ConsFirst / Food processors
Food processors: the downsides, first
Food processors mostly differ in how long their plastic parts last and how evenly they chop and purée. Here are the most popular full-size and mini models in the US, with owner complaints up front.
8 models compared16 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 food processors, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Cuisinart
$$$Full-size14 cupsScore 4.3/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The long-running expert favorite: simple, sturdy, quiet and excellent at dough. Its slicing disk isn't adjustable, it is less precise on delicate herbs, and some owners report cracked plastic parts or a lid that won't lock.
Top complaints
- Plastic parts crack over timeVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability feedback is mixed, with some owners reporting plastic parts cracking after a year (318 of 506 durability mentions are negative). Value for money is also divided.
- Lid hard to lock, or the unit won't startMentioned often
Several 1-star Walmart reviews say the lid is nearly impossible to lock or the machine won't start after assembly. Cuisinart's reply explains that the bowl, lid and pusher must all be fully locked for the safety interlock to allow it to run.
- Basic attachments, less precise on delicate jobsMentioned often
Wirecutter notes that the slicing disk is fixed at about 5 mm and isn't adjustable. The machine also left some large parsley pieces and ground up soft mozzarella instead of shredding it. Serious Eats dislikes that the feed chute sits at the back and that the pusher falls out when the lid is turned over.
What owners love
- A long-term workhorse
It has been Wirecutter's top pick since 2013. One staffer replaced hers after 11 years of use, and an editor still uses a decades-old unit. It comes with a 3-year warranty, and Cuisinart sells replacement parts.
- Simple controls, easy to clean
It has just on and pulse buttons. Serious Eats found it had the easiest controls it tested, and Wirecutter found its bowl easier to clean than most.
- Stable and quiet, even with dough
Wirecutter says it kneaded pizza dough effortlessly without moving and measured a relatively quiet 75 dB. Amazon owners praise its noise level (339 of 356 mentions are positive) and call it rock solid on the counter.
Skip it if…- You want very thin, adjustable slicing
- You mostly chop fresh herbs finely
- You need lots of specialty attachments
Good for- Most home cooks who want one reliable machine
- Kneading pizza and bread dough
- People who like simple two-button controls
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter says it excelled at nearly every chopping and shredding task, but its fixed slicing disk and its results on parsley trail the Breville. - Dough & purées5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter: it kneaded pizza dough effortlessly without moving and made the firmest mayonnaise of any full-size model. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Serious Eats found it had the easiest controls of the models it tested, but the chute is at the back and some Walmart owners struggle to lock the lid. - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter found the bowl one of the easiest to clean, with a hollow handle. Ease of cleaning is mostly positive on Amazon (403 of 496 mentions). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Units have lasted for decades in Wirecutter's experience, and it has a 3-year warranty, but durability is a net-negative aspect on Amazon (cracking plastic parts).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick since 2013: a simple, sturdy machine that dices, slices and kneads consistently. Its flaws are a fixed slicing disk, less consistent results on delicate herbs, and a feed tube at the back.
- Serious Eats: Best budget food processor with the easiest controls and a quiet induction motor. The chute is on the far side, and the pusher falls out when the lid is turned over.
#2
Breville
$$$Full-size16 cupsScore 4.1/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The most precise and powerful machine in expert tests, with a superb adjustable slicer. It costs about $500, takes up a lot of room with its huge accessory case, and some owners report cracked bowls.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
It costs about twice as much as Wirecutter's top pick, and Food Network lists the price as its main con. Value for money is mixed on Amazon, where some owners call it an expensive mistake (117 of 349 mentions are negative).
- Huge, with a big accessory case to storeVery common
Wirecutter says it is almost 18 inches tall, weighs nearly 20 pounds, and comes with an accessory case almost as big as the machine. Serious Eats and Food Network both flag the size, and Amazon owners give mixed feedback on it.
- Bowl cracks; mixed durabilityMentioned often
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting bowl cracks despite infrequent use (87 of 155 mentions are negative). Wirecutter calls the general warranty underwhelming for the price, though the motor has a separate long warranty.
What owners love
- The most precise chopping tested
Wirecutter says it diced exceptionally evenly and was especially impressive on fine herbs. Serious Eats got a mirepoix in just 20 pulses.
- Excellent adjustable slicer
The slicer has 24 thickness settings from 0.3 to 8 mm. Wirecutter got consistent 1 mm potato slices, thinner and more even than the Cuisinart Core Custom's.
- Powerful and rock steady
Wirecutter says it kneaded pizza dough without moving an inch. Amazon owners praise its performance and power.
Skip it if…- You have little counter or cabinet space
- You only use a food processor occasionally
- You're on a budget
Good for- Cooking big, prep-heavy recipes several times a week
- Paper-thin, even slicing
- Finely chopped herbs
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing5.0
Why 5.0?
It had the most even dicing (including herbs) and the best adjustable slicing in both Wirecutter's and Serious Eats' tests. - Dough & purées5.0
Why 5.0?
Wirecutter: it excelled at pizza dough without wobbling at all. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Serious Eats says it couldn't be simpler, with labeled arrows and a timer, but it is heavy and comes with many parts to manage (Wirecutter). - Easy cleaning3.0
Why 3.0?
The parts are dishwasher-safe, but Wirecutter says the enclosed bowl handle traps food and moisture, and the mini bowl means two bowls to wash. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
It has a heavy base and a long motor warranty, but durability is mixed on Amazon, where owners report bowl cracks.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best food processor overall: very easy to use, with clear lock arrows, a timer and a 24-setting slicer. The only con is a very large storage caddy.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick for people who cook for a crowd often: exceptionally even dicing and slicing. It costs twice the top pick, takes a lot of space, includes superfluous extras, and measured 90 dB.
- Food Network: Best large-capacity pick, called the 'Ferrari of food processors'. The cons are the price and the space it takes up.
#3
Ninja
$$Full-size9 cupsScore 3.5/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The Amazon rating pool (14,333) is shared with the Ninja PrecisionPro BZ601 and the Professional XL NF701 listings, so it may include those models.A powerful, light, easy-to-clean chopper that Amazon owners love, but it doesn't purée finely and many owners report broken shredding blades or other durability problems.
Top complaints
- Doesn't purée smoothlyVery common
Food Network says it doesn't purée as finely, and its pesto was less fine than other models'. Several 1-star Walmart reviews say sauces stayed chunky even after long runs.
- Shredding blade breaks; durability is mixedVery common
Amazon's summary says some owners report the shredding blade breaking. Durability is a net-negative aspect (206 of 328 mentions are negative), and opinions on the blades are split. A few Walmart owners report cracked bowls, a melted base, or a burning smell on first use.
- Food gets stuck under the lidOccasional
Serious Eats left it out of its picks because food frequently got stuck under the lid.
What owners love
- Powerful, fast chopping
Food Network calls it powerful, with stacked blades that keep the bottom of a batch from being over-processed. Amazon owners praise its quick chopping.
- Easy to use and clean
Ease of use (340 of 359 mentions) and ease of cleaning (236 of 289) are strong positives on Amazon. Food Network found it easy to clean by hand, and all parts are dishwasher-safe.
- Light and moderately priced
Food Network's best-value pick, at about seven pounds.
Skip it if…- You make smooth purées, sauces or hummus
- You want a machine that lasts many years
- You want expert-tested dough performance
Good for- Fast chopping of vegetables and cheese
- Mid-budget buyers
- People who want a lighter machine
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing3.5
Why 3.5?
Powerful and fast for chopping (Food Network, Amazon), but chopping performance is mixed on Amazon (40 of 194 mentions are negative). - Dough & purées2.5
Why 2.5?
Purée evidence only: Food Network found pesto less fine, and Walmart owners say it doesn't purée. No expert dough test was found. - Ease of use4.5
Why 4.5?
Ease of use is overwhelmingly positive on Amazon, and the unit is light at about 7 lb (Food Network). - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Food Network found it easy to clean and the parts are dishwasher-safe; Amazon owners mostly agree. Serious Eats found food stuck under the lid. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Durability is net-negative on Amazon (broken shredding blades), with scattered Walmart reports of cracks and failures.
What experts say
- Food Network: Best value: powerful, moderately priced and light. It doesn't purée as finely as other models.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended: food frequently got stuck under the lid.
#4
Cuisinart
$Mini chopper4 cupsScore 3.7/5
18%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 787 Amazon ratings (2-star 3%, 1-star 15%).Experts' favorite mini chopper for sauces and mayo, thanks to a roomy bowl and a double drizzle channel. It tears herbs, is loud, has to be held down to run, and has a high share of 1-star Amazon reviews citing early failure.
Top complaints
- Stops working after a few monthsVery common
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some units breaking down after about four months (24 of 35 durability mentions are negative). Opinions are split between owners who call it worth the money and those who warn not to buy it. 15% of Amazon ratings are 1-star.
- Must hold the button to runMentioned often
Serious Eats says you have to keep pressing the power button, which gets tedious. Wirecutter confirms there is no continuous-on function.
- Tears herbs; loudMentioned often
Wirecutter found it tore parsley into uneven pieces, and its paid testers preferred the KitchenAid 3.5-cup's chop. Wirecutter measured a high-pitched 100 dB running empty.
What owners love
- Best for drizzling and emulsions
It has two drizzle holes in a wide channel across the lid, and it excelled at mayonnaise in Wirecutter's tests. Serious Eats also liked the oil well.
- Roomy bowl, even dicing
The 4-cup bowl fits a halved onion. Wirecutter found it diced garlic, tomato, onion and almonds evenly, and Serious Eats got a smooth paste from garlic and pistachios.
- Easy to clean
Ease of cleaning is a strong positive on Amazon (46 of 48 mentions), and the parts are dishwasher-safe.
Skip it if…- You mostly chop fresh herbs
- You want a continuous-run button
- You want proven long-term durability
Good for- Mayo, dressings, pesto and other small-batch sauces
- Chopping one onion or a few garlic cloves
- Use alongside a full-size processor
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing3.5
Why 3.5?
It diced garlic, tomato, onion and almonds evenly but tore parsley (Wirecutter). As a mini, it has no slicing disk. - Dough & purées4.0
Why 4.0?
Purées and emulsions only (too small for dough): it excelled at mayo (Wirecutter) and made a smooth paste (Serious Eats). - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter found the base buttons easier than lid-press choppers, and the twist lid is intuitive (Serious Eats), but you must hold the button. - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
It is small with dishwasher-safe parts, and ease of cleaning is almost entirely positive on Amazon. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is net-negative on Amazon (units failing after about four months), and 15% of ratings are 1-star.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best mini food processor: roomy, with a dual drizzle channel, and excellent at mayo. It slacks on herbs and runs loud (100 dB).
- Serious Eats: Runner-up to the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap 4-cup: it turned garlic and pistachios into a smooth paste fast, but you must keep pressing the button.
#5
Cuisinart
$$Full-size13 cupsScore 3.4/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: only 196 Amazon ratings (2-star 2%, 1-star 9%).A more modern Cuisinart with an adjustable slicer that cuts much thinner than the Custom 14. It is louder, rocks a little with dough, has more crevices to clean, and owners complain about blinking control lights.
Top complaints
- Bowl and lid are hard to scrape and cleanVery common
Wirecutter found more nooks and crannies, like the lid's rounded inner rim, and a lid that is harder to remove. Low-star Walmart reviewers say the ridged bowl is impossible to scrape and that food gets lodged under the lid.
- Constantly blinking control lightsMentioned often
Several Walmart reviewers say the illuminated settings keep blinking after use. One found that quickly pressing stop three times turns them off.
- Loud, slower dicing, rocks with doughMentioned often
Wirecutter measured about 96 dB, the loudest of its full-size picks. It took longer to dice almonds and onions and rocked a bit while kneading. Amazon's summary notes some owners find it less heavy-duty than expected.
What owners love
- Thin, adjustable slicing
The adjustable disk made thin, translucent potato slices that Wirecutter found far thinner than the top pick's fixed disk, though less even than the Breville's. Walmart's review summary also lists adjustable slicing as a pro.
- Neat storage and useful controls
All blades and disks stack on a spindle inside the bowl. Mix, low, high and pulse settings let you fine-tune without overcomplicating things (Wirecutter).
- Lighter to handle
At about 11 pounds it is easier to move than the Custom 14 or the Breville, and suction cups kept it from skating (Wirecutter).
Skip it if…- You hate scraping and cleaning crevices
- Noise bothers you
- You mostly knead heavy dough
Good for- Thin slicing (chips, gratins)
- People who want speed settings
- Storing all blades inside the bowl
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter: it slices better than the top pick and diced and minced admirably, but it is slower on almonds and onions. - Dough & purées3.5
Why 3.5?
It made good mayo, but it rocked while kneading dough (Wirecutter). One Walmart owner couldn't make hummus with it. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
The controls are clear, but the lid is harder to remove (Wirecutter) and Walmart owners report blinking lights. - Easy cleaning3.0
Why 3.0?
It has more crevices than the top pick (Wirecutter), and Walmart owners say the ridged bowl is hard to scrape. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
It has a 3-year warranty (Wirecutter), but some Amazon owners say it isn't as heavy-duty as expected. The evidence is thin (small sample).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up: better slicing and more features than the Custom 14 with similar overall performance, but slower dicing, a harder-to-remove lid, more crevices, and louder operation (about 96 dB).
#6
KitchenAid
$$Full-size7 cupsScore 3.0/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Rating count (7,889) appears pooled across color variants of the KFP0718.A compact, easy, twist-free processor that Food Network likes for small kitchens. Owners frequently report that it breaks, struggles with shredding and puréeing, and has fragile handles and latches.
Top complaints
- Breaks after few usesVery common
Durability is the most negative aspect on Amazon (161 of 196 mentions), with multiple owners reporting breakage after a few uses and units that suddenly stop working. Low-star Walmart reviews describe dead motors, handles breaking off the bowl, and a lid that warped in the dishwasher.
- Weak shredding and puréeingVery common
Cutting performance is mixed on Amazon (79 of 147 mentions are negative), with owners finding it poor at shredding cheese. Walmart reviewers say hummus and pesto stayed chunky, and Food Network notes it is not very powerful.
- Narrow feed tube, pusher falls outMentioned often
Food Network found the feed tube narrow and the food pusher often falling out when the lid is opened, which Walmart reviewers also complain about. Walmart's summary says the hinge traps food and can crack.
What owners love
- Compact and easy to use
Food Network's best compact pick, with a twist-free design. Ease of use is a strong positive on Amazon (124 of 140 mentions).
- Handles everyday chopping well
Food Network says it diced an onion uniformly, ground Parmesan well, and pulled pie crust together in a few pulses.
- Parts store in the bowl
Walmart's review summary praises the dishwasher-safe parts that come apart easily and store inside the bowl.
Skip it if…- You want a machine that lasts many years
- You shred cheese or make hummus often
- You need a wide feed tube
Good for- Small kitchens and storage
- Quick chopping for 1-3 people
- People who hate twist-lock bowls
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing3.0
Why 3.0?
It diced onion uniformly in Food Network's test, but cutting performance is mixed on Amazon (poor at shredding cheese). - Dough & purées2.5
Why 2.5?
It pulled pie crust together (Food Network), but it has a 300 W motor, and Walmart owners report chunky hummus and pesto. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
It is easy and twist-free (Food Network, Amazon), but the pusher falls out when you open the lid. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Ease of cleaning is the most-mentioned Walmart topic and the parts are dishwasher-safe, but the hinge traps food, and one owner says the lid warped in the dishwasher. - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Durability is strongly negative on Amazon, and Walmart owners report broken handles and dead units.
What experts say
- Food Network: Best compact pick: easy to use and modestly priced. The cons are a narrow feed tube, modest power, and a pusher that often falls out.
#7
Hamilton Beach
$Full-size12 cupsScore 2.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A cheap, big-bowl processor with no-twist assembly that slices cleanly, but it skates around with dough, has hard-to-clean lid and handle cavities, and many owners report the motor dying early.
Top complaints
- Motor or latch fails earlyVery common
Many 1-star Walmart reviews describe units that stopped working after a few uses or a few months, a dead motor, and a spring mechanism in the handle that broke after about two weeks.
- Cheese gets trapped in the lid and handleMentioned often
Wirecutter found that grated cheese gets stuck inside the plastic walls of the lid and in the bowl handle, areas it calls impossible to clean.
- Moves around with dough; one thickness onlyMentioned often
Wirecutter says it shook and moved quickly across the counter when kneading. Food Network notes there is only one slicing and shredding thickness.
What owners love
- Cheap and efficient
Food Network's best budget pick: efficient and consistent, it sliced a zucchini with almost no waste.
- No-twist assembly
Walmart's review summary praises the simple setup with no twisting and the easy operation.
- Clean dicing and shredding of firm vegetables
Wirecutter found it diced onion and shredded carrot cleanly.
Skip it if…- You knead dough
- You shred sticky cheese often
- You want a machine that lasts years
Good for- Tight budgets
- Slicing and shredding vegetables
- People who dislike twist-lock bowls
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing3.5
Why 3.5?
Clean slicing and shredding (Food Network, Wirecutter), but Wirecutter rated it only okay on tomatoes, parsley and almonds. - Dough & purées2.0
Why 2.0?
Wirecutter: it shook and moved quickly across the counter when kneading dough. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Walmart owners praise the no-twist setup and easy operation. - Easy cleaning2.5
Why 2.5?
It is dishwasher-safe with a pour spout (Food Network), but Wirecutter found lid and handle cavities that trap food and can't be cleaned. - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
There are many Walmart reports of motors dying and handle mechanisms breaking within weeks or months.
What experts say
- Food Network: Best budget pick: efficient and consistent, with a combined slicing and shredding disc. It offers only one thickness.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: it is okay at chopping, but cheese gets trapped in uncleanable lid and handle cavities, and it skated across the counter with dough.
#8
Ninja
$$Full-size12 cupsScore 2.7/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A popular, big-bowl Ninja that both Wirecutter and Serious Eats rejected: it wobbled and stalled on dough, chopped unevenly, and owners report blade stems failing.
Top complaints
- Wobbles and stalls with doughVery common
Wirecutter says it shook, rotated and stalled while kneading, and Serious Eats says it wobbled alarmingly on pizza dough. One Walmart owner had a suction cup come loose mid-knead.
- Uneven chopping, no drizzle holeVery common
Wirecutter found it diced onion well but underperformed on tomatoes, almonds and parsley, and noted it lacks a drizzle hole. Walmart reviewers say chopping turns vegetables to mush and the slicing disc tears tomatoes.
- Blade stem and slicing issuesMentioned often
Serious Eats couldn't get it to work with all of its slicing settings. Two Walmart owners say the blade stem in the bowl failed, one of them twice, and no replacement bowl was available.
What owners love
- Large bowl with storage case
Walmart's review summary praises the dedicated storage case for blades and discs and its sturdy, sharp blades.
- Easy to clean
Ease of cleaning is the most-mentioned topic in Walmart reviews and is listed as a pro in its summary.
- Dices onion well
Wirecutter found it diced onion well.
Skip it if…- You knead bread or pizza dough
- You want even chopping of herbs, nuts or tomatoes
- You need a drizzle hole for mayo or dressings
Good for- Big batches of simple chopping
- Storage-case fans
- Shoppers already in the Ninja ecosystem
Scores (tap for why)
- Chopping & slicing2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter: it underperformed on tomatoes, almonds and parsley. Serious Eats had trouble with the slicing settings. - Dough & purées2.0
Why 2.0?
It stalled and shook on dough in both expert tests and has no drizzle hole for emulsions. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
There is no drizzle hole (Wirecutter), and Walmart reviewers mention hard-to-push buttons and food stuck at the top with disc use. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Ease of cleaning is a Walmart pro, and the parts are dishwasher-safe per the listing. There is no expert cleaning verdict. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Walmart owners report the blade stem failing, sometimes repeatedly, and units dead after one use.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not recommended: it diced onion well but underperformed on tomatoes, almonds and parsley, has no drizzle hole, and shook, rotated and stalled while kneading dough.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended: it wobbled alarmingly with pizza dough and wouldn't work with all of its slicing settings.