The Best Food Processors (Review) in 2020

Things to Consider When Buying a Food Processor

Whatever style of food processor you opt for, it needs to be a robust hard worker. Here are the key things to look for:

Power - for basic chopping you won’t need a powerful motor but if you are wanting your food processor to be more of a multi-tasker then look for a motor with sufficient wattage. As a rough guide, a motor between 700 and 1300 watts is going have the revs you need to tackle most food processing jobs, while for a smaller chopper 450W should be enough.

Bowl capacity – you also need to ensure the size of the bowl is sufficient to contain the quantity of food you will most like want to process. Most food processors are measure in cup capacity, so smaller models will be up to seven cups, while a large unit can go up to 20. For everyday use, anything around 10-12 cup capacity is a good place to start.

Blades – make sure the processor has all the core blades you need and any additional ones you would like to use. The basic blades will enable you to chop, slice, blend and knead but if you want more functionality ensure you have the additional attachments you need. And also go for the best quality materials as you want these hardworking blades to last so opt for stainless-steel if you can.

Feeding mechanism – unless it's a mini chopper, your food processor should have a feeding tube in the lid so you can add ingredients as the motor is running. Check the lid has a secure locking system and that the feeding tube is wide enough for the food you want to process. A pusher is also going to make your food processing life easier, as well as less messy. And finally, a good thing to have is a way of safely adding liquids to the bowl as you are mixing.

Ease of control – no matter how elaborate the blades and accessories, your food processor should be intuitive to control. Most models have three modes – on, off and pulse – although you may want to have a speed control too.

Safety and stability – larger food processors can be quite heavy and when in full processing mode, the motor can cause the unit to vibrate so stability is an essential factor to consider. The body should be solid and with a wide base to keep it stable as well as suction cups underneath to enable you to secure it to the kitchen worksurface. Also look for safety features such as thermal cut-out so that the motor won’t start unless the processor has been assembled correctly and everything is locked into place

Additional functions and accessories – many food processors will also feature extra functions and accessories to maximize what the machine can do. Some can also work as juicers and may also come with a selection of extra blades to refine and diversify your chopping and processing. Different sized bowls can also be a benefit but before you buy a food processor, be sure you will use most of the attachments otherwise you could be paying extra for things you really won’t need.

Food Chopper Blade Types and Attachments

With most food processors you get the standard blades as well as additional attachments, depending on the model and price. The standard blade types for a processor are the Sabatier – or S-blade, named after the shape – which is used for chopping and the shredding discs, which slide and shred food. Other common blades and attachments can include a dough blade, egg whip, julienne and French fry disc and a citrus juicer. Some food processors also come complete with a non-citrus juicer for other fruit and vegetables as well as a spiralizer.

What You Can Do with a Kitchen Processor

A versatile addition to any busy kitchen, a food processor is your all-round cooking and baking assistant, from making dips and sauces to burgers, cakes and bread. Depending on the model, with a food processor you cannot only quickly chop, slice and shred but you can also puree and grind most ingredients, including meat and vegetables. Many multi-tasking food processor models also double up as a juicer as well as offering a dough blade to knead bread and whip up cake mixture and batter.

How to Care for Your Food Processor

Caring for your food processor will ensure you get many years of use out of your new kitchen gadget. And top of the list is keeping the machine effectively clean. It may seem like a chore but thoroughly cleaning your food processor after every use will not only keep it in tip-top condition but also prevent food particles and odor transferring to the fresh ingredients the next time you use it. To do this, unplug the processor from the mains and then carefully take it apart, from the lid and pusher unit, to the blades and the bowl. Sponge down the body of the food processor with wet, clean cloth to remove any debris and leave to dry.

When it comes to the blade attachment, this should always be washed immediately after use to prevent food caking into the crevices and dulling the blade. Then soak and rinse the remaining removable parts and allow to dry before fully reassembling the processor and putting the blades back into their storage case. Never use anything abrasive such as scouring pads or cleaners on your food processor parts and always let them thoroughly dry before storing away.

Best Food Processor FAQ:

Q: What size of processor should I get?

A: There are three different sizes of processors for you to consider:

1. Small/mini choppers

If you’re a casual cook looking for a smaller capacity food processor that can perform basic chopping and processing tasks, then a mini chopper is ideal. These compact processors take up little counter space and can pack away easily for storage. Their functions can be limited, their motor is on the smaller size and they work with a bowl that’s usually under 6-7 cup capacity.

2. Medium processors

Typically offering a 7-11 cup capacity and with enough motor power and functions to do most of the things you need, a medium sized food processor is a good choice if you are cooking for a small number of people. Medium processors should be able to do most of the things a larger machine can, although the motor will not be as powerful. But for an everyday smaller family food processor, you should get your money’s worth.

3. Large processors

All-singing and all-dancing, the larger food processors can be impressive and churn out volume food, usually around 12 to 16 cups-worth of capacity in one sitting. They have some power under the motor hood and will most likely come with an array of blades and attachments you will wonder how you lived without. But for the size, you do pay a price in terms of counterspace and large processors will inevitably be amongst the most expensive.

Q: Do I need a food processor if I already have a blender?

A: If you love to cook or bake, then even if you already have a blender, a food processor is going to become a well-used addition to your kitchen.  A blender is ideal for working with liquids and soft food to create soups, smoothies and purees but their main job is to blend and nothing more. While many food processors can also do these things (as long as they have the necessary attachments), it really comes into its own for those more labor-intensive tasks. From chopping, grating, dicing and slicing to mixing, mincing and whipping, a food processor works with both wet and dry ingredients.

Q: What determines how well my processor chops?

A: The motor strength of your food processor will be the key driver behind its performance so always make sure the motor speed is enough for the type of cooking and chopping you want to do. Smaller motors can stop when trying to work denser foods such as bread dough or harder cheese, especially if you are trying to chop or mix in volume. Weaker or smaller motors also have a tendency to more easily wear out with regular use and can also make more noise as they have to work harder.

Q: How to sharpen its blades

A: If you use your food processor regularly or you have had it for some time, you may find that the blades need sharpening to keep them on point. The best way to keep those blades in prime condition is to use a manual sharpener as electric sharpeners can weaken and damage the blade over time. To sharpen your food processor blades you will need an appropriate sharpening stone or file so do check the guidance from your product’s manufacturer.  Then holding the blade firmly by its spindle, move the blade across the file or stone away from you in a consistent sawing motion under firm but not excessive hard pressure until the blade is sharpened to your satisfaction. Rinse the blade under warm running water until clear of dust and leave to air dry.

Q: Are food processors dishwasher safe?

A: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions when buying a new food processor to check whether the parts are dishwasher safe. However, the detergent and hot water used in dishwashers can be too harsh for the removable food processor parts and blades, so it's recommended that you just carefully wash them by hand and leave to thoroughly dry.

Our Top Pick

The Cuisinart Food Processor is a fantastic processor for a large, busy family, with its powerful motor and 14-cup bowl capacity making light work of all that meal time prep. The build is solid and the three supplied blades are made from high quality stainless steel, giving you the full range of chop, slice, shred, knead, puree and mix functions. One-touch control, smooth pulse function and extra wide feeding tube make the Cuisinart our top choice when it comes to everyday food processors.

Source:

1. How Food Processors Work - HowStuffWorks