Food Processor Review

Comparing reviews of food processors

We found the best food processor reviews at ConsumerReports.org and Cook's Illustrated. ConsumerReports.org editors evaluate 27 food processors and eight mini choppers (lighter, smaller food processors), judging each product's noise level and ability to complete common kitchen tasks like chopping and slicing. Editors also offer some insightful advice about what to look for in a food processor.

Cook's Illustrated magazine also provides two reviews: one recent review on food processors and an older article on mini choppers. In the newer food processor review, editors test seven models; three of them are priced under $100. None of the lower-cost food processors met the magazine's expectations for chopping, grating, grinding dry ingredients or blending ingredients for pie crust. The magazine's top food processor does the best job at slicing vegetables.

In their older review on mini choppers, Cook's Illustrated editors evaluate eight choppers with a 3-cup capacity. Editors assess how well each mini chopper blends both wet and dry ingredients. Testers attempt to make curry as well as chop almonds and hard cheese.

Which? magazine, ConsumerReports.org's U.K. counterpart, also reviews food processors. However, only one recommended model is available in the U.S. Food & Wine, Wired, Choice, Good Housekeeping and Cuisine at Home magazines all make recommendations on the best food processors, but editors don't disclose any details about how models were initially tested, and none of the publications reveal anything about which food processors might not have made the cut. Additionally, some of the reviews are older, dating back to 2006.

We also turned to quite a few sources with owner reviews, such as Amazon.com, Cooking.com, Macys.com, Target.com and Epinions.com. User feedback exposes food processors that fall short and highlights more consistent performers. Owners rate their food processors on a scale of one to five stars (five being the highest). Target has a fewer number of models reviewed, while Epinions.com has a limited number of reviews per model, with some feedback dating as far back as 2000.

Consumers strapped for counter or cupboard space may also be interested in compact food processors or combo machines. Since reviews on combo machines are less prevalent, we relied solely on owner opinion at Amazon.com and Cooking.com.

Lower-priced products are not always the best buy. Several professional and owner reviews warn that durability and performance problems can be an issue for some inexpensive food processors. For instance, one professional review gives four inexpensive models (by Black & Decker, Hamilton Beach and Oster) a lukewarm rating in three of their six tests, while Cook's Illustrated editors report serious flaws with three lower-cost food processors.

Overall, we found Cuisinart and KitchenAid food processors receive the most praise in both professional and owner reviews, while Black & Decker emerges as the mini chopper leader.