Blender/Processor Combos

Some models can multitask

If you're interested in getting more functionality out of your food processor -- and saving a little counter space -- you may be interested in a few models that bundle a blender and food processor. These appliances generally have a base unit that is interchangeable with a blender jar and small food processor bowl. While we didn't find any professional reviews, many models have owner reviews on websites like Amazon.com and Cooking.com. Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach and Oster all make blender/food processor combos.

One popular product is the seven-speed Cuisinart SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor BFP-703 (*Est. $80). It comes with a 3-cup food processor bowl and a 40-ounce blender pitcher. The Cuisinart SmartPower Duet earns praise in owner reviews for its versatility, but one-third of the nearly 100 reviews posted at Amazon.com give it only one star; some say it's too noisy, while others don't find it powerful enough. In addition, users criticize Cuisinart for poor customer service. Overall, say reviewers, the blender function works better than the food processor. In contrast, the Cuisinart SmartPower Duet gets mostly positive reviews at Cooking.com. Here, consumers praise its space-saving ingenuity but complain about its loud noise.

The Hamilton Beach 52654 Blender/Food Processor Combo (*Est. $55) is another blender that comes with a 3-cup chopper bowl. It receives an average of four stars from more than 30 owners at Amazon.com. While reviewers say it is powerful enough to break up ice, some complain that the blender jar is difficult to disassemble and clean.

Oster also makes the Fusion (*Est. $70), which works as a blender or food processor using a single container. It receives mostly favorable reviews on Amazon.com, but owners seem to limit its use to making smoothies, and a few mention durability problems.