Cuisinart
For easy cleaning when cooking is done, all of the removable parts are dishwasher safe. This classic food processor from Cuisinart is almost retro, and while the brand makes many models, this one is as simple as it gets. A single paddle controls on, off, and pulse functions, for no-fuss cuisinart griddler elite operations. While this isn’t a huge processor with a 7-cup bowl, it still has all the functions of its larger cousins, including the ability to knead bread dough. Clean the food processor bowl and lid on the top rack of the dishwasher or by hand with warm water and dish soap.
While food processors can perform many different tasks, I chose tests that represented the core functions of a food processor. Most people use these kitchen appliances to blend, chop, puree and shred. As for cleaning, The New Food Processor Bible’s Gilletz recommends putting water and a few drops of dish soap into the work bowl and running the machine. A bottle brush is handy for cleaning around the feed tube, inside the food pressers, and along the sharp blades. Never submerge the base of a food processor in water; only wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge. In fact, of all the food processors, blenders, and immersion blenders we’ve tested for various guides, we found making mayo easiest in a mini food processor like the Food Chopper.
Wash the work bowl and lid right after use, before food has a chance to harden and stick. Most work bowls can even go right into the dishwasher, but always wash the blades by hand, as the dishwasher can dull them, she adds. A special spatula is included for easy cleaning, and the storage case can hold all of the blades and accessories. The free Magimix app includes hundreds of recipes, so you’ll get the most out of the machine. This has just three buttons for easy operation, one for stop, one for auto, which keeps it on, and one button for pulsing. The induction motor adjusts the amount of power used, so it can power through dense materials with ease.
In our tests, this processor even performed better than the mini bowl attachments that come with some of the larger processors. It’s too small for kneading bread dough and lacks the attachments to shred or slice, but it’s great for completing basic tasks quickly, and it’s easier to clean and store than a full-size model. To start, we tested how evenly each food processor could chop a variety of ingredients, including onions, fibrous carrots, soft tomatoes, delicate parsley, and whole almonds. We also made a 1-cup batch of mayonnaise in the processors to see how quickly and evenly they could produce a stable emulsification. We made pizza dough in each full-size processor to see if the motor could withstand the rigors of kneading.
Both cookbook authors we spoke with essentially said these add-ons were a waste of money, so we didn’t test any. The Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro is more powerful than the Cuisinart Custom 14, so it’s the machine you’ll want when you’re cooking for large groups or if you process food several times a week. Its 1,200-watt motor and smart design save you time in use and cleaning. In fact, despite the 16-cup Sous Chef’s many accessories, it was one of the easiest models to clean. That said, if you only use a food processor occasionally, the Breville’s high cost probably outweighs its benefits.
Most brands sell replacement parts, which may come in handy after the limited warranty on parts expires. You’ll find replacement bowls, food pushers, blades, and various other attachments for the Cuisinart Custom 14 and the Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro . You can sometimes find cheaper, secondhand cuisinart pots and pans set parts on eBay, but just be sure you get the right model number. Most mini choppers don’t have hefty bases like full-size processors do, and the Food Chopper is no exception. However, at just under 2 pounds, it has a slightly heavier base than other mini models, which helps keep it stable.
Picking the best food processor for you means considering all the features you’ll need for your favorite recipes and common home chef kitchen tasks. There’s also a nice storage case included, so you don’t end up throwing all those blades into your bowl when it’s not in use. It has a classic style and like any good KitchenAid appliance, it comes in multiple finishes. The silver model I tested has a suggested retail of $250, but it’s currently on sale at Walmart for $206.