Comparison: Best Mini Food Processor By Consumer Reports (Updated | Dec 9th)
Tired of wrestling with bulky food processors for small chopping tasks? Consumer Reports has done the homework for you, testing the market’s top mini food processors to find the real kitchen champions. We’ve sliced through the marketing fluff to bring you honest, unbiased reviews that’ll help you choose the perfect compact powerhouse. Whether you’re whipping up pesto or dicing veggies, our guide will steer you toward the best mini food processor that delivers big performance in a small package.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for patented dual blade: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
- Best for effortless stack press: Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor
- Best for compact power chopper: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
- Best for bladelock security: Cuisinart Core Custom 4-Cup Mini Chopper
- Best for 4-blade efficiency: Food Chopper
- Best for compact mini prep: Cuisinart Mini PREP Food Processor Custom
- Best for stylish stainless: Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor
- Best for dual bowl convenience: TWOMEOW Food Processor 4 Cup
- Best for leak-proof design: Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap 4-Cup Mini Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper
- Best for reliable performance: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
Product Comparison: Best Mini Food Processor By Consumer Reports
Patented Dual Blade
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
Effortless 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.
Compact Power Chopper
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.
BladeLock Security
Cuisinart Core Custom 4-Cup Mini Chopper, Mini Food Processor Chops and Grinds with Auto-Reversing Stainless Steel SmartPower Blade, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, MCH-4, White/Stainless Steel
Cuisinart
- MULTIPURPOSE MINI CHOPPER: The Cuisinart Core Custom 4-Cup Mini Chopper quickly chops and grinds with a patented auto-reversing stainless steel SmartPower blade for versatile food prep made perfect.
- CHOP & GRIND CONTROL: This mini food processor features easy-to-use paddle controls that switch seamlessly between chop and grind functions along with an exclusive BladeLock system to keep the blade securely in place.
- EASY CLEAN UP: The Cuisinart food processor includes dishwasher-safe parts and lid for easy clean up. Simply wipe the motor base clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: The food chopper comes with a 4-cup work bowl with handle, spatula, and instruction manual.
- LIMITED 18-MONTH WARRANTY: The Cuisinart Core Custom 4-Cup Mini Chopper comes with a limited 18-month warranty.
4-Blade Efficiency
Food Chopper, 4 Cup Mini and Fast Food Processor, Electric Meat Grinder with 2 Speed, 4 Stainless Steel Blades, and Whisk, 400W Power for Chopping, Mixing, Emulsifying, Puree and Whisking, BPA-Free
SHARDOR
- 2 SPEEDS CONTROL: This food chopper offers versatility and control for all your meal prep needs. Pulse control— press to chop, release to stop instantly. Choose HIGH speed for tough ingredients or LOW speed for delicate tasks, making it the perfect tool for efficient, precise food processing
- 4 BI-LEVEL STAINLESS STEEL BLADES: The food chopper is equipped with 4 food grade stainless steel blades, outperforms traditional two-layer designs. The 4 Bi-Level design enhances efficiency, providing faster, more even chopping. You can achieve satisfactory performs every time you use it
- MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY: The food chopper not only chops, mix, purees, and makes sauces, but the included whisk disk is perfect for beating eggs, whipping cream, or making fluffy batters. It expands the functionality of your food processor, making it an essential tool for all your cooking and baking needs
- CONVENIENT DRIZZLE BASIN: The lid features a convenient drizzle basin, allowing you to add liquids mid-process without stopping. This ensures continuous, smooth mixing for sauces, dressings, and batters, giving you complete control and saving time during food preparation
- USER FRIENDLY DESIGN: The bowl is equipped with a handle that provides a firm and comfortable grip point. It is also equipped with a spatula, which easily scrapes off residual ingredients from the bowl wall and blade, and in addition, the spatula assists in mixing ingredients more evenly during the mixing process. Overheating protection is also available
- AFTER-SALES SERVICE: TWOMEOW has a professional after-sales service team, who provide 2-year service. Just try it risk-free! In the unlikely event that you don’t satisfied, we will offer a satisfactory solution
Compact Mini Prep
Cuisinart Mini PREP Food Processor Custom, 2.63 Cup, Silver
Cuisinart
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart 110-watt mini prep plus processor quickly chops and grinds with a patented reversible stainless-steel blade for chopping/grinding
- CONTROL: Push-button control panel with durable yet lightweight plastic body – Auto-reversing SmartPower blade for chopping and grinding two powerful processing options
- EASY CLEAN UP: Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid for easy clean up, wipe the motor base clean with a damp sponge or cloth
- INCLUDED: Comes with a 2.6-Cup work bowl with handle, stainless steel blade with sharp blunt edges, spatula and instruction/recipe book
- LIMITED 18-MONTH WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
Stylish Stainless
Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor, 4 Cup, Brushed Stainless (Shiny)
Cuisinart
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart 250-watt mini prep plus food processor quickly chops and grinds with a patented reversible stainless-steel blade.Voltage: 220 V
- CONTROL: Push-button control panel with durable yet lightweight plastic body – Auto-reversing SmartPower blade that chops and grinds for two powerful processing options
- EASY CLEAN UP: Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid for easy clean up, wipe the motor base clean with a damp sponge or cloth
- INCLUDED: Comes with a 4-cup work bowl with handle, Stainless steel blade, spatula and instruction/recipe book
- LIMITED 18-MONTH WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
Dual Bowl Convenience
TWOMEOW Food Processor 4 Cup, Electric Food Chopper, 【Small but Powerful】Meat Grinder with 2 Bowls, 2 Speed & 4 Blades for Vegetable, Meat, Nuts, Functions for Chopping, Dicing, Mixing and Puree
TWOMEOW
- 2 SPEEDS FOR VARIOUS FOODS: Press the Ⅰ button for soft foods like fruits and vegetables, and the Ⅱ button for higher speed to chop meat or grind nuts and other hard ingredients. Electric chopper can chop ingredients evenly in just 6-10 seconds
- DOUBLE S-SHAPED 4-BLADES: 4 blades can cut and mince ingredients at the same time. Powerful motor makes processing faster and more efficient. It saves more time and effort than traditional hand-cut ingredients
- KITCHEN ALL-AROUND TOOL: The food processor can not only cut ingredients, but also puree them, make various sauces, for example, basil sauce, avocado sauce, pesto sauce and can also be used as a baby food processor
- EASY TO CATEGORIZE AND PROCESS: Our food chopper comes with two 4-cup processing bowls, allowing for the separate chopping of vegetables and meats, or use it for chopping and making sauce separately
- SAFE AND PRACTICAL: This vegetable chopper electric comes with food-grade bowls that are more durable and healthier. The food chopper operates with low noise. Additionally, the non-slip ring at the bottom keeps the food processor stable during operation
- EASY TO CLEAN: The cover, bowl, and blade assembly of the mini food processor are detachable and can be easily washed in running water. The blade assembly is dishwasher safe. MOTOR cannot be washed
- AFTER-SALES SERVICE: TWOMEOW has a professional after-sales service team, who provide 2-year service. Just try it risk-free! In the unlikely event that you don’t satisfied, will offer a satisfactory solution
Leak-Proof Design
Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap 4-Cup Mini Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper, 250 Watts, for Slicing, Shredding, and Puree, Black (70510)
Hamilton Beach
- VERSATILE & COMPACT 4 CUP FOOD PROCESSOR: Chop and puree food, blend smoothies, and slice or shred vegetables and cheese with this versatile Hamilton Beach food processor. Its compact design is perfect for small kitchens.
- PREVENT SPILLS WITH 4 CUP LEAK-PROOF BOWL: The leak-proof bowl holds 4 cups and has a pour spout that’s great for serving smoothies and processing liquids without spills.
- SUPERIOR CHOPPING & BLENDING RESULTS: With a stainless steel quad blade and powerful motor, you’ll get great results whether you’re chopping or blending. The reversible disc is ideal for slicing and shredding vegetables and other foods.
- EASY STACK & SNAP ASSEMBLY. The unique design of this small chopper/food processor and smoothie blender requires no difficult twist locking. The bowl stacks easily on the base and intuitive clips secure the lid to the bowl. Simple function guide helps you choose the right blade
- SAVE PREP TIME WITH LARGE FEED CHUTE: You’ll save time and reduce the need for pre-cutting every time you process food with this vegetable chopper. The large feed chute fits a whole block of cheese.
Reliable Performance
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-2APK, Pink
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.
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 should I look for in a mini food processor?
Consider the capacity, which typically ranges from 1.5 to 4 cups, depending on your needs. Look for sharp stainless steel blades and multiple speed settings for versatility. Ease of cleaning, such as dishwasher-safe parts, is also a key factor.
How do mini food processors compare to full-sized ones?
Mini processors are more compact and ideal for small batches, while full-sized ones handle larger quantities. They often have fewer features but are more affordable and easier to store. However, they may lack the power for heavy-duty tasks like dough kneading.
Which features are most important for performance?
A powerful motor (around 200-400 watts) ensures efficient chopping and pureeing. Pulse control provides better precision for delicate tasks. A secure locking mechanism is essential for safety and consistent results.
Are budget-friendly mini food processors worth it?
Budget models can be good for basic tasks like chopping herbs or making small sauces. However, they may lack durability and power compared to higher-end options. If you plan to use it frequently, investing in a mid-range model is often better value.
How do I clean and maintain a mini food processor?
Most models have dishwasher-safe parts, but hand-washing the blades is recommended to preserve sharpness. Avoid submerging the motor base in water; instead, wipe it with a damp cloth. Regularly check for food residue buildup to ensure optimal performance.
Can a mini food processor handle hard ingredients like nuts or cheese?
Yes, but performance varies by model. Look for one with a strong motor and durable blades for tougher tasks. Some budget models may struggle with very hard or dense ingredients.
What are the top-rated brands according to Consumer Reports?
Cuisinart and KitchenAid often rank high for reliability and performance. Black+Decker offers affordable options with decent functionality. Always check the latest reviews for specific model ratings.
Is a mini food processor a good gift for home cooks?
Absolutely, especially for those with limited kitchen space or who cook in small batches. It’s a versatile tool for quick prep tasks like chopping, pureeing, and making dressings. Choose a model with a good balance of power and ease of use.
