Best Food Processors

A food processor is the kitchen tool that makes you faster at everything — chopping onions in seconds instead of minutes, shredding a block of cheese in one pass, kneading a full batch of bread dough without breaking a sweat. The difference between a great food processor and a frustrating one isn’t just power — it’s feed chute width, slicing disc adjustability, blade storage, and how well the machine handles the specific tasks you actually cook. This roundup covers the 10 best food processors of 2026 from mini single-task choppers to professional-grade machines with 24 slicing settings, ranked across every price point and use case.

---

1. Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro Food Processor

The Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro is the most capable home food processor available, and every serious review of the category puts it at or near the top. The 1200W motor handles everything from paper-thin vegetable slices to dense bread dough without slowing, and 24 slicing thickness settings let you dial in exactly the cut you want. Three feed chute sizes — wide, mid, and mini — mean you rarely need to pre-cut produce before feeding it in. A 2.5-cup mini processing bowl handles small quantities without the mess of running a large batch for a tablespoon of minced garlic. The organized storage caddy keeps every blade and disc clearly labeled so you always know what you’re reaching for.

Key Features:

• 1200W motor handles the toughest jobs — dough, hard cheese, dense root vegetables
• 24 slicing thickness settings from paper thin to extra thick
• 3 feed chute sizes: wide, mid, and mini — minimal pre-cutting needed
• Includes 2.5-cup mini processing bowl for small-quantity tasks
• Micro-serrated S-blade for swift, consistent chopping and mixing
• Labeled storage caddy houses all attachments organized and protected
• 2-year full warranty — one of the longest in the premium segment

---

2. Breville Sous Chef 12 Plus Food Processor

The Breville Sous Chef 12 Plus brings the core Sous Chef experience to a smaller 12-cup footprint that works better in kitchens where counter space is at a premium. A high-torque induction motor handles the same range of tasks as the full-size 16 Pro — slicing, shredding, chopping, and dough — and the color-coded accessories make identifying and storing each blade straightforward. Three feed chute options (5-inch large, 2¾-inch mid, and 1½-inch mini) accommodate different ingredient sizes without pre-cutting. For households that cook seriously without needing to feed a crowd at every meal, the 12 Plus is the right scale.

Key Features:

• 12-cup capacity — right-sized for households of 2–4 people
• High-torque induction motor for powerful, consistent processing
• 3 feed chute sizes: 5-inch, 2¾-inch, and 1½-inch for all ingredient types
• Color-coded accessories for easy identification and storage
• Micro-serrated S-blade delivers consistent chopping and mixing
• Mini bowl included for small-quantity tasks
• Compact footprint compared to the full-size Sous Chef 16

---

3. KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor KFP1318

The KitchenAid KFP1318 is a consistent surprise in independent testing — reviewers repeatedly expect the Cuisinart to outperform it, and the KitchenAid wins. At 500W it’s not the most powerful machine on this list, but it’s the lightest full-size food processor available at 8.3 pounds, and its chopping and shredding scores in Consumer Reports testing rank among the top machines tested regardless of price. The ExactSlice system gives you adjustable slice thickness from a lever on the outside of the machine — no need to switch discs. Available in the full range of KitchenAid’s iconic colorways to match your stand mixer.

Key Features:

• Consistently outperforms expectations in independent lab testing for chopping and shredding
• ExactSlice lever adjusts slice thickness externally — no disc swapping
• 13-cup capacity at just 8.3 lbs — the lightest full-size food processor on this list
• Available in all KitchenAid iconic colorways — matches your stand mixer
• Includes adjustable slicing disc, reversible shredding disc, and dough blade
• Storage caddy keeps all accessories organized
• Fits comfortably in kitchens where heavier machines are impractical

---

4. Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor (DFP-14BCNY)

The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY is the food processor that introduced America to food processors in the 1970s, and it remains one of the most purchased kitchen appliances on Amazon decades later. The 720W motor, 14-cup capacity, and extra-large feed tube handle every standard food prep task — chopping, slicing, shredding, puréeing, and kneading dough — with total reliability. Consumer Reports rates it a top performer for shredding and one of the quietest models tested. At this price point for a 14-cup machine from the brand that defined the category, the Cuisinart Custom 14 is the default recommendation for anyone who wants a proven workhorse without paying a premium.

Key Features:

• 720W motor handles all standard prep tasks with total reliability
• 14-cup capacity — the largest in this roundup for the price
• Extra-large feed tube accommodates whole fruits and vegetables
• Top-rated for shredding by Consumer Reports — one of the quietest models tested
• Includes stainless steel slicing disc, shredding disc, and chopping blade
• All parts except the base are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
• 3-year parts warranty plus 5-year motor warranty

---

5. Breville Sous Chef 9 Cup Food Processor

The Breville Sous Chef 9 is the compact version of the best food processor line in the category, specifically designed for households that cook seriously but rarely for large groups. The 9-cup bowl handles most cooking tasks for 2–4 people comfortably, and the wide feed chute means less pre-cutting despite the smaller machine. Color-coded accessories and an onboard storage caddy bring the same organization system from the larger Sous Chef models to a footprint that stores in a cabinet without dominating the counter. For buyers who want genuine Breville performance in a smaller machine, this is the right choice.

Key Features:

• 9-cup capacity sized for 2–4 people — full Breville quality in a smaller footprint
• High-torque motor handles slicing, shredding, chopping, and dough
• Wide feed chute accommodates whole ingredients without pre-cutting
• Color-coded accessories for quick identification and easy storage
• Onboard storage caddy keeps all blades and discs organized
• Micro-serrated S-blade for consistent chopping, mixing, and processing
• Compact design stores in a cabinet without counter space penalty

---

6. Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor — Black Stainless (DFP-14BKSY)

The Cuisinart DFP-14BKSY is the Black Stainless edition of the best-selling Custom 14 — the same proven 720W motor, 14-cup capacity, and extra-large feed tube in a dark premium finish that pairs beautifully with modern black appliance kitchens. Every spec is identical to the brushed stainless version above: Consumer Reports top-rated for shredding, one of the quietest models tested, dishwasher-safe parts, and the same 3-year parts and 5-year motor warranty. If your kitchen runs black stainless on the refrigerator, range, or dishwasher, this is the version that completes the look without paying the Breville price.

Key Features:

• Black Stainless finish — matches modern black appliance kitchen aesthetics
• Same 720W motor and 14-cup capacity as the classic brushed stainless version
• Extra-large feed tube accommodates whole fruits and vegetables
• Consumer Reports top-rated for shredding — one of the quietest models tested
• Includes slicing disc, shredding disc, and chopping blade
• All parts except the base dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
• 3-year parts warranty plus 5-year motor warranty

---

7. Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor BN601 (Certified Renewed)

The Ninja BN601 is Amazon’s Choice in the food processor category and the best-performing machine under $100. At 1000 peak watts with a 9-cup bowl, it handles chopping, slicing, shredding, puréeing, and dough across four Auto-iQ functions that run automatically timed programs rather than requiring you to hold a button. This listing is Certified Renewed — professionally inspected, tested, and restored to full working condition with an Amazon Renewed guarantee. For households that process food occasionally rather than daily, or for anyone who wants the BN601’s proven performance at a lower price, this is the smart pick.

Key Features:

• 1000 peak watts — the most powerful sub-$100 food processor on this list
• Amazon’s Choice in the food processor category
• 4 Auto-iQ functions run automatic timed programs — no holding required
• 9-cup capacity handles family-sized prep tasks
• 3 blades and 2 discs included: chopping, dough, and slicing/shredding
• Certified Renewed — professionally inspected and tested with Amazon guarantee
• Dishwasher-safe bowl, blades, and lid for fast cleanup

---

8. Ninja NF700 Professional XL Food Processor (Certified Renewed)

The Ninja NF700 Professional XL is the upgrade from the BN601 for households that process larger batches — the 12-cup bowl and 1000 peak watt motor step up capacity while staying well under the price of a mid-range Breville or Cuisinart. This Certified Renewed listing means the unit has been professionally inspected and tested to full working condition with an Amazon Renewed guarantee — the same machine performance at a lower price. Four processing functions cover chopping, slicing, shredding, and dough. The 12-cup bowl is particularly useful for batch cooking, holiday prep, or anyone who makes large quantities in a single session.

Key Features:

• 12-cup capacity — significantly more volume than the 9-cup BN601
• 4 functions: chopping, slicing/shredding, pureeing, and dough
• Includes 2 blades and 2 discs for comprehensive prep coverage
• Large feed chute handles whole fruits and vegetables
• Certified Renewed — inspected and tested with Amazon Renewed guarantee
• Dishwasher-safe bowl, blade, and disc for easy cleanup
• Best combination of 12-cup capacity and price in the budget segment

---

9. Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap 12-Cup Food Processor (70725A)

The Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap is the easiest food processor to assemble and use on this list — there’s no twisting or locking, you just stack the bowl on the base and snap the lid in place. The 2-speed 450W motor handles chopping and shredding for everyday meals, and the 12-cup bowl is surprisingly large for a machine at this price. A built-in bowl scraper inside the lid helps you get every last bit of processed food out of the bowl without stopping to use a spatula. For occasional food processing tasks or as a beginner’s first machine, the Stack & Snap delivers consistent results without complexity.

Key Features:

• No-twist bowl assembly — stack on base and snap lid in place
• Built-in bowl scraper in the lid — no separate spatula needed
• 2-speed 450W motor handles everyday chopping and shredding tasks
• 12-cup bowl — unusually large capacity for the price
• Dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup
• Compact footprint fits in smaller kitchens without counter space penalty
• Best entry-level food processor for occasional-use households

---

10. Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor (DLC-2A)

The Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus is the answer when you need a food processor for small tasks — mincing garlic, chopping herbs, grinding nuts, or making a small batch of salsa — without pulling out a 14-cup machine that takes up the entire counter. The 24-ounce bowl handles 2–3-cup quantities, and the reversible blade offers both a sharp edge for chopping and a blunt edge for mixing. At under $40 it’s the most accessible machine on this list, and its 15,000+ Amazon reviews with a consistent 4.5-star rating confirm it delivers. For small kitchens, minimalist cooks, or anyone who already owns a full-size processor and wants a quick-access mini for daily tasks, this is the machine.

Key Features:

• 24-oz bowl handles garlic, herbs, nuts, and small-batch salsas in seconds
• Reversible blade: sharp side for chopping, blunt side for mixing
• One-touch operation with on/pulse control — no settings to adjust
• Under $40 — the most affordable machine on this list
• 15,000+ Amazon reviews at 4.5 stars — proven at massive scale
• Compact enough to leave on the counter permanently
• Dishwasher-safe bowl, lid, and blade for instant cleanup

---

Food Processor Buying Guide 2026

Capacity: What Size Do You Actually Need?

• 2–4 cups (mini): Daily small tasks — garlic, herbs, nuts, small salsas. Best as a complement to a full-size machine.
• 7–9 cups: Households of 1–3 people. Handles standard prep without taking over the counter.
• 11–12 cups: The sweet spot for most households of 3–5 people — covers nearly every prep task in one batch.
• 14–16 cups: Large families, batch cooking, holiday entertaining, and weekly meal prep at scale.

Motor Power Explained

Motor wattage matters more for food processors than almost any other kitchen appliance because the blade and bowl work against solid resistance rather than liquid. At 450–500W (Hamilton Beach, entry-level KitchenAid), the machine handles light chopping and shredding without straining. At 650–720W (Cuisinart Custom 14), you can process raw vegetables, dense cheeses, and standard bread dough reliably. At 1000–1200W (Ninja, Breville Sous Chef), the motor handles stiff doughs, hard root vegetables, and extended continuous processing without throttling.

Budget Breakdown

• Under $50: Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus — best for small daily tasks only
• $50–$100: Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap, Ninja BN601 — occasional use, standard chopping and shredding
• $100–$200: Ninja NF700 — mid-range performance for regular cooking at scale
• $200–$300: Cuisinart Custom 14, KitchenAid KFP1318 — the best value for serious regular use
• $300–$500: Breville Sous Chef 9, Breville Sous Chef 12 Plus, Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro — where professional-grade performance begins

Features Worth Paying For

• Adjustable slicing disc: Changes slice thickness without swapping discs — the Breville’s 24-setting version is the most precise available
• Wide feed chute: Accommodates whole produce without pre-cutting — saves significant prep time with continuous slicing tasks
• Mini bowl insert: Processes small quantities without loading the full bowl — the Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro and 12 Plus both include a 2.5-cup mini bowl
• Storage caddy: Keeps all blades and discs labeled, organized, and protected — missing blades are the most common frustration with food processor ownership

---

Final Thoughts

For anyone who cooks seriously and uses a food processor regularly, the Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro is the machine to buy once and never replace — the 24 slicing settings, three feed chutes, and 1200W motor cover every task imaginable. For households that want serious performance without the Breville price, the KitchenAid KFP1318 consistently surprises testers by outperforming machines that cost more, and the Cuisinart Custom 14 remains the most proven value in the category across decades of use.

For occasional use or a first food processor, the Ninja BN601 at under $100 covers all the standard tasks an everyday home cook actually needs. And the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus deserves a place in almost every kitchen alongside a full-size machine — for daily small tasks like garlic and herbs, having a machine you can pull out and clean in 30 seconds changes how often you actually use it.