The best food processor of 2024

While all of the food processors I tested can basically get the job done when it comes to chopping, pureeing, grating, and slicing, they come in a variety of bowl sizes and volumes with a range of additional features and price points. If size or price are limiting factors for you, the decision will become very easy as you will be able to quickly narrow down the field to smaller and cheaper models. If price isn’t a big concern and you have unlimited cabinet space for storage, a good place to start might be by considering what kind of use you envision your food processor getting on a regular basis.

Food processor size and weight

There are no standard sizes for food processors, but they are usually categorized based on their bowl volume: small models in the 3 to 6 cup range, medium in the 7 to 10 cup range, and large in the 10 to 13 cup range. Light models weigh between 5 and 10 pounds, while heavier models can be 15 pounds and more. Lighter models usually have suction feet on the base to prevent movement while the food processor is running.

Functions of the food processor

Food processors are primarily used for chopping or dicing and pureeing, with an S-shaped rotating blade that does the job. Grating and slicing are other typical applications, but different food processors may include double-sided discs for these functions or separate discs for each, and may include a separate locking pin that holds these discs in place where the main S-blade is removed. Short doughs like pie crusts can be made in a food processor, but meaty doughs are also possible, and several of the models here offer separate plastic S-blades for this purpose.

Speeds

Most recipes involving food processors specify mixing or chopping on high or low speed, and for that reason you’ll want a processor with at least two speeds and a powerful motor. The most common configuration is low, high and pulsed. There are some food processors with only one speed, but this is extremely limiting, so look for a food processor with at least some range of speeds.

Attached files

While your food processor primarily has two rotating blades, many other attachments can expand the capabilities of your processor. Some come with multiple attachments such as grater, grater and slicer discs, dough blades for kneading bread dough and attachments for whipping cream, chopping nuts, juicing fruit or chopping vegetables. If you know what tasks you will be doing most often, be sure to check that your processor includes the blades and attachments you need, such as the right blending blade, chopping blade, slicing blade or citrus juicer. Some models of food processors, such as the Magimix, come with many of these attachments, while others must be purchased separately. Depending on your food processing needs, this may be something to consider. Remember that attachments don’t have to be difficult to clean and you should definitely check if they are dishwasher safe.