Preparation
Whether you simply need to chop vegetables quickly, make a dip for a casual backyard lunch, or whip up a pie crust, a food processor is a necessity. The kitchen workhorse does it all and then some. Yet, to make sure your food processor isn’t forgotten in the back of a kitchen cabinet, it’s essential to buy the right one for your needs.
You’ll find several sizes and types of food processors on the market, from mini-prep processors to mid-sized to large and extra-large. After price, consider both the size and the motor strength of a food processor and how often you think you’ll use it.
“If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you might want to look for at least a 12-cup capacity to prevent having to process in batches and make the best use of your time,” says cookbook author and recipe developer Kristen Wood. “If you only want to more efficiently chop some vegetables here and there, a mini food processor might be right for you and it won’t take up too much space in your kitchen.” Motor strength is another consideration. “If you will be using the food processor frequently and will be processing tough ingredients like nuts or thick dough, you should aim for at least 750 watts in a food processor. If you will only be processing fruits, vegetables, and light sauces, a lower wattage food processor should do the trick just fine.”
Don’t forget to pay attention to the type of materials used. Are they dishwasher safe? Does that matter to you? And finally, make sure you check out the warranties. Here are five food processors we recommend whether you’re planning on using your food processor every day or only a few times a month.
Cuisinart® 14-Cup Custom Food ProcessorOster FPSTFP1355 2-Speed 10-Cup Food ProcessorKitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food ChopperBreville Sous Chef 16 ProKitchenAid 5-Cup Cordless Food Chopper
