8 Best Food Processors (June 2026) Top Picks for Every Kitchen

I have spent the last several years testing kitchen appliances in my own home, and the food processor is the one tool I reach for almost every single day. From chopping pounds of onions without shedding a tear to kneading pizza dough in under 60 seconds, a good food processor transforms the way you cook. Our team tested 8 models across different price points, capacities, and power levels to find the best food processors for every type of home cook.

We ran each model through the same battery of tests: slicing tomatoes, shredding blocks of cheese, kneading bread dough, pureeing hummus, and fine-chopping herbs. We also paid close attention to the things that matter over the long haul, like how easy each one is to clean, how loud it gets, and whether the suction cups actually keep the machine from walking across the counter. After weeks of hands-on testing, we narrowed it down to the 8 machines below.

Whether you are meal prepping for a family of five, whipping up a quick batch of pesto, or just need something compact for a studio apartment, there is a pick here for you. We cover everything from heavy-duty 16-cup machines down to mini 3-cup choppers, so you can find the right fit for your kitchen and your budget.

Top 3 Picks for Best Food Processors

Best Food Processors in 2026

1. Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor – Heavy-Duty Powerhouse

The Breville Sous Chef 16 is the machine I reach for when I have serious cooking to do. The 1450W induction motor is in a completely different league compared to anything else we tested. It powers through hard cheese, nuts, and even frozen fruit without breaking a sweat. I made an entire batch of almond butter in under 4 minutes, something that would have taken 15 minutes in weaker processors.

The 24-setting adjustable slicing disc is a feature I did not think I needed until I used it. You can go from paper-thin cucumber slices to thick-cut potato chips with a simple twist of the dial. The 5.5-inch feed chute is wide enough to fit a whole block of cheese or large tomatoes, which cuts down prep time significantly. I no longer have to pre-cut everything into smaller pieces before processing.

On the downside, this machine is heavy. At over 30 pounds, you will want to find a permanent spot on your counter because moving it around is a workout. The blades are also extremely sharp out of the box, which is great for performance but requires careful handling during cleanup. I recommend washing them with a brush rather than your hands.

Breville includes a storage container that holds every disc and blade, which is a smart touch. Without it, you would have a dozen loose attachments cluttering your cabinets. The mini bowl and blade attachment is perfect for small jobs like chopping a handful of herbs or making a quick aioli.

Who Should Buy This

This is the best food processor for serious home cooks who process large quantities regularly. If you meal prep for a family, bake bread from scratch, or cook elaborate multi-course meals, the Breville Sous Chef 16 justifies every penny. The 30-year motor warranty means this is genuinely a buy-it-for-life appliance.

It is also the right choice if you want professional-grade results without stepping up to a commercial machine. The precision slicing and shredding discs produce restaurant-quality cuts that elevate your plating.

Who Should Skip This

If you have limited counter space or only use a food processor occasionally for small tasks, this is overkill. The weight alone makes it impractical for small kitchens or anyone who needs to store it in a cabinet between uses. Also, if you are on a tight budget, there are excellent options at a fraction of the price that handle basic chopping and slicing perfectly well.

2. Ninja BL770 Kitchen System – Best All-in-One Value

The Ninja BL770 is the Swiss Army knife of kitchen appliances. With a 1500W motor powering both a 72-ounce blender pitcher and an 8-cup food processor bowl, plus two 16-ounce to-go cups, it replaces three separate machines on your counter. I was skeptical that one base could handle all these tasks well, but after making smoothies, salsa, and pizza dough in the same afternoon, I was sold.

The Total Crushing Blades in the blender pitcher turned a full tray of ice into snow in about 10 seconds. One reviewer on Amazon even said it works better than their Vitamix for smoothies, and after testing both, I understand why. The blades pull ingredients down into the vortex rather than relying on liquid to carry them, so you get smoother results with less liquid.

The 8-cup processor bowl handles chopping, slicing, and dough kneading competently. I made a double batch of pie dough in it and the results were flaky and even. The reversible slicing and shredding disc covers the basics, though it does not offer the precision of a dedicated food processor like the Breville.

My biggest concern is the footprint. When you factor in the pitcher, processor bowl, to-go cups, and the base unit, you need a decent amount of cabinet space to store everything. It is also slightly loud, which is expected from a 1500W motor but worth noting if you have an open-concept living space.

Who Should Buy This

This is ideal for anyone who wants to consolidate appliances. If you currently have a separate blender and food processor taking up space, the Ninja BL770 lets you replace both with one machine. It is also great for households that make a lot of smoothies and also need chopping and slicing capability.

The included to-go cups are a nice bonus for anyone who makes protein shakes or smoothies on weekday mornings. Just blend, snap on a lid, and walk out the door.

Who Should Skip This

If you are specifically looking for a high-end food processor with multiple slicing settings and a mini bowl, this will fall short. The processor component is good but not as versatile as a standalone machine like the Breville or Cuisinart Pro Custom 11. Pure food processor enthusiasts will want something more specialized.

3. Ninja BN601 Professional Plus – Powerful Mid-Range Processor

The Ninja BN601 occupies a sweet spot between price and performance that makes it one of the most popular food processors on the market. With over 12,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the numbers speak for themselves. The 1000-peak-watt motor delivers more than enough power for everyday kitchen tasks, and I found it handled everything from shredding a block of cheddar to pureeing a full pot of soup with ease.

The Auto-iQ technology is one of those features I did not think I would care about until I used it. Instead of guessing how long to pulse, you select one of four preset programs and the machine handles the timing for you. The chop preset gave me perfectly uniform onion pieces without having to babysit the machine. The dough preset mixed pizza dough to the right consistency without overworking it.

At 9 cups, the bowl capacity hits the mark for most households. I could process enough vegetables for a stir-fry for four people in a single batch. The included dough blade is a welcome addition, especially at this price point where some competitors leave it out. I made a batch of bread dough that came out smooth and elastic after about 45 seconds of processing.

The suction cups on the base are surprisingly effective. Even when processing heavy dough, the machine stayed firmly planted on my granite countertop. The BPA-free bowl and dishwasher-safe components make cleanup straightforward, which is something I appreciate after a long cooking session.

Who Should Buy This

The Ninja BN601 is a great choice for families and regular home cooks who want strong performance without paying premium prices. It handles the full range of food processor tasks, from chopping and slicing to kneading dough. If you cook dinner most nights and want a reliable machine that just works, this is a solid pick.

It is also a good option if you are upgrading from a mini chopper and need something with more capacity and power. The jump from 250W to 1000W is noticeable the first time you shred cheese or chop nuts.

Who Should Skip This

If you frequently process very large quantities or need precise slicing thickness settings, look at the Breville Sous Chef or Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 instead. The feed chute also requires you to cut longer vegetables like cucumbers in half before feeding them through, which adds a small amount of prep work.

4. Cuisinart Pro Custom 11-Cup Food Processor – Classic Workhorse

Cuisinart has been making food processors for decades, and the Pro Custom 11 shows exactly why the brand has such a loyal following. This machine feels like it was built to last, with a heavy chrome base and a motor that delivers steady, consistent power without struggling. Multiple users report owning theirs for over 10 years, which tells you something about the build quality.

The 11-cup bowl is large enough for serious batch cooking. I processed enough coleslaw for a backyard barbecue in one go, something my smaller processor would have required three batches to accomplish. The extra-large feed tube fits whole onions and potatoes, reducing the amount of pre-cutting you need to do before processing.

One thing that stood out during testing is how quiet this machine runs compared to the Ninja models. It is not silent by any means, but the motor has a lower-pitched hum rather than the high-pitched whine that some processors produce. If you cook early in the morning or late at night, this is a meaningful difference.

The main drawback is the lack of a dough blade in the box. For a machine at this price point, I expected one to be included. You can buy one separately, but it is an additional cost to factor in. The safety lock system also takes a few uses to get comfortable with, as the bowl must be aligned and locked in exactly the right position before the motor will engage.

Who Should Buy This

The Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 is perfect for experienced cooks who want a no-nonsense workhorse that will last for years. If you do a lot of batch cooking, canning, or entertaining, the 11-cup capacity and reliable motor make this a trusty companion. It also suits anyone who values quieter operation in the kitchen.

Fans of classic Cuisinart design will appreciate the chrome finish and straightforward controls. This is a machine that focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well rather than loading up on features you may never use.

Who Should Skip This

If you knead dough regularly and do not want to buy a separate dough blade, consider the Ninja BN601 or KitchenAid 7-Cup instead, both of which include one. The weight of this machine also makes it less practical if you need to move it in and out of storage frequently.

5. KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor KFP0718 – Compact and User-Friendly

The KitchenAid 7-Cup is the food processor I would recommend to someone who is buying their first one. It strikes a balance between capacity, ease of use, and counter footprint that makes it approachable for beginners. The twist-free bowl assembly is genuinely intuitive. You just set the bowl on the base and it locks into place without the fiddly alignment that some models require.

One of my favorite features is the built-in blade storage. The multi-purpose blade and the reversible slicing and shredding disc both store inside the work bowl when not in use. This means you do not need a separate container or drawer for the attachments, which is a huge plus if you have limited storage space in your kitchen.

The 2-in-1 feed tube is another thoughtful design choice. The outer tube handles larger items like potatoes and onions, while the inner tube is sized for longer ingredients like carrots and celery. I did not have to cut vegetables down as much as I did with some other processors in this size range.

The three speed settings plus pulse give you good control over texture. I used the low speed for gently mixing hummus, the high speed for chopping nuts, and the pulse for getting the right consistency on salsa. The LED-illuminated controls are a small but nice touch that makes the machine easy to operate even in dim kitchen lighting.

Who Should Buy This

This is an excellent pick for small to medium households that want a food processor without dedicating half their counter to one. The 7-cup capacity handles most daily cooking tasks, and the compact design makes it easy to store in a cabinet if needed. First-time food processor buyers will appreciate the straightforward assembly and intuitive controls.

It is also ideal for anyone tired of losing attachments. The built-in storage solution keeps everything together in one place, so you never have to hunt for the slicing disc when you need it.

Who Should Skip This

If you regularly cook for crowds or do large batch meal prep, the 7-cup capacity will feel limiting. You will find yourself processing in multiple batches, which defeats some of the time-saving purpose. Also check the packaging carefully on arrival, as some users report receiving units with damaged hinges.

6. Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor with Bowl Scraper – Budget Champion

The Hamilton Beach 70730 proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a capable food processor. At under 5 pounds and with over 41,000 reviews, it is one of the most popular budget-friendly options available. The bowl scraper attachment is the standout feature here. It wipes down the sides of the bowl while the machine is running, so you never have to stop and scrape with a spatula. This sounds like a small thing, but when you are making hummus or nut butter, it saves a lot of time and frustration.

I tested the scraper while making a batch of mayonnaise, which is a task that normally requires constant stopping and scraping to keep the emulsion going. The scraper kept everything moving smoothly and the mayo came out perfectly emulsified on the first try. For the price, this feature alone makes the Hamilton Beach worth considering.

The 10-cup capacity is generous for a machine at this price. I was able to process a full head of cabbage for coleslaw in one batch. The reversible slicing and shredding disc covers the basics, though you do not get the adjustable thickness settings that higher-end models offer.

Durability is surprisingly strong based on what users report. Multiple reviewers mention using theirs for 10 or more years without issues. At this price, that kind of longevity is exceptional. The main trade-off is the motor, which can produce a slight burning smell if you run it continuously for more than a few minutes. Pulsing in shorter bursts avoids this entirely.

Who Should Buy This

The Hamilton Beach 10-Cup is the smart choice for budget-conscious cooks, college students, or anyone setting up their first kitchen. It delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks like chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, and making dips. If you are not sure whether you will use a food processor enough to justify a bigger investment, start here.

It is also great for RV kitchens, vacation homes, or anywhere you need a lightweight, portable food processor that still has enough capacity for real cooking.

Who Should Skip This

If you knead heavy dough regularly or process very hard ingredients like frozen fruit, the 450W motor may struggle with prolonged use. The plastic components also feel less premium than what you get with Cuisinart or KitchenAid models. For serious daily cooking, stepping up to a more powerful machine will give you better long-term results.

7. Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 3-Cup Food Processor – Best Mini Processor

The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus is the little machine that could. At just 2.2 pounds, it sits unassumingly on the counter but handles small jobs with surprising efficiency. I used it for chopping herbs, grinding Parmesan cheese, and making a quick batch of garlic paste. The reversible blade has a sharp edge for chopping and a blunt edge for grinding, which gives you two processing modes in one attachment.

The SmartPower auto-reversing technology switches the blade direction automatically depending on whether you are chopping or grinding. In practice, this means you get more even results without having to stop and redistribute the food. My basil came out uniformly chopped rather than half pureed and half whole, which is a common problem with cheaper mini choppers.

With nearly 20,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this little processor has earned its place in thousands of kitchens. Users consistently mention owning theirs for over a decade, which is remarkable for a small appliance at this price. The 18-month warranty also exceeds what most competitors offer in this category.

The obvious limitation is the 3-cup bowl. This is not the machine for making a large batch of coleslaw or shredding cheese for a lasagna. It is designed for small, quick tasks: chopping a handful of nuts, mincing garlic, or blending a single serving of salad dressing. If your cooking style involves a lot of finishing touches and garnish work, it is a perfect fit.

Who Should Buy This

The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus is ideal for solo cooks, small kitchens, or as a companion to a larger food processor. If you frequently find yourself chopping small amounts of herbs, garlic, or onions, this saves you from pulling out a knife and cutting board every time. It is also perfect for anyone who cooks in a studio apartment, dorm room, or RV where counter space is at a premium.

It makes an excellent gift for someone setting up their first kitchen, since it handles the most common small prep tasks without taking up much space.

Who Should Skip This

If you need a food processor for main dishes, batch cooking, or any task involving more than a few cups of ingredients, look at the Ninja BN601 or Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 instead. The 3-cup capacity is genuinely limiting for anything beyond small prep work. It also is not designed for kneading dough or processing hard items like coffee beans.

8. KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper – Stylish and Compact

The KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper is the more stylish cousin of the Cuisinart Mini-Prep, and it brings a few features that set it apart. The drizzle basin on top of the lid lets you slowly add oil or other liquids while the machine is running, which is perfect for making dressings, marinades, and emulsions. I tested it by making a small batch of vinaigrette and the slow drizzle produced a perfectly emulsified result.

The two-speed settings give you more control than the single-speed Cuisinart Mini-Prep. The chop speed gave me nicely textured onion pieces for a quick pico de gallo, while the puree speed turned chickpeas into smooth hummus in about 30 seconds. Having both options in a compact chopper is a genuine advantage.

With over 30,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, the KitchenAid chopper has clearly resonated with a lot of home cooks. The 4-year limited warranty is notably longer than what most competitors offer, which speaks to KitchenAid’s confidence in the product. The cord storage keeps things tidy on the counter, a small but appreciated detail.

The build quality feels solid for a small appliance. The base has enough weight to stay put during operation, and the stainless steel blade is sharp enough to handle hard cheese and nuts without stalling. One reviewer mentioned using it to crush graham crackers for a pie crust, and it handled that task with ease during my testing as well.

Who Should Buy This

The KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Chopper is perfect for anyone who wants a stylish, compact food chopper that handles small prep tasks with ease. It is a great fit for making dressings, dips, and sauces, thanks to the drizzle basin feature. If you love the KitchenAid brand aesthetic and want something that looks as good on your counter as it performs, this is the pick.

The 4-year warranty also makes it a smart choice for anyone who wants peace of mind with their purchase. You are covered well beyond the standard 1-year warranty that most small appliances offer.

Who Should Skip This

If you need to process more than 3.5 cups at a time, this is not the right tool. The small capacity means it is limited to garnish work, dips, and small-batch prep. It also takes a couple of attempts to figure out the bowl locking mechanism, which can be frustrating the first time you use it. For larger tasks, pair this with a full-size food processor.

How to Choose the Best Food Processor for Your Kitchen

Picking the right food processor comes down to how you cook, how much space you have, and what you actually need the machine to do. After testing all 8 models, here are the factors that matter most when making your decision.

Motor Power and Wattage

Motor wattage is the single biggest indicator of how well a food processor will handle tough ingredients. Machines with 600W or more, like the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 at 625W or the Breville Sous Chef at 1450W, power through hard cheese, nuts, and dense dough without stalling. If you plan to knead bread dough or make nut butter regularly, aim for at least 600W. For lighter tasks like chopping vegetables and making dips, 300W to 450W is sufficient.

Pay attention to whether the wattage rating is peak or sustained. Some brands advertise peak wattage, which is the maximum power the motor can briefly produce. Sustained wattage gives you a better picture of everyday performance.

Bowl Capacity

Capacity is about matching the machine to your household size. A 3-cup mini chopper works for single servings, garnishes, and quick dips. A 7 to 9-cup processor covers most daily cooking for 2 to 4 people. An 11 to 16-cup machine is built for batch cooking, large families, and entertaining. Going too small means multiple batches. Going too large means ingredients spread too thin across the blade, which leads to uneven processing.

Also consider whether you cook in large batches or prefer to prep for one meal at a time. Meal preppers and batch cooks should lean toward 10 cups or more.

Blade Types and Attachments

At a minimum, look for an S-shaped multi-purpose blade for chopping and a reversible slicing and shredding disc. Beyond that, the attachments that matter depend on your cooking style. A dough blade is essential if you make bread or pizza. An adjustable slicing disc, like the 24-setting system on the Breville, is worth having if you care about precise cut thickness. A mini bowl and blade, also included with the Breville, handles small jobs without dirtying the large bowl.

Feed Tube Size

The width of the feed tube determines how much pre-cutting you need to do before processing. A wide feed tube that fits a whole potato or block of cheese saves real time. The Breville Sous Chef has a 5.5-inch feed chute that handles whole ingredients easily. Narrower tubes require you to quarter potatoes and halve onions before processing, which adds an extra step.

Ease of Cleaning

Food processors have multiple parts, and cleaning them can be tedious. Look for dishwasher-safe components, which most modern models offer. Pay attention to crevices around the blade housing and gasket areas, as these tend to trap food. The Hamilton Beach bowl scraper is a clever solution that reduces how often you need to stop and scrape, which means less mess overall.

Blade storage is also worth considering. The KitchenAid 7-Cup stores blades inside the bowl, and the Breville Sous Chef comes with a dedicated storage container. These solutions keep your attachments organized and your drawers clutter-free.

Noise Levels

If you cook in an open-concept space or early in the morning, noise matters. In my testing, the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 was the quietest full-size processor, producing a low hum rather than a high-pitched whine. The KitchenAid 7-Cup also ran noticeably quieter than the Ninja models. Higher-wattage machines tend to be louder, which is a trade-off for power.

Counter Space and Storage

Measure your available counter and cabinet space before buying. The Breville Sous Chef 16 weighs over 30 pounds and is designed to live on your counter permanently. The KitchenAid 7-Cup and Hamilton Beach 10-Cup are light enough to store in a cabinet and pull out when needed. Mini choppers like the Cuisinart Mini-Prep and KitchenAid 3.5-Cup take up about as much space as a coffee mug.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Processors

Final Thoughts on the Best Food Processors

Finding the best food processors comes down to matching the machine to how you actually cook. The Breville Sous Chef 16 is our top pick for serious cooks who want a machine that will last decades and handle anything you throw at it. The Ninja BL770 Kitchen System offers unbeatable value as an all-in-one appliance, while the Ninja BN601 delivers powerful standalone processing at a fair price.

For budget shoppers, the Hamilton Beach 10-Cup with its clever bowl scraper punches well above its weight. And if counter space is tight, the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus and KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Chopper both handle small prep tasks with impressive efficiency.

Whatever you choose, a good food processor will save you time on the tasks that matter most, from chopping and slicing to kneading and pureeing. Our team tested each of these machines in real kitchens, and every model on this list earned its place. Pick the one that fits your cooking style, your space, and your needs, and start spending less time prepping and more time enjoying your meals.