The first time I used a food processor was during a job interview. I was applying for an an assistant food editor position in which I’d be testing and developing recipes, and my assignment was to follow a recipe and make chicken meatballs from scratch. I was a little intimidated by the set-up, but the food processor turned out to be incredibly easy to use and the meatballs were delicious and tender. (While I didn’t get the job, I went on to work at a kitchen appliance company that specializes in making food processors!)
These kitchen dynamos can be a bit of an investment, but a smart one. They can chop, puree, mince, shred, slice, make dough, and more. Some can even dice fruits and veggies. They’re great for quickly producing consistent, professional results as well as for batch cooking.
In this guide, the analysts in our Kitchen Appliances Lab, as well as the pros in our Test Kitchen and Nutrition Lab, explain the mighty food processor’s various components and blades. They also share ways you can use the machine, some of our top-tested models, and new recipes we’ve created.
Get to know your food processor
Food processors vary, but unlocking their full potential starts with understanding their key components. From the feed tube and the work bowl to the blades and the buttons, each part plays an important role in helping you prep, chop, slice, and puree with ease.
Blade and Disc Breakdown
Most machines come with a few options. Here’s how to choose the right one for each job.
Shredding Disc
Skip the box grater and leverage this attachment, which sits atop the bowl.
It’s perfect for grating blocks of
(super-cold but not frozen) cheese
as well as firm vegetables.
Best for:
Potatoes for hash browns and latkes
Zucchini for muffins
Carrots for cake
Slicing Disc
The fastest way to get thin, even slices of fruits and vegetables for salads, crudités, and sautés. Your machine may come with several in different sizes or a dicing adaptor that allows you to vary thickness and shape.
Best for:
Potatoes for hash browns and latkes
Zucchini for muffins
Carrots for cake
S Blade
It chops ingredients into pieces—and
if you run the appliance continuously,
it’ll puree your food.
Best for:
Chopping veggies for mirepoix
Kneading pizza dough
Whipping up dips
What are the best ways to use a food processor?
A food processor earns its place on the countertop by doing far more than chopping vegetables. From tried-and-true techniques to a few unexpected uses, the capabilities of this versatile appliance can help you make everything from dips and sauces to frozen desserts, dumpling fillings, and homemade nut butter.
- Whip Up Dips Whip cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, adding your go-to flavorings for a tasty high-protein dip.
- Assemble Sauces Add ingredients that can benefit from a head start, such as nuts and garlic, first. Pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl so every piece will get incorporated. Throw in softer ingredients along with oils, then give it another whirl.
- Make Sorbets Process 3 to 4 cups of frozen fruit—mango chunks, strawberries, or sliced bananas—on low until smooth. Boost the flavor with a squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm, 1 to 2 hr., for the best texture.
- Rice Veggies Pulse broccoli or cauliflower florets and stems until they resemble rice.
- Chop Dumpling Filling Finely chop a medley of veggies such as onions, scallions, and mushrooms to tuck into wrappers.
- Blitz Nut Butter Pulse roasted nuts to roughly chop them, then process to your desired consistency.
Make dough like a pro
A food processor streamlines dough-making, delivering consistent results with minimal effort. For pie crust, quick pulses incorporate fat evenly into the flour while ice water helps keep everything cold to create tender, flaky layers without overworking. For pizza, the blade rapidly brings ingredients together into a smooth, elastic dough, building structure in seconds and reducing kneading time. The speed ensures reliable texture, and the single-bowl setup keeps mess and cleanup to a minimum. It’s an easy, efficient way to achieve bakery-quality dough at home—no guesswork required.
How can I use a food processor to prep healthy meals?
A food processor can make healthy meal prep faster, easier, and less messy. Use it to create your own protein mixes such as turkey burgers with spinach and fresh herbs or black bean patties with oats and spices. It’s also perfect for making egg muffins: Chop your mix-ins, add your eggs, and let the processor whisk everything together. You can even blend sauces, dressings, or nut butters for the week ahead, making everything from hummus and pesto to yogurt-based dressings. With these components ready, you can quickly assemble balanced meals throughout the week with a focus on fresh, whole foods.
Buying guide
Food processors come in a range of sizes, typically holding anywhere from 1 cup to 16 cups. Each model is identified by cup capacity, which refers to the volume of the work bowl. If you regularly prep meals ahead of time, slice lots of produce, or make big batches of dough, consider a 12- to 16-cup model. For most everyday tasks, though, a 9- or 10-cup one is more than sufficient. We’re also big fans of investing in an additional mini food processor (holding from 1 cup to 4 cups) for quick jobs such as chopping herbs or a handful of nuts and making a quick dip. Check out a few of our favorites below, then read our full reviews.
Food Processors We Love
This popular
14-cup model is loved for its simple design and powerful motor.
All the attachments for this food processor (and dicer!) stack neatly in its work bowl for storage.
Despite its approachable price, this 12-cup model doesn’t skimp on versatility.
Recipes
Whether you're chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, mixing dough, or blending a silky sauce, these recipes show just how much a food processor can do. You'll spend less time on prep and more time enjoying what you made.
Photographer: Mike Garten. Food styling: Tina Martinez. Prop styling: Lis Engelhart. Illustrations: Danielle Carson/AI.
