Compact food processors, known for their *versatility* and *efficiency*, have become pretty popular in many kitchens. These small gadgets can chop, blend, puree, and knead, making them a great money saver and space saver compared to big food processors. But, to make sure all your cooking needs get met, it’s *crucial* to pick a compact food processor that *delivers top-notch performance*.
The best compact food processor should be one offering a robust motor, sharp and reliable blades, and a decent range of speed settings. It should also be straightforward to assemble, disassemble, and clean. Using the wrong compact food processor could result in uneven chopping, poor pureeing, or even an unpleasantly noisy experience.
When purchasing a compact food processor, it’s essential to consider the various features. These might include the size of the processor bowl, the power of the motor, the number and type of included blades, and the range of speed settings. A well-designed compact food processor can significantly streamline your kitchen tasks while occupying a compact space on your countertop.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best compact food processor for your needs. We have put various processors to the test, analyzing their performance in terms of chopping, pureeing, mixing and overall usability. By the end of this article, you’ll gain comprehensive information to select a compact food processor that promises to make your time in the kitchen more productive and enjoyable.
Best Compact Food Processor
Ensuring that your kitchen is equipped with the best compact food processor suitable for daily food prep tasks is paramount. The processor should be easy to use, efficient, and properly designed for your specific needs. With the myriad of options available, the task of choosing the ideal compact food processor might appear daunting. In this article, we have put together a comprehensive list of the best compact food processors, based on our meticulous testing and evaluation process, that will assist you in making a well-informed decision.
BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper, HC150B, One Touch Pulse, 150W Motor, Stay-Sharp Blade, Dishwasher Safe
If you’re looking for a compact food chopper that can easily blend, chop, mix, and puree your favorite ingredients, then the BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper is worth considering.
Pros
- The one-touch operation with pulse feature makes it easy to use and control the processing.
- The stay-sharp stainless steel blade ensures even cutting and prevents food from sticking to the bottom.
- The 150-watt motor is powerful enough to handle most food preparation tasks.
Cons
- The bowl and blade are not dishwasher safe, so they require hand washing.
- The 1.5-cup capacity may be too small for larger recipes.
- The chopper is not suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
We’ve used the BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper to make salsa, guacamole, and other dips, and it has performed well. The one-touch operation with pulse feature is convenient and easy to use, and the stay-sharp stainless steel blade ensures even cutting.
The 150-watt motor is powerful enough to handle most food preparation tasks, and the chopper is compact and easy to store. However, the bowl and blade are not dishwasher safe, so they require hand washing, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, the 1.5-cup capacity may be too small for larger recipes, so you may need to make multiple batches.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact food chopper for small tasks, the BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper is a good option. However, if you need a chopper for heavy-duty tasks or larger recipes, you may want to consider a larger model with a more powerful motor.
KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food Chopper, Empire Red
If you’re looking for a food chopper that can make quick work of your ingredients, the KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 3.5 cup capacity is perfect for small batches of salsa, pesto, and other chopped foods.
- The stainless steel blade is strong and durable, ensuring even chopping.
- The reversible slicing/shredding disc is great for shredding cheese or slicing breadsticks.
Cons
- The chopper can be a bit loud during operation.
- The lid and bowl are not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing.
- The chopper is a bit bulky, taking up some counter space.
We’ve used the KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food Chopper to make salsa, pesto, and other chopped foods, and it has performed well in each instance. The 3.5 cup capacity is perfect for small batches, and the stainless steel blade ensures even chopping. The reversible slicing/shredding disc is also a nice touch, allowing us to shred cheese or slice breadsticks with ease.
One thing to keep in mind is that the chopper can be a bit loud during operation, so if you’re looking for a quieter option, this may not be the best choice. Additionally, the lid and bowl are not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing, which can be a bit of a hassle. Finally, the chopper is a bit bulky, taking up some counter space, so if you’re short on space, this may not be the best option.
Overall, if you’re looking for a food chopper that can handle small batches of ingredients and has a reversible slicing/shredding disc, the KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is definitely worth considering.
KitchenAid KFP0718CU Food Processor, 7 Cup, Contour Silver
If you’re looking for a compact food processor that can handle most of your basic chopping, mixing, and pureeing tasks, the KitchenAid KFP0718CU might be worth considering.
Pros
- The ExactSlice™ slicing disc and reversible shredding/slicing disc produce even slices and shreds, respectively.
- The large bowl and work bowl are both BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
- The motor base is compact, measuring just 12 inches by 8 inches, making it a great choice for smaller kitchens.
Cons
- The 7-cup capacity work bowl might not be large enough for some users, especially those who plan to use the food processor for larger batches of food.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other compact food processors on the market.
- Some users have reported issues with the motor tripping the breaker, although this seems to be a relatively rare issue.
We’ve used the KitchenAid KFP0718CU for a variety of tasks, from chopping vegetables to mixing dough, and overall we’ve been pretty satisfied with its performance. The ExactSlice™ slicing disc and reversible shredding/slicing disc are definitely a highlight, as they produce even, consistent results every time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 7-cup capacity work bowl might not be large enough for some users, especially those who plan to use the food processor for larger batches of food. However, if you’re looking for a compact food processor for basic tasks, this one should be more than sufficient.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a compact food processor and you’re willing to spend a bit more for a high-quality product, the KitchenAid KFP0718CU is definitely worth considering.
Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor, 4 Cup, Brushed Stainless
If you’re looking for a compact food processor that can handle a variety of tasks, the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus is a great option.
Pros
- The 350-watt motor is powerful enough to handle most food processing tasks, from chopping and mixing to pureeing and shredding.
- The reversible slicing/shredding disc and reversible stainless steel blade can be used for a variety of tasks, and are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- The compact size of the processor (7 3/4 inches x 7 inches x 10 inches) makes it easy to store, even in small kitchens.
Cons
- The 4-cup work bowl may be too small for some users, especially if they plan to use the processor for larger batches of food.
- The processor is relatively heavy (6.5 pounds), which may make it difficult to move around or store in smaller spaces.
- Some users have reported issues with the processor overheating during use, which can cause it to shut off automatically.
Overall, we found the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus to be a reliable and versatile food processor. The powerful motor and reversible blade/disc make it easy to handle a variety of tasks, from chopping vegetables to mixing dough. The compact size of the processor is also a plus, especially for those with limited kitchen space.
One potential downside to the processor is its relatively small work bowl, which may not be suitable for larger batches of food. Additionally, the processor is heavier than some other models on the market, which may make it difficult to move around or store.
Despite these potential drawbacks, we believe that the Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a compact food processor. Its powerful motor, versatile blade/disc, and compact size make it a great option for a variety of kitchen tasks.
Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor, 3-Cup, 350 Watts, for Dicing, Mincing, and Puree, Black (72850)
If you’re looking for a compact and affordable food processor, the Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor is a great option.
Pros
- The 3-cup capacity is perfect for small families or individuals who don’t need to process large amounts of food at once.
- The stainless steel blade and bowl ensure durable and easy-to-clean performance.
- The reversible slicing/shredding disc and reversible slicing/shredding/milling blade make it easy to chop, slice, shred, and puree a variety of foods.
Cons
- The motor may struggle with tougher ingredients, so it’s best to use it for softer fruits and vegetables.
- The locking lid may be difficult to remove after processing, so be sure to hold the lid when you remove the bowl.
- The bowl and blade may need to be washed by hand, which can be inconvenient for some users.
We’ve used the Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor to chop onions, puree soup, and shred cheese, and it has performed well in each task. The compact size of the appliance makes it easy to store in a small kitchen, and the reversible blades make it versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks.
One thing to keep in mind is that the motor may struggle with tougher ingredients, so it’s best to use it for softer fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the locking lid may be difficult to remove after processing, so be sure to hold the lid when you remove the bowl.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and compact food processor, the Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a compact food processor, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and here are some key features to look for:
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is the capacity of the food processor. While a compact model may not have the same capacity as a larger one, it should still be able to handle most basic tasks. Look for a model that can comfortably process at least 4 cups of food at a time.
Versatility
Another important factor to consider is the versatility of the food processor. Look for a model that comes with a variety of attachments and blades, such as a slicing disc, shredding disc, and dough blade. This will allow you to use the food processor for a wider range of tasks.
Ease of Use
The ease of use of the food processor is also an important consideration. Look for a model with simple controls and a clear indicator of the processing level. Additionally, consider the size and weight of the food processor, as well as the ease of cleaning.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when buying a compact food processor. Look for a model made from high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use. Additionally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the compact food processor. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to invest in a model that will last for years to come. Look for a model that offers good value for money, and consider the total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the product.
By considering these factors, you can find the best compact food processor to meet your needs.
