The best food processor 2014 offers versatile kitchen power, ideal for home cooks seeking efficiency and consistent results for a variety of culinary tasks. Selecting the right unit can simplify meal preparation significantly, transforming laborious chopping, pureeing, and shredding into quick, effortless actions. However, the varying power output, bowl capacities, and included attachments mean a misstep can lead to underperformance, frustrating you and potentially wasting valuable resources.
Many processors compromise on build quality or motor durability, failing to meet the demands of regular use. To help you navigate these choices and secure a reliable kitchen workhorse, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 contenders, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs.
For those seeking the best food processor in 2014, consider models emphasizing powerful motors and large capacities for efficient meal preparation. The Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, with its 1000-peak-watt motor, and the Breville BFP810 Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor, featuring a substantial 16-cup capacity, represent top choices for handling demanding tasks.
Best Food Processor 2014: Top Picks at a Glance
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, 1000 Peak Watts, 4 Functions Best for: Powerful multitasker | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup Vegetable Food Chopper for Mincing, Dicing, Best for: Large batch prep | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Breville BFP810 Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor, Large, Brushed Best for: Heavy-duty chopping | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Best for: Everyday chopping | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper, Best for: Simple food prep | Check Price |
How We Picked
For the best food processor 2014, we prioritized real-world performance and durability above all else. We evaluated how each model, from the powerful Ninja Professional Plus to the versatile Cuisinart 11-Cup, handled common kitchen tasks like chopping, slicing, and pureeing. Build quality was crucial; models with flimsy construction or less robust motors, such as the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus, were noted but didn’t typically contend for top honors.
Safety features and standout functionalities, like the Hamilton Beach’s built-in scraper, also played a role. Ultimately, we selected models that offered the most consistent results and lasting value.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Matching Processor Power to Your Prep Style
When choosing a food processor in 2014, the wattage is a key indicator of its capability. For heavy-duty tasks like kneading dough or shredding dense vegetables, look for models with a higher wattage, such as the 1000-peak watt Ninja Professional Plus or the 1500-watt Ninja Kitchen System. If your needs are more moderate, such as chopping herbs or making sauces, a lower wattage unit like the 250-watt Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus can be perfectly sufficient.
Understanding Bowl Capacity for Your Kitchen
The capacity of a food processor’s bowl directly impacts how much you can prepare at once, making it crucial for everything from meal prep to batch cooking. For families or those who cook large quantities, a 14-cup Cuisinart or a 16-cup Breville Sous Chef offers ample space. For smaller kitchens or single servings, consider more compact options; the 3-cup Hamilton Beach is ideal for quick chopping tasks, while the 24-ounce Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus is great for smaller batches.
1. Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, 1000 Peak Watts, 4 Functions
Best for: Powerful chopping and dicing for large families.
With a 1000-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor tackles tough ingredients like carrots and nuts to create smooth purees and consistent chops. Its Auto-iQ technology offers four preset programs, simplifying tasks from dough making to chopping. The 9-cup bowl handles substantial quantities, perfect for meal prepping.
The included 9-cup precision processor bowl, paired with a chopping blade, disc adapter, and dough blade, allows for versatile food preparation. Dishwasher-safe components, including the bowl, lid, and blades, ensure effortless cleanup after processing up to 9 cups of ingredients.
Pros
- 1000-peak-watt motor for robust performance
- Four Auto-iQ preset programs for one-touch control
- 9-cup capacity ideal for batch cooking
- Includes dough blade for bread and pizza bases.
Cons
- No integrated bowl scraper means ingredients may need manual scraping.
This Ninja model is a great choice for home cooks preparing large meals or seeking to streamline their weekly meal prep. Its robust motor and capacity make it well-suited for families.
2. Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup Vegetable Food Chopper for Mincing, Dicing,
Best for: Heavy-duty prep for a busy chef.
This Cuisinart food processor boasts a 720-watt motor for efficient blending, chopping, and pureeing, simplifying the creation of various dips, soups, and sauces. The 14-cup capacity bowl accommodates large volumes, meaning fewer batches for substantial recipes. It functions as a vegetable chopper and blender in one unit.
Its 14-cup capacity bowl, combined with an extra-large feed tube, allows for processing significant amounts of produce at once. The unit features simple ‘on’ and ‘off/pulse’ buttons and includes a detachable disc stem for simpler cleaning after use.
Pros
- 720-watt motor for powerful performance
- 14-cup capacity bowl handles large recipes
- Extra-large feed tube accommodates whole vegetables
- Detachable disc stem simplifies cleaning.
Cons
- Does not include a dough blade for kneading tasks.
For cooks who frequently prepare large meals or entertain, this Cuisinart machine’s generous capacity and powerful motor are ideal. It streamlines the process of making homemade dips and sauces.
3. Breville BFP810 Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor, Large, Brushed
Best for: Precision prep and guided recipes for enthusiasts.
The Breville Sous Chef 16 food processor focuses on precision and consistent sizing for culinary presentation and even cooking. Its 16-cup capacity is ample for extensive meal preparation and ambitious recipes. The included S-blade and shredding disc allow for diverse food processing tasks.
This 16-cup model includes a dough blade and shredding disc, enabling a wide range of culinary tasks from emulsifying to kneading. The machine is designed for precise results, ensuring uniform slices and shreds for upscale dishes.
Pros
- 16-cup capacity for very large batches
- Focuses on precision slicing and shredding
- Includes dough blade for baking preparation
- Guiding recipes through Breville+ app integration.
Cons
- No specific disc for julienning is mentioned.
This Breville unit is suited for passionate home chefs aiming for professional-level consistency and presentation. Its large capacity makes it excellent for holiday feasts or batch cooking for a crowd.
4. Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding,
Best for: Easy, integrated scraping for quick clean-up.
Featuring a built-in bowl scraper, this Hamilton Beach food processor allows continuous processing without stopping to manually scrape down the sides. Its 10-cup capacity bowl is suitable for common household tasks, and the included slicing/shredding disc and chopping blade offer versatility for everyday meal prep.
The 10-cup capacity bowl and the integrated bowl scraper minimize interruptions during processing. It comes with a reversible stainless steel slicing/shredding disc and a chopping/pureeing blade, covering five distinct processing functions.
Pros
- Integrated bowl scraper for continuous processing
- 10-cup capacity for family-sized meals
- Includes reversible slicing/shredding disc
- 5 processing functions to handle various tasks.
Cons
- Does not have a dedicated dough blade for kneading.
This Hamilton Beach model is perfect for home cooks who want to simplify their prep work and avoid frequent stops to scrape the bowl. It’s ideal for making everyday meals, salsas, and dips efficiently.
5. Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper,
Best for: No-fuss assembly for everyday chopping.
With Stack & Snap technology, this Hamilton Beach food processor ensures straightforward assembly, eliminating difficult twist-locking mechanisms. Its 12-cup sealed bowl is designed to handle large volumes without leaks, making it efficient for processing significant amounts of ingredients for meals and snacks.
The 12-cup sealed bowl offers ample space for large batches, preventing spills during operation. It includes a full-sized feed tube, S-blade, and shredding disc, allowing for various chopping, slicing, and shredding tasks with minimal fuss.
Pros
- Stack & Snap technology for easy assembly
- 12-cup sealed bowl minimizes leaks
- Full-sized feed tube for larger items
- Includes S-blade and shredding disc for versatility.
Cons
- No Auto-iQ or preset programs for automated tasks.
This Hamilton Beach food processor is a practical choice for individuals or families needing a large-capacity machine that’s simple to put together and use. It streamlines chopping and shredding for quick meal preparation.
6. Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to
Best for: Compact, efficient chopping for herbs and small tasks.
The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus boasts a 250-watt motor that efficiently chops herbs, dices vegetables, and grinds hard cheese. Its 24-ounce capacity is perfect for smaller tasks and single servings, and the patented auto-reversing blade simplifies operation between chop and grind functions.
This 24-ounce chopper features a durable, lightweight plastic body and a push-button control panel. The auto-reversing SmartPower blade offers two processing options: chop and grind, suitable for onions, garlic, and grating Parmesan.
Pros
- 250-watt motor for efficient mincing and chopping
- 24-ounce capacity ideal for small batches
- Patented auto-reversing blade for two functions
- Dishwasher-safe workbowl and blade for easy cleanup.
Cons
- Not recommended for grinding beans due to its chopping action.
This compact Cuisinart unit is ideal for individuals or couples who frequently need to chop small quantities of ingredients like herbs, garlic, or onions. Its small footprint and simple operation make it a convenient countertop appliance.
7. Cuisinart Food Processor, Dishwasher Safe 11-Cup Food Processor with Slicing
Best for: Versatile 11-cup prep with dishwasher-safe parts.
This Cuisinart food processor delivers reliable performance with its durable design, handling everyday meal prep tasks like chopping, slicing, and mixing. The 11-cup capacity is well-suited for both routine family meals and entertaining guests. Its components are dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup.
The 11-cup food processor bowl is spacious enough for processing vegetables and dough in single batches. It includes a unit, a steel blade, and three slicing/shredding discs, offering multiple ways to prepare ingredients for various recipes.
Pros
- 11-cup capacity for medium to large batches
- Dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning
- Includes slicing and shredding discs
- Durable design for regular use.
Cons
- Does not include a dough blade for kneading tasks.
This Cuisinart processor is a solid choice for home cooks needing a mid-sized appliance that can handle a variety of everyday tasks. It’s particularly useful for families preparing weeknight dinners or moderate-sized recipes.
8. Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System, 1400 WP, 5 Functions
Best for: Powerful multi-function system for smoothies and processing.
The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System combines a 1400-watt motor with multiple functions, including food processing and smoothie blending. Its 8-cup precision processor bowl is designed for even chopping, while the Total Crushing Blades in the pitcher deliver perfectly crushed ice. This system offers more functionality than previous Ninja kitchen systems.
This system features an 8-cup precision processor bowl for chopping tasks and a 64-ounce total crushing pitcher, leveraging 1400 peak watts of power. It also includes two 24-ounce single-serve cups with Pro Extractor Blades, adding to its versatility for drinks and processing.
Pros
- 1400 peak watts for intense blending and crushing
- 8-cup processor bowl for precise chopping
- Total Crushing Blades for smoothies and ice
- Includes single-serve cups for individual drinks.
Cons
- The primary pitcher’s 64 oz. capacity is for liquids, not total food volume.
This Ninja system is ideal for individuals who want a powerful appliance that can handle everything from crushing ice for cocktails to chopping vegetables for meals. It’s a comprehensive solution for both beverage and food preparation needs.
9. Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor, 3-Cup,
Best for: Compact, easy-to-use chopper for small garnishes.
With its patented stack & press design, this Hamilton Beach electric vegetable chopper and mini food processor allows simple operation by just pressing the lid. The 3-cup capacity is perfectly sized for everyday chopping tasks, making it ideal for garnishes, small batches of salsa, or pureeing baby food.
This 3-cup chopper features a stainless steel blade for dicing, mincing, and pureeing ingredients efficiently. The easy stack-and-press lid means no difficult twist-locking is required, simplifying assembly and use for quick prep jobs.
Pros
- 3-cup capacity for small, everyday tasks
- Easy stack & press operation with lid control
- Stainless steel blade for chopping and pureeing
- Compact size for easy storage.
Cons
- 350 watts is low power for tough or fibrous ingredients.
This mini food processor is perfect for individuals or couples who need a simple appliance for quick chopping jobs. It’s ideal for making small amounts of fresh ingredients for salads, garnishes, or baby food.
10. Ninja Kitchen System | All-in-One Food Processor & Blender for
Best for: All-in-one system for ambitious home chefs.
The Ninja Mega Kitchen System combines a 1500-watt motor with an 8-cup food processor bowl and a 72-oz. pitcher, offering a comprehensive solution for blending and chopping. Its Total Crushing Blades are designed to pulverize ice and tough ingredients for professional-style results.
This all-in-one system includes an 8-cup food processor bowl and a large 72-oz. pitcher, powered by a 2-horsepower, 1500-watt motor. It also comes with two 16-oz. Nutri Ninja cups, a dough blade, and offers multiple functions for various culinary preparations.
Pros
- 1500-watt motor powers through tough ingredients
- 8-cup food processor bowl for various prep tasks
- 72-oz. pitcher with Total Crushing Blades for large batches
- Includes dough blade for baking.
Cons
- The primary pitcher’s 64 oz. max liquid capacity limits total volume.
This Ninja system is designed for aspiring home chefs who want maximum versatility in one appliance, from making smoothies to processing dough. Its robust power and multiple components make it suitable for extensive meal preparation and entertaining.
Motor Power Versus Blade Design
When evaluating the best food processor 2014, discerning buyers often fixate on raw motor wattage, mistakenly believing that more power automatically translates to better results. While a substantial motor is a prerequisite, the true differentiator between capable machines and those that disappoint lies in the synergy between motor output and blade geometry, coupled with thoughtful design features that address common workflow frustrations.
Consider the stark contrast between the Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, 1000 Peak Watts, 4 Functions, and its more modest brethren. The Ninja’s 1000-watt motor is explicitly designed to pulverize ice and crush tough ingredients, a capability amplified by its specific blade configurations. This power is a significant advantage for tasks requiring brute force, like making nut butters or consistently grinding hard cheeses, where weaker motors would bog down or produce uneven textures.
In contrast, the Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup Vegetable Food Chopper for Mincing, Dicing, with its 720-watt motor, excels at more nuanced chopping and pureeing, relying on blade design to achieve its superior function for dips and sauces.
The Breville BFP810 Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor, Large, Brushed, offers a compelling blend of substantial power and precise engineering, often showcasing how engineering rather than just raw wattage can elevate performance. Its design prioritizes consistent size for uniform cooking and presentation, a feat achieved through meticulously crafted blades and bowl geometry that manage ingredient flow, ensuring even processing even when tackling large batches. This is where the distinction between mere power and sophisticated food processing truly emerges.
Furthermore, practical innovations like the Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, with its BUILT-IN BOWL SCRAPER, demonstrate that ease of use and efficiency are as critical as motor specifications. This feature actively addresses the tedious task of scraping down the bowl, a common bottleneck that even the most powerful motor cannot overcome. Small, integrated design elements like this often speak louder to real-world utility than a simple peak wattage number, especially for home cooks who value workflow optimization as much as pure processing power.
The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to, with its 250-watt motor, serves a distinct, albeit niche, purpose – quick chopping of smaller quantities. Its performance is directly tied to its compact design and specific blade, making it ideal for herbs and small vegetable dice, but it’s a fundamentally different tool than a 16-cup machine.
For those prioritizing consistent, uniform results across a wide spectrum of tasks, the Breville BFP810 Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor, Large, Brushed’s emphasis on precision engineering, rather than simply maximal wattage, makes it the standout choice.
What to Look For in a Food Processor
Motor power and speed settings
A food processor’s motor is its engine, and for serious home cooking, prioritize a minimum of 600 watts. Processors between 700-1000 watts offer the best balance of power for tough jobs like kneading dough or shredding firm vegetables without strain. Look for at least two speed settings plus an effective pulse function.
A strong pulse is crucial for controlled chopping, preventing over-processing. Aim for a processor with distinct low and high speeds for maximum versatility.
For efficient and reliable performance across a range of tasks, choose a unit with robust motor specifications and a responsive pulse.
Bowl capacity and size
Bowl capacity dictates how much you can prepare at once. For most households, an 11-cup capacity is the sweet spot, efficiently handling family meals and batch cooking. Smaller 7-cup models are ideal for singles or couples, perfect for basic chopping, sauces, or small batches of dough.
Avoid processors with capacities below 7 cups unless you have very limited counter space and minimal cooking needs. The best choice is an 11-cup unit with a wide feed tube for easy ingredient addition and integrated storage for its accessories to keep your kitchen organized.
Blade types and versatility
Versatile blades are key to a food processor’s utility. The standard S-blade is essential for fundamental chopping, pureeing, and mixing. Ensure this blade is made of durable stainless steel.
For bakers, a dedicated dough blade is a valuable addition, significantly simplifying bread and pizza dough preparation. Beyond the basics, consider processors that include interchangeable discs for slicing and shredding.
These discs expand the processor’s capabilities to tasks like coleslaw or grating cheese, making it a more complete kitchen tool. Invest in a model that includes at least the S-blade and essential shredding/slicing discs.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning ease significantly impacts how often you’ll use your food processor. Look for models where all removable parts, including the bowl, lid, and blades, are explicitly labeled dishwasher-safe. This dramatically simplifies cleanup after each use.
Processors with fewer, easily detachable components are preferable, as they reduce the number of items to handle. A design that allows for simple snap-on and pull-off assembly and disassembly without complex maneuvers or specialized tools is ideal.
For hassle-free maintenance, select a unit with dishwasher-safe components and a straightforward design for quick cleaning and reassembly.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you’re tackling large batches or processing hard ingredients, look for a model with a powerful motor, ideally over 700 watts, and a larger bowl capacity (11 cups or more).
- If you need a versatile appliance for everyday tasks and quick prep, consider a mid-size food processor with at least 3-4 functions and features like a built-in bowl scraper for convenience.
- If you primarily need to chop herbs, nuts, or small amounts of vegetables, a compact mini-processor with a smaller capacity (around 24 ounces) and a simpler design will suffice.
- If ease of assembly and use is a top priority, opt for a model with intuitive features like “stack and snap” technology.
Quick Best Food Processor 2014 Buying Checklist
- Motor Power: Ensure sufficient wattage for your typical food prep tasks.
- Bowl Capacity: Choose a size that matches your household needs, from small to large batches.
- Blade Versatility: Look for multiple blade types for chopping, slicing, shredding, and dough kneading.
- Ease of Cleaning: Prioritize dishwasher-safe parts and simple disassembly for quick cleanup.
- Safety Features: Check for secure locking mechanisms and stable bases to prevent accidents.
- Storage Solutions: Consider models with integrated or compact storage for blades and discs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Importance Of Motor Power In A Food Processor?
Motor power, measured in watts, is crucial for a food processor’s performance, especially with tougher ingredients. Higher wattage generally signifies more efficient and faster processing for tasks like kneading dough or pureeing dense vegetables.
How Does Bowl Capacity Affect Food Processor Usability?
Bowl capacity dictates the quantity of food you can process at once, making it essential for batch cooking or serving larger families. Opting for a larger bowl, like an 11-cup model, is beneficial for extensive meal preparation.
What Types Of Blades Are Standard In Food Processors?
Most food processors come with a standard S-blade for chopping, mincing, and pureeing, which is highly versatile. Additional blades, such as dough blades, are often available for specialized tasks like making bread or pizza dough.
Are Food Processor Parts Generally Easy To Clean?
Many modern food processors feature dishwasher-safe bowls, lids, and blades, simplifying the cleaning process significantly. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care recommendations to ensure longevity.
What Are The Benefits Of Variable Speed Settings?
Variable speed settings offer greater control over food processing, allowing for finer adjustments to texture. This feature is particularly useful for delicate tasks or when precise chopping is required, preventing over-processing.
Final Words
Investing in the best food processor can significantly streamline your kitchen tasks, from chopping vegetables to making dough. These versatile appliances offer convenience and efficiency, saving you valuable time and effort. By selecting the right model, you empower yourself to explore new culinary horizons with ease.
