BUYING GUIDE · UPDATED

Best Food Processor

5 picks · Scored out of 10 · We may earn a commission

Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScore
Cuisinart Custom 14 Cup Food Processor Stainless steel standard slicing disc (4 mm), medium shredding disc, stainless steel chopping/mixing blade, detachable disc stem, spatula
Best overall 8.3 Check price
Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper 8-Cup Food Processor 70743J Stainless steel S-blade (chop/mix), reversible stainless steel slicing/shredding disc, bowl scraper
Best budget 7.0 Check price
Breville the Sous Chef 12 S-Blade, reversible shredder (fine and coarse), adjustable slicer (0.3-8.0 mm), dough blade, spindle, storage caddy
Best premium 8.7 Check price
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper Stainless steel multi-purpose blade; lid with drizzle basin; work bowl with handle and spout
Best mini chopper 6.5 Check price
Ninja PrecisionPro Food Processor and Dough Mixer Chopping blade assembly, dough blade assembly, reversible slicing/shredding disc and spindle
Best for dough 7.8 Check price

How we score these picks

  1. 01 · Best overall
    Cuisinart Custom 14 Cup Food Processor

    Cuisinart · DFP-14BCNY (Custom 14, Brushed Stainless)

    Cuisinart Custom 14 Cup Food Processor

    8.3/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades/discs
    7.5
    Bowl/feed tube
    9.5
    Motor/controls
    7.0
    Care/warranty
    9.0
    Why this score?
    Blades, discs & dough · 7.5
    Slicing and medium shredding discs plus chop/mix/dough blade; only one 4 mm slicing thickness
    Bowl size & feed tube · 9.5
    14-cup bowl; extra-large feed tube plus small feed tube and pusher
    Motor & controls · 7.0
    720-watt motor; ON and OFF/PULSE levers only, no speed settings or presets
    Cleaning & warranty · 9.0
    All parts except motor base dishwasher safe; 3-year unit, 5-year motor warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forMost households that want one large, simple processor for chopping, slicing, shredding and dough

    A 14-cup food processor with a 720-watt motor, an extra-large feed tube plus a small feed tube, and a stainless steel slicing disc, shredding disc and chopping/mixing blade that also handles dough. Everything except the motor base is dishwasher safe, and Cuisinart backs it with a limited 3-year warranty on the whole unit and a full 5-year motor warranty.

    Strengths

    • Large 14-cup bowl with an extra-large feed tube for whole fruits and vegetables
    • All parts except the motor base are dishwasher safe; 3-year unit and 5-year motor warranty

    Weaknesses

    • Simple ON and OFF/PULSE levers only, with no speed settings or presets
    • Only one slicing thickness (4 mm) and one medium shredding disc are included

    Dimensions, material and details

    Bowl capacity
    14 cups
    Motor
    720 watts
    Included blades/discs
    Stainless steel standard slicing disc (4 mm), medium shredding disc, stainless steel chopping/mixing blade, detachable disc stem, spatula
    Feed tube
    Extra-large feed tube with large pusher, plus small feed tube and pusher
    Speeds
    ON and OFF/PULSE levers (one speed plus pulse)
    Dimensions
    11" L x 7.9" W x 14.8" H
    Material
    BPA-free plastic work bowl (shatter and heat resistant per the manual); stainless steel slicing disc and chopping blade; brushed stainless steel finish
    Dishwasher-safe parts
    All parts except the motor base
    Warranty
    Limited 3-year warranty on entire unit; full 5-year motor warranty
    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best budget
    Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper 8-Cup Food Processor 70743J

    Hamilton Beach · 70743J

    Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper 8-Cup Food Processor 70743J

    7.0/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades/discs
    6.5
    Bowl/feed tube
    7.0
    Motor/controls
    7.0
    Care/warranty
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Blades, discs & dough · 6.5
    S-blade and one reversible slicing/shredding disc; no dough blade; built-in bowl scraper
    Bowl size & feed tube · 7.0
    8-cup bowl; large chute fits a whole block of cheese, per Hamilton Beach
    Motor & controls · 7.0
    450-watt motor with 2 speeds plus pulse
    Cleaning & warranty · 7.5
    Bowl, lid, pusher, blade, disc and scraper top-rack safe; 1-year U.S. warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forSmall households on a budget that make dips, salsa and shredded cheese

    An 8-cup food processor with a 450-watt motor, 2 speeds plus pulse, a stainless steel chopping blade and a reversible slicing/shredding disc. A built-in bowl scraper turns to push food back toward the blade, and the bowl, lid, pusher, blade, disc and scraper go in the top rack of the dishwasher.

    Strengths

    • Built-in bowl scraper means less stopping to scrape the bowl with a spatula
    • Lowest list price in this guide, with 2 speeds plus pulse and dishwasher-safe parts

    Weaknesses

    • 8-cup bowl and a single reversible disc, so less capacity and fewer cutting options than full-size models
    • 1-year limited warranty in the U.S.

    Dimensions, material and details

    Bowl capacity
    8 cups
    Motor
    450 watts
    Included blades/discs
    Stainless steel S-blade (chop/mix), reversible stainless steel slicing/shredding disc, bowl scraper
    Feed tube
    'Standard' in the spec table; Hamilton Beach says the large feed chute fits a whole block of cheese
    Speeds
    2 speeds plus pulse
    Dimensions
    15.2 in H x 10.3 in W x 8.3 in D
    Material
    BPA-free food-contact parts; stainless steel blade and disc (bowl material not named)
    Dishwasher-safe parts
    Bowl, lid, food pusher, blade, disc and bowl scraper (top rack)
    Warranty
    1-year limited warranty (U.S.)
    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best premium
    Breville the Sous Chef 12

    Breville · BFP710 (BFP710BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel)

    Breville the Sous Chef 12

    8.7/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades/discs
    9.5
    Bowl/feed tube
    9.0
    Motor/controls
    8.0
    Care/warranty
    8.0
    Why this score?
    Blades, discs & dough · 9.5
    Adjustable 0.3-8.0 mm slicer, fine/coarse shredder, S-Blade and dough blade in storage caddy
    Bowl size & feed tube · 9.0
    12-cup bowl; 2-in-1 wide feed chute from 2.76 to 5.2 inches
    Motor & controls · 8.0
    Brushless induction motor, 1,440 W on the spec sheet (manual lists 1,650 W); one speed plus pulse
    Cleaning & warranty · 8.0
    30-year motor, 2-year product warranty; manual recommends hand washing bowl and lid

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forKeen home cooks who want precise slicing, a heavy-duty motor and long motor coverage

    A 12-cup food processor with a brushless induction motor, a 2-in-1 wide feed chute (2.76 to 5.2 inches) and an adjustable slicer that cuts from 0.3 mm to 8.0 mm. The S-Blade, reversible shredder, slicer and dough blade store in a caddy inside the bowl, and Breville gives a 2-year product warranty plus a 30-year limited motor warranty.

    Strengths

    • Adjustable slicer from 0.3 mm to 8.0 mm and a wide 5.2-inch feed chute
    • 30-year limited motor warranty plus 2-year product warranty; accessories store inside the bowl

    Weaknesses

    • Highest price here, and it weighs 20.3 lb
    • Breville's manual says the bowl and lid can go in the dishwasher (top shelf) only occasionally, not regularly

    Dimensions, material and details

    Bowl capacity
    12 cups
    Motor
    1,440 W (Breville spec sheet); 1,650 W on the rating label
    Included blades/discs
    S-Blade, reversible shredder (fine and coarse), adjustable slicer (0.3-8.0 mm), dough blade, spindle, storage caddy
    Feed tube
    2-in-1 wide feed chute, 2.76 in to 5.2 in
    Speeds
    Power, Play/Stop and Pulse buttons (one speed plus pulse)
    Dimensions
    8.66 x 11.02 x 16.73 in (W x D x H)
    Material
    BPA-free Tritan bowls and lids; stainless steel housing
    Dishwasher-safe parts
    Blades, spindle and discs (top shelf); bowl and lid top shelf occasionally only, hand wash recommended
    Warranty
    2-year product warranty + 30-year limited motor warranty
    Weight
    20.3 lb
    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04 · Best mini chopper
    KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

    KitchenAid · KFC3516 (e.g. KFC3516OB Onyx Black)

    KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

    6.5/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades/discs
    6.0
    Bowl/feed tube
    6.0
    Motor/controls
    6.5
    Care/warranty
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Blades, discs & dough · 6.0
    Single multi-purpose blade for chop, mix, puree; no slicing/shredding disc; drizzle basin
    Bowl size & feed tube · 6.0
    3.5-cup bowl for small batches; no feed tube
    Motor & controls · 6.5
    240-watt motor with 2 speeds plus pulse
    Cleaning & warranty · 7.5
    Work bowl, lid and blade dishwasher safe; one year full warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forSmall jobs like garlic, herbs, salsa, dressings and baby food

    A compact 3.5-cup chopper with 2 speeds plus pulse, a locking stainless steel multi-purpose blade and a lid with a drizzle basin for adding oil while it runs. The work bowl, lid and blade are dishwasher safe, and the cord wraps for storage.

    Strengths

    • Drizzle basin for mayonnaise and dressings, plus a handle and pour spout on the bowl
    • Small 8-3/4-inch-tall footprint with cord wrap; bowl, lid and blade are dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • Chops, mixes and purees only; there is no feed tube or slicing/shredding disc
    • 240-watt motor and 3.5-cup bowl are meant for small batches

    Dimensions, material and details

    Bowl capacity
    3.5 cups
    Motor
    240 watts (120 V)
    Included blades/discs
    Stainless steel multi-purpose blade; lid with drizzle basin; work bowl with handle and spout
    Feed tube
    None (drizzle basin in the lid)
    Speeds
    2 speeds plus pulse
    Dimensions
    8-3/4 in H x 6-15/16 in W x 5-5/8 in D
    Material
    Plastic base; stainless steel multi-purpose blade (bowl material not stated)
    Dishwasher-safe parts
    Work bowl, lid and blade
    Warranty
    One year full warranty (hassle-free replacement)
    Check price at Amazon
  5. 05 · Best for dough
    Ninja PrecisionPro Food Processor and Dough Mixer

    Ninja · BZ601

    Ninja PrecisionPro Food Processor and Dough Mixer

    7.8/ 10
    Editorial score
    Blades/discs
    8.0
    Bowl/feed tube
    7.0
    Motor/controls
    9.0
    Care/warranty
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Blades, discs & dough · 8.0
    Chopping blade, dedicated dough blade and one reversible slicing/shredding disc
    Bowl size & feed tube · 7.0
    9-cup bowl, smaller than 12- and 14-cup models; feed chute size not stated
    Motor & controls · 9.0
    1000 peak watts; Auto-iQ chop, slice/shred, puree, dough presets; manual speed count not stated
    Cleaning & warranty · 7.5
    Blades, discs, containers, lids and pusher dishwasher safe; 1-year limited warranty

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forHome bakers who want one-touch pizza and cookie dough plus everyday chopping and slicing

    A 9-cup food processor with a 1000-peak-watt motor and Auto-iQ preset programs for chopping, slicing/shredding, pureeing and dough. It comes with a chopping blade, a dedicated dough blade and a reversible slicing/shredding disc, and Ninja says the blades, discs, containers, lids and pusher are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

    Strengths

    • Dedicated dough blade and a one-touch Auto-iQ dough program
    • Compact 7.87 x 7.87-inch footprint with blades, discs, bowl, lid and pusher all dishwasher safe

    Weaknesses

    • 9-cup bowl is smaller than the 12- and 14-cup models here
    • 1-year limited warranty, and Ninja does not state the feed chute size

    Dimensions, material and details

    Bowl capacity
    9 cups
    Motor
    1000 peak watts
    Included blades/discs
    Chopping blade assembly, dough blade assembly, reversible slicing/shredding disc and spindle
    Feed tube
    Feed chute lid and pusher (size not stated)
    Speeds
    Auto-iQ presets for chop, slice/shred, puree and dough; Manual Speed and Pulse buttons shown on the control panel (number of manual speeds not stated)
    Dimensions
    7.87 in L x 7.87 in W x 15.94 in H
    Material
    BPA-free blades, discs, containers, lids and pusher (plastic and blade materials not named)
    Dishwasher-safe parts
    Blades, discs, containers, lids and pusher
    Warranty
    One (1) Year Limited Warranty
    Weight
    7.72 lbs
    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.
Cuisinart Custom 14 Cup Food Processor Most households that want one large, simple processor for chopping, slicing, shredding and dough14 cups720 wattsStainless steel standard slicing disc (4 mm), medium shredding disc, stainless steel chopping/mixing blade, detachable disc stem, spatula
Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper 8-Cup Food Processor 70743J Small households on a budget that make dips, salsa and shredded cheese8 cups450 wattsStainless steel S-blade (chop/mix), reversible stainless steel slicing/shredding disc, bowl scraper
Breville the Sous Chef 12 Keen home cooks who want precise slicing, a heavy-duty motor and long motor coverage12 cups1,440 W (Breville spec sheet); 1,650 W on the rating labelS-Blade, reversible shredder (fine and coarse), adjustable slicer (0.3-8.0 mm), dough blade, spindle, storage caddy
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper Small jobs like garlic, herbs, salsa, dressings and baby food3.5 cups240 watts (120 V)Stainless steel multi-purpose blade; lid with drizzle basin; work bowl with handle and spout
Ninja PrecisionPro Food Processor and Dough Mixer Home bakers who want one-touch pizza and cookie dough plus everyday chopping and slicing9 cups1000 peak wattsChopping blade assembly, dough blade assembly, reversible slicing/shredding disc and spindle

OUR METHOD

How we scored

Manufacturer specs, not hands-on tests. Each pick is rated out of 10 on four things:

  • 30%Blades, discs & dough
  • 25%Bowl size & feed tube
  • 20%Motor & controls
  • 25%Cleaning & warranty

What to look for in a food processor

  • Match bowl size to cookingpick 12 to 14 cups for families, a mini chopper for small jobs

  • Check blades, discs and feed tubeadjustable slicers suit frequent slicing; a dough blade suits bakers

  • Compare cleanup and warrantysome makers recommend hand washing the bowl; motor warranties vary widely

Frequently asked questions

What size food processor do I need?

A 12- to 14-cup bowl suits families and batch cooking, such as the 14-cup Cuisinart Custom 14 DFP-14BCNY or the 12-cup Breville Sous Chef 12. An 8- or 9-cup bowl like the Hamilton Beach 70743J or Ninja PrecisionPro BZ601 is enough for one to three people. For garlic, herbs and dressings, the 3.5-cup KitchenAid KFC3516 chopper is easier to pull out and clean.

What is the best mini food processor?

The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper KFC3516 is the mini pick in this guide. It has a 240-watt motor, 2 speeds plus pulse, a locking stainless steel multi-purpose blade and a lid with a drizzle basin for adding oil to dressings or mayonnaise while it runs. It stands 8-3/4 inches tall and its work bowl, lid and blade are dishwasher safe, but it has no feed tube or slicing/shredding disc.

What is the best budget food processor?

The Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper Food Processor 70743J is the budget pick, with the lowest list price of the five picks. It has an 8-cup bowl, a 450-watt motor, 2 speeds plus pulse, a reversible slicing/shredding disc and a built-in bowl scraper, and its bowl, lid, pusher, blade, disc and scraper are top-rack dishwasher safe. The trade-offs are less capacity than full-size models and a 1-year limited warranty in the U.S.

Can a food processor knead dough?

Yes, many can. The Ninja PrecisionPro BZ601 has a dedicated dough blade and an Auto-iQ dough program, and the Breville Sous Chef 12 includes a dough blade. Cuisinart says the Custom 14's 720-watt motor kneads dough with its chopping/mixing/dough blade.

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