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For a kitchen that fires on all cylinders, some cooks might swear by an all-purpose Dutch oven or an encyclopedic cookbook. However in our opinion, the actual MVP of kitchen mastery is a good meals processor.
This small however mighty equipment actually does all of it, making fast work of every part from shredding carrots to grinding nuts into butter.
If you happen to’re available in the market for a handy chopping, slicing, and dicing machine, we’re right here to assist with the course of (*wink*). Listed below are our high recs for the very best meals processors.
Like cooking itself, selecting the very best meals processor is an artwork and a science. To make our choices, we took a number of components into consideration.
First, we all know that, for many patrons, finances issues — so that you received’t discover something costing upwards of $500 on our listing. We additionally selected totally different processors for various targets, reminiscent of large- and small-batch meals prep, area saving, and quiet operation.
Then, in fact, we needed to make sure that our suggestions truly do the job! Buyer critiques and high quality and value information from Consumer Reports drove our choices.
Greatest total meals processor:
Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor
- Worth: $$
- Wattage: 1,000
- Variety of attachments: 3
- Capability: 9 cups
For finest all-around machine, we’re crowning Ninja’s BN601 Skilled Plus mannequin king (*cue trumpet fanfare*).
This reasonably priced processor affords tons of vital options with out breaking the financial institution. Its 1,000-watt motor powers via powerful elements, its three speeds offer you flexibility and management, and its medium 9-cup measurement means it’s not an area hog. In the meantime, all its elements are dishwasher-safe.
Contemplating all of the packing containers it checks, it’s not stunning that the Ninja will get rave critiques from house cooks and professional cooks alike. Nevertheless, some reviewers say it doesn’t maintain up so long as they’d like.
Greatest mini prepper meals processor:
Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus Food Processor
- Worth: $
- Wattage: 250
- Variety of attachments: 0
- Capability: 3 cups
Typically you don’t want an epic processor that pulls out all of the stops. When a solo salsa or mini batch of cookie dough is extra your type, a mini prep machine will just do fantastic.
Cuisinart’s Mini Prep Plus is a grown-up meals processor’s environment friendly child brother. Its 3-cup capability is good for smaller recipes, and its extra petite measurement makes it simple to retailer in tight areas.
In fact, as a result of it doesn’t have attachments, a mini prep received’t do every part a full-size meals processor will do (like slicing and grating). However, relying in your wants, which may be A-OK.
Greatest large-batch meals processor:
Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14 Cup Food Processor
- Worth: $$
- Wattage: 720
- Variety of attachments: 3
- Capability: 14 cups
For giant-batch soups or pizza dough to feed a crowd, Cuisinart’s 14-cup machine does the job with minimal fuss. Three attachments and a easy two-button design maintain issues uncomplicated as you whip up excessive quantity recipes.
And for additional enjoyable, a number of shade choices can be found so as to add some whimsy to your kitchen. (How a few pop of gold or sky blue in your countertop?) Simply bear in mind that this Cuisinart mannequin is on the pricier facet.
Greatest energy meals processor:
Breville 16-Cup Sous Chef Peel & Dice Food Processor
- Worth: $$$
- Wattage: 1,200
- Variety of attachments: 5 discs, 3 blades
- Capability: 16 cups
A mighty motor is the hallmark of Breville’s 16-cup, 1,200-watt machine. Reviewers rave that this meals processor can shred 30 kilos of potatoes in mere minutes and switch cream into butter in seconds. Skilled cooks will love its beautiful array of attachments, which are available their very own little plastic house.
All these fancy options do, in fact, include a excessive price ticket of about $300. And this machine’s many (literal) shifting elements imply that it comes with a studying curve — to not point out a big footprint in your kitchen.
Greatest meals processor for quiet processing:
Braun FP3020 12 Cup Food Processor
- Worth: $$
- Wattage: 600
- Variety of attachments: 7
- Capability: 12 cups
Whether or not you don’t need to wake the child otherwise you simply choose not to annoy your neighbors, a much less noisy meals processor can come in useful. You possibly can thank German engineering for Braun’s extra-quiet processing.
Moreover its softer sound, Braun’s processor comes with a whopping seven attachments for varied culinary functions, reminiscent of citrus juicing, fantastic slicing, and whipping. Plus, its 11 speeds permit for good fine-tuning of recipes.
Braun’s 12-cup meals processor is fairly massive, although. So, if saving area is your precedence, you may need to look elsewhere.
Greatest meals processor/blender combo:
Oster Blender Pro 1200 with Food Processor Attachment
- Worth: $
- Wattage: 1,200
- Variety of attachments: 2
- Capability: 5 cups
In terms of saving area, you possibly can’t go unsuitable by combining your mixing and meals processing wants with Oster’s two-in-one duo. Between the blender bowl and meals processing bowl (full with slicing and grinding attachments), there’s not a lot this multipurpose machine can’t do. A 1,200-watt motor provides rip-roaring energy to the combination.
As for this machine’s downsides, the meals processing bowl won’t swimsuit larger-batch wants, as a result of it has only a 5-cup capability. And a few reviewers report cracks or leaks after just some months of use.
Greatest meals processor for these on a finances:
Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper
- Worth: $
- Wattage: 450
- Variety of attachments: 3
- Capability: 10 cups
There’s no disgrace in choosing a lower-priced equipment — particularly if it’s a hard-working, no-frills machine like this Hamilton Seashore meals processor.
Two speeds, two processing attachments, and a 10-cup capability get the job executed for primary kitchen wants. A novel bowl scraper attachment eliminates the necessity to scrape down the edges of the bowl after every spherical of shredding or chopping.
Then again, Hamilton Seashore’s budget-friendly possibility doesn’t supply as a lot energy as its opponents, with a wattage of simply 450. Some reviewers additionally complain that their machines have sprung leaks and that the lid and on/off swap are inclined to get caught.
Greatest meals processor for many who need to splurge:
Magimix Food Processor
- Worth: $$$
- Wattage: 650 to 1,100
- Variety of attachments: 6
- Capability: 12 to 16 cups
For a excessive greenback wedding ceremony registry merchandise (or an anytime splurge), take a look at Magimix’s 12-, 14-, and 16-cup meals processors. Their massive capacities can deal with every part from child meals to bread dough, and with wattage as much as 1,100, they received’t go away you wanting for energy.
Along with six attachments, every machine comes with three particular person processing bowls for various culinary makes use of. The glossy design and three shade choices up the ante on aesthetics.
The draw back, in fact, is Magimix’s excessive price ticket, beginning at about $300 for the 12-cup machine and going as much as about $500 for the 16-cup. And due to their bigger measurement and cornucopia of attachments, the Magimix processors generally is a powerful promote if area is a matter.
Anybody who cooks frequently can profit from having a meals processor. In any case, these multipurpose home equipment cut back the hands-on time in tons of recipes. With a processor, you possibly can make pesto, chop veggies for stir-fries, or grind graham crackers for cheesecake crust — all in a flash. (And people are just some examples!)
If you happen to’re getting uninterested in the time and vitality it takes to grind, mash, or chop by hand, a meals processor might be a very good funding. These home equipment are usually extra highly effective than handheld instruments like mixers or graters and extra acceptable for sure particular duties (like chopping and dicing) than blenders.
There’s an entire broad world of beautiful, gleaming slicer-dicers on the market. Your best choice of meals processor will, in fact, rely on how a lot you need to spend, how typically you’ll use it, and precisely what you want to make with it.
Nonetheless on the fence about pursuing a meals processor? Listed below are just a few widespread questions and solutions which may assist clear issues up much more:
Which model of meals processor is finest?
Excessive finish names like Breville and Magimix convey oohs and aahs, however a model identify isn’t at all times probably the most dependable indicator {that a} meals processor will meet your wants. (Neither is a excessive price ticket!) The most effective processor for you actually is determined by your distinctive targets.
That mentioned, trusted, properly reviewed manufacturers embrace Ninja, Cuisinart, Magimix, Breville, Braun, Magic Bullet, and KitchenAid.
Which meals processors do cooks advocate?
Assume professional cooks should be utilizing thousand-dollar meals processors that would grind a 737 into buttah? Nah. Although there are some commercial-grade meals processors on the market (Robotic Coupe is an often-cited chef favourite), {many professional} cooks depend on the identical manufacturers and fashions you should buy for house use.
Cuisinart, KitchenAid, Oster, Breville, and Hamilton Seashore all made the reduce as Food Network’s high picks, for instance. And even Julia Child used a KitchenAid!
How lengthy ought to a meals processor final?
It will be nice in case you may purchase a machine with a lifetime guarantee — however the actuality is, even the highest-rated home equipment break down over time.
The typical guarantee for a meals processor is 5 years. You possibly can anticipate lower-powered processors to final round 3 years and higher-powered ones to maintain chugging for 7 to 10 years. (And naturally, a machine’s life span additionally is determined by how typically you utilize it to your slicing and dicing wants.)
What can you set in a meals processor?
Most meals processors can deal with a heckuva lot of elements in quite a lot of preparations. Their grinding jaws can often sort out even powerful meals like nuts, seeds, and meats. And softer elements like fruits, veggies, and herbs are a complete breeze.
Simply bear in mind that for mixing or pureeing — like for smoothies or cream soups — some meals processors received’t do as thorough a job as blenders.
What’s a very good quantity of energy for a meals processor?
Who isn’t interested in energy? If you happen to’re searching for an equipment with probably the most oomph, take note of wattage. Meals processors with 1,000 watts or larger needs to be a lot potent.
When you’re able to spherical out your small equipment lineup with a meals processor, maintain these concerns in thoughts:
- What’s your finances? Until cash is not any object, finances will possible be a consider your selection of meals processor. However purchasing inside a set value vary doesn’t should be a bummer — it’s possible you’ll be stunned on the glorious budget-friendly choices accessible.
- What do you could have room for? Kitchen counters and cabinet space are prime actual property. Be sure you match your selection of meals processor to your accessible area.
- How simple is it to scrub? If the phrase “dishwasher-safe” causes you to swoon with reduction, you should definitely double-check the cleansing directions before you purchase.
- What do you wanna make (and the way typically)? Are you the “I frequently throw dinner events for 12” kind or the “I’m good with an occasional hummus” kind? You’ll need to buy a processor that may sort out the meals you usually make.
- What do the critiques say? Positive, critiques can typically be polarized — there are many overly enthusiastic reviewers on the market, and each model can produce the occasional lemon. However usually, it’s a good suggestion to take a gander at consumer critiques earlier than buying. They could level out flaws you don’t need to cope with or options you didn’t notice you wanted.
Whether or not you want an all-in-one workhorse or an occasional small-batch guacamole prepper, there’s a smorgasbord of high quality meals processor choices. Your culinary targets, finances, and kitchen counter area might help you make your private most suitable option.
Use our recs and information as a place to begin, and from there, get chopping! (Or slicing. Or dicing. Or… you get the concept.)