Food processors have been a mandatory kitchen appliance for professional chefs and serious cooks since their introduction in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Originally, their cost and size made them unappealing to most people, but today’s food processors are affordable, relatively compact and available in a host of colors and sizes. Not only that, but modern food processors have evolved from a single-function appliance to a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ kitchen necessity. Whether you want to stop the tears when chopping onions or your carpal tunnel won’t let you knead bread dough, there’s a food processor out there that can get the job done (see also Hand Mixer Buying Guide, Blender Buying Guide).
More »
Seven-cup bowls offer the most versatility, but if you’ll use the food processor only occasionally or for small batches, 3-4 cup models are better for individuals and smaller families. If you cook for large groups or make meals ahead to freeze, look at 12-20 cup models. The larger the bowl, the larger the processor, so factor counter and storage space into your decision.
Power and Wattage
Food processors range from 400-1200 watts, but for general, all-purpose use, 600 watts is a good number to shoot for.
Functionality and Attachments
Pulse speed is a must have feature for maximum control over your ingredients. If you want your food processors to grow with your culinary skills, look for models that offer specialty blades or attachments like beaters or citrus juicers for separate purchase.
Style
Appliances, boring? Not anymore. Food processors have come a long way in their design and range of styles. Once you find the model that gives you what you want, you’ll be able to match its looks to your décor or other appliances.
Safety
The weight of your food processor is a plus, not a minus. Heavier units are more stable during use and are safer to operation. Look too, for food processors with non-skid lids and no-start safety mechanisms that prevent operation until all parts and pieces are securely in place.
The Cuisinart Power Prep Plus 11-Cup Food Processor provides today’s cook with the perfect combination of style and power. The leader in food processors, Cuisinart offers a dependable product with an unbeatable warranty of up to 10 years for its revolutionary motor. The Power Prep Plus has an 11 cup capacity, exceptional dough control and is also compatible with all existing Cuisinart 11 cup blades. Most importantly, it is easy to use and safe.
The Cuisinart Power Prep Plus 11-Cup Food Processor provides today’s cook with the perfect combination of style and power. The leader in food processors, Cuisinart offers a dependable product with an unbeatable warranty of up to 10 years for its revolutionary motor. The Power Prep Plus has an 11 cup capacity, exceptional dough control and is also compatible with all existing Cuisinart 11 cup blades. Most importantly, it is easy to use and safe.
less
Real Simple Magazine – “Designed to dwell alongside “pro style” appliances (such as a Viking range), this striking machine (Viking Professional Series Food Processor) also comes in white, red, stainless gray, graphite gray, and black. A processor for those who like to keep one at the ready, it has rear wheels to ease countertop travel.” Source: Real Simple Magazine
Consumer Guide – “The Oster Inspire Food processor 3212 is an efficient and affordable alternative to higher priced models…If you are looking for an economical, simple appliance that performs well, look no further than the Oster Inspire Food Processor 3212.” Named a Consumer Guide “Best Buy”. Source: Consumer Guide
Cooks Illustrated Magazine – “The prep whiz: chopped and sliced as cleanly and evenly as a carefully wielded knife—and a lot faster. The KitchenAid KFP750WH 700-Watt 12-Cup Food Processor comes with a mini-bowl attachment that makes quick work of parsley; bigger bowls in other models beat parsley into a sorry, bruised state.” Source: Cooks Illustrated Magazine
Cuisinart introduced the first food processor to America in 1973 and legendary chefs Julia Child and James Beard were among its first users. Over 30 years later, the Cuisinart brand is still going strong. Not only is it routinely used as a synonym for ‘food processor,’ but Bravo TV’s hit reality competition Top Chef recently featured its SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor during its 3rd Season, Top Chef Miami.
Budget-priced food processors (up to $100) tend to have smaller bowls but still offer multiple operational speeds and blades that get your everyday jobs done.
For about $200 you can get a food processor with a larger bowl, additional work bowls and multiple two feed tubes. Model in this price range may be compatible with specialty blades available for separate purchase.
High-end food processors ($200+) feature the sleekest designs with ergonomic cast metal handles, noise-reducing motors, and may feature rear wheels for countertop maneuverability.
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Bowl
The food processor bowl is where all of the action happens. It’s made of durable transparent plastic and comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 4 cup capacity to up to 12 cups.
Pulse
This features allows the cook to deliver controlled bursts of speed for the most control over the ingredients in the food processor bowl.
Base
The base houses the food processor’s “motor”. Once all of the parts are attached correctly, the base is plugged in, turned on and causes the blades to rotate although the base itself does not move.
Blades
There are a variety of blades that attach to a food processor including blades for slicing & chopping, grating and kneading. You choose a particular blade depending on your desired food processing outcome.
Feed Tube
The feed tube is made of the same material as the bowl and its purpose is for adding ingredients while you are already in the process of pureeing, chopping or grinding. An example of this would be pouring olive oil through the feed tube to add to the mixture.
Pusher
A pusher is made of the same material as the feed tube and it is used along with the feed tube, to push solid food through. The pusher does the work so that your fingers don’t ever come into contact with the blade.
I've had my Cuisinart for years ... it is the gold standard of food processors and I highly highly recommend it. The accessories are all dishwasher safe and the blades are still sharp.
