Buying guide for best KitchenAid food processors
Love cooking but hate food prep? If so, a KitchenAid food processor is sure to be your new best friend. These appliances can chop, slice, shred, and even dice your veggies for you, making food prep a breeze. Of course, there’s much more that you can do with a food processor, too, from mixing batter to kneading dough.
When it’s time to select a KitchenAid food processor for your kitchen, there are plenty of features to consider. You’ll need to figure out what size food processor is right for you and which blades and attachments you require. KitchenAid has a few features that are exclusive to its food processors, like ExactSlice technology and UltraTight Seal, which may interest you. Plus, you might want to consider if you need a latched lid or want a model that offers in-bowl storage.
What to seek in the best food processors from KitchenAid
Bowl size
KitchenAid food processors come in a wide range of bowl sizes, from 3.5-cup mini chopper bowls to 16-cup bowls large enough for commercial use. The bowl size you need depends largely on how many people you regularly cook for and how you intend to use the food processor. If you only want to use your food processor to chop a few onions, grind nuts, or emulsify dips, then a mini chopper with a bowl between 3.5 and 5 cups would likely suffice. If you cook for a large family and intend to chop, shred, and slice most of the vegetables you cook with your food processor, then a model with a bowl size of 9 to 11 cups would probably be ideal.
Some KitchenAid food processors even come with two bowls, one small and one large, since sometimes large bowls aren’t the best for the task at hand. For instance, a full-size bowl is too large to chop a few cloves of garlic or a handful of fresh herbs.
Blades and attachments
KitchenAid food processors often come with a range of blades and attachments. Note that not all KitchenAid food processors include all these attachments, so to avoid disappointment, you should double-check exactly what you’d receive with any model you’re considering.
- Multipurpose blade: The multipurpose blade features two sharp blades that are meant to roughly chop, grind, and even puree (though you won’t get perfectly smooth results with a food processor).
- Dough blade: The dough blade is a dull blade made from plastic that’s meant for kneading dough. You can also use it for mixing batters.
- Slicing disc: The slicing disc slices food into even pieces. You may receive two slicing blades with different thicknesses or a reversible slicing disc that slices thinly on one side and more coarsely on the other.
- Shredding disc: The shredding disc works much like the slicing disc, but it shreds food, giving you the same results as you would get with a box grater. With less expensive KitchenAid food processors, the shredding and slicing discs are combined, so one side slices and the other shreds.
- Dicing kit: The dicing kit is only included with commercial-grade KitchenAid food processors. If you want a neat dice rather than a rough chop, you will appreciate this dicing kit. It can save you a huge amount of food prep time, though notably, the food processors it comes with are expensive.
Unlike blenders, food processors don’t rely on brute strength. They carry out a range of tasks that don’t necessarily require a high-powered motor, so wattage isn’t an important factor with food processors.
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Other key features of the best KitchenAid food processors
In-bowl storage
Some KitchenAid food processors have in-bowl storage, meaning you can fit all the included attachments inside the bowl for storage. While this is handy, it’s only possible because the food processor in question comes with minimal attachments—usually just a multipurpose blade and a combined shredding disc and slicing disc. As such, in-bowl storage is a feature associated with basic KitchenAid food processors.
Multiple feed tubes
Higher-end KitchenAid food processors often feature multiple or adjustable feed tubes. Having a small feed tube is restrictive, as you’ll need to chop up food into small pieces to feed into the tube. On the other hand, extra-large feed tubes aren’t ideal for feeding in slimmer pieces of food, as it can be difficult to get the angle right. Models with multiple feed tubes make your life easier, no matter what type of food you’re working with.
ExactSlice technology
ExactSlice is another feature that’s mostly found on higher-end KitchenAid food processors. Models with ExactSlice technology allow you to adjust the thickness of the slice without switching out the slicing disc. Instead, you simply adjust the lever on the base of the food processor, and this changes the slicing thickness.
Latched lid
Some KitchenAid food processors feature a latched lid rather than a twist lid. You just flip the lid into position and lock it when you’re ready to start using your food processor, which is significantly less fiddly than the twist lids that are commonly found on food processors.
Did You Know
Most KitchenAid food processors feature cord storage in the base so they look neater when sitting out on the counter.
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KitchenAid food processor prices
Inexpensive
The least-costly KitchenAid food processors cost $50 to $100. At the lower end of this range, you’ll find mini food choppers ideal for small kitchens. At the higher end, you’ll find small food processors with basic blades and attachments.
Mid-range
Mid-range KitchenAid food processors are priced between $100 and $200. At this price point, you’ll find medium to large food processors with extra attachments like dough blades, plus some high-end features like ExactSlice technology.
High-end
KitchenAid food processors can cost as much as $600. These are commercial models with extra-large bowls and top-drawer features, such as the ability to dice food neatly.
The UltraTight Seal found on some KitchenAid food processors is a special locking system that prevents leaks and allows you to fill the work bowl to capacity without making a mess.
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Tips
- Consider how often you’ll use your food processor. Be realistic—if you’re probably only going to use your food processor once or twice a month, you don’t need a top-of-the-line model. Conversely, it’s worth splashing out on the best if you’ll use your KitchenAid food processor most days.
- Decide whether you want a storage case for your KitchenAid blades and attachments. Some KitchenAid food processors include a storage case, which not only helps you keep track of all your attachments but also protects them from becoming dull in a drawer from rubbing up against utensils.
- Think about what tasks you might want to accomplish with your food processor. If you know you want to be able to dice vegetables, for example, make sure your chosen model includes the requisite attachments. If you’re more likely to only slice and grate with your food processor, you can opt for a more basic model.
- Know the difference between a food processor and a blender. A food processor is a multipurpose gadget that can handle many kitchen tasks, from chopping to kneading. What it can’t do is completely puree foods, which is the primary task a blender can do better.
FAQ
Q. What makes KitchenAid food processors stand out from others on the market?
A. KitchenAid is an American home appliance company that’s been in business for over 100 years. It’s one of the best-known makers of appliances and kitchen gadgets. KitchenAid food processors are known for being strong and reliable. They come with warranties that offer peace of mind, and it’s easy to source replacement parts if anything goes wrong outside of your warranty or you lose an attachment. What’s more, KitchenAid food processors look great and are available in some bold colors to brighten up your kitchen.
Q. What can I do with a food processor that I might not expect?
A. Everyone knows the chopping blade of a food processor is great for chopping, and the slicing disc is great for slicing… but these gadgets can do much more than that. You can use your food processor to make pastry, biscuits, and other delicate baked goods (remember your dough blade) that could become tough if handled too much.
You can also use your machine to emulsify dips and sauces, grind oats into flour, knead bread (with the right attachment), mix up cake or pancake batter, and make nut butter, to name just a handful of the tasks you can accomplish with your KitchenAid food processor.
Q. My food processor has a small cup capacity, but I need to prepare for a large family meal. I don’t want to buy a second food processor. Help!
A. This question comes up often. Of course, even home cooks who generally cook for just one or two people occasionally want to throw a dinner party or host some other type of get-together. All is not lost.
We suggest preparing your processed ingredients in batches. Depending on the type of ingredients you’re using, you may be able to freeze the batches days beforehand in an airtight food storage container.
Q. How easy are KitchenAid food processors to clean?
A. Luckily, KitchenAid food processors are extremely easy to clean, since their bowls, lids, blades, and other attachments are all dishwasher safe. We recommend washing the parts of your food processor on the top rack of your dishwasher where they’ll get a slightly gentler clean. Also, note that blades and shredding and slicing attachments can dull with regular dishwasher use, so it’s best to clean these attachments by hand when you can.
Q. I’m debating between a KitchenAid food processor and a Cuisinart food processor. Which is better?
A. That’s an interesting debate. We appreciate both Cuisinart and KitchenAid for the many top kitchen appliances they bring to home cooks. The competition doesn’t stop there, either: Brands like Hamilton Beach add affordability to the equation, and brands like Ninja bring a fresh and modern twist to the technology. So, how do you choose?
We believe KitchenAid is one of the best brands in kitchen appliances. If you already own other KitchenAid appliances, like the classic KitchenAid stand mixer, you may prefer to continue with that trend in your kitchen. And, as we’ve discussed in this review, the KitchenAid food processor offers plenty of strengths: great warranties, easy-to-find replacement parts, fun colors for your kitchen countertop, and unique technologies that enhance the appliance’s efficiency.
If you need a new food processor right away and want the best sale, however, you might go with one of the other reputable brands if they currently have something on sale at Amazon or Walmart. Food processors, especially the deluxe ones, aren’t cheap, so it can pay off to keep your eye on Amazon and similar online platforms for sales.
