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The best food processors, in plain English

A food processor chops, slices and shreds in seconds, and makes pesto, salsa and pie dough. We read hands-on tests and boiled them down: which are worth the money and which cheap ones are fine.

  • Last reviewed October 20, 2026
  • 4 food processors
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor $200–$260 Big, quiet and simple. See details Best budget Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor with Bowl Scraper (70730) $50–$70 Does the basics for about $60. See details Best for serious cooks Magimix 4200XL Food Processor (14 cup) $400–$550 Extra bowls and a 30-year motor warranty. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Pick the size for the jobs you do most.

Pick a size

10 to 14 cups handles family cooking and dough. If you mostly chop an onion or some herbs, a 3- to 4-cup mini chopper is easier to pull out and clean.

Count the discs

Slicing and shredding discs are what save the most time. More discs mean more options, but also more parts to store.

Handle blades with care

The blades are very sharp. Hold them by the plastic center, wash them right away and keep them out of reach of kids.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

Food processorBest forTypical priceSizeControls
1. Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor Best overall $200–$26014 cupsOn, off and pulse
2. Magimix 4200XL Food Processor (14 cup) Best for serious cooks $400–$55014 cups, plus smaller nesting bowlsAuto and pulse
3. KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor Best for slicing $200–$26013 cupsEasy control panel
4. Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor with Bowl Scraper (70730) Best budget $50–$7010 cups2 speeds plus pulse

The 4 best food processors, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

  • 14 cups
  • On, off and pulse
  • Very quiet; simple to clean

$200–$260typical price

A big, quiet, no-fuss classic. Tom's Guide names it the best food processor overall, TechGearLab calls it a great mid-range pick, and Yahoo Shopping picks it for high performance.

What testers liked

  • Big bowl for family-size batches.
  • Excellent at pureeing and slicing.
  • Very quiet for its power.

Common complaints

  • Only one speed, and the slicing and shredding discs aren't adjustable.
  • Heavy.

Skip it if: You mostly chop an onion or a handful of nuts. A mini chopper is easier for small jobs.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Tom's Guide, TechGearLab, Yahoo Shopping.

#2Best for serious cooks

Magimix 4200XL Food Processor (14 cup)

  • 14 cups, plus smaller nesting bowls
  • Auto and pulse
  • 30-year motor warranty

$400–$550typical price

A powerful French food processor that comes with extra bowls for small and big jobs. TechGearLab calls it a close second for best overall, TechRadar names it the most versatile, and Tom's Guide picks it as the most durable.

What testers liked

  • Solid, powerful and versatile.
  • Extra bowls for small batches.
  • 30-year motor warranty.

Common complaints

  • One of the most expensive models tested.
  • Heavy, takes up lots of room, and has no speed control.

Skip it if: You're on a budget. The Cuisinart Custom 14 covers most jobs for about half the price.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechGearLab, TechRadar, Tom's Guide.

#3Best for slicing

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor

  • 13 cups
  • Easy control panel
  • Attachments come with a storage caddy

$200–$260typical price

A roomy processor with a hinged lid and lots of attachments that store neatly. Yahoo Shopping names it the best food processor overall, and Tom's Guide picks it for slicing.

What testers liked

  • Easy control panel and hinged lid.
  • Lots of attachments, with a caddy to keep them together.
  • Large bowl that runs quietly.

Common complaints

  • Bulky.
  • The big bowl isn't great for small jobs.

Skip it if: Your counter space is tight. It's a big machine.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Yahoo Shopping, Tom's Guide.

#4Best budget

Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor with Bowl Scraper (70730)

  • 10 cups
  • 2 speeds plus pulse
  • Built-in bowl scraper

$50–$70typical price

A cheap, useful food processor with a scraper you turn from the top, so you don't have to stop and open the lid. Tom's Guide names it the best value, and TechGearLab calls it the best on a tight budget.

What testers liked

  • Low price.
  • Built-in scraper pushes food back down.
  • Great at pureeing.

Common complaints

  • Very loud.
  • Few attachments, weak at mixing dough, and it can leak if overfilled.

Skip it if: You make bread or pie dough often. Spend more for a stronger motor.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Tom's Guide, TechGearLab.

How we pick

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