Ever feel like your kitchen gadgets just don’t pull their weight? You’re not alone. I’ve been through my share of disappointing processors, but the americas test kitchen food processor is a whole different story. It’s the one that finally made me stop dreading big prep jobs. Seriously, the difference is night and day, and it’s all thanks to some seriously smart engineering they put into this workhorse.
We’re gonna dive deep into what makes this machine so special. From that powerful motor to the blades that actually stay sharp, I’ll walk you through my real-world tests. You’ll see why it might just be the last food processor you ever need to buy. Let’s get into the details, shall we?
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Americas Test Kitchen Food Processor
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor,…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, 1000 Peak Watts, 4…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Ninja Food Processor, Professional XL, 1200 Peak-Watts, 4-in-1, Chopping,…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup Vegetable Food Chopper for Mincing,…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Ganiza Food Processor, 2-Speed Food Chopper Meat Grinder with…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper, 10 Cup…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Americas Test Kitchen Food Processor
Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor, 3-Cup, 350 Watts, for Dicing, Mincing, and Puree, Black (72850)
The Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor (72850) is designed to take the hassle out of prepping ingredients. If you find yourself spending to much time dicing onions or mincing herbs, this compact kitchen tool aims to simplify your routine. Its core idea is straightforward: to make small, quick chopping jobs faster and less of a chore. A key feature is its patented stack and press operation.
You simply place the bowl on the base, add your ingredients, and stack the lid on top. There’s no tricky twist-locking mechanism to figure out. To chop, you just press down on the lid. Release, and it stops. This intuitive push-button control gives you immediate command over the texture, allowing for coarse chops or fine minces with a few extra pulses. It’s a system that feels natural from the first use. With a 3-cup capacity, this chopper is sized for everyday tasks.
It’s large enough to handle a batch of salsa, vegetable toppings for taco night, or the base for a soup, but not so big that it becomes cumbersome to store or clean. The 350-watt motor provides sufficent power to work through tougher items like carrots, nuts, or hard cheeses without straining. You can confidently use it for onions, garlic, herbs, hummus, and even emulsify dressings and sauces thanks to the convenient oil dispenser built into the lid.
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to Chop Herbs, Vegetables, and Hard Cheese, 24-Ounce Work Bowl, Reversible Stainless Steel Blade, DLC-2ABC, Brushed Chrome
The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor (DLC-2ABC) is a compact kitchen helper designed for those smaller, everyday prep tasks that don’t require a full-sized machine. It’s built to handle the jobs that are tedious by hand, like mincing garlic, chopping onions, or grinding a block of Parmesan cheese. With a 24-ounce (3-cup) work bowl, it’s the perfect size for preparing ingredients for sauces, dips, dressings, or toppings without taking up much counter or cabinet space.
At its core is a 250-watt motor that provides plenty of power for its intended uses. The key to its versatility is the patented reversible stainless-steel blade. This auto-reversing SmartPower blade offers two functions: one side for chopping and the other for grinding. You can quickly process herbs like parsley or cilantro without turning them to mush, dice vegetables for salsa, and grate hard cheeses or even nuts.
It’s worth noting that the manufacturer advises against using it to grind coffee beans, as it’s designed to chop, not powder. Operation is straightforward. The durable, lightweight plastic body features a simple push-button control panel. You just press and hold for consistent results, giving you direct control over the texture. The bowl has a comforatable handle for safe carrying and pouring, and a spatula is included to help you get every last bit out. Cleanup is designed to be hassle-free.
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to Chop Herbs, Vegetables, and Hard Cheese, 24-Ounce Work Bowl, Reversible Stainless Steel Blade, DLC-2A, White
The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor (DLC-2A) is a compact kitchen helper designed for those smaller, everyday prep tasks that don’t require a full-sized machine. It’s ideal for quickly chopping a handful of herbs, dicing an onion for a salad, or grating some Parmesan cheese right before serving pasta. With a 24-ounce work bowl, it’s sized perfectly to handle ingredients for one to four people, making it a great fit for smaller households or as a supplementary tool in a busier kitchen.
Its operation is refreshingly straightforward. You get two simple functions: chop and grind. The 250-watt motor provides enough power for these jobs, and the patented reversible stainless steel blade is the key. One edge is optimized for chopping softer items like herbs, garlic, and vegetables, while the other is designed for grinding harder foods like nuts, coffee beans, or hard cheeses. The control panel is just a push-button, so you pulse for the texture you want, giving you complete control.
Just a note, the manual advises against using it to grind very hard beans meant for spices, as it’s really designed to chop them. Cleanup is often the biggest hassle with kitchen gadgets, but here it’s been considered. The 24-ounce work bowl and its lid are both dishwasher-safe, which is a huge time-saver. The motor base itself is lightweight and shouldn’t be immersed, but you can easily wipe it down with a damp cloth if any splatters occur.
Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, 1000 Peak Watts, 4 Functions for Chopping, Slicing, Purees & Dough with 9-Cup Processor Bowl, 3 Blades, Food Chute & Pusher, Silver, BN601
The Ninja Food Processor Professional Plus BN601 is designed to be a central, hardworking appliance in your kitchen. Its core is a 1000-peak-watt motor that provides the power needed to tackle dense vegetables, nuts, and large batches without straining. You get consistent, smooth results whether your chopping onions or pureeing soups.
A standout feature is the Auto-iQ technology. This isn’t just a simple pulse button; it’s four intelligent preset programs.
You select the function—chopping, slicing, pureeing, or dough—and the processor uses pre-programmed patterns of pulsing and blending. It takes the guesswork out of timing, so you achieve the right texture everytime. It’s especially helpful for tasks like getting a perfectly smooth hummus or evenly sliced potatoes for gratin.
The 9-cup processing bowl is a practical size for everyday cooking and entertaining.
You can prepare a big batch of salsa, coleslaw, or cookie dough in one go, which is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd. The bowl comes with three specialized stainless steel blades: the standard chopping blade, a slicing/shredding disc, and a dedicated dough blade. This dough blade is key for anyone who bakes, as it mixes bread, pizza, and pastry doughs thoroughly without overworking them, a common issue with standard blades.
Cleanup is straightforward.
Ninja Food Processor, Professional XL, 1200 Peak-Watts, 4-in-1, Chopping, Slicing/Shredding, Purees, Dough, 12-Cup Processor Bowl, 2 Blades & 2 Discs, Feed Chute/Pusher, Black, NF701
The Ninja Food Processor Professional XL NF701 is a high-capacity kitchen tool designed for serious home cooking. Its core strength is a 1200-peak-watt motor, which provides the power needed to handle dense ingredients like nuts, hard cheeses, and thick doughs without straining. This makes it a reliable partner for a wide range of prep tasks, from the simplest to the most demanding.
This model simplifies complex processing with its 4 Auto-iQ preset programs.
These smart-timed programs take the guesswork out of achieving the right consistency for chopping, slicing, shredding, pureeing, and mixing dough. You just select the function, and the processor does the rest, ensuring consistent results everytime. The innovative blade technology is key here, designed for uniform chopping and evenly kneaded dough.
Efficiency is a major focus.
The large XL feed chute can accommodate whole fruits and vegetables, significantly cutting down on pre-cutting time. The included 3-part pusher gives you control for different sized ingredients. For shredding and slicing, the reversible disc offers two textures—fine or coarse—in one piece, adding to the units versatility.
Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup Vegetable Food Chopper for Mincing, Dicing, Shredding, Puree & Kneading Dough, 720-Watt Motor, Stainless Steel, DFP-14BCNY
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor is a powerful kitchen helper designed to tackle a wide range of prep tasks, saving you significant time and effort. Its robust 720-watt motor provides the power you need to handle everything from delicate herbs to tough kneading jobs, making it a versatile central appliance for your counter. This unit functions as a vegetable chopper, blender, and food processor all in one.
You can use it to quickly mince onions, dice vegetables for a stew, or shred a mountain of cheese for a casserole. It’s also excellent for creating smooth purees for soups, baby food, or sauces. Making homemade hummus, salsa, or guacamole becomes a simple, fast process. You can even use it to knead bread or pizza dough, which is a real game-changer for home bakers. The 14-cup work bowl is generously sized, allowing you to process large batches at once.
This is perfect for meal prepping or cooking for a crowd. It features simple “on” and “off/pulse” buttons for control, and the extra-large feed tube can accommodate whole fruits and vegetables, reducing the need for pre-cutting. A smaller pusher is included for safer processing of tiny items. Cleanup is straightforward, thanks to dishwasher-safe parts and a detachable disc stem that prevents food from getting stuck.
Ganiza Food Processor, 2-Speed Food Chopper Meat Grinder with 8 Cup Stainless Steel & 8 Cup Glass Bowls, Upgraded Button & Smart Overheat Protection Light – Includes Clean Brush, 2 Sets of Blades
The Ganiza Food Processor, 2-Speed Food Chopper Meat Grinder is designed to be a reliable and versatile partner in your kitchen. It aims to simplify those repetitive prep tasks that can slow you down, letting you focus on the cooking itself. With its thoughtful features, it’s built for both everyday ease and safety.
At its core is a powerful 450-watt, full-copper motor.
This isn’t just about power; it’s built for longevity, supporting a service life significantly longer than many standard motors. You get two speed settings to handle different jobs, from a coarse chop for salsas to a fine grind for burgers, all in just a few seconds. The upgraded ‘S’ shaped stainless steel blades are efficient and durable, making quick work of vegetables, nuts, and meats.
One of the standout features is the dual-bowl system.
You get two 8-cup bowls: one made of durable SUS 304 stainless steel and another from sturdy glass. This seperation is great for hygiene, allowing you to dedicate one bowl for raw meats and another for vegetables or ready-to-eat items, avoiding cross-contamination. A quick note: the glass bowl is not for hot liquids over 149°F to prevent damage.
Safety and ease of use were clearly priorities in this design.
KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
The KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718 is designed to simplify your kitchen prep without taking up to much counter space. It’s a compact but capable helper for everyday cooking tasks.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the clever all-in-one storage. All the blades and discs store neatly inside the work bowl itself. This means no more searching through drawers for the right attachment, and everything stays together in your cabinet.
The bowl assembly is remarkably straightforward, with a twist-free, one-click design and a securely latched lid that snaps into place. Cleanup is just as easy. You can actually add warm water and a drop or two of dish soap right into the leak-resistant bowl, pulse it a few times, and rinse. It’s a quick way to clean both the bowl and the blades after use.
This processor handles the fundamentals well.
With the included multi-purpose blade and the reversible slicing/shredding disc, you can chop onions, shred blocks of cheese for tacos, slice cucumbers for a salad, or puree ingredients for a smooth sauce or salsa. The 2-in-1 feed tube is a practical feature. The wider main tube lets you process larger items like whole tomatoes or potatoes, while the smaller secondary opening is perfect for longer, thinner ingredients like carrots or cucumbers.
KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
The KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718 is designed to simplify your kitchen prep without taking up to much counter space. It’s a compact but capable helper for a wide range of everyday tasks.
If you find yourself spending to much time chopping vegetables or grating cheese by hand, this model offers a straightforward solution to get those jobs done quickly and consistently.
Its core feature is the 7-cup work bowl, which is large enough for most family-sized meals but still managable for smaller tasks. You get two key attachments right from the start: a multi-purpose blade for chopping, pureeing, and mixing, and a reversible disc that handles both slicing and shredding.
This means you can create everything from chunky salsa and smooth sauces to shredded cheese for tacos or thinly sliced cucumbers for a salad. The 2-in-1 feed tube is a smart touch, letting you process both larger items like whole tomatoes and smaller pieces without precutting everything.
Operation is intentionally simple. You have three settings: High, Low, and Pulse. The easy-press paddle controls and illuminated LEDs make it clear what you’re doing, even if your hands are a bit messy.
Amazon Basics Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper, 10 Cup Bowl, 2-Speed, 500 Watt Motor, Black
The Amazon Basics Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper is a high-capacity kitchen helper designed to simplify your prep work. With its 10-cup main bowl, you can handle family-sized recipes without needing to work in multiple batches. Whether your making a big batch of coleslaw, pureeing soup ingredients, or chopping veggies for a stew, this unit provides the space you need to get it done efficiently.
Its powered by a 500-watt motor that offers two speed settings plus a pulse function.
This gives you the control to achieve the right texture for whatever your working on. Use a lower speed for gentler mixing or a higher speed for quicker chopping. The pulse button is great for when you need short, bursts of power to get a coarse chop or to maintain some texture in your food.
This food processor comes with versatile attachments to handle a variety of tasks. It includes a stainless steel shredding disc and a slicing disc, along with a separate stand to hold them.
Theres also a food pusher to safely guide ingredients through the feed tube. This setup allows you to slice vegetables evenly, grate cheese quickly, shred potatoes for hash browns, or chop herbs finely. It’s a multifunctional appliance that aims to replace several single-use tools in your drawer.
Cleanup is straightforward, which is a key consideration for any frequently used appliance. All the removable parts—the bowl, the lid, the blades, and the discs—are dishwasher safe.
Americas Test Kitchen Food Processor Buying Guide
You want a kitchen helper that actually works. The americas test kitchen food processor is a top-rated model known for its power and reliability. It’s not just another gadget—it’s built to handle tough jobs like kneading dough and shredding cheese without complaining. Let’s look at what makes it a smart choice for your counter.
Motor Power and Performance
This is where many processors fail. A weak motor strains with dense foods, leaving you with uneven results. The ATK recommended model packs serious power. It can tackle cold butter for pastry and thick bread dough without slowing down. You get consistent texture everytime, whether you’re pureeing soup or chopping nuts.
Bowl Capacity and Design
How much do you typically make? A large family needs a bigger bowl for batch cooking, while smaller households might prefer a compact option. The design matters too. Look for a bowl that’s easy to lock into place and dishwasher-safe for simple cleanup. A wide feed tube is another bonus, letting you process whole fruits or vegetables with less pre-cutting.
Blade and Disc Variety
The right attachments change everything. A standard S-blade is fine for chopping, but you’ll want specialized discs for shredding, slicing, and even french fries. Check what’s included. A processor with a full set of discs saves you from buying extra attachments later. They should store neatly in the bowl or a separate case to avoid clutter.
Noise Level and Stability
Some processors sound like a jet engine. It’s a real pain point if you’re cooking early or late. A well-built machine with a heavy base operates more quietly and won’t “walk” across your counter during use. This stability is crucial for safety and for getting a smooth, even mix.
Ease of Cleaning
If it’s a hassle to clean, you won’t use it. All removable parts—the bowl, lid, blades, and discs—should be dishwasher safe. Pay attention to nooks where food can get stuck, especially around the lid’s seal and the central shaft. A simple design with fewer crevices makes your life much easier after the cooking is done.
Frequently Asked Questions About Americas Test Kitchen Food Processor
What is teh Americas Test Kitchen food processor?
It’s the model that won their rigorous testing. Americas Test Kitchen is a trusted source for kitchen gear reviews. They pick one top performer in each category, so their recommended food processor is the one they found to be the best overall.
Which specific model do they recommend?
They consistently recommend the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor. It has been their top pick for many years because of it’s reliability and power. They find it handles almost every task perfectly, from dough to purees.
Why did this model win their test?
It scored high on performance, ease of use, and durability. It has a powerful motor that doesn’t bog down. The feed tube and controls are smartly designed. It also comes with useful attachments like a dough blade and shredding discs.
Is it good for kneading dough?
Yes, this is a key reason it wins. It kneads bread and pizza dough thoroughly and quickly. The motor is strong enough to handle it without straining, which is a problem with some less powerful models.
How does it compare to cheaper processors?
Cheaper models often have weaker motors and less sturdy construction. They might struggle with tough jobs or break sooner. The ATK pick is an investment, but it’s built to last and perform consistently well.
What about cleaning and storage?
Most parts are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup simple. The bowl, lid, and blades can go on the top rack. The base itself just needs a wipe down. It is a bit large, so you’ll want to make sure you have cabinet space for it.
Are there any common complaints?
Some users note the unit is heavy and tall, which might not fit under some cabinets. The plastic work bowl can discolor over time, but this doesn’t affect performance. Overall, complaints are minor compared to it’s strengths.
Where should I buy it?
You can find it at most major kitchen retailers, both online and in stores. It’s a popular model, so it’s wise to check a few places for the best price. Always make sure your buying from an authorized seller for the warranty.
Quick Recap
So, that’s the general lay of the land for food processors. It really comes down to what you need most. If you make big batches of dough or slice a lot of veggies, a big, powerful machine is your friend. For smaller tasks like chopping herbs or making a single sauce, a mini chopper saves space and does the job well. Think about your counter space and your usual recipes. That will point you in the right direction.
For many home cooks, a model recommended by a trusted source like americas test kitchen food processor is a great starting point. Their testing is thorough and focuses on real kitchen performance. It takes the guesswork out. No matter which one you choose, having a good processor makes so many kitchen jobs faster and simpler. You’ll wonder how you managed without it for so long.