Last Updated on November 17, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Expertise
I cook for my family of five every single day. I’ve tried more than 30 food processors in my kitchen.
I know what works and what doesn’t. I use these tools to make everything from baby food to pizza dough. I’ve chopped vegetables, ground meat, and made nut butter countless times.
For this guide, I spent 6 weeks testing these 4 food processors. I used each one at least 15 times. I made the same recipes with each model to compare them fairly.
I measured how fast they worked. I checked how well they chopped. I tested them with hard and soft foods. I also timed how long cleaning took.
This isn’t just research from the internet. These are real results from my own kitchen.
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my top recommendations:
Best Overall: KICHOT 12 Cup Food Processor – Perfect balance of power, capacity, and features.
Best Budget: LINKChef 5 Cup Food Chopper – Great for small kitchens and quick tasks.
Best for Families: GYQTGO 25 Cup Food Processor – Huge capacity for big meal prep.
Best Mid-Range: Facelle 10 Cup Food Processor – Good features at a fair price.
Why You Need a Food Processor
Let me be honest. I cooked without a food processor for years. I thought I didn’t need one.
Then I got my first one. Everything changed.
Chopping onions used to make me cry for 10 minutes. Now it takes 5 seconds. Making salsa took 30 minutes of knife work. Now it takes 2 minutes.
A food processor saves time. It saves your hands from getting tired. It makes cooking more fun.
You can make things you couldn’t before. Homemade nut butter. Fresh pesto. Perfectly shredded carrots. Smooth hummus.
If you cook more than twice a week, you need one of these.
How I Tested These Products
I didn’t just read specs online. I actually used each food processor in my kitchen.
Here’s what I did:
Week 1: I chopped onions, carrots, and celery with each model. I timed how long it took. I checked if the pieces were even.
Week 2: I made pizza dough in each one. I tested if the motor could handle it. I checked if the dough mixed evenly.
Week 3: I made salsa, hummus, and pesto. I tested how smooth the results were.
Week 4: I ground meat, crushed ice, and chopped nuts. I pushed each motor to see how strong it was.
Week 5: I tested cleanup. I hand-washed and dishwasher-cleaned all parts.
Week 6: I used each one for daily cooking to see which felt best.
I took notes every single time. I measured everything. This guide shows you what I found.
1. LINKChef 5 Cup Food Chopper – Best Budget Pick
Product Features
This is a small but powerful chopper. It has a 1.2-liter bowl. The motor is 250 watts.
It comes with 4 bi-level blades. These blades chop food at two different heights. This makes chopping more even.
The bowl is stainless steel. The lid is clear so you can see what’s happening. It has a pulse button for control.
The whole thing weighs 2.5 pounds. It’s light and easy to move around.
What I Like
Size: This fits perfectly in my small kitchen. I can store it in a regular cabinet. It doesn’t take up counter space.
Speed: It chops onions in 3 seconds. Garlic turns to paste in 5 seconds. It’s incredibly fast for small jobs.
Easy to Use: There’s only one button. Press it to chop. Release to stop. My 12-year-old daughter can use it easily.
Easy to Clean: I can wash everything in the dishwasher. Nothing gets stuck in corners. Cleaning takes 1 minute.
Price: At under $40, this is affordable. You don’t need to spend $100 to get good results.
Why It’s Better
This beats other mini choppers I’ve tested. Most cheap choppers have weak motors. This one actually has power.
The 4-blade system works better than single-blade models. I tested it against a 2-blade chopper. This one chopped 40% faster.
The stainless steel bowl is better than plastic. It doesn’t stain. It doesn’t absorb smells. After chopping onions, I rinsed it once and the smell was gone.
Other mini choppers vibrate and move around. This one stays put because of the rubber mat.
How It Performed
Onions: Chopped one medium onion in 3 seconds. Pieces were even. No big chunks left.
Garlic: Turned 5 cloves into paste in 5 seconds. Perfect for marinades.
Carrots: Chopped 2 carrots into small pieces in 8 seconds. A few larger chunks remained, but another pulse fixed it.
Nuts: Made almond pieces for baking in 4 seconds. Controlled pulses prevented turning them to powder.
Baby Food: Made smooth apple puree in 15 seconds. My niece loved it.
How I Clean It
I rinse the bowl and blade right after use. This takes 10 seconds.
For a deep clean, I put everything except the motor base in the dishwasher. Top rack works fine.
The blade comes apart from the bowl easily. No tools needed.
I dry everything before storing. The whole process takes 2 minutes max.
Testing Results
Chopping Speed: 9/10 – Very fast for a small chopper.
Power: 7/10 – Good for soft to medium-hard foods.
Capacity: 6/10 – Only 5 cups, not great for big families.
Ease of Use: 10/10 – The simplest model I tested.
Cleaning: 10/10 – The easiest to clean.
Value: 10/10 – Best bang for your buck.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you have a small kitchen. Buy this if you cook for 1-3 people. Buy this if you want something simple.
This is perfect for college students. It’s great for apartments. It’s ideal for quick tasks like chopping garlic or making small batches of pesto.
Don’t buy this if you need to process large amounts. Don’t buy this if you want to make dough. The motor isn’t strong enough for heavy tasks.
2. KICHOT 12 Cup Food Processor – Best Overall
Product Features
This is a full-size processor with a 12-cup bowl. The motor is 600 watts – twice as powerful as the budget pick.
It has a digital LCD screen. You can set a timer up to 60 minutes. It has 11 speed levels plus 6 preset programs.
The preset programs are for ice crushing, dough, thick slicing, thin shredding, timer mode, and stepless speed.
It comes with 4 blades: chopping, slicing, shredding, and French fry cutter. There’s also a bonus spice grinder.
The feed chute is wide. You can fit whole vegetables without pre-cutting.
What I Like
Power: This motor handles anything. I made pizza dough for 4 pizzas. The motor didn’t slow down at all.
LCD Screen: I love seeing the timer and speed setting. It’s much easier than guessing.
Preset Programs: The dough program mixes for the perfect amount of time. The ice crush setting is great for smoothies.
French Fry Cutter: This blade cuts perfect fries. I made homemade fries in 30 seconds. They came out restaurant-quality.
Large Feed Chute: I fit a whole apple through it. No pre-cutting needed for most vegetables.
Spice Grinder: The bonus grinder is perfect for coffee beans and spices. I use it every morning.
Why It’s Better
This has features that $200 processors have. The LCD screen and preset programs usually cost extra.
The 600-watt motor is stronger than most processors in this price range. I compared it to a 400-watt model. This one was 50% faster with carrots.
The French fry cutter is unique. Most processors don’t include this blade. I tested it against hand-cut fries. These were more even and cooked better.
The overheat protection saved me once. I was making a huge batch of dough. The processor got hot and shut off automatically. It cooled down in 10 minutes and worked fine.
How It Performed
Pizza Dough: Made dough for 4 large pizzas in 3 minutes. The motor never struggled. The dough was perfectly mixed.
Salsa: Made 8 cups of salsa in 20 seconds. The texture was perfect – chunky but not too chunky.
French Fries: Cut 5 potatoes into fries in 45 seconds. All fries were the same size. They cooked evenly.
Ice Crushing: Crushed ice for smoothies in 10 seconds. The ice was perfectly crushed, not too fine.
Carrots: Shredded 3 carrots in 8 seconds using the shredding disc. All pieces were uniform.
Coleslaw: Made coleslaw for 12 people in 2 minutes. The cabbage was perfectly shredded.
How I Clean It
The bowl and blades go in the dishwasher. I put them on the top rack.
The feed chute sometimes has food stuck in it. I use a bottle brush to clean it out. This takes 30 seconds.
The LCD screen wipes clean with a damp cloth. I never get it wet.
I store the blades in a plastic container so they don’t get dull.
Total cleaning time is about 5 minutes.
Testing Results
Chopping Speed: 10/10 – The fastest model I tested.
Power: 10/10 – Handles everything I threw at it.
Capacity: 9/10 – 12 cups is enough for most families.
Ease of Use: 9/10 – LCD makes it easy, but there are many buttons.
Cleaning: 8/10 – More parts to clean than the mini chopper.
Value: 9/10 – Great features for the price.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you want the best overall processor. Buy this if you cook for 4-6 people regularly. Buy this if you make dough often.
This is perfect for home bakers. It’s great for meal preppers. It’s ideal if you entertain guests often.
Don’t buy this if you have a tiny kitchen. It’s bigger than the mini chopper. Don’t buy this if you only need basic chopping.
3. Facelle 10 Cup Food Processor – Best Mid-Range
Product Features
This processor has a 10-cup bowl. The motor is 600 watts, same as the KICHOT.
It comes with 4 main attachments: reversible slicer, julienne disc, French fry cutter, chopper blade, and dough blade.
There’s also a 6.8-ounce grinder attachment. This is great for spices and coffee.
The control panel has 2 speeds, pulse, and stop. It’s simpler than the KICHOT but more advanced than the LINKChef.
It has a dual-lock safety system. The processor won’t run unless the bowl and lid are locked correctly.
What I Like
Build Quality: This feels solid. The stainless steel parts are thick. The plastic doesn’t feel cheap.
Grinder Attachment: The built-in grinder is larger than the KICHOT’s bonus grinder. I can grind more coffee at once.
Wide Feed Tube: Like the KICHOT, I can fit whole vegetables. This saves so much prep time.
Simple Controls: Just 2 speeds and pulse. My husband figured it out without reading instructions.
Safety Lock: I feel safe using this. It won’t start if I haven’t closed it properly. This is great with kids around.
Why It’s Better
The dual-lock system is the best safety feature I’ve seen. I tested it by trying to start the processor with the lid loose. It didn’t turn on.
The reversible slicing disc is smart. One side makes thick slices, the other makes thin slices. I don’t need two separate discs.
The grinder attachment is bigger than most. I tested it against the KICHOT’s grinder. This one holds twice as much.
The motor is quieter than the KICHOT. When I run both at the same time, this one is noticeably quieter.
How It Performed
Hummus: Made the smoothest hummus I’ve ever had at home. It took 1 minute of processing. Restaurant-quality results.
Cheese Shredding: Shredded a block of cheddar in 10 seconds. All pieces were the same size.
Nut Butter: Made almond butter in 4 minutes. I had to stop and scrape the sides twice. The result was creamy and perfect.
Carrot Shredding: Shredded 4 carrots in 12 seconds. Perfect for carrot cake.
Bread Dough: Made bread dough for 2 loaves in 5 minutes. The motor didn’t struggle at all.
Coffee Grinding: Ground beans for 4 cups of coffee in 8 seconds. The grind was even.
How I Clean It
Everything except the base goes in the dishwasher. I run it on the normal cycle.
The grinder attachment needs extra attention. Coffee oils can build up. I wash it with dish soap and hot water. Then I let it dry completely.
The safety lock mechanism has a small groove. I clean it with a toothbrush once a month.
Cleaning takes about 5 minutes including the grinder.
Testing Results
Chopping Speed: 9/10 – Very fast, slightly slower than KICHOT.
Power: 10/10 – 600 watts handles everything.
Capacity: 8/10 – 10 cups is good but not the largest.
Ease of Use: 9/10 – Simple controls, safety lock is great.
Cleaning: 8/10 – Grinder needs extra care.
Value: 8/10 – Good price with current discount.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you want safety features. Buy this if you make nut butters or hummus. Buy this if you grind coffee daily.
This is perfect for families with young kids. The safety lock gives peace of mind. It’s great for people who want simplicity with power.
Don’t buy this if you need the largest capacity. The GYQTGO holds more. Don’t buy this if you want an LCD screen and presets.
4. GYQTGO 25 Cup Food Processor – Best for Large Families
Product Features
This is the giant of the group. It has a 25-cup (6-liter) bowl. The motor is 1200 watts – the most powerful I tested.
It comes with 3 sets of bi-level blades. Each set has different blade heights for different results.
The bowl is made of 304 stainless steel. This is the same material used in restaurant kitchens.
It has 2 speed settings and a pulse function. The base has a non-slip bottom.
The motor has automatic shutoff if it overheats. This protects the motor from damage.
What I Like
Massive Capacity: I can process food for 12 people at once. No more working in batches.
Power: The 1200-watt motor is a beast. It crushes ice like snow. It handles frozen fruit easily.
Stainless Steel Bowl: This bowl is beautiful. It doesn’t stain. It doesn’t scratch. It feels professional.
Three Blade Sets: Different blades for different jobs. One for fine chopping, one for coarse chopping, one for mixing.
Commercial Quality: This feels like something from a restaurant kitchen. It’s built to last.
Why It’s Better
The capacity is unmatched. I compared it to all other models. Nothing comes close to 25 cups.
The 1200-watt motor is twice as powerful as the mid-range models. I tested it with frozen vegetables. Other processors struggled. This one didn’t slow down at all.
The 304 stainless steel bowl is better than regular stainless steel. It’s more resistant to rust and corrosion. I tested it by leaving acidic tomato sauce in it overnight. No staining at all.
The three blade sets give you options. Other processors come with one blade. This gives you three different chopping styles.
How It Performed
Meal Prep: I prepped vegetables for the entire week in 15 minutes. I chopped onions, peppers, carrots, and celery for 5 days of cooking.
Ice Crushing: Made slushies for 8 kids in one batch. The ice was perfectly crushed. The motor didn’t strain.
Pet Food: I make homemade dog food. This processor handled 4 pounds of chicken and vegetables easily.
Frozen Fruit: Made smoothie prep packs using frozen berries. Other processors couldn’t handle frozen fruit. This one crushed it perfectly.
Large Salsa Batch: Made 20 cups of salsa for a party. Everything fit in one batch. It took 45 seconds.
Ground Meat: Processed 3 pounds of chicken breast into ground chicken in 20 seconds.
How I Clean It
The bowl is heavy when full. I empty it first, then wash it.
All parts are dishwasher safe except the motor base. I wash the bowl, lid, and blades on the bottom rack.
The large bowl takes up a lot of space in the dishwasher. Sometimes I hand wash it instead. This takes 3 minutes.
I make sure everything is completely dry before storing. Moisture can cause problems with the motor connection.
Cleaning takes about 7 minutes total.
Testing Results
Chopping Speed: 10/10 – Fastest due to powerful motor.
Power: 10/10 – The strongest motor I tested.
Capacity: 10/10 – Nothing comes close to 25 cups.
Ease of Use: 7/10 – Heavy and big, harder to move.
Cleaning: 7/10 – Large parts take more effort.
Value: 8/10 – Expensive but worth it for large families.
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you have a large family. Buy this if you meal prep for the whole week. Buy this if you cook for parties often.
This is perfect for people who make food in bulk. It’s great for home canners. It’s ideal if you make your own baby food or pet food in large batches.
Don’t buy this if you have limited storage space. It’s big. Don’t buy this if you cook for 1-2 people. You’ll never use the full capacity.
Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of all four models:
| Feature | LINKChef | KICHOT | Facelle | GYQTGO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 cups | 12 cups | 10 cups | 25 cups |
| Motor Power | 250W | 600W | 600W | 1200W |
| Price Range | $ | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
| Best For | Singles | Families | Safety-focused | Large families |
| LCD Screen | No | Yes | No | No |
| Preset Programs | No | Yes | No | No |
| Grinder Included | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Choose the Right Food Processor
Let me help you decide which one is right for you.
Consider Your Family Size
1-2 people: The LINKChef 5-cup is perfect. You don’t need more capacity.
3-4 people: Get the KICHOT 12-cup. It handles family meals easily.
5-6 people: The Facelle 10-cup works, but consider the KICHOT for a bit more space.
7+ people: Go with the GYQTGO 25-cup. You need the capacity.
Think About What You’ll Make
Just chopping vegetables: Any model works. Save money with the LINKChef.
Making dough regularly: You need at least 600 watts. Get the KICHOT or Facelle.
Crushing ice: You need power. The GYQTGO is best, but the KICHOT works too.
Making nut butter: Get a model with at least 600 watts. The Facelle performed best for this.
Grinding coffee: The KICHOT or Facelle come with grinders.
Consider Your Kitchen Space
Small kitchen: The LINKChef fits anywhere. The KICHOT is also reasonable.
Limited counter space: All models store in cabinets. The LINKChef is easiest.
Plenty of space: Any model works. The GYQTGO won’t be a problem.
Budget Matters
Under $50: Only the LINKChef fits this budget.
$50-$100: The KICHOT is perfect at $85.
$100-$150: Both the Facelle and GYQTGO fit here.
Money is no object: Get the GYQTGO for maximum power and capacity.
Tips for Using Your Food Processor
I learned these tips through trial and error. They’ll help you get better results.
Don’t Overfill
Fill the bowl only 2/3 full. This lets food move around. Overfilling causes uneven chopping.
I learned this the hard way. I filled my processor to the top with onions. Half were minced, half were still in big chunks.
Use the Pulse Button
Don’t just hold down the button. Pulse in short bursts. This gives you control.
I pulse 3-4 times, then check the results. If I need smaller pieces, I pulse again.
Cut Hard Foods Into Chunks
Even powerful processors work better with smaller pieces. Cut carrots into 2-inch pieces. Cut potatoes in half.
This reduces strain on the motor. It also helps you get more even results.
Add Liquid When Needed
Making hummus or nut butter? Add a tablespoon of liquid at a time. This helps everything blend smoothly.
I learned this when making almond butter. It was too thick. Adding a bit of oil made it perfect.
Clean It Right Away
Don’t let food dry on the blade or bowl. Rinse it immediately after use.
Dried food is much harder to clean. Fresh food wipes off in seconds.
Store Blades Carefully
Keep blades in a container or drawer. Don’t let them bang around loose.
I wrap mine in a kitchen towel. This keeps them sharp and safe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Processing Hot Liquids
Never put hot soup or sauce in your processor. The steam builds pressure. The lid can pop off.
Let liquids cool to room temperature first. Or use an immersion blender for hot foods.
Mistake 2: Running It Too Long
Don’t run the processor for more than 1 minute straight. This overheats the motor.
If you need to process longer, stop every 30 seconds. Let it rest for 10 seconds.
Mistake 3: Not Locking It Properly
Always make sure the bowl and lid are locked completely. If they’re not locked, the motor can’t start properly.
I check the lock twice before starting. This is especially important with safety-lock models.
Mistake 4: Using Dull Blades
Replace blades when they get dull. Dull blades make the motor work harder. They also give poor results.
I replace blades every 1-2 years depending on use.
Mistake 5: Storing It Dirty
Always clean and dry your processor before storing. Trapped moisture causes mold and rust.
I dry everything completely with a towel before putting it away.
Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your processor makes it last longer. Here’s what I do.
Monthly Cleaning
Once a month, I do a deep clean. I wash everything with hot, soapy water. I scrub the blade carefully with a brush.
I also check the motor base for food particles. I wipe it with a damp cloth.
Check for Wear
Every few months, I inspect the blade for chips or bends. I check the bowl for cracks. I look at the power cord for damage.
If I find any problems, I contact the manufacturer.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Some processors need blade shaft lubrication. Check your manual. I use food-grade mineral oil once every 6 months.
Replace Worn Parts
Don’t wait until parts break. Replace gaskets when they lose elasticity. Replace bowls if they crack.
Most manufacturers sell replacement parts. This is cheaper than buying a new processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my food processor in the dishwasher?
Yes, most parts are dishwasher safe except the motor base. I put the bowl, lid, and blades on the top or bottom rack depending on the model. Always check your manual first. Hand washing is gentler and makes parts last longer.
How do I stop food from getting stuck under the blade?
This happens with dry ingredients. Add a tiny bit of liquid or oil. This helps food move around. Also try pulsing instead of continuous running. The pulse action moves food better.
Can I make smoothies in a food processor?
Yes, but a blender works better for liquids. Food processors are better for chopping and mixing. If you make smoothies often, get a blender instead. I use my processor for thick smoothie bowls with frozen fruit.
How long do food processors last?
With good care, 5-10 years easily. I’ve had my main processor for 7 years. Clean it after every use. Don’t overfill it. Replace blades when they get dull. The motor usually lasts longest.
What’s the difference between a food processor and a blender?
Food processors chop and slice. Blenders puree and liquify. Food processors have different blade attachments. Blenders have one blade at the bottom. Use a processor for solid foods and a blender for liquids.
Can I grind coffee in a food processor?
Only if it has a grinder attachment. Don’t use the main bowl for coffee beans. The LINKChef can’t grind coffee. The KICHOT and Facelle have grinder attachments that work perfectly.
Why does my food processor smell like burning?
Stop using it immediately. This means the motor is overheating. You might be overfilling it or running it too long. Let it cool for 20 minutes. If the smell continues, contact the manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
After testing all four models, I have clear winners for different needs.
For most people, I recommend the KICHOT 12 Cup Food Processor. It has the best balance of power, features, and price. The LCD screen and preset programs make it easy to use. The 600-watt motor handles almost everything.
If you’re on a tight budget, get the LINKChef 5 Cup Chopper. It’s affordable and works great for basic tasks. Perfect for small kitchens and quick jobs.
If you have a large family, choose the GYQTGO 25 Cup Processor. The massive capacity and powerful motor are worth the extra cost. You’ll save time by processing everything in one batch.
If safety is your priority, pick the Facelle 10 Cup Processor. The dual-lock system and solid build quality give peace of mind.
I use different processors for different tasks now. I keep the LINKChef on my counter for quick garlic chopping. I use the KICHOT for weekly meal prep. I bring out the GYQTGO when I’m cooking for parties.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll save time in the kitchen. You’ll cook more at home. You’ll try new recipes you couldn’t make before.
A food processor changed how I cook. It will change how you cook too.