Introduction
As more and more people are finding ways to stay home, become more self sufficient, and eat healthier, home kitchens have become a more important place in our homes. Space, appliances, and conveniences have become ever more paramount as we are cooking more at home. Countertop appliances are an integral part of the discussion, so on that note, here are my 3 Best Food Processors for Personal and Home-Based Business Use. If you happen to be loyal to a particular brand, I am working on ultimate guides to each of them, starting with my Ultimate Guide to Ninja Blenders and Food Processors. Feel free to check it out!
Cuisinart FP-130 13-Cup Multifunctional Food Processor
This is one of my favorite food processors on the list. It provides a host of processing options, but in addition to its included accessories, the available blender jar, juicing center, dicing kit, and 4.5 cup small work bowl set the Cuisinart FP-130 apart in the market.
Pros
- Capacity – At 13 cups, this is one of the larger processors on the market, great for large batches.
- Versatility – Multiple blades and cycles allow for a multitude of tasks including chopping, slicing, and puree.
- Built-in Storage – One of the biggest pros in my book, all of the included accessories store in the main bowl, creating a smaller footprint in your kitchen when stored.
- Available accessories – The extra attachments expand the capabilities to a limit created by only your imagination.
Cons
- Power – At 650W, the motor is a less powerful unit than some of the competition, including other Cuisinart Units
- Price – $250 is a bit higher than some other models on the market, but it may well be worth it if you need all of the capabilities and conveniences of this machine.
Rating
Cuisinart is and has been a well known, quality brand for a long time. The Cuisinart FP-130 13-Cup Multifunction Food Processor, with its large capacity and versatility, is sure to be a hit in any kitchen. The additional available accessories only serve to complete the package. 4.5 stars.
Ninja NF701 Professional XL Food Processor
The Ninja is a great option for daily use, and I’m extremely hopeful that our second one lasts longer than the first. It does an excellent job on all sorts of fruits and vegetables, and is integral to knocking out larger batches of our salsas.
Pros
- Power – 1200W peak wattage means we have more than enough power to shred through any variety of fruits or vegetables
- Capacity – the 96oz bowl allows us to churn out our products at a much higher rate than before, and in more consistent batches
- Versatility – Two shred sizes and an adjustable slicing blade make shredding and cutting a breeze.
- Cleaning – Easy to disassemble and clean. A quick rinse followed by running the shopping blade with some warm water and soap gets it done in a hurry.
Cons
- Chute Size – I wish the second size chute was just a little bit larger to fit some of the thicker cucumber and zucchini we slice and shred so often.
- Reliability – I’m hoping we just got unlucky on the first one we had, but a piece of the spinning mechanism in the bowl broke after a few months of use, but we like this machine so much, we bought another one. Hopefully it will last longer.
Rating
I really like the Ninja NF701 Professional XL Food Processor, and would have no problem giving it 5 stars, but the one reliability issue gives me pause, so until a year or so with no more issues passes, I’m going with 3.75 stars.
KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor
Last on my list is the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor, but it is a solid choice for the budget-minded shopper, and will likely serve all but the most demanding needs for years to come.
Pros
- Capacity – 13 Cups is a great size for a food processor, allowing for large batches and quick processing.
- Versatility – Multiple functions allow chopping, shredding, slicing, and more.
- Built-in Storage – The included storage caddy fits nicely in the bowl for easy storage.
- Price – Price competitively in the space, this is a solid choice.
Cons
- Power – At 500W, this is one of the lower powered units at this price point. It may serve you well, but for higher power needs, you may want to look elsewhere.
- Construction – The plastic in the bowl is thin and a little bit flimsy.
- Hinged Lid – The lid can be a little bit more difficult to manage versus a fully removable one.
Rating
The KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor has a lot of strengths and should be welcome in just about any kitchen, but the lower power output and questionable construction might make me look elsewhere for my next food processor. 3.5 stars
Final Thoughts
Food processors are not new in the market, nor have they changed a lot over the years, but the smaller refinements separate the best from the rest in this competitive segment. Well known brands all have their own take on what today’s consumer wants. Cuisinart, Ninja, and KitchenAid have all brought us some great options at reasonable prices.
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