Do you dream of perfectly chopped vegetables, smooth hummus, and effortless dough? A great food processor can make kitchen tasks much faster. However, when you see “America’s Test Kitchen,” you know you are looking at high quality, but which one should you buy? It can be tough to decide!
Choosing the best food processor from America’s Test Kitchen can feel overwhelming. They test everything so thoroughly, which is great, but it also means there are many models to compare. You want a machine that lasts long and handles tough jobs without quitting. You do not want to waste money on a model that only performs halfway.
This post cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what America’s Test Kitchen loves about their top picks. You will learn which features truly matter for your cooking style and budget. By the end, you will know the perfect food processor to bring home.
Let’s dive into the details and find the kitchen workhorse that is right for you!
Top Food Processor America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 05/02/2017 (Publication Date) - America's Test Kitchen (Publisher)
- 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.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Simkins, Sue (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 07/25/2013 (Publication Date) - Spring Hill (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 04/30/2019 (Publication Date) - America's Test Kitchen (Publisher)
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 5-cup work bowl with ergonomic handle for quick, easy food prep. Compact base with high-performance motor
- Reversible disc switches for fine and medium shredding and wide-mouth feed tube holds plenty of food
- Durable universal chopping blade
- Cord storage integrated into the base
- Removable parts nest in the work bowl for easy in-bowl storage
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Food Processor America’s Test Kitchen Favorites
Choosing the right food processor can make cooking much easier and faster. America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) tests many models rigorously. This guide helps you pick one that meets their high standards for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a food processor, certain features really matter for good results. ATK focuses on power, capacity, and blade quality.
Motor Power and Speed Settings
- Wattage: Look for a motor with at least 500 watts, especially if you plan to chop hard vegetables or make thick dough. More watts usually mean less straining for the machine.
- Speed Options: A good processor needs at least two speeds (low and high). The pulse button is essential for short bursts of chopping, giving you control.
- Dough Blade: Check if it includes a plastic dough blade. This tool kneads bread dough without overworking the main metal blade.
Capacity and Size
Consider how much food you prepare at once. Most home cooks need a bowl that holds 12 to 14 cups. Smaller bowls (under 8 cups) are fine for quick jobs but struggle with big batches of salsa or pie crust.
Attachments and Blades
The best processors come with versatile attachments. Make sure it includes:
- A sharp S-shaped main blade for chopping and pureeing.
- A reversible slicing/shredding disc. Check if the thickness of the slices is adjustable.
- A sturdy grating disc for cheese and vegetables.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used determine how long your food processor lasts and how safe it is.
Bowl and Lid Construction
Most high-quality bowls use strong, thick BPA-free plastic (usually Tritan or polycarbonate). Avoid thin, flimsy plastic, as it can crack easily when processing frozen items. The lid must lock securely. A poor lock means the machine will not turn on, which is a safety feature.
Blade Quality
The main blades should be made of high-quality stainless steel. Sharp blades cut evenly. Dull blades tear food, leading to uneven results—a big failing in ATK tests.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few design elements separate the good machines from the great ones.
Ease of Assembly and Cleaning
If cleanup is difficult, you will use the machine less often. Look for models where the bowl, lid, and blades are dishwasher safe. Furthermore, the feed tube (where you push food in) should be wide. A wide chute means less pre-cutting for you.
Stability During Use
Powerful motors cause vibrations. The best processors have heavy bases or strong suction cups on the bottom. These features keep the machine steady while it works hard, preventing it from “walking” across the counter.
Feed Tube Design
A narrow feed tube is better when slicing small items like carrots or cucumbers. Long, straight tubes allow you to process food vertically, leading to more uniform slices. If the tube is too wide, thin items might fold over and chop unevenly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you cook most often.
Dough Making and Pureeing
If you bake bread or pizza often, prioritize strong motor performance and a dedicated dough blade. For making smooth hummus or baby food, the machine needs to process ingredients down to a very fine texture without leaving large chunks.
Slicing and Shredding Tasks
For large meal prep tasks, like shredding cabbage for slaw or slicing potatoes for a gratin, the speed and consistency of the discs matter most. Test reviews often highlight how well the machine handles large amounts of firm vegetables without jamming.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ATK-Approved Food Processors
Q: Why does ATK recommend a specific wattage?
A: Higher wattage (usually 550W or more) ensures the motor handles tough jobs like grinding nuts or kneading thick dough without overheating or stalling. It provides consistent power.
Q: Are the expensive models worth the extra money?
A: Often, yes. More expensive models usually have stronger motors, better quality plastic that resists staining, and more precise slicing discs, leading to better long-term performance.
Q: How important is the ‘pulse’ button?
A: The pulse button is very important! It lets you control the texture. You use it for coarse chopping or when you want to stop before the food turns into a puree.
Q: Can I use my food processor to make nut butter?
A: Yes, but only models with powerful motors (over 600W) handle this well. Nut butter requires continuous, high power to break down the oils.
Q: What is the best way to clean the sharp blades?
A: Always clean the blades carefully by hand with soap and water immediately after use. Never let them soak, and use a brush instead of your fingers to avoid cuts.
Q: Does capacity mean the actual usable space?
A: Not always. The listed capacity (e.g., 14 cups) is the total volume. For liquids, you should only fill it halfway to prevent spills when the machine is running.
Q: What does ‘BPA-free plastic’ mean?
A: BPA is a chemical sometimes found in plastics. Food-grade BPA-free plastic means the container will not leach harmful chemicals into your food, which is a key safety requirement.
Q: Should I buy a model with a wide feed tube or a narrow one?
A: A wide tube is convenient for large items, but a narrower tube helps guide long, thin vegetables like carrots straight down for uniform slicing. Many top models offer a compromise: a wide tube with an insert for narrower items.
Q: How do I know if the slicing disc is high quality?
A: High-quality discs are usually thicker metal, and they allow you to adjust the slice thickness easily. Thin discs often wobble, causing uneven slices.
Q: Is it okay if the food processor gets warm during use?
A: A little warmth is normal, especially when processing thick ingredients for a long time. However, if the motor smells hot or feels extremely hot to the touch, you should stop immediately and let it cool down. This often means the motor is being overworked.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!