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Food Processors

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Food Processors

Chop, slice, shred, and puree in seconds. Food processors handle time-consuming prep work so you can focus on cooking.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
14-Cup Food Processor

Cuisinart

14-Cup Food Processor

4.7 (23,456 reviews)

The gold standard in food processors. Cuisinart practically invented the category, and the 14-cup model handles everything from pie dough to salsa.

Capacity

14 cup

Motor

720W

Blades

5 included

Speeds

2 + pulse

Pros

  • โœ“ 720-watt motor
  • โœ“ Large 14-cup capacity
  • โœ“ Includes multiple blades

Cons

  • โœ— Large footprint
  • โœ— Hand wash recommended
  • โœ— No small bowl included

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
14-Cup Food Processor
14-Cup Food Processor Best
Cuisinart
4.7
$199 View
Sous Chef 12 Cup Pro
Sous Chef 12 Cup Pro
Breville
4.8
$399 View
Professional Plus Kitchen System
Professional Plus Kitchen System Value
Ninja
4.6
$149 View
Elemental 8-Cup
Elemental 8-Cup
Cuisinart
4.6
$99 View
Stack & Snap 12-Cup
Stack & Snap 12-Cup
Hamilton Beach
4.3
$59 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
14-Cup Food Processor

Cuisinart

14-Cup Food Processor

4.7 (23,456 reviews)

The gold standard in food processors. Cuisinart practically invented the category, and the 14-cup model handles everything from pie dough to salsa.

Capacity

14 cup

Motor

720W

Blades

5 included

Speeds

2 + pulse

Pros

  • โœ“ 720-watt motor
  • โœ“ Large 14-cup capacity
  • โœ“ Includes multiple blades

Cons

  • โœ— Large footprint
  • โœ— Hand wash recommended
  • โœ— No small bowl included
Premium Pick
Sous Chef 12 Cup Pro

Breville

Sous Chef 12 Cup Pro

4.8 (4,567 reviews)

For serious home cooks and semi-professionals. The Breville Sous Chef has the power and precision for any kitchen task.

Capacity

12 cup

Motor

1000W

Discs

5 included

Features

LCD timer, auto-pulse

Pros

  • โœ“ Heavy-duty induction motor
  • โœ“ 5 multi-function discs
  • โœ“ LCD timer

Cons

  • โœ— Expensive
  • โœ— Heavy
  • โœ— Complex for simple tasks
Best Value
Professional Plus Kitchen System

Ninja

Professional Plus Kitchen System

4.6 (18,765 reviews)

Best value for those who need both a blender and food processor. The powerful motor handles everything from smoothies to dough.

Capacity

8 cup processor

Motor

1400W

Includes

Blender + processor

Programs

Auto-iQ

Pros

  • โœ“ Food processor + blender combo
  • โœ“ 1400-watt motor
  • โœ“ Auto-iQ programs

Cons

  • โœ— Jack of all trades
  • โœ— Large footprint
  • โœ— Noisy
Elemental 8-Cup

Cuisinart

Elemental 8-Cup

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

Right-sized for most kitchens. The Elemental 8-Cup handles everyday tasks without taking over your counter.

Capacity

8 cup

Motor

350W

Blades

3 included

Speeds

2 + pulse

Pros

  • โœ“ Compact size
  • โœ“ Simple controls
  • โœ“ Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • โœ— Less powerful motor
  • โœ— Smaller capacity
  • โœ— Fewer accessories
Budget Pick
Stack & Snap 12-Cup

Hamilton Beach

Stack & Snap 12-Cup

4.3 (15,678 reviews)

Proves you don't need to spend $200 for a capable food processor. The Stack & Snap design makes assembly foolproof.

Capacity

12 cup

Motor

450W

Assembly

Stack & Snap

Feed Tube

Big Mouth

Pros

  • โœ“ Very affordable
  • โœ“ Simple stack & snap assembly
  • โœ“ Large capacity

Cons

  • โœ— Loud motor
  • โœ— Plastic components
  • โœ— Basic functions

Buying Guide: How to Choose Food Processors


How to Choose a Food Processor

What Can a Food Processor Do?

Chopping & Mincing: Onions, garlic, herbs, nuts
Slicing & Shredding: Vegetables, cheese, potatoes
Pureeing: Hummus, pesto, baby food
Mixing Dough: Pie crusts, pizza dough, cookies
Emulsifying: Mayo, dressings, aioli

### Size Guide

Mini (3-4 cups): Sauces, small batches, single servings
Compact (7-8 cups): Most common tasks, 2-3 person households
Full Size (11-14 cups): Batch cooking, large families, bread dough

### Key Features

Motor Power
  • 350-450W: Light tasks, occasional use
    - 500-720W: All-around performance
    - 1000W+: Professional-grade, continuous use
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Food Processors

    Food processor or blenderโ€”which do I need?

    For most kitchens, a food processor is more versatile. It handles chopping, slicing, shredding, and doughโ€”tasks a blender can't do. If smoothies are your priority, get a blender first.

    Why won't my food processor start?

    Food processors have safety interlocks. Check that the bowl is seated properly, the lid is locked, and the pusher is in place. Most won't start unless everything is assembled correctly.

    How do I get even chopping?

    Use the pulse button for control. Add items in batches of similar size. Don't overloadโ€”food needs room to move. Stop and scrape down sides periodically.

    Can I make dough in a food processor?

    Yes! Food processors make excellent pie crust, pizza dough, and some cookie doughs. The key is using short pulses and not overworking. It's faster than a stand mixer for most doughs.

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