The Kitchen Bench
Food Processors Buying Guide 2027
How to choose food processors: the decisions that actually matter, the mistakes buyers make, and the checks that prevent a wrong purchase.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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The decisions that matter
A food processor chops, slices, shreds, kneads and purees — the prep machine for cooks who make dough, shred vegetables or process large quantities. Bowl size and blade set decide whether it earns its counter or cupboard space.
Bowl capacity
A bowl that is too small for your dough or batch forces double work. A bowl that is too large processes small amounts poorly.
Blade and disc set
Slicing and shredding discs, a dough blade and a chopping blade cover most cooking. Extra discs you never fit are clutter.
Motor strength
Dough and dense mixtures strain weak motors. If you knead regularly, motor strength matters more than speed settings.
Feeding and safety
A wide feed tube handles whole vegetables; a good safety lock stops the machine the moment the lid lifts.
Reveal the winner
Every guide hides its No. 1 pick until you tap — then the full comparison follows.
The suspense ends hereReveal the No. 1 pick →Tap to uncover the winner — then compare the rest below.
Food Processors
Breville Sous Chef 16 BFP800XL
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Products to buy
Reviewed food processors you can buy from this guide — each card links to its full review and to the retailer price check. Verify the variant, size and capacity for your exact model before ordering.
Food Processors
Cuisinart Custom 14 DFP 14N
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Food Processors
KitchenAid 13 Cup KFP1318
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Food Processors
Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice BFP820
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Food Processors
Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup FP-13DSV
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Food Processors
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus DLC-2A
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Food Processors
Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper 10-Cup 70730
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Inside the food processor
Illustrative exploded view — parts shown separated so you can see how it fits together. Not a photo of this exact product.
Guides for your situation
Buying for a specific situation? Each guide below is written for that use — same checks, tuned priorities, same products.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
Still deciding? Reveal the No. 1 pick.
The ranked roundup hides its winner until you tap — then shows the full ranking, the checks, and what to verify before buying.
Best Food Processors →Browse all reviews
Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements — every pick links to its full review.
The winner is insideWhat to verify before buying
Before you buy any food processor
- ✓ Bowl capacity against your usual batch
- ✓ Included blades and discs
- ✓ Motor strength for dough if you knead
- ✓ Feed tube width and safety lock design
Prices and availability change; check the retailer page before buying. Specifications on a retailer listing can differ from the manufacturer sheet — where they conflict, the manufacturer sheet wins, and this site flags the conflict rather than publishing one figure as fact.
Frequently asked questions
Can a food processor knead dough?
Yes, with a dough blade and a motor strong enough for the batch size. It is faster than hand kneading but less gentle.
Is it better than a blender for chopping?
Yes — pulses give control, and the wide bowl handles dry ingredients a blender cannot.
How do I clean it?
Most bowls, lids and blades are dishwasher-safe; the base wipes clean. Dry blades promptly to protect the edge.