When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Food Processor Cooks Illustrated (2025 Updated)

If you're looking for a versatile kitchen appliance that can save you time and energy when preparing meals, a food processor is definitely worth considering. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one will suit your needs best. This is where Cooks Illustrated comes in. This trusted source of kitchen advice and equipment reviews has tested and evaluated various food processors to help you make an informed decision.

Before buying a food processor, you need to consider several factors. For example, you should think about the size of the bowl, the power of the motor, the number and type of blades, and the ease of use and cleaning. Additionally, you should take into account the tasks you want to perform with the food processor, as some models are better suited for specific jobs, such as chopping, slicing, grating, pureeing, or mixing. Durability, build quality, and warranty are also essential aspects that can affect your satisfaction with the product.

If you're wondering which food processor to choose, you may want to ask yourself some questions. Do you want a compact or a large model? How much food do you usually prepare? What kind of recipes do you make often? Do you have any special requirements, such as noise reduction or safety features? By answering these questions and following the recommendations from Cooks Illustrated, you can find the right food processor for your needs and enjoy a new level of efficiency and creativity in your cooking.

10 Best Food Processor Cooks Illustrated

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for efficient and precise food preparation, slicing, dicing, and peeling in large quantities.
2
The product is ideal for cooking and preparing food efficiently with multiple functions and settings.
3
Ideal for continuous feed food processing with a 2.9L clear bowl and 1-HP motor, operating at 120 volts.
4
Ideal for food preparation including slicing, shredding, and mixing/chopping a wide variety of ingredients with ease.
5
The product is ideal for chopping, slicing, purees & dough with 1000 Peak Watts, 9-Cup Processor Bowl, 3 Blades and more.
6
This product is ideal for processing food items efficiently with its 2.5 quart clear batch bowl made of polycarbonate material.
7
It is ideal for adding flavor to various dishes and recipes.
8
This product is ideal for enhancing the flavor of various dishes with a warm and earthy taste.
9
This product is ideal for those who want a versatile, all-in-one appliance for cooking and preparing a variety of foods.
10
Ideal for versatile food preparation tasks such as chopping, blending, juicing, and making French fries.
Ideal for efficient and precise food preparation, slicing, dicing, and peeling in large quantities.
The product is ideal for cooking and preparing food efficiently with multiple functions and settings.
Ideal for continuous feed food processing with a 2.9L clear bowl and 1-HP motor, operating at 120 volts.
Ideal for food preparation including slicing, shredding, and mixing/chopping a wide variety of ingredients with ease.
The product is ideal for chopping, slicing, purees & dough with 1000 Peak Watts, 9-Cup Processor Bowl, 3 Blades and more.
This product is ideal for processing food items efficiently with its 2.5 quart clear batch bowl made of polycarbonate material.
This product is ideal for enhancing the flavor of various dishes with a warm and earthy taste.
This product is ideal for those who want a versatile, all-in-one appliance for cooking and preparing a variety of foods.
Ideal for versatile food preparation tasks such as chopping, blending, juicing, and making French fries.

1. Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Peel & Dice Food Processor, Brushed Aluminum, Bfp820bal

The Breville Sous Chef 16 Peel and Dice makes dicing easier and more precise with its new dicing attachment. This attachment works by slicing and then dicing your foods, ensuring even and precise cubes. It comes with a 12mm dicing attachment that is perfect for preparing soups and salads, and additional 8mm and 16mm dicing kits can be purchased separately, giving you a greater variety in precision cuts.

Peeling produce has never been easier with the peeler disc that can peel up to 7 potatoes at a time, as well as other vegetables like beetroot and sweet potato. This takes the hard work out of preparing your ingredients.

This machine also offers three feed chute options for precise results. The big chute allows for larger produce, creating more cubes in a single push, while the 360º dicing grid provides up to 10 cups of continuous dicing. With the updated direct drive, high torque 1200W motor, this machine can easily handle the toughest jobs in the extra-large 16 cup (3.6 liter) capacity bowl. The micro-serrated S-blade system delivers swift action for consistent chopping, mixing, and processing of a variety of ingredients.

Pros

  • New dicing attachment makes dicing easier and more precise
  • Peeler disc can peel up to 7 potatoes at a time, taking the hard work out of preparing ingredients
  • Three feed chute options for precise results
  • Updated direct drive, high torque 1200W motor can handle tough jobs
  • Micro-serrated S-blade system delivers consistent chopping, mixing, and processing

2. Cuisinart Fpc-100 Completechef Cooking Food Processor, Stainless Steel

Experience the ultimate convenience in prepping and cooking with the CompleteChef. Boasting a powerful 550-watt motor and 1000-watt heater, this kitchen appliance lets you process and cook all your ingredients in one 18-cup stainless steel work bowl. Whether you need to chop, mix, puree, knead, slice, shred, dice, or whisk, this device has got you covered. It also offers cooking functions like sautéing, simmering, slow cooking, steaming, proofing dough, and making risotto.

The CompleteChef features a large full color TFT display and adjustable time, temperature, and speed settings, making it easy to use. It comes with 10 accessories, including a Slicing Disc, Shredding Disc, Chopping Blade, Dough Blade, Whisk, Stirring Paddle, Steam Basket, Funnel, Spatula, and two lids for cooking and processing. Additionally, it includes a dicing kit and over 200 step-by-step recipes built into the unit, making it a must-have for any kitchen.

This product is BPA-free and comes with a limited 3-year warranty. For troubleshooting steps and questions regarding warranty policies, refer to the user manual.

Pros

  • Powerful 550-watt motor and 1000-watt heater
  • 18-cup stainless steel work bowl
  • Processing functions include chop, mix, puree, knead, slice, shred, dice, and whisk
  • Cooking functions include sauté, simmer, slow cook, steam, proof dough, and risotto
  • Large full color TFT display and adjustable time, temperature, and speed settings
  • Includes 10 accessories and a dicing kit
  • Over 200 step-by-step recipes built into the unit
  • BPA-free
  • Limited 3-year warranty

3. Clear Bowl Food Processor – Robot Coupe R2n

The Robot Coupe R2N CLR is a reliable food processor that comes with a smooth "S" blade, which can blend ingredients, emulsify liquids, and chop to a coarse texture. The slicing disc that comes with the unit makes a 5/32" (4mm) cut, while the grating disc produces a medium-sized final product that's perfect for garnishes and general use in recipes. The clear polycarbonate batch bowl has a 2.9-liter capacity, allowing you to process multiple ingredients together at once, and the clear top lets you monitor the progress of the processing. The 3-button control panel is easy to use, with an on/off switch that removes all assumptions from processing, while the pulse option allows for more specific execution. The Robot Coupe R2N CLR also features a lever-activated auto restart magnetic safety system, making it more user-friendly and optimizing throughput.

Pros

  • Smooth "S" blade for blending, emulsifying, and chopping to a coarse texture
  • 2.9-liter clear polycarbonate batch bowl for processing multiple ingredients at once
  • Clear top for monitoring progress
  • 3-button control panel with on/off switch and pulse option for more specific execution
  • Lever-activated auto restart magnetic safety system for ease of use and optimized throughput
  • Includes 5/32" slicing disc and 5/64" grating disc
  • Perfect for garnishes and general use in recipes

4. Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor: Slice, Shred, Mix!

The Cuisinart 14-cup food processor is a must-have kitchen appliance that features a powerful 720-watt motor, making it capable of handling any kind of dip, puree, sauce, hummus, salsa, guacamole, and more. Its Lexan bowl is durable and can hold a large amount of food. The extra-large feed tube comes with small and large pusher bowl sleeve assembly, while the detachable disc stem allows for easy use and cleaning. Its cord length is 36-inches, providing flexibility in its placement in the kitchen.

The food processor comes with a stainless steel standard slicing disc (4mm), medium shredding disc, and stainless steel chopping/mixing blade, which are all dishwasher safe. The package also includes a spatula, instruction manual, and recipe booklet to help users maximize the food processor's use. However, it is important to note that the shredding and slicing blades are not adjustable, and users should refer to the manual before set up.

The Cuisinart 14-cup food processor comes with a full 5-year warranty on the motor and a limited 3-year warranty. The product is BPA-free, ensuring that it is safe for use.

Pros

  • Powerful 720-watt motor
  • Large 14-cup capacity
  • Durable Lexan bowl
  • Extra-large feed tube with small and large pusher bowl sleeve assembly
  • Detachable disc stem for easy use and cleaning
  • 36-inch cord length for flexibility in placement
  • Comes with stainless steel standard slicing disc (4mm), medium shredding disc, and stainless steel chopping/mixing blade
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Full 5-year warranty on the motor
  • BPA-free for safe use

Cons

  • – Shredding and slicing blades are not adjustable

5. Ninja Professional Food Processor: Master Your Meals

The kitchen food processor is designed to handle the toughest ingredients with ease, featuring a powerful 1000-peak-watt motor that can process up to 11 cups of food. The processor is perfect for making restaurant-worthy dishes in the comfort of your own home, thanks to its dedicated blades and discs that deliver professional performance. These blades and discs allow for precise chopping, consistent slicing, and even mixing, all in one convenient appliance.

The processor features four versatile functions that make food prep easier than ever before. The Auto-iQ intelligent preset programs allow you to chop veggies, shred cheese, make smooth sauces, and even quick pizza or cookie dough from scratch, all at the touch of a button. With three speeds – low, high, and pulse – you can easily customize your food prep to suit your needs.

The processor also features an XL processing capacity with a 9-cup processing bowl that can deliver consistent results whether you're chopping a few garlic cloves or an entire bowlful of ingredients. This makes it perfect for large families and entertaining guests. The powerful dough mixer has the torque to fold in ingredients quickly and evenly, making up to 2 lbs. of dough in as little as 30 seconds.

The kitchen food processor comes with a 20-recipe Inspiration Guide to help you create delicious meals for any occasion. All parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. For quick cleans, you can simply pulse some warm water and 1-2 small drops of dish soap to quickly clean the bowl and blades.

The processor is also incredibly easy to assemble, allowing you to swap out discs and blades in seconds. The package includes a 1000-Peak-Watt Motor Base, 9-cup Precision Processor Bowl with Feed Chute Lid and Pusher, Quad Chopping Blade, Dough Blade, Reversible Slicing and Shredding Disc, and a 20-Recipe Inspiration Guide.

Pros

  • Powerful 1000-peak-watt motor can handle the toughest ingredients with ease
  • Dedicated blades and discs deliver professional-grade performance
  • Four versatile functions make food prep easier than ever
  • XL processing capacity is perfect for large families and entertaining guests
  • Powerful dough mixer can make up to 2 lbs. of dough in as little as 30 seconds
  • Comes with a 20-recipe Inspiration Guide to help create delicious meals
  • Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
  • Quick assembly allows for easy swapping of discs and blades

Cons

  • – May be too powerful for some users who prefer a less powerful processor

6. Clear Batch Food Processor By Robot Coupe

The Robot Coupe R101BCLR is an excellent food processor for small-scale food processing tasks. It features a fan-cooled, 1/4-HP induction motor with a speed of 1725 RPM, ensuring consistent results every time. The 2.5-quart clear plastic batch bowl is perfect for mixing small batches of a single ingredient or processing multiple ingredients simultaneously. The see-through bowl makes it easy to monitor the contents.

The smooth 'S' blade that comes with the bowl assembly is versatile and suitable for a range of processing tasks. It allows you to emulsify, mix ingredients, and chop them coarsely. The honing stone included in the package ensures the cutting edges of the unit remain sharp for precise cuts. You can remove any food debris from the batch bowl using the scraper that comes with it.

The Robot Coupe R101BCLR is easy to use, with simple switches for 'ON' and 'OFF' that take the guesswork out of processing. The 'PULSE' option allows for more precise control when needed.

Pros

  • Powerful 1/4-HP induction motor for consistent results
  • 2.5-quart clear plastic batch bowl for mixing small batches of a single ingredient or processing multiple ingredients simultaneously
  • Smooth 'S' blade suitable for a range of processing tasks
  • Honing stone included for keeping the cutting edges sharp
  • Scraper included for easy removal of food debris
  • Simple switches for 'ON' and 'OFF' and a 'PULSE' option for more precise control

7. Simply Organic Ground Cumin Seed, Certified Organic | 0.46 Oz | Pack Of 6 | Cuminum Cyminum L.

Experience the rich and warm flavor of Simply Organic Ground Cumin, the award-winning spice that was named “Best Ground Cumin” by Cook’s Illustrated in 2018. Made from 100% pure and organic cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) sourced from India and Turkey, this spice boasts a complex, earthy flavor and an enticing aroma that blends easily into any dish. Unlike other brands, Simply Organic Ground Cumin is never fake, as it contains no artificial additives, GMOs, or ETO, a carcinogenic substance banned by the EPA. Moreover, this product is non-irradiated and kosher certified, ensuring its quality and purity. Simply Organic believes in growing and processing spices without using toxic pesticides to preserve their natural flavor and potency. By choosing Simply Organic, you're not only enjoying the best quality cumin, but also supporting the Simply Organic Giving Fund, which aims to provide funds and support for sustainable and socially just organic agriculture and help millions of food-insecure people.

If you're looking for a popular seasoning that can add a real bite to your Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican dishes, Simply Organic Ground Cumin is the perfect choice for you. Its true cumin seed color and organic origin make it stand out from the rest. Its pure and potent flavor, grown at the source, means that you know precisely what you’re getting, and from where. Choose Simply Organic Ground Cumin to elevate your cooking game to the next level!

Pros

  • Made from 100% pure and organic cumin seeds sourced from India and Turkey
  • Awarded “Best Ground Cumin” by Cook’s Illustrated in 2018
  • Free from artificial additives, GMOs, and ETO
  • Non-irradiated and kosher certified
  • Preserves the natural flavor and potency of spices by avoiding the use of toxic pesticides
  • Supports the Simply Organic Giving Fund, which aims to provide funds and support for sustainable and socially just organic agriculture and help millions of food-insecure people

8. Simply Organic Ground Cumin Seed, Certified Organic | 2.31 Oz | Pack Of 6 | Cuminum Cyminum L.

Experience the rich and warm flavor of Simply Organic Ground Cumin, a complex and earthy spice that will enhance any dish. This high-quality cumin boasts an enticing aroma and true cumin seed color, making it a genuine addition to your spice collection. It is a true spice with real bite, and no fake ingredients or additives. The product has been awarded “Best Ground Cumin” by Cook’s Illustrated in 2018, and it is certified organic by QAI and kosher certified by KSA.

Sourced from the best places in India and Turkey, this organic ground cumin is non-irradiated and free from toxic pesticides, GMOs, and artificial additives. Simply Organic believes in pure and potent flavor grown at the source. With its warm, spicy, and earthy taste, our ground cumin blends easily into any dish, making it a popular seasoning worldwide. It is especially loved in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.

Simply Organic is a 100% certified organic line of spices, seasoning mixes, and baking flavors. The company's pure, potent spices, seasonings, and extracts bring real bite to everything you make, eat, and share. In addition, through the Simply Organic Giving Fund, the company aims to help millions of food-insecure people by not only providing funds and support to make organic food more accessible but also in developing the next generation of leaders in sustainable and socially just organic agriculture.

Pros

  • Awarded “Best Ground Cumin” by Cook’s Illustrated in 2018
  • Certified organic by QAI
  • Kosher certified by KSA
  • Pure and potent flavor grown at the source
  • Free from toxic pesticides, GMOs, and artificial additives
  • Blends easily into any dish
  • A popular seasoning worldwide

9. Chefrobot: Your All-In-One Cooking Companion

Introducing ChefRobot, the ultimate kitchen assistant that makes cooking easy and enjoyable. With 15+ cooking modes, including steam, mix, blend, scale, fry, slow cook, puree, whisk, knead, and chop, you can prepare a variety of dishes with ease. The functions work simultaneously, which saves time and effort in the kitchen.

ChefRobot boasts a 500-watt motor and 1000-watt heater, and all the cooking times, temperatures, and speeds are preset. The guided cooking function takes the guesswork out of cooking, making it the perfect kitchen gadget for beginners to culinary artists. Just prepare the ingredients in advance and follow the directions as prompted.

With over 500 guided English recipes, including mains, desserts, salads, soups, breads & rolls, sauces & dips, pastas, and appetizers, you will never run out of ideas. You can even create your own recipes with our app, and recipes are updated regularly. Currently, recipes are available in English.

This multi-functional food processor is like having 10+ appliances in one, including a scale, steamer, kneading machine, slow cooker, mixer, blender, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and beyond. ChefRobot is easy to clean with its self-cleaning function, which removes even the most stubborn food residue. The fumeless feature also saves time and effort.

In summary, ChefRobot is the perfect kitchen gadget for anyone who wants to enjoy homemade meals and spend less time and mess in the kitchen. It is designed for novice to experienced cooks, with recipes and functionalities for every level of cook. Get yours today and make cooking a breeze!

Pros

  • 15+ cooking modes that work simultaneously
  • 500-watt motor and 1000-watt heater
  • Over 500 guided English recipes with regular updates
  • Multi-functional with 10+ appliances in one
  • Easy to clean with self-cleaning function and fumeless feature
  • Suitable for beginners to culinary artists

10. Braun Kitchen Master: 12-In-1 Food Processor

Experience the latest cutting-edge food processing technology with Braun’s FX3030 Food Processor, an upgraded version of its predecessor. The food processor now comes in a double-bowl design with a 12-cup bowl and an additional 0.75L capacity bowl that can handle all the chopping jobs with ease. The safety locks prevent simultaneous operation, allowing you to use only one bowl at a time. The machine is equipped with a powerful 600W/120V motor that provides faster and more efficient food processing while creating less noise compared to other food processors. The dual control system with variable speed offers 11 speeds to choose from, ensuring immediate and very even results without ramping up through all speeds. The pre-set speed function enables even more control over performance, making it ideal for the toughest slicing and chopping to whipping cream and blending ingredients. The Braun FX3030 Food Processor includes the original seven (7) blades from the FP3020 model, including the grating insert, coarse shredding insert, fine shredding insert, fine slicing insert, whipping attachment/kneading hook, S blade, and chopper attachment, as well as the Blade 21 for French Fry System. Its compact design won’t consume too much space on the counter, and cleaning is easy-peasy. This multipurpose food processor is designed for overall kitchen convenience and acts as your very own sous chef, giving you consistent cutting results all the time.

Pros

  • Equipped with a powerful 600W/120V motor that provides faster and more efficient food processing
  • Creates less noise compared to other food processors
  • Dual control system with variable speed offers 11 speeds to choose from
  • Pre-set speed function ensures immediate and very even results without ramping up through all speeds
  • Includes original seven (7) blades from the FP3020 model as well as the Blade 21 for French Fry System
  • Compact design won’t consume too much space on the counter
  • Easy to clean

Best Food Processor Cooks Illustrated FAQs

Are there any specific recipes that Cook's Illustrated recommends using a food processor for?

Yes, Cook's Illustrated recommends using a food processor for various recipes. One of the most popular recipes is for making homemade pesto. The food processor makes it easy to blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy texture. Another recipe that benefits from a food processor is hummus. By using the food processor, you can create a creamy and smooth hummus without any lumps. Additionally, the food processor is perfect for making pie dough. It quickly mixes the butter into the flour, creating a flaky and delicious crust. Other recipes that Cook's Illustrated recommends using a food processor for include making mayonnaise, chopping vegetables for soups or stews, and making homemade nut butter. The food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can save time and effort in the kitchen. By following Cook's Illustrated's recommendations, you can make delicious dishes with ease.

How does the Cook's Illustrated food processor perform in comparison to other models on the market?

The Cook's Illustrated food processor is a highly regarded model in the market due to its impressive performance and unique features. This model stands out from the competition due to its efficient and powerful motor, which makes it capable of handling tough tasks with ease. The precision blades of this food processor make it ideal for chopping, slicing, grating, and pureeing various ingredients.

Another distinguishing factor of the Cook's Illustrated food processor is its user-friendly design. It comes equipped with intuitive controls that are easy to operate, and its large capacity bowl can accommodate a range of ingredients, making it suitable for preparing meals for large families or gatherings.

Furthermore, this food processor is built to last, with its sturdy construction and durable materials ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. Overall, the Cook's Illustrated food processor is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a reliable and high-performing food processor that can make meal preparation a breeze.

What are the key features to look for in a food processor according to Cook's Illustrated?

According to Cook's Illustrated, there are several key features to look for when choosing a food processor. Firstly, the size of the bowl is important. A larger bowl can process more food at once, but may take up more counter space. Secondly, the strength of the motor is crucial. A powerful motor can handle tough vegetables and nuts without getting bogged down. Thirdly, the quality of the blades is important. Look for sharp, durable blades that can handle a variety of tasks. Additionally, a good food processor should have a variety of attachments and accessories, such as slicing discs and shredding blades, to make it more versatile. Finally, ease of use and cleaning are important factors to consider. A food processor that is difficult to assemble or clean may become frustrating to use on a regular basis. By considering these key features, you can choose a food processor that is well-suited to your needs and will make meal prep easier and more efficient.

What is the best food processor recommended by Cook's Illustrated?

According to Cook's Illustrated, the best food processor on the market is the Breville Sous Chef. This food processor has a powerful motor and a large capacity, making it versatile enough to handle a wide range of tasks. It also comes with a variety of attachments, including a dough blade, slicing disc, and shredding disc, which allow you to prepare a range of different foods with ease. Additionally, the Breville Sous Chef has a user-friendly design that makes it easy to use and clean. Overall, Cook's Illustrated recommends the Breville Sous Chef as the best food processor for home cooks who want a reliable and versatile tool that can help them prepare a wide range of dishes with ease.

What is the price range of the top-rated food processors recommended by Cook's Illustrated?

The price range of the top-rated food processors recommended by Cook's Illustrated varies depending on the specific model and features. However, according to their 2021 reviews, the top-rated food processors range from around $150 to $400. These machines are considered to be high-end and offer a range of features such as powerful motors, multiple attachments, and durable construction. It's important to note that while these models may come at a higher price point, they are designed to last for years and provide efficient and reliable performance. Additionally, investing in a quality food processor can save time and effort in the kitchen, making it a worthwhile investment for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Leave a Comment