In today’s fast-paced kitchens, a reliable food processor can be a game-changer. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, kneading dough, or preparing sauces, these versatile machines save time, reduce effort, and deliver consistent results every time. With countless models available on Amazon, choosing the right food processor can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from key features and buying tips to the best food processors available today — so you can make an informed choice and bring efficiency and ease into your cooking.
- What are the best food processors to buy on Amazon right now?
- Which brand or model of food processor is good for my needs?
- Is it worth buying a food processor instead of doing prep by hand?
- Food processor vs blender — what’s the difference and when should I choose one?
- How do I choose the right food processor (features, capacity, power, attachments)?
- What wattage or motor power should a good food processor have?
- Can I clean food processor parts in the dishwasher, and how do I maintain it safely?
- Top Picks for the Best Food Processors on Amazon
- Comparison of Top Food Processors
- How to Choose the Best Food Processor on Amazon
- FAQs About Food Processors on Amazon
- Tips for Maximizing Your Food Processor
- Conclusion
What are the best food processors to buy on Amazon right now?
The best food processors combine power, capacity, and versatility. Popular Amazon picks include Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY, Breville Sous Chef, and Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap. Choose based on bowl size, motor power, and included attachments. Read verified reviews and check for durable blades and dishwasher-safe parts. Look for models that handle chopping, slicing, shredding, and dough-kneading efficiently.
Food processors are kitchen superheroes, tackling tasks from shredding cheese to mixing dough. Amazon offers a vast selection, competitive prices, and fast shipping, making it a go-to for finding top models. With thousands of user reviews, you can trust you’re getting a reliable machine. Let’s explore the best options to simplify your cooking.
Which brand or model of food processor is good for my needs?
Choose based on usage and volume:
- Beginners/Small Kitchens: Hamilton Beach or Ninja models (compact, simple)
- Frequent Home Cooks: Cuisinart or KitchenAid (multi-functional, reliable)
- Heavy Use/Baking: Breville or Robot Coupe (high-powered, large capacity)
Consider motor wattage, bowl size, included accessories, and budget to match your cooking style.
Is it worth buying a food processor instead of doing prep by hand?
Yes. A food processor saves time, reduces effort, and ensures consistent results. Tasks like chopping, slicing, shredding, and kneading dough are faster and more precise than manual prep. For frequent cooks or larger households, it significantly reduces meal preparation time and makes advanced recipes accessible. Small models work for occasional use, while larger, high-powered units are ideal for heavy use.
Food processor vs blender — what’s the difference and when should I choose one?
A food processor chops, slices, grates, and kneads dough; a blender liquefies, purees, or crushes ice. Choose a processor for prep work like vegetables, dough, or shredding cheese. Choose a blender for smoothies, soups, or sauces. Many kitchens benefit from having both, but if limited to one, consider your primary cooking needs.
How do I choose the right food processor (features, capacity, power, attachments)?
Focus on:
- Capacity: Small (3–5 cups) for light use, large (10–14 cups) for families
- Motor Power: 600W+ for tough tasks
- Blades & Attachments: Multipurpose blades, dough hooks, shredding discs
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts
- Safety Features: Locking lid, non-slip base
Match features to your cooking style and kitchen space.
What wattage or motor power should a good food processor have?
For most home use, 600–750 watts is sufficient.
- 400–500W handles light tasks like chopping vegetables
- 700–1000W or more is ideal for kneading dough or heavy-duty shredding
Higher wattage ensures consistent performance, prevents motor strain, and allows processing of dense foods efficiently.
Can I clean food processor parts in the dishwasher, and how do I maintain it safely?
Most modern processors have dishwasher-safe bowls and blades; always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean the motor base with a damp cloth only. To maintain:
- Dry all parts completely
- Sharpen or replace dull blades
- Avoid running continuous heavy tasks for long periods
- Store with blades separated to prevent damage
Top Picks for the Best Food Processors on Amazon
1. Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup (DFP-14BCNY)
Why It’s Great: A timeless favorite, the Cuisinart 14-Cup is a kitchen workhorse, perfect for large families or batch cooking. Its 720-watt motor handles tough tasks like kneading dough or chopping onions with ease. The stainless steel design is durable, and the simple on/off/pulse buttons make it user-friendly.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 14 cups, ideal for big recipes.
- Attachments: Includes a slicing disc, shredding disc, and chopping blade.
- Performance: Excels at even dicing, pureeing, and shredding; handles herbs delicately.
- Ease of Use: Large feed tube fits whole ingredients; dishwasher-safe parts.
- Price: Around $320 on Amazon.
Best For: Home cooks needing a reliable, versatile processor for frequent use. Its durability is legendary—some users report decades of use
Drawback: Slightly tricky to clean due to attachment assembly.
2. Breville Sous Chef 16-Cup Food Processor (BFP800XL)
Why It’s Great: The Breville Sous Chef is a premium pick for serious cooks. With a powerful 1200-watt motor and a variety of attachments, it tackles everything from French fries to fine cheese shreds. Its digital timer and sturdy base ensure precision and stability.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 16 cups, great for large batches.
- Attachments: Six blades, including an adjustable slicer with 24 settings.
- Performance: Consistently chops, slices, and kneads; excels at pizza dough.
- Ease of Use: Digital controls and a hinged lid simplify operation.
- Price: Around $500 on Amazon.
Best For: Culinary enthusiasts or families needing a high-capacity, feature-rich processor.
Drawback: Bulky size requires ample storage space.
3. Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor (BN601)
Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly powerhouse, the Ninja Professional Plus offers a 1000-watt motor and versatile functions at a fraction of the cost of premium models. Its Auto-IQ presets make chopping, slicing, and pureeing effortless.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 9 cups, suitable for small to medium tasks.
- Attachments: Three blades, food chute, and pusher.
- Performance: Handles chopping, slicing, purees, and dough with four functions.
- Ease of Use: Preset programs for consistent results; dishwasher-safe parts.
- Price: Around $100 on Amazon, often discounted to $59.50.
Best For: Budget-conscious cooks who want power and versatility without breaking the bank.
Drawback: No chute for adding ingredients during processing.
4. Hamilton Beach Food Processor (70730)
Why It’s Great: Affordable and efficient, this 10-cup processor is perfect for beginners. Its 450-watt motor handles basic tasks like slicing veggies or pureeing hummus, and the bowl scraper feature reduces manual scraping.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 10 cups, great for small to medium batches.
- Attachments: Reversible slicing/shredding disc and chopping blade.
- Performance: Chops onions quickly; handles dough well for its price.
- Ease of Use: Snap-on lid and bowl scraper simplify prep and cleanup.
- Price: Around $60 on Amazon.
Best For: New cooks or those with limited budgets needing a reliable, no-frills processor.
Drawback: Less powerful for heavy tasks like dense dough.
5. Vitamix Food Processor Attachment
Why It’s Great: If you already own a Vitamix blender, this attachment transforms it into a 12-cup food processor, saving space and money. It’s intuitive, powerful, and delivers consistent results across chopping, slicing, and shredding.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 12 cups, versatile for various tasks.
- Attachments: Multiple blades for chopping, slicing, and shredding.
- Performance: Excels at consistency; ideal for sauces and dough.
- Ease of Use: Adjustable speeds via Vitamix base; dishwasher-safe parts.
- Price: Around $250 on Amazon.
Best For: Vitamix owners seeking a space-saving, high-performance food processor.
Drawback: Requires a Vitamix base; noisy depending on the base model.
Comparison of Top Food Processors
| Model | Capacity | Power | Price | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart 14-Cup | 14 cups | 720W | ~$320 | Durability, versatility | Large families, frequent use |
| Breville Sous Chef 16-Cup | 16 cups | 1200W | ~$500 | Power, precision | Culinary enthusiasts |
| Ninja Professional Plus | 9 cups | 1000W | ~$100 | Affordability, presets | Budget-conscious cooks |
| Hamilton Beach 10-Cup | 10 cups | 450W | ~$60 | Value, ease of use | Beginners, small budgets |
| Vitamix Attachment | 12 cups | Varies | ~$250 | Space-saving, consistency | Vitamix owners |
How to Choose the Best Food Processor on Amazon
Picking the right food processor depends on your cooking habits and kitchen space. Here’s what to consider:
- Capacity: Choose 3–4 cups for small tasks like chopping garlic, 8–12 cups for medium batches, or 14–16 cups for large families or bulk prep.
- Power: Higher wattage (700W+) handles tough tasks like dough; 400–500W suits basic chopping.
- Attachments: Look for slicing, shredding, and chopping blades; adjustable slicers add versatility.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe parts save time; avoid models with hard-to-clean nooks.
- Budget: Prices range from $50 to $700. Set a budget and prioritize features like durability or presets.
FAQs About Food Processors on Amazon
Q: What should I look for when buying a food processor on Amazon?
When shopping on Amazon, focus on capacity (cups), motor power (watts), included blades/attachments, ease of cleaning, and safety features. A larger bowl (7–14 cups) suits families and multi‑tasking, while a powerful motor (500W+) handles tougher jobs like dough. Dishwasher‑safe parts and secure lid locks improve convenience. Reviews and brand reputation also help inform smarter choices.
Q: How do food processors on Amazon compare by price and performance?
Amazon offers food processors ranging from budget options (~$20–$80) to mid‑range (~$80–$200) and high‑end models (~$200+). Budget models handle basic chopping and slicing, while mid‑range and premium units offer stronger motors, larger bowls, and versatile attachments for kneading, shredding, and dough making.
Q: Are food processors worth buying for quick meal prep?
Yes. Food processors significantly reduce prep time by chopping, shredding, slicing, and even mixing dough faster than doing it by hand. Many Amazon buyers report that these appliances make meal prep easier, especially for soups, salads, and batch cooking. Food & Wine
Q: What size food processor is best for home cooking?
Choose based on your needs: 7–9 cups works well for couples or small kitchens, while 10–14 cups is ideal for families and bigger prep jobs. Larger bowls mean fewer batches and faster processing for big recipes. ShortFoodBlog
Q: Can I use a food processor for dough and heavy tasks
Yes — but check the motor power first. Models with 600–1000W+ motors can handle heavy tasks like kneading dough, grinding nuts, and shredding hard veggies. Lower‑powered units are fine for veggies and herbs but might struggle with dense ingredients.
Tips for Maximizing Your Food Processor
- Batch Prep: Use large-capacity models like Breville for meal prepping veggies or dough.
- Clean Smart: Rinse blades immediately to avoid food sticking; use dishwasher-safe parts.
- Experiment: Try making nut butters, pestos, or even ice cream with versatile models.
- Check Deals: Amazon often discounts food processors during Prime Day or holiday sales.
Conclusion
Looking for a food processor that makes meal prep fast and easy? This guide breaks down the best food processors on Amazon, covering top models, features, and buying tips. Learn how to choose the right size, motor power, and attachments for your cooking needs, compare popular brands, and get quick prep tips. Perfect for chopping, slicing, shredding, and even kneading dough, these versatile kitchen tools save time and make cooking more efficient.