Some full-size models come with an extra, smaller bowl that essentially acts as a mini food processor, but in most cases, we found that a dedicated mini processor did a better job. Mini food processors have bowls ranging in capacity from about cuisinart toaster costco 1½ cups to 6 cups, but we focused on those with a capacity of about three cups. Models smaller than that are too limited, and if you think you need one that’s larger than three cups, you’re probably better off with a full-size model.
The Cuisinart FP-13DGM Elemental 13 Cup Food Processor and Dicing Kit didn’t chop as evenly as our picks. Our testers were impressed with the dicing kit, which chopped firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots into even cubes. However, since this was the only task this model excelled at, we don’t think it’s best for most people.
It took about 10 pulses to get them satisfactorily chopped, doing slightly better than the Black+Decker HC150B, but worse than the Ninja Express Chop. Only thing I don’t like is having to wash all the pieces every time. Power
Power is great, and works no matter how long you hold down the button.
They make light work of heavy meal prep jobs, and they’re user friendly and easy to clean. Next, we tasked each food chopper with chopping up a half-cup of almonds. The Cuisinart did alright, but it definitely took significantly more force to chop the nuts than the motorized models did. This also meant that a handful of almonds got stuck after the first two pulses, so we did have to pull apart the chopper to free them before continuing.
The Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor has been our top pick since 2013 because it does everything a great food processor should do, without any unnecessary extras. Unlike those of some other models we tested, the Cuisinart’s base remained stable on the counter, even when processing double batches of dough. This model is easy to clean, and the attachments store neatly inside the bowl, preventing clutter. That said, we also looked at mini food processors (also called mini choppers).
That said, the exact size and shape of the five models we tested varied, so we paid attention to their countertop footprint and height. That’s worth keeping in mind when removing the contents and hand-washing. Most have dishwasher-safe parts, but you’ll want to confirm that before making your purchase.
Ideally we’d like to test a working model in the future, but we feel we can dismiss The Complete Chef for now due to its size, weight, hefty price, limited recipe database, and lack of customer support. After testing models with storage boxes, we found that such boxes are convenient for keeping attachments organized, and they’re worth investing in if your model doesn’t come with one. You can also organize blades and disks in a designated Tupperware-style container, basket, or other receptacle. We store the Cuisinart Custom 14’s extra blades and disks inside the processor’s work bowl, but be advised that this can scratch the bowl. The Cuisinart’s three-year warranty on parts and five-year warranty on the motor aren’t the best among the models we tested, but they’re still pretty good.
When shopping for appliances online, you can explore various retailers and compare prices, features, customer reviews, and warranties to make an informed decision. Christine Cyr Clisset is a deputy editor overseeing home coverage for Wirecutter. She previously edited cookbooks and craft books for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and she started reviewing kitchen gear back in 2013. She sews many of her own clothes, which has made her obsessive about high-quality fabrics—whether in a dress or bedsheets. Michael Sullivan has been a staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter since 2016. Previously, he was an editor at the International Culinary Center in New York.
The machine also seized up while preparing pizza dough and was noisier than other models we tested. We recommend the inexpensive KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper for anyone who wants to make small batches of dips, spreads, or mirepoix. It chopped vegetables more evenly than the other mini models we tested. On top of that, its handled jar with push-button activation was the most convenient to use.