Food Processor Buying Guide

14 min read

Before you make a purchase, take a look at Abt Electronics' comprehensive guide for all the information you need on how to buy a food processor.

Still have a question?

Get Expert Help

Food Processor Buying Guide Video

Why Do I Need a Food Processor?

Food processors are one of the most versatile kitchen appliances. If you are a serious cook, a food processor is a must. They are capable of slicing, grating, chopping, pureeing and even kneading. They range from very small (or mini) food processors to machines with a 16-cup capacity for large dinner parties.

Food Processors vs. Blenders

It's essential to understand the difference between a food processor and a blender. While blenders are designed to emulsify foods into liquid form (think smoothies and frozen margaritas), a food processor is meant for pureeing, slicing, chopping, and dicing. Food processors are also an easy way to make one ingredient ice cream. Blenders generally offer a tall container, whereas food processors' wide, flat bases are meant for dry ingredients or diluted liquids.

Food Processor Sizes & Features

Capacity

Food processors are measured in cups, ranging from 3-16 cups. Bigger units are best for large parties and dishes, but a smaller unit might be more practical if you have limited space. Smaller machines are easier to clean, but they are obviously limited in capacity. When cleaning your unit, watch out for the very sharp blades.

Power

Power is measured in watts and ranges from 500 to 1200 watts. The more powerful the machine, the more expensive it becomes. As a general rule, more power will give you better results. When using a more powerful processor, you'll be able to achieve improved prepping outcomes such as more uniformed chopping or the ability to dice dense food. Also, it's important to note that a heavy base helps to stabilize while in operation.

Control Settings

Food processors typically have two primary control settings: On/Off and Pulse. However, smaller food processors may also offer high-low speeds. High-end models even offer "dough" settings.

Blades, Discs, and Attachments

Food processors tend to come with a set of attachments for shredding, slicing, whisking, blending, citrus juicing, mixing dough, or grinding. Usually, price dictates what (and how many) accessories will come with the unit.

Blades

Most food processors come with at least one S-shaped blade, although this blade may come in several styles, such as smooth, saw, and perforated.

Smooth - For chopping meat and veggies
Saw - For chopping and pureeing frozen products, nuts, meats and herbs
Perforated - For mixing liquids, sauces and condiments

Discs

Some heavy-duty, professional food processors offer discs with these styles:

Slicing - For flat, thin slices or rings of veggies.
Julienne - For long "straws" or "sticks" (think hashbrowns!)
Grating/Shredding - For creating powders, citrus zests, and shredded cheeses.

Bowl Sizes

Standard bowl sizes hold anywhere from 1 to 6 quarts. However, you can get larger industrial sizes as well. Most bowls are made from plastic, which tends to be cheaper. They can also come in stainless steel, which is more durable but pricier. Some food processors come with more than one bowl size. This is a very nice feature if you are making something small and don't want to clean a big bowl.

Feeder Tube or Chutes

Larger food processors often offer a feeder tube or a wide chute so you can add additional ingredients into the bowl as it processes. Some machines are capable of processing larger pre-cut veggies like potatoes and carrots. Included with these chute-style food processors is a pusher or prod to insert the food safely.

Safety Locks

Most food processors have this function. Safety locks ensure that the processing cannot start unless the lid is locked on properly, which prevents any kind of accidents.

Storage Case

Many models come with a storage case for all your attachments. Also, they might include a spatula and recipe book.

Q&A Summary

Still looking for more information on food processors? Then take a look at the most popular questions (and answers) about these compact appliances so you can expand your countertop collection and optimize your cooking.

Can you use a food processor as a blender?

You can use a food processor as a blender for harder, more coarse ingredients, but one cannot completely replace a blender. While these small appliances have shared functions, they are not 100% exchangeable. Food processors are better at handling and breaking down tougher ingredients and they're used to make dough, grind meat, shred and more. Blenders, on the other hand, are better for softer ingredients and liquids, which is why they're great for juice and smoothies. Food processors can combine liquids too, but do note that they are not leakproof and they can overflow.

What is a food processor used for?

Food processors are used for a variety of food prep tasks, including kneading, grinding, shredding, dicing and blending. They can perform a wide array of steps thanks to their interchangeable blades. These appliances are great for chopping vegetables, slicing meat, pureeing baby food, grating cheese and more.

What's the difference between a blender and a food processor?

Beyond their difference in performance, there are other contrasting things about these appliances to keep in mind. Food processors are wider in design and have a broad base, while blenders are more narrow and taller. Both of the machines feature blades that help break down your ingredients, but the blades found in food processors are typically larger and sharper. While users can switch out the blades in a food processor for different jobs, blenders typically come with just one fixed blade.

What is the best food processor?

There is no single food processor model that can be labeled the "best". The best food processor for you is completely dependent on what you want in an appliance. Factors like brand, capacity, wattage and attachments all play a part in the quality and price of these products. Ask yourself, "What do I plan on using my food processor for the most?". The answer to this will help you determine what you need in your machine so you can make the best choice for you and your kitchen. If you've yet to establish any clear goals for your new food processor, you can also refer to our best food processors of 2024 article for our top recommendations.

What can you do with a food processor?

While we have not listed every single task a food processor can accomplish (there are far too many), some of the abilities and functions of these appliances can be found in our second Q&A item titled "What is a food processor used for?".