Comparison: Best Little Food Processor (Updated | Dec 9th)
Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of mini choppers, all promising to be the “**best little food processor**”? You’re not alone. We’ve diced, sliced, and puréed our way through the top contenders to find the true kitchen MVPs. Whether you’re whipping up pesto for one or tackling a week’s worth of meal prep, we’ve got the scoop on which compact powerhouse will save you time, space, and sanity.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for compact mini power: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
- Best for simple stack & press: Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor
- Best for professional performance: Ninja Food Processor
- Best for precise dual speed: KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
- Best for large capacity convenience: Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper
- Best for compact pulse control: BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper
- Best for built-in bowl scraper: Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing
- Best for reversible blade design: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
- Best for all-in-one storage: KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
- Best for 3-in-1 versatility: BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Easy Assembly 8-Cup Food Processor
Product Comparison: Best Little Food Processor
Compact 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
Simple Stack & Press
Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor, 3-Cup, 350 Watts, for Dicing, Mincing, and Puree, Black (72850)
Hamilton Beach
- Simply stack and press to chop: The patented stack & press design makes it easy to assemble and use. Simply press the lid to chop and release to stop. Since all you do is stack the lid on top of the bowl, no difficult twist-locking is needed.
- Perfect size for everyday use: Chop and mix up to 3 cups of ingredients every day of the week with this 3 cup chopper. It’s the perfect size for everyday use, yet small enough for easy storage.
- Easily chop, puree and emulsify with stainless steel blades: Durable stainless steel blades make easy work of a multitude of ingredients including onions, carrots and nuts. Oil dispenser on lid makes it easy to emulsify dressings, dips and sauces.
- Easy to clean: The bowl, lid and removable blades of the Hamilton Beach chopper are all dishwasher safe.
- Power through tough ingredients: This small food chopper has a 350 watt motor to provide all the power you need to prepare all types of food including onions, nuts, herbs, hummus, dressings and homemade baby food.
Professional Performance
Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, 1000 Peak Watts, 4 Functions for Chopping, Slicing, Purees & Dough with 9-Cup Processor Bowl, 3 Blades, Food Chute & Pusher, Silver, BN601
Ninja
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 1000-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor effortlessly handles tough ingredients, ensuring smooth and consistent results every time.
- AUTO-IQ TECHNOLOGY: Features 4 Auto-iQ intelligent preset programs that take the guesswork out of food prep, providing one-touch control for chopping, slicing, pureeing, and dough making.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 9-cup bowl is perfect for large batches, making it ideal for family meals, entertaining, or weekly meal prep, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- PRECISION BLADES: Includes stainless steel precision blades designed for optimal performance, ensuring even chopping, slicing, and pureeing of all your ingredients.
- DOUGH BLADE INCLUDED: Comes with a specialized dough blade that makes mixing dough for bread, pizza, and pastries a breeze, delivering professional-quality results at home.
- EASY TO CLEAN: All removable parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and hassle-free, so you can spend more time enjoying your culinary creations.
- MODERN DESIGN: Sleek silver finish and compact design fit seamlessly into any kitchen decor, while the sturdy construction ensures long-lasting durability and performance.
- USER-FRIENDLY: Intuitive controls and easy assembly make this food processor accessible for all skill levels, from novice cooks to experienced chefs, enhancing your cooking experience.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Built-in safety mechanisms ensure the processor operates only when properly assembled, providing peace of mind during use and preventing accidents.
- VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: Perfect for a wide range of tasks including chopping vegetables, slicing fruits, pureeing hummus, and mixing dough, making it an essential tool for any kitchen.
Precise Dual Speed
KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food Chopper, Empire Red, One Size
KitchenAid
- Convenient 3.5 cup work bowl features a locking blade, handle and pour spout for easy serving,and dishwasher-safe for quick clean up
- With its small, countertop friendly footprint and simple cord wrap, its easy to store, neatly tucking away when you’re finished prepping
- 2 speeds and pulse for coarse or fine results for anything from chunky pico de gallo and salsa, to a creamy hummus, smooth sauce or tasty dressing
- Easily incorporate liquid ingredients for sauces and dressings while processing with the drizzle basin
- Precisely chop or puree with the stainless steel multi-purpose blade that locks in place for convenient pouring.
Large Capacity Convenience
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
Compact Pulse Control
BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper, One Touch Pulse, 150W Motor, Stay-Sharp Blade, Dishwasher Safe
BLACK+DECKER
- 1.5-CUP CAPACITY – 1.5 Cup chopper is perfect for small jobs; enjoy fresh chopped herbs, bread crumbs, fruits and veggies, chocolate and more
- DISHWASHER SAFE – Dishwasher-Safe Removable Parts allow for easy and quick clean-up
- STAY SHARP STAINLESS STEEL BLADES – Bi-level stainless steel blades stay sharp, providing long-lasting performance
- EASILY ADD OIL WHILE MIXING – The chopper is equipped with oil holes, allowing you to easily add oil to hummus and vinaigrette as you mix without making a mess.
- 150W MOTOR FOR POWERFUL CHOPPING – 150W Power for chopping and mincing; Your electric chopper is equpped with a base, bowl, and lid; improved chopping assembly & one-touch pulse control
Built-in Bowl 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.
Reversible Blade Design
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-2A, White
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.
All-in-One Storage
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
3-in-1 Versatility
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Easy Assembly 8-Cup Food Processor, Stainless Steel S-Blade, Easy-Clean, Touchpad Controls Black
BLACK+DECKER
- EASY ASSEMBLY: The smart design lets you set the work bowl onto the base, and uses the lid as the locking mechanism. No more struggling to lock the bowl into place.
- 8-CUP WORK BOWL: The large capacity gives you plenty of room to work with when creating salsas, nut butter, hummus, and so much more. The possibilities are endless.
- STAINLESS STEEL S-BLADE: The stainless steel blade quickly chops and mixes for fast, consistent results.
- REVERSIBLE SLICE/SHRED DISC:The reversible metal disc lets you slice veggies quickly or shred cheese without tiring your forearms.
- EASY-CLEAN TOUCHPAD CONTROLS: Easy-Clean Touchpad Controls feature low, high, and pulse settings.The powerful 450W motor takes care of food quickly and easily.
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 size food processor is right for me?
For individuals or couples, a 3-4 cup capacity is perfect for small tasks like chopping herbs or making a single-serving dip. Families or those who like to meal prep should consider a larger 8-12 cup model for handling bigger batches of dough or slicing vegetables. A mini-chopper, around 1-2 cups, is best for very specific jobs like mincing garlic or nuts.
What are the essential features to look for?
Look for a powerful motor (at least 450 watts) to handle tough ingredients. Multiple speed settings, including a ‘pulse’ function, give you more control over the texture. Dishwasher-safe parts and simple, intuitive assembly are also key for easy cleanup and everyday use.
How does a food processor differ from a blender?
A food processor is designed for solid foods, excelling at chopping, shredding, slicing, and making dough. A blender is better for liquids, creating smooth purees, smoothies, and soups. While there is some overlap, a processor uses sharp, precise blades and discs, whereas a blender uses a vortex to pull ingredients down.
Are more expensive models worth the extra cost?
Pricier models often offer more power, a wider variety of blades and discs, and more durable construction, which can be worthwhile for frequent cooks. However, for basic chopping and mixing, a more affordable model can perform just as well. Consider your cooking habits to determine if you need advanced features like dough blades or adjustable slicing discs.
How important are the included blades and discs?
The included attachments dramatically expand a processor’s versatility. A standard S-shaped blade is a must for chopping and pureeing, while a reversible shredding/slicing disc is incredibly useful for salads and prep. A dough blade or a mini-chopper bowl can add significant value if you frequently bake or work with small quantities.
How much counter and storage space will I need?
Compact models are designed to fit easily on a countertop or in a cabinet. Be sure to check the product’s height, width, and depth, and remember to account for the space needed to store the various blades, discs, and bowl. A model with nested bowls can be a great space-saving solution.
What are some safety features I should check for?
Most modern processors have a safety lock that prevents the motor from running unless the lid and bowl are securely locked in place. A non-slip base is also crucial to keep the appliance from moving during operation. These features are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring safe use.
What is the best way to clean a food processor?
For the easiest cleanup, choose a model with dishwasher-safe bowls, lids, and blades. For quick cleaning, you can often just rinse the parts with warm, soapy water immediately after use. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers on the plastic components to prevent scratching.