also make this tart for local coffee houses and restaurants. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut SauceUsing wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easy to prepare. For more formal dinners, this makes an impressive vegetarian entree. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum JamAmong my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Muffuletta CheesecakeWhen I needed a
party appetizer and couldn’t find a recipe I liked, I created my own. This savory spread boasts the flavors of a classic Italian muffuletta sandwich. —Helen Flamm, Dayton, Ohio
Onion TartOnion lovers are sure to be asking for second helpings of this appetizing tart—it uses two kinds of onions! Parmesan and feta cheese, nutmeg and hot pepper sauce enhance the flavor nicely. With its quichelike filling, the dish is ideal for a brunch or buffet.
-Christine Andreas, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Delicious Almond BraidsSimilar to an almond crescent, this coffee cake is light and flaky with a rich almond center. It’s versatile, so you can serve it for dessert, breakfast or brunch. It tastes as if it came from a high-end bakery, but packaged puff pastry dough makes it easy. —Gina Idone, Staten Island, New York
Garlic-Herb Salmon SlidersThe fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Grandma's Rosemary Dinner RollsMy grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Brussels Sprouts au GratinIn our house, Brussels sprouts have always been sought after. When I topped them with a creamy sauce, Swiss cheese and bread crumbs, it became a new holiday dinner tradition. —Gwen Gregory, Rio Oso, California
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue RosesEat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar GlazeThese smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
German Beer Cheese SpreadWe love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Cheesecake with Berry SauceThis creamy cheesecake is a family tradition; I've even shipped it to my daughter as a special treat. Using frozen seasonal berries, it's an excellent dessert any time of year. —Jeanette Volker, Walton, Nebraska
Pork Medallions with Garlic-Strawberry SauceThese crispy pork medallions are treated to a refreshing strawberry sauce that's ideal for a springtime or summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apple Kuchen BarsThis recipe is about family, comfort and simplicity. My mom made this delicious sweet treat many a winter night and served it warm with some of her famous homemade ice cream. I like to make a double batch and pass on the love! —Elizabeth Monfort, Celina, Ohio
Spiced Butternut Squash PieMy mom always made this dessert with her homegrown squash. It was my dad's favorite after-dinner treat. I continue to make it to this day. —Johnna Poulson, Celebration, Florida.
Turkey & Swiss Biscuit SlidersOne of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen is homemade buttermilk biscuits. Simple sandwiches are a wonderful way to showcase these melt-in-your-mouth treats. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Shortbread Lemon TartFor a change from ordinary lemon bars, we added grated orange zest to both the crust and filling to turn the recipe into a lemon tart. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken NuggetsI was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Salted Caramel Cappuccino CheesecakeAfter spending years living in Seattle, I’ve become a
coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country for a time, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso. It lifted me up on days when I felt blue about leaving one of the world’s amazing coffee destinations. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
How to Care for Your Food Processor
Like all kitchen gadgets, your food processor needs a certain level of care and cleaning to keep it running like new. All three of the food processors featured here have dishwasher-safe bowls and blades, but these tips for how to clean a food processor can help ensure that yours always says sanitary and squeaky-clean!
Note: This blind taste test was performed by our staffers and was not part of a sponsorship. All opinions shared are our own, and have not been influenced by advertisers.
Updated: Apr. 21, 2023
