Best food processors for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCCY remains the best food processor for most households, offering a smart balance of capacity, power, and reliability at a reasonable price.
If you need more power and a larger capacity, the Breville Sous Chef is the premium choice; for tight budgets, the Hamilton Beach 70750 gets the job done; and for tiny kitchens, the KitchenAid mini processor is a space-saving gem.
A food processor can chop, slice, shred, purée, and knead in a fraction of the time it would take by hand, making it one of the most versatile tools in a modern kitchen. Whether you’re prepping soups, sauces, salsas, or doughs, a good one earns its counter space by turning tedious tasks into quick, consistent results. When shopping, focus on bowl capacity (most family-sized models hold 10 to 14 cups, but mini versions work well for singles or couples), motor power (higher wattage often means better performance on tough jobs like kneading bread dough), and ease of cleaning, dishwasher-safe parts are a huge timesaver. Also consider included blades and discs; a shredding disc and a dough blade add real value, while a storage case keeps everything organized.
Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5A time-tested workhorse that handles nearly everything a home cook throws at it. The wide feed tube and sturdy construction make it a joy to use, and it comes with two blades and two discs out of the box. It is not the quietest or the most powerful, but it is the most dependable all-rounder.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Breville BFP800 Sous Chef 16-Cup Food Processor
the powerhouse performer
4.8out of 5The Breville Sous Chef earns its premium badge with a powerful motor, a massive 16-cup bowl, and thoughtful details like a scraper attachment that minimises waste. It slices and dices with surgical precision, and the magnetic locking system makes assembly foolproof. The price is high, but for serious cooks, it is worth every cent.
Price range: $$$$
Check price on Amazon →Hamilton Beach 70750 12-Cup Food Processor
the budget-friendly option
4.3out of 5For well under a hundred dollars, the Hamilton Beach 70750 delivers solid performance on basic tasks like chopping onions, shredding cheese, and making vinaigrettes. It is not as robust as pricier models, and the plastic construction feels lighter, but it is a perfectly capable entry-level machine that will not break the bank.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Home cooks who prepare meals several times a week and want a single machine that chops, sl | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Breville BFP800 Sous Chef 16-Cup Food Processor | 4.8 / 5 | $$$$ | Avid home cooks, entertainers, or anyone who processes large volumes of food regularly and | Check price → |
| Best value | Hamilton Beach 70750 12-Cup Food Processor | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious shoppers, students, or occasional cooks who need a basic food processor f | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Ninja BN701 Professional Plus 3-in-1 Food Processor | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | People who want one machine for both food processing and blending, especially those with l | Check price → |
| Best for small kitchens | KitchenAid KFC3516 3.5-Cup Mini Food Processor | 4.2 / 5 | $ | Singles, couples, or anyone with minimal counter space who needs a no-fuss tool for daily | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor: the do-it-all default
Best overallA time-tested workhorse that handles nearly everything a home cook throws at it. The wide feed tube and sturdy construction make it a joy to use, and it comes with two blades and two discs out of the box. It is not the quietest or the most powerful, but it is the most dependable all-rounder.
Pros
- Generous 14-cup bowl suits most recipes
- Extra-large feed tube fits whole fruits and vegetables
- Dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup
- Solid build and reliable reputation
Cons
- Motor can struggle with very stiff dough
- Lid can be tricky to lock in place at first
- No storage case included
Who it’s for
Home cooks who prepare meals several times a week and want a single machine that chops, slices, shreds, and kneads without fuss.Who should skip it
You need a whisper-quiet machine or frequently work with large batches of heavy bread dough.2. Breville BFP800 Sous Chef 16-Cup Food Processor: the powerhouse performer
Runner-upThe Breville Sous Chef earns its premium badge with a powerful motor, a massive 16-cup bowl, and thoughtful details like a scraper attachment that minimises waste. It slices and dices with surgical precision, and the magnetic locking system makes assembly foolproof. The price is high, but for serious cooks, it is worth every cent.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet and smooth motor
- Innovative disc-scraper system reduces food waste
- Large capacity handles big batches effortlessly
- Magnetic lid lock is easy and secure
Cons
- Very expensive compared to most competitors
- Takes up significant counter space
- Accessory storage is not included
Who it’s for
Avid home cooks, entertainers, or anyone who processes large volumes of food regularly and values precision and durability.Who should skip it
You cook for one or two people or are working within a strict budget.3. Hamilton Beach 70750 12-Cup Food Processor: the budget-friendly option
Best valueFor well under a hundred dollars, the Hamilton Beach 70750 delivers solid performance on basic tasks like chopping onions, shredding cheese, and making vinaigrettes. It is not as robust as pricier models, and the plastic construction feels lighter, but it is a perfectly capable entry-level machine that will not break the bank.
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Decent 12-cup capacity for most home tasks
- Simple controls with a pulse function
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Plastic parts may not last as long as metal equivalents
- Struggles with dense dough or large quantities
- Lid can be difficult to seal properly
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious shoppers, students, or occasional cooks who need a basic food processor for simple prep jobs.Who should skip it
You plan to use it weekly for heavy-duty tasks like kneading bread or grinding nuts.4. Ninja BN701 Professional Plus 3-in-1 Food Processor: the versatile runner-up
Runner-upNinja’s BN701 Professional Plus combines a food processor, a blender, and a chopper in one system, offering real versatility for its price. The 1400-watt motor powers through tough ingredients, and the 3-in-1 design saves counter space. However, the blender pitcher is not dishwasher-safe, and the processing bowl is smaller than dedicated models.
Pros
- Powerful motor handles ice and frozen fruit easily
- Multi-function system replaces several appliances
- Stacked-blade design gives even chopping results
- Good value given the included attachments
Cons
- Blender pitcher must be hand-washed
- Processing bowl is only 9 cups, limiting batch sizes
- Lid can be finicky to align and lock
Who it’s for
People who want one machine for both food processing and blending, especially those with limited counter space or a small household.Who should skip it
You primarily need a large-batch food processor or prefer separate dedicated appliances for each task.5. KitchenAid KFC3516 3.5-Cup Mini Food Processor: the space-saving helper
Best for small kitchensKitchenAid’s 3.5-cup mini processor is perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or anyone who only needs to chop a single onion or make a small batch of salsa. It punches above its size for quick jobs, and the bowl is dishwasher-safe. But it is too small for dough or large quantities, and the motor can bog down with tougher foods.
Pros
- Compact size fits easily in cabinets or on cluttered counters
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze
- Great for quick, small-volume prep work
- Stainless steel blade stays sharp
Cons
- Very limited capacity, not for meal prep or large families
- Motor lacks power for heavy tasks like kneading
- No included storage lid for the bowl
Who it’s for
Singles, couples, or anyone with minimal counter space who needs a no-fuss tool for daily chopping and mincing.Who should skip it
You cook for more than two people or need to process dough, shred cheese, or slice vegetables in bulk.Best for specific needs
Best for everyday meal prep
If you cook from scratch several times a week and want a food processor that can chop, slice, shred, and knead without complaint, the Cuisinart DFP-14BCCY is the obvious choice. Its 14-cup bowl is large enough for most family recipes, and the wide feed tube saves time on trimming. It is not flashy, but it is reliable and easy to clean, which is exactly what you want for routine use. Our pick: Cuisinart DFP-14BCCY 14-Cup Food Processor.
Best for small kitchens
When counter space is at a premium, the KitchenAid KFC3516 mini processor slides into tight spots and handles quick tasks like mincing garlic, chopping herbs, or making a small dip. At 3.5 cups, it is perfect for individuals or couples who do not need a full-size machine. Just do not expect it to handle bread dough or large batches of shredded cheese. Our pick: KitchenAid KFC3516 3.5-Cup Mini Food Processor.
Best for budget-minded shoppers
The Hamilton Beach 70750 delivers capable performance for basic food prep without draining your wallet. It chops onions, shreds cheese, and makes vinaigrettes reliably, and the 12-cup bowl is roomy enough for most everyday needs. While it is not built for heavy commercial use, it offers excellent value for the occasional or price-conscious cook. Our pick: Hamilton Beach 70750 12-Cup Food Processor.
Our verdict
Choosing the right food processor comes down to how you cook and how much you are willing to spend. For most people, the Cuisinart DFP-14BCCY offers the best balance of performance, capacity, and value, it is the one we recommend without hesitation. If your budget allows, the Breville Sous Chef is a dream machine for serious home chefs. On a tight budget or limited space, the Hamilton Beach 70750 and KitchenAid mini both serve their niches admirably. And if you want a single appliance that also blends, the Ninja BN701 is a clever compromise. Pick the one that fits your kitchen, and you will wonder how you ever cooked without it.