Comparison: Best Food Processor For Pasteles (Updated | Nov 9th)
If you’ve ever tried making pasteles, you know it’s a labor of love—especially when it comes to prepping the dough. That’s where the right food processor can be a total game-changer. We’ve tested top models to find the **best food processor for pasteles**, focusing on power, capacity, and ease of use. Whether you’re grinding masa, blending fillings, or chopping veggies, the right machine makes all the difference. Let’s dive into the standouts that’ll save you time and effort without sacrificing that homemade touch.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for powerhouse xl: Ninja Food Processor
- Best for large-capacity pro: Cuisinart Food Processor
- Best for custom 11-cup: Cuisinart Food Processor
- Best for built-in scraper: Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing
- Best for easy-snap 12-cup: Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper
- Best for dual-bowl power: Ganiza Food Processor
- Best for exact slice: KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor – KFP1318
- Best for compact 7-cup: KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
- Best for mini power: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
- Best for dual-bowl flex: Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper
Product Comparison: Best Food Processor For Pasteles
Powerhouse XL
Ninja Food Processor, Professional XL, 1200 Peak-Watts, 4-in-1, Chopping, Slicing/Shredding, Purees, Dough, 12-Cup Processor Bowl, 2 Blades & 2 Discs, Feed Chute/Pusher, Black, NF701
Ninja
- MOST POWERFUL: With a 1200-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor powers through tough ingredients, making it the best of Ninja food processing.
- VERSATILE PROGRAMS: Featuring 4 Auto-iQ preset programs, this kitchen appliance removes the guesswork, making it easy to chop, slice, shred, puree, and mix dough.
- NINJA BLADE TECHNOLOGY: Experience uniform processing and evenly mixed dough with Ninja’s innovative blade technology, perfect for any kitchen task.
- LARGE FEED CHUTE: The XL feed chute with a 3-part pusher easily accommodates any size ingredient, reducing prep time and making it an ideal vegetable chopper.
- REVERSIBLE SHREDDING DISC: Achieve fine or coarse results with the reversible shredding disc, making it a versatile food processor and chopper for all your needs.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: The 12-cup precision processing bowl is extra-large, perfect for families and entertaining guests.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Cleanup is a breeze with dishwasher-safe bowl, lid, discs, and blades, ensuring your food processor is always ready for the next use.
- QUICK ASSEMBLY: Easily swap discs and blades for new functions in seconds, making this food processor user-friendly and efficient for any kitchen task.
- DURABLE DESIGN: Built to last, this food processor is a reliable kitchen appliance that will serve you for years, making it a smart investment for any home cook.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1200 peak watt motor base, 12-cup processing bowl, XL feed chute with 3-part pusher, chop/quad blade, dough blade, adjustable slicing disc, reversible shredding disc & 10-recipe inspiration guide.
Large-Capacity Pro
Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup Vegetable Food Chopper for Mincing, Dicing, Shredding, Puree & Kneading Dough, 720-Watt Motor, Stainless Steel, DFP-14BCNY
Cuisinart
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart Food Processor with 720-watt motor functions as a vegetable chopper, blender, and food processer in one. Make any kind of dip, puree soup, or sauce including hummus, salsa, guacamole, and more.
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: The 14-cup food chopper has “on” and “off/pulse” buttons with an extra-large feed tube with bowl sleeve assembly designed for both small and large feed tube pushers. It also comes with a detachable disc stem for easy clean up.
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: This food processor comes with dishwasher-safe parts including a stainless steel standard slicing disc (4mm), medium shredding disc, and stainless steel chopping/mixing blade.
- NOTE TO CONSUMER: The shredding and slicing blades of this electric chopper are not adjustable. Please refer to the manual before setting up.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The Cuisinart Food Processor comes with a limited 3-year warranty on the entire unit and a full 5-year warranty on the motor.
Custom 11-Cup
Cuisinart Food Processor, Pro Custom 11 Cup, Brushed Chrome, DLC-8SBCYP1
Cuisinart
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart Pro Custom 11, 11-Cup Food Processor with a 625-watt motor platform enables this versatile food processing system to offer variety of functions, attachments and accessories
- EASY TO USE: Extra-large feed tube holds whole fruits and vegetables, on/off-pulse, plus easy to clean
- INCLUDED: Chopping/mixing blade, stainless steel shredding disc (2mm), medium slicing disc (4mm), detachable disc stem, compact flat cover, spatula, with small and large pushers – Instruction/Recipe Book
- ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES: To be sold separately
- FULL 5-YEAR on MOTOR – LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
Built-In Scraper
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, Black and Stainless Steel (70730)
Hamilton Beach
- BUILT-IN BOWL SCRAPER SAVES TIME: Quickly process ingredients without pausing to use a spatula. Simply move the scraper from side to side to scrape the bowl while the electric food processor is running or the power is off — no need to remove lid.
- SLICE, SHRED, CHOP, MIX, & PUREE WITH 2 ATTACHMENTS: This Hamilton Beach food processor and veggie slicer has 5 processing functions using a stainless steel food processor slicing/shredding disc and reversible chopping/pureeing blade
- POWERFUL 450-WATT MOTOR: Make healthy salads, homemade salsa, hearty acai bowls, and more with this food processor and veggie chopper. The 450-watt motor easily powers through the toughest ingredients, so you can spend less time processing.
- PRECISE CONTROL WITH 2 SPEEDS PLUS PULSE: The low and high speeds plus pulse give you the control you need for a variety of recipes. Use the high speed when you need more power and select the low speed for processing or mixing delicate foods.
- 10 CUP BOWL CAPACITY: The generous 10 cup bowl fits a large volume of food. The large 3″ x 1.75″ feed chute saves time by reducing the need to pre-cut food – making it an essential electric vegetable chopper and slicer tool in your kitchen.
- EASY TO CLEAN: All removable parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and all food-contact zones are BPA-free for added peace of mind.
- 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built for lasting performance, this electric kitchen processor is backed by a 1-year limited warranty from Hamilton Beach.
- SUCTION CUP FEET: This electric food slicer and processor has suction cup feet to prevent sliding and provide greater stability on the countertop.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: The electric food processor comes with a 450-watt processor base, 10 cup bowl, lid with large feed chute, food pusher, built-in bowl scraper, reversible slicing/shredding disc, chopping blade, and user guide.
Easy-Snap 12-Cup
Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper, BPA Free, Stainless Steel Blades, 12 Cup Bowl, 2-Speed 450 Watt Motor, Black (70725A)
Hamilton Beach
- STACK AND SNAP TECHNOLOGY FOR EASY ASSEMBLY: With this well-designed food processor, you can skip frustrating, awkward assembly. Stack & Snap technology provides easy assembly and removes the need for difficult twist-locking.
- 12 CUP SEALED BOWL: Most food processors are too small for large processing jobs. This 12 cup sealed bowl fits large volumes of food all at once, and since it’s sealed in the center, there’s no messy leaks or spills to clean up after processing.
- BIG MOUTH CHUTE: Fit a whole potato or tomato right into the chute. The Big Mouth chute of this Hamilton Beach food processor saves prep time by reducing the need to pre-cut food before processing.
- SLICE, SHRED, CHOP, MIX AND PUREE WITH 2 VERSATILE ATTACHMENTS: This large food processor and vegetable chopper includes a chopping/pureeing blade and reversible stainless steel slicing/shredding disc so you can tackle every job with ease.
- QUICKLY POWERS THROUGH TOUGH INGREDIENTS WITH 450 WATT MOTOR: Shred cheese and potatoes, slice cucumbers and tomatoes, chop onions and herbs. As you process, the suction cup feet prevent sliding for greater stability on the countertop.
- EASY TO CLEAN: All removable parts are dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup and all food zones are BPA-free for peace of mind
- 2-IN-1 CHUTE: Use the small chute and small pusher when you need to process thinner foods like carrots and celery — it holds them upright for better control and clean cuts. Use the Big Mouth chute and big pusher for larger, whole foods like potatoes.
- SIMPLE FUNCTION GUIDE: The simple function guide takes the guesswork out of food processing — you’ll always know which blade to use and which button to push.
- CONVENIENT POUR SPOUT: Simply pour ingredients from the processing bowl right into your serving bowl for mess-free pouring.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 450 watt processor base, 12 cup bowl, large food pusher with small chute, small food pusher, lid with Big Mouth chute, chopping/pureeing/mixing blade, reversible slicing/shredding disc, user guide
Dual-Bowl Power
Ganiza Food Processor, 2-Speed Food Chopper Meat Grinder with 8 Cup Stainless Steel & 8 Cup Glass Bowls, Upgraded Button & Smart Overheat Protection Light – Includes Clean Brush, 2 Sets of Blades
Ganiza
- 【Patented Button Design】Upgraded Ganiza food processors for effortless use, and easier pressing. The ergonomic design of the Buttons & Appearance reduces hand fatigue and provides good control and stability.
- 【Innovative Overheat Protection Light Display】Built-in overheat protection system ensures safe operation of the food chopper and extends the food processor’s lifespan. The patented smart light provides clear, intuitive feedback on overheating, allowing better control over processing times for safer use.
- 【Indispensable Kitchen Helper】GANIZA BPA-FREE food processor features 2 sets of blades and dual bowls (8-Cup glass bowl and 8-Cup stainless steel bowl). Easily chop meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, fruit, or make a salad, guacamole, salsa, burgers, etc, the food chopper is ideal for multiple kitchen tasks!
- 【Efficient Motor & Safety Insurance】The Full-copper motor supports a 3 times longer service life than regular motors. Adopting patented automatic stopping design to protect your family and child, and blades are spring-loaded and stop rotating immediately once you pop the motor out of the way.
- 【Unlock Versatility with Two Bowls】Your food hygiene, we care. The Mixing Bowls are made from different materials (glass and sus 304 stainless steel) to avoid confusion between bowls for different uses, meat chopper and vegetable chopper, food processor. Note: Glass bowl: max 149 °F (65 °C); hotter water may cause shattering.
- 【2 Speed – Great Time Saver】450 watts motor certified for professional use combined with upgraded two levels of “S” stainless steel blades, a few seconds is enough to turn any vegetable or meat into tiny bits. 2 cutting speeds to meet different needs of foods or texture.
- 【Make an Exhausting Job a Breeze】Still struggling about daily handling of onions or meats? Just an electric food chopper is all you need to make cooking fun. The GANIZA chops, mixes, blends, whips, grinds, and more, all with a simple push to start. Easy to clean with removable blades. Powerful veggie chopper made thanksgiving prep a breeze.
Exact Slice
KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor – KFP1318
KitchenAid
- All-in-one storage solution to store all blades and discs directly in the in-bowl storage caddy.
- Easily adjust slicing thickness with the externally adjustable Exact Slice disc, from thick to thin.
- Snap and Go, easy clean work bowl for easy set up with the twist-free, one-click bowl assembly and latched lid. Add warm water and 1-2 drops of dish soap in the leak-resistant bowl to quickly clean bowl and blades.
- Reduce prep time with the 3-in-1 Feed Tube to process a variety of ingredient shapes and sizes – tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and more.
- Chop, shred, precision slice, knead and mix everything from fresh veggies to cheeses, doughs, sauces, salsa and so much more.
- The right capacity for every occasion – whether it’s a quick and fresh salsa for Taco Tuesday or major slicing event for pizza on Friday night, the 13 cup capacity has you covered.
- Model KFP1318 includes (1) food processor, (1) 13-cup work bowl, (1) multi-purpose blade, (1) adjustable slicing disc, (1) reversible shredding disc, (1) dough blade, (1) storage caddy
Compact 7-Cup
KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
KitchenAid
- All-in-one storage solution stores all blades and discs directly in the bowl
- Snap-and-go, easy-clean work bowl with a twist-free, one-click bowl assembly and latched lid. Add warm water and 1-2 drops of dish soap in the leak-resistant bowl to quickly clean bowl and blades
- Chop, shred, slice and puree everything from fresh veggies to cheeses, sauces, salsa and so much more with the included multi-purpose blade and reversible slice/shred disc
- Reduce prep time with the 2-in-1 feed tube and process a variety of ingredient shapes and sizes – tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and more
- Simple controls with 3 speeds (High, Low and Pulse) to handle a variety of ingredients with precision. The easy-press paddles and illuminated LED controls make operation simple
- Model KFP0718 includes (1) 7 cup work bowl, (1) Lid, (1) Multi-purpose blade, (1) Reversible medium slicing/shredding disc
Mini Power
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to Chop Herbs, Vegetables, and Hard Cheese, 24-Ounce Work Bowl, Reversible Stainless Steel Blade, DLC-2ABC, Brushed Chrome
Cuisinart
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor offers an efficient 250-watt motor and patented reversible stainless steel blade to quickly chop herbs, dice vegetables, and grind hard cheese
- CONVENIENT CONTROL: The 24-ounce food chopper with durable, lightweight plastic body features a push-button control panel and auto-reversing SmartPower blade for two powerful processing options—chop and grind (not recommended to grind beans as it chops)
- EASY CLEANUP: A dishwasher-safe bowl and lid provide for easy cleanup, while the motor base can be wiped clean with a damp sponge or cloth
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: The mini chopper includes a 24-ounce work bowl with handle, stainless steel blade with sharp blunt edges, spatula, and instruction/recipe book
- LIMITED 18-MONTH WARRANTY: The BPA-free Cuisinart mini chopper comes with a limited 18-month warranty
- 250-watt food processor with 3-cup plastic work bowl
- Chops and grinds with patented reversible stainless-steel blade
- Simple push-button control panel; durable, yet lightweight plastic body
- Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid for quick cleanup; spatula included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
Dual-Bowl Flex
Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper, Stainless Steel Blades, 14 Cup + 4-Cup Mini Bowls, 3-Speed 500 Watt Motor, Black (70585)
Hamilton Beach
- DUAL-BOWL VERSATILITY: The 14 and 4 cup bowls are perfect for processing different amounts, and they nest together for compact storage. The sealed 14 cup bowl has a pour spout to eliminate leaks and spills when pouring ingredients.
- EASY STACK & SNAP ASSEMBLY: The days of struggling to assemble your food processor are over. Each piece of this easy-to-use small chopper/food processor instantly snap into place and there’s no difficult twisting or locking.
- SAVE PREP TIME — FITS WHOLE FOODS: You’ll save time and reduce the need for pre-cutting every time you process food with this electric vegetable chopper because you can fit whole tomatoes, potatoes and onions in the Big Mouth feed chute.
- SLICE, SHRED, CHOP, PUREE AND KNEAD WITH 4 VERSATILE ATTACHMENTS: This electric food processor includes a reversible slicing/shredding disc, two stainless steel S-blades for 14-cup and 4-cup bowls, and a dough blade for easy kneading.
- EASY TO CLEAN WITH DISHWASHER SAFE BLADES, BOWL AND LID. On these 14 cup food processors, all removable parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and all food zones are BPA-free for your peace of mind.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What motor power is most important for handling the dense dough used in pasteles?
Pasteles dough is heavy and requires a strong motor to avoid stalling. The Ninja Food Processor Professional XL leads with a 1200‑peak‑watt motor, while the Cuisinart 14‑cup model offers 720 watts and the Hamilton Beach units provide 450 watts. For frequent, large‑batch use, the higher‑wattage Ninja or KitchenAid 13‑cup (with a robust motor) will give the smoothest performance.
How much bowl capacity do I need to make a batch of pasteles efficiently?
A larger bowl reduces the number of load‑and‑dump cycles, which speeds up preparation. The Ninja XL feed chute feeds into a sizable bowl, the Cuisinart 14‑cup and KitchenAid 13‑cup models are ideal for big batches, while the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap offers a 12‑cup sealed bowl. If you typically make a modest amount, the 10‑cup Hamilton Beach or 11‑cup Cuisinart Pro Custom also work well.
Which processors include a dough‑kneading attachment that’s useful for pasteles?
Kneading is essential for developing the right texture in pasteles dough. The Ninja Food Processor’s 4‑in‑1 system includes a dedicated dough blade, and KitchenAid’s 13‑cup model also provides a dough knead attachment. Most other units, such as the Cuisinart 14‑cup and Hamilton Beach models, rely on the standard chopping/mixing blade, which can handle dough but may require more manual effort.
Do the slicing and shredding discs affect the texture of pasteles fillings?
Yes, reversible discs let you choose between fine and coarse results, which is handy for grated cheese or vegetable fillings. Ninja’s reversible shredding disc and Hamilton Beach’s reversible slicing/shredding disc both offer this flexibility. Cuisinart’s standard slicing disc is fixed, so you’ll need a separate attachment if you want variable thickness.
What cleaning features should I look for when processing sticky pasteles dough?
Sticky dough can cling to blades and bowls, so easy‑clean designs are valuable. Hamilton Beach’s built‑in bowl scraper lets you scrape without stopping the motor, and KitchenAid’s snap‑and‑go bowl assembles without tools and is dishwasher‑safe. Ninja and Cuisinart also provide dishwasher‑safe blades, but they lack a dedicated scraper.
How important are warranty and brand reliability for heavy‑use food processors?
A solid warranty protects you against motor burnout, which is common with frequent dough work. Cuisinart offers a 5‑year motor warranty (3‑year overall), while KitchenAid provides a similar motor guarantee. Ninja and Hamilton Beach typically include a 1‑year limited warranty, so consider the longer coverage if you plan to use the processor daily.
What is the best value‑for‑money option among the listed processors for making pasteles?
Value depends on balancing power, capacity, and accessories. The Ninja Food Processor delivers top motor power and versatile attachments at a mid‑range price, making it a strong all‑around choice. If budget is tighter, the Hamilton Beach 12‑cup Stack & Snap offers decent capacity and useful features like a big‑mouth chute and bowl scraper for a lower cost.
Are there safety features that help prevent overheating when processing dense dough?
Overheating can damage the motor, especially with thick dough. Ganiza’s model includes an overheat‑protection light that alerts you before the motor shuts down, while many other units rely on built‑in thermal cut‑offs that stop the machine automatically. Choosing a processor with explicit overheat indicators adds an extra layer of safety for long mixing sessions.