While all of the food processors I've tested can basically get the job done when it comes to chopping, pureeing, chopping, and slicing, they come in a variety of bowl sizes and volumes with a range of additional features and prices. If size or price are limiting factors for you, the decision will become very easy as you can quickly narrow down the field to smaller and cheaper models. If price isn't a big deal, and you have unlimited cabinet storage space, a good place to start might be to think about what kind of use you envision yourself having for a food processor on a regular basis.
The KitchenAid 8-Cup Food Chopper is the perfect food processor for those with limited counter and storage space.
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 kilograms, while heavier models can be 15 kilograms and more. Lighter models tend to have suction feet on the base to prevent movement while the food processor is running.
The Hamilton Beach 7073 can be purchased for $40 and is our pick for the best budget food processor.
Functions of the food processor
Food processors are primarily used for chopping or dicing and pureeing, with a rotating S-shaped blade doing the work. Shredding and slicing are other typical uses, but different food processors may include double-sided discs for these functions, or separate discs for each, and may include a separate retaining pin that holds these discs in place, where it is removed the main S-blade . Short doughs, such as pie crusts, can be made in a food processor, but doughs are also possible, with several models here offering special plastic S-blades for this purpose.
Speeds
Most recipes that involve 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 a low, high and pulse option. There are some food processors with only one speed, but that is extremely limiting, so look for a food processor with at least some speed range.
Attachments
While your food processor is primarily two spinning blades, many other attachments can expand your processor's capabilities. Some come with multiple accessories such as grating, chopping and slicing discs, dough knives for kneading bread dough and attachments for whipping cream, chopping nuts, juicing fruit or chopping vegetables. If you know what tasks you'll be doing the most, make sure your processor includes the blades and accessories you'll need, such as the right mixing blade, chopping blade, slicing blade, or citrus juicer. Some models of food processors, such as the Magimix, come with many of these accessories, while others must be purchased separately. Depending on your food processing needs, this may be something to consider. Remember, accessories don't have to be difficult to clean and you should definitely check if they are dishwasher safe.