We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Simplify Your Cooking Tasks by Using the Best Food Processor

  1. Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper Food Processor
  2. Brentwood Appliances Three Cup Food Processor
  3. Cuisinart MiniPrep Plus Food Processor
  4. Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor
  5. Buyer's Guide

Food processors are kitchen appliances which simplify repetitive tasks when preparing food. Most of these units offer innovative features which enhance their ability to do multiple tasks, using only one machine, with various blades. Most machines have wide yet short bowls that are created to keep the processed food within the dish.

Unlike blenders, which are similar to food processors, you can cut, chop, grate, or puree various foods without adding any type of liquid. Food processors like many of today's appliances are advancing all the time. Knowing what features make a machine exceptional, is vital when purchasing such an essential machine for your home. All of the best food processor in 2021 that's on our lists boast the latest features and are dedicated to being easy to use and maintain.

Detailing the Best Food Processor of 2021

Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper Food Processor - Best Food Processor Overall

The uniquely designed Hamilton Beach 70730 Bowl Scraper Food Processor tops our list for the value, and performance it offers. This is a 450 watt unit so the power is adequate for virtually every processing job. It comes with a chopping disc, shredding/slicing disc, and the generous 10 cup bowl will help you process enough food to feed a large family.

This food processors unique design incorporates a built-in spatula that automatically scrapes the side of the bowl so you'll never have to open the top to remove stuck food particles from the inside of the bowl during operation. Additional features include a two speed dial selector and a pulse function. Rarely will a top rated unit be considered a best bang for the buck, but this Hamilton Beach 70730 Bowl Scraper Food Processor qualifies with the best design and a budget price.

Brentwood Appliances Three Cup Food Processor - Runner Up

The Brentwood 3-Cup Food Processor is the least expensive unit here, and for beginners in need of basic functionality, it doesn't get any easier than this. Don't expect to be grating cheese or other advanced techniques with this unit as the 200 watt motor will bog down. But, if all you need is just something to chop up veggies and fruits, this food processor has all the bases covered. There’s nothing terribly fancy here in terms of controls, just a simple high/low speed control. However, this pick is available in several colors to match your kitchen décor.

Cuisinart MiniPrep Plus Food Processor - Honorable Mention

For basic chopping and grinding functions in a small, space-friendly package consider the Cuisinart DLC-4CHB Mini-Prep Plus 4-Cup Food Processor. While this isn’t a not a heavy duty unit considering its 250 watt motor, you'd be hard pressed to beat this unit if you just need something compact for occasional, light tasks. One of the quietest models here, the unique reversing blade function cuts one way then automatically reverses and cuts the other way.  This food processor only offers two speeds (chop and grind) and it has the smallest feeder chute on this list so you may need to take off the cover to add bulkier ingredients. Covered by an 18 month limited warranty, this food processor is perfect for a couple or a small family.

Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor - Consider

If you want the best cost no object food processor, and bragging rights around the neighborhood, than the Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor is a must have. Although you'll get a dynamite processor with a massive 1200 watt motor and a 25 year motor warranty, it also costs almost four times as much as any other processor here.

Regardless of the price, you get a 16 cup bowl which will allow you to slice and dice enough product to feed a small army, it has one speed and a pulse function, there are eight cutting discs and blades, and the base features an LCD timer that can be set for any processing time required. There is even a mini chopping bowl included too.This is no doubt an extremely good food processor that will do anyone proud. However, the price range puts it far and away out of most consumers budgets, so you'll be need to start saving your pennies if you want this esteemed unit in your kitchen.

Buyer's Guide

Best Food Processor Buyer's Guide

Having a food processor at home is any new or experienced cook’s dream. It is a versatile kitchen gadget that allows you to create some of the best recipes at home, such as burgers, shredded veggies, and more. It just makes preparing food a lot faster, especially if you need to feed your family, visitors, or yourself. If you are a foodie and love to experiment with different kitchen recipes, getting your very own food processor will unlock new possibilities in the kitchen. We are sure that you will enjoy preparing food more than ever once you get your hands on one.

However, if you have no idea what a food processor is or which one to buy, you are in the right place. This section of the article will teach you everything you need to know on how to choose the best food processor for you!

What is a Food Processor?

A food processor is a kitchen gadget with multiple functions. It is an electronic appliance that you can use to grind meat, slice veggies, minced garlic, and all the other tedious kitchen chores when preparing meals. It can cut your food preparation time in half, allowing more time to do other things like spending time with your loved ones. However, if you enjoy being in the kitchen, you can still use your precious time to learn more recipes that you and your tummy can enjoy!

Why Do You Need a Food Processor?

Saves you time

The bottom line is that a food processor will save you time in food preparation. Let’s say you are cooking a large meal for several house guests; it will be much easier for you to do so with a food processor.

For grinding meat

You can use a food processor for grinding meat. If you love making homemade burgers, you can choose the best cuts of meat and customize your own burger instead of buying ground beef that comes from random meat cuts. You can choose to grind fatty parts, steaks and create the best homemade burger for you, your family, and your friends.

For mincing veggies

Mincing and cutting vegetables can take so much time. It is fun, but if you are in a hurry, a food processor can help you cut the vegetables and fruits effortlessly in seconds.

For making sauces

You can also use a food processor for making the best sauces and marinades. If you want to make the best salsa dips, taco marinades, and other gourmet cuisines effortlessly in the comfort of your home, a food processor has got your back. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Food Processor

Size

The first thing you need to consider is the size. Of course, the bigger the size, the bigger food items you can process. Also, if you like cooking dinners for a big group of people, you should definitely consider a larger food processor. They come in different sizes, and you can definitely find the right one for you, depending on your needs and the size of your kitchen. One of the best things you can do if you have the budget is to buy two different food processors because smaller options work more efficiently if you don’t need to cook large quantities—but it is totally up to you.

Cooking Tasks

Food processors have different functions, and you should choose one based on the cooking tasks that you do the most. Some options allow you to make pasta sauces, pizza dough, purees, slicing, dicing, and more. If you like to do all of these cooking tasks, then you should get a versatile option.

Blade

The sharper the blades, the better! Make sure you get a food slicer with sharper blades for better performance.

Functions


Some options have unique functions that can be useful and nice to have. If you are a little adventurous and like experimenting with your cooking, then you can choose an option with many features.

Safety

Of course, safety should be a top priority. But don’t worry, we only recommend the safest options for you to use. There are some food processors that offer extra safety features, which are ideal for beginners and pros alike.

Power Output

If you like to work quickly, make sure you get one with a high-powered motor that can last. Be careful with overusing and improper use of a food pro because the motor might not handle the heat. The number of watts determines the power output.

Ease of Use

Another consideration you should keep in mind is the ease of use and operation. Not all cooks are very tech-savvy, so make sure you get one with an intuitive user interface and user-friendly controls.

Food Processor Price Ranges

Food processors can range from as low as $20 to $400, depending on the size, features, and brands. Some luxury options are really great, but there are many affordable options that can really step up.

How we Choose the Best Food Processors

We choose our recommendations based on the price range, the brand, and the current trends. We also like to do in-depth research before trying out a product beforehand to know what we are getting into. It is a good idea to read customer reviews because they have the most honest and unbiased opinions about products and their real-world use.

FAQ

Can you use food processors for grinding hard food?

Various food processors have different power capacities, so make sure you read the manual to avoid overwhelming your machine. Improper use can cause unnecessary wear or even break them, so always refer to the manual.

Can you use food processors to make juice?

Yes, some food processors have features that allow you to make vegetable and fruit juices, which is great if you want to prepare a healthy meal for yourself and for your family.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top