What Does a Food Processor Do?
Food processors are one of the most versatile kitchen appliances available. They’re used to chop, slice, shred, mix, puree, emulsify and grind. Whether you’re making dough for bread, chopping vegetables, shredding cheese or making a sauce, a food processor can handle any kitchen task with ease.
When shopping for a food processor, there are several factors to keep in mind. These appliances range in capacity, capability, ease of cleaning and more. Learn about different food processors before buying the right one for your needs.
Food Processor Capacity
Food processors are measured by their capacity. Below are the most common sizes:
- Small food processors (1-5 cups)
- Medium food processors (6-9 cups)
- Large food processors (10+ cups)
Small food processors are ideal for jobs like chopping herbs while medium-sized food processors can handle most kitchen tasks like chopping fruits and vegetables and making dough. Large-capacity food processors can handle all types of tasks while creating meals for large families and groups.
Features and Accessories
Adjustable slicing discs: Discs allow for creating slices in vegetables, fruits and more. Some food processors include adjustable slicing discs that can be used to create thin cuts, thick cuts and everything in between.
Dough blades: Dough blades make it possible to knead and mix dough. Whether you’re an avid baker or simply like to make your own pizzas from scratch, a dough blade is a must-have for many home cooks.
Pulse control: To avoid overprocessing food, look for food processors equipped with pulse control.
Full-size feeding tube: Large feeding tubes allow for minimal prep as you can add large ingredients, like whole vegetables or fruits, without pre-cutting.
Interlock systems: This safety feature prevents a food processor’s motor from running until a lid is secured. Because food processors utilize sharp blades, this safety feature is necessary for households with children.
Scraping tools: To help scrape ingredients from the bowl without damaging it, many food processors come with built-in or included scrapers, also called spatulas.
Whisking tools: Though not standard, some food processors come with a whisking attachment for jobs like whisking cream, making icing and more.
Built-in storage: If you have limited kitchen storage space, look for food processors that are compact or easy to store. Some models are designed so all blades and discs can be stored in the food processor bowl while not in use.
Ease of Cleaning
Some food processors are easier to clean than others. If ease of cleanup is important, look for a food processor with dishwasher-safe parts. Food processors with dishwasher-safe work bowls, lids, and blades are the easiest to clean. Another factor to consider is the design of the food processor — those built with smaller crevices will be more time consuming to clean.
Food Processors — Brands and Colors
Food processors come in an array of colors and brands. Common colors include black, white and stainless steel. If you're looking for a bright food processor to stand out on your countertop, red is another option.