Food processors can greatly reduce cooking prep time, adding more fun and speed to the experience. Most food processors allow you to control exactly how you want your ingredients to be processed, bringing additional convenience to the process. With so many options available, you may not know which one to pick.
We have gone through numerous hours of research to curate the ultimate selection of the best food processors in Canada of 2024. To get to this final selection, we explored the best on offer based on features Canadians find the most relevant to them. Let’s discover together what food processors can offer you.
The Best Food Processors in Canada in 2024
- Best Overall Food Processor – Ninja Professional Plus
The Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor is the best food processor in Canada overall. Its larger capacity, powerful motor, and versatile design help reduce food prep time and hassle. Home chefs and professionals alike can get the most out of this food processor.
- Best Food Processor for Small Batches – KitchenAid Mini
The KitchenAid Mini Food Processor is the best option for making small batches of foods at once. While some of the other options on our list are larger and more powerful, this smaller model works to get you quick results without taking too much space on your countertop.
- Best Multifunctional Food Processor – BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1
The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Food Processor is a great multifunctional option that is highly useful for shredding and slicing in particular. This food processor has an 8-cup work bowl and a convenient stainless steel S-blade, as well as a powerful 450W motor that boosts performance.
- Best Performance Food Processor – Cuisinart 8-Cup
The Cuisinart 8-Cup Food Processor offers high performance and intuitive controls. This food processor is ideal for shredding and chopping, and has 2 practical speeds. There are also 3 pulse settings that can help Canadians achieve the desired results with ease. This dishwasher-safe option is easy to clean and to maintain.
- Best Feed Chute Food Processor – Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup
Meanwhile, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor has the best feed chute we found. This extra-large chute can accommodate whole fruits and vegetables, cutting down your prep time considerably.
- Best Accessories Food Processor – Breville Sous Chef Peel and Slice
Home chefs in need of several different accessory options will love the Breville Sous Chef Peel and Slice Food Processor. This option features a host of cutting, slicing, dicing, and mixing discs and attachments that make everything from peeling to uniform dicing a breeze. You won’t have to purchase any accessories separately to get the most out of this food processor.
- Best Budget Food Processor – Ninja BN601 Professional Plus
The Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor is one of the best budget options on our list. For its host of features and expanded preset menu, it offers an affordable price that makes it a nice upgrade from some of the other options on our list.
Best Overall Food Processor in Canada
Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor
- Capacity: 9 Cups
- Speeds: 3
- Power: 850 Watts
- Size: 18.6 x 25.1 x 39.5 cm
- Dishwasher Safe: Bowl, Blade, and Disc
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want to make dough as well as prepare vegetables
- Those with larger families, or those who do a lot of food prep
- Users who often throw everything in the dishwasher
- Those who would like to mix, chop, shred, and slice their foods
Ninja’s Professional Plus Food Processor is one of the most powerful food processors we found. This machine can handle any function you need, from shredding and chopping to mixing dough and slicing vegetables. The 850-watt motor allows for several powerful functions. There are three preset options, as well as three additional speed settings for general use. It comes with three different blade options, including a standard chopping blade for food prep and a dough blade. There’s also a disk that helps consistently slice and shred vegetables and cheese.
Every process results in even mixing, chopping, and slicing. While other processors produce irregular cuts and slices, this machine works hard to ensure that you get beautifully chopped, flavorful vegetables every time. The dough blade works steadily to fold in ingredients. It’s a perfect way to make pizza dough or a base for your favourite baked goods.
The large 9-cup capacity is best for larger prepping sessions. You can use it to make smaller batches, but there’s also the option for larger preparation sessions. If you do a lot of meal prepping, this is the processor that might work best for you. The bowl and blade have a self-cleaning feature, but you can also place the bowl, blades, and disc into the dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning.
Key Features
- Powerful Performance. An 850W motor offers powerful performance and consistent results. It won’t break a sweat while you slice, shred, and prepare your favourite foods.
- Dough Blade. The dough blade included with the food processor can help Canadian home cooks make quick work of pizza and bread. This blade is designed to handle large quantities of dough at once during the kneading process.
- Large Capacity. This food processor has a 9-cup bowl that is great for prepping food for bigger families or more in-depth food prep. You can also use it for smaller batches, too!
- Convenient Presets. The food process has 3 manual speeds, as well as 3 practical presets that allow you to prep a wide variety of foods without worrying about your settings.
Our Expert’s Take
“The Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor boasts a large capacity cup, which allows you to make entire meals without changing out ingredients every few moments. This powerful processor also offers convenient presets, so you always get the results you need.”
Best Food Processor in Canada for Small Batches
KitchenAid Mini Food Processor
- Capacity: 3.5 Cups
- Speeds: 2 Speeds + Pulse
- Power: 240 Watts
- Size: 15.11 x 17.78 x 22.2 cm
- Dishwasher Safe: Bowl, Lid, and Blade
It's Great For:
- Single users and smaller families
- Canadians with smaller kitchens
- Those who own a dishwasher for easy clean-up
- Users who only prep some foods or only prep occasionally
KitchenAid’s Mini Food Processor is a great addition to the standard Canadian kitchen. The 3.5-cup work bowl is perfect for most single users or those with smaller families, including those who prep smaller meals. This food processor is powerful enough to chop or puree most fruits and vegetables, so you can make salsa, hummus, or your favorite sauce all in one machine.
There are two speeds to choose from, which allow you to produce a coarser chop or a finer result, depending on which you want. There’s also a pulse feature to help unlock the flavor of the vegetables you use most often, without overprocessing them and destroying the flavor. The pulse setting is best for onions and other intense flavors.
Despite its small size, you can use this food processor for a variety of uses. There’s something for every cook here, from chopping vegetables to making delicious dips and dressings. The drizzle basic on the lid helps you serve your best dressings and sauces without making a mess, producing the perfect amount for a drizzle each time.
It’s both simple to use and simple to clean. The bowl, lid, and stainless steel blade can be washed in the dishwasher. The smaller footprint on the base makes it easy to store. It’s also perfect for smaller kitchens, so those who don’t have a ton of counter space can still make excellent dishes. If you’re looking for a smaller appliance that can cut your prep time considerably, look no further than the KitchenAid Mini Food Processor.
Key Features
- Versatile Use. This food processor may seem small, but it can be used for various functions. You can chop ingredients, create smooth sauces, and make dips and dressings without a fuss.
- Compact Size. The food processor is small in size but still powerful enough to deliver efficient and quick results in a portable build. Canadians with smaller kitchens will love the smaller footprint and easy-store design.
- Drizzle Basin. The built-in drizzle dressing on the lid of the food processor helps with serving dressings, sauces, and dips without spills. If you like to keep your workspace clean, this will come in handy.
- Practical Bowl. The 5-cup work bowl is very practical to use and includes a pour spout, a safety lock, and a handle. You can make as much or as little as you need in one session.
Our Expert’s Take
“Despite its compact size, the KitchenAid Mini Food Processor offers more versatility than some larger options on the Canadian market. There are options for a variety of uses, including shredding, slicing, and mixing.”
Best Multifunctional Food Processor in Canada
Black+Decker 3-in-1 Food Processor
- Capacity: 8 Cups
- Speeds: 2
- Power: 450 Watts
- Size: 38.2 x 26.5 x 20.1 cm
- Dishwasher Safe: All Removable Parts
It's Great For:
- Shredding and slicing
- Canadians seeking easy assembly
- Home chefs looking for fast results
- Those who want powerful performance
The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Food Processor is an 8-cup option that is easy to maintain thanks to all the removable parts being dishwasher-safe. While this is a great food processor for shredding and slicing, it includes a large-capacity work bowl that creates numerous possibilities for what can be achieved.
The stainless-steel S-blade delivers quick results that remain consistent no matter the setting. This food processor has a smart design that allows you to place the work bowl at the base while using the lid to lock everything into place.
The food processor takes the effort out of slicing and shredding thanks to the reversible disc it includes. The high performance of the food processor is ensured by the powerful 450W motor. There is a control panel at the base of the processor that lets you turn it on or off. Canadians can also switch between low, high, and pulse settings. This control panel is easy to wipe clean once you are done using the food processor.
The rubber feet on the bottom of the machine prevent it from sliding thanks to suction cups, while the food chute and pusher make it easy and safe to use. This is an ideal food processor for those seeking to get large quantities for food prepping or meal planning.
Key Features
- Dishwasher-Safe. If a part of this food processor can be removed, you can put it into the dishwasher for cleaning. You won’t have to deal with a sink full of dishes after prepping food.
- 2 Speed Settings. Canadians can easily switch between low and high speeds, as well as a pulse option. These settings cover most of your needs but give you enough variety to be useful.
- High Performance. With a 450W motor, this food processor is quick and easy to use regardless of the setting. It can quickly reduce common ingredients to the size and shape you need.
- Easy Assembly. The food processor easily locks into place using the lid of the work bowl. After it is in place, it works seamlessly.
Our Expert’s Take
“The practical speed settings and multiple applicable functions make this food processor a clear winner for many Canadian households. You can accomplish everything you need for efficient meal prep with the blades and settings on this option.”
Best Performance Food Processor in Canada
Cuisinart 8-Cup Food Processor
- Capacity: 8 Cups
- Speeds: 2
- Power: 350 Watts
- Size: 19.3 x 24.33 x 38.58 cm
- Dishwasher Safe: All removable parts
It's Great For:
- Shredding and chopping
- Canadians seeking ease of use
- Those who want high performance
- People looking for versatility
The Cuisinart 8-Cup Food Processor offers high performance and ease of use in a powerful and sturdy build. This food processor has a large 8-cup work bowl with a large integrated feed tube that makes it easy to add ingredients at any time. Despite the high performance and the spacious work bowl, the food processor does not take up a lot of counter space, freeing up areas in Canadian kitchens.
This Cuisinart food processor is great for shredding and chopping ingredients, but it can also deliver high-quality and consistent results with slicing, puréeing, kneading, mixing, and even liquefying. The reversible slicing and shredding discs deliver great fine and medium processing of ingredients.
The control touchpad at the base of the food processor includes 2 speed settings, low and high, as well as a pulse function. This rubberized touchpad is easy to use and to wipe clean in case anything gets on it during the process. It will look good as new no matter how often you use it.
This high-performance option features a practical housing base for the 350W motor. The stainless-steel blade included with the food processor is ideal for chopping, mixing, and kneading without spending too much time or effort. This powerful food processor can be an amazing assistant to Canadian home cooks, whether they are meal prepping or creating elaborate recipes to serve to guests or family members.
Key Features
- High Performance. The 350W motor delivers excellent and consistent performance throughout the process. Your ingredients will be uniform in size and shape.
- Versatile Functions. While it is an ideal choice for shredding and chopping, the food processor can be used for a wide range of functions. It also mixes, kneads dough, and purees foods to help with making sauces and dips.
- Practical Settings. There are 2 speed settings, low and high, as well as a pulse setting that can be easily accessed through the rubberized touchpad. These settings offer a simple solution to any of your food preparation needs.
- Compact Footprint. Despite the large capacity of the food processor, it takes up little counter space. Those with smaller kitchens or less counterspace will love how little space it uses.
Our Expert’s Take
“The compact footprint of this food processor doesn’t make it any less powerful. The performance offered in this model is great for those who often cook at home, especially when preparing common ingredients.”
Best Feed Chute Food Processor in Canada
Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor
- Capacity: 12 Cups
- Speeds: 1 Speed + Pulse
- Power: 720 Watts
- Size: 23.6 x 27.9 x 32 cm
- Dishwasher Safe: Bowl, Discs, and Blades
It's Great For:
- Canadians who entertain often
- Home chefs and bakers
- Those who often make larger quantities for meal prepping
- Users who want to process whole fruits and vegetables
Sometimes, the size of the feed chute can make all the difference in your food processor. If you want to cut down on prep time significantly, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor might be the perfect option for you. The powerful 720-watt motor and the extra-large feed tube mean that you don’t have to precut nearly as much as with other processors. The result is less time spent pre-preparing for your meal prep. You’ll spend more time getting it done.
The large work bowl can hold up to 14 cups of processed foods. For large batch cooking, entertaining, and larger families, this is a must-have food processor. Of course, you can also use the processor for smaller portions as well. It’s incredibly versatile and allows you to make as much (or as little) as you need.
This food processor gives you the ability to chop, slice, puree, and knead your foods. You can make bread, chop whole vegetables and fruits, and more. It comes with a 4mm slicing disc and a medium shredding disc, as well as the standard blade. This durable machine works well no matter what you need out of it. It’s even the perfect size for bigger jobs.
There are two speed options available, including ‘on’ and a pulse option. The pulse option can help prevent overprocessing of certain foods. Meanwhile, the standard s-blade can chop foods and even knead dough. Overall, this food processor has a powerful motor, and a huge capacity, and can work for all of your food prep needs.
Key Features
- Spacious. This 14-cup option offers large capacity to Canadian home chefs, so you can prep larger batches of ingredients at once.
- Powerful Performance. The 720W motor makes quick and efficient work of ingredients. Most common ingredients will be shredded, sliced, and chopped to perfection in this machine.
- Extra Large Tube. To help with the increased capacity, the extra large feeding tube assists with larger ingredients. This makes it easier to add ingredients during the process without sacrificing your safety.
- Durable Option. The food processor features a durable design that is easy to maintain and to use. It’s sturdy and works well without jittering all over your countertop.
Our Expert’s Take
“For larger batches of ingredients and more involved recipes, it doesn’t get better than this food processor. It offers a durable, high-powered motor that keeps your foods uniform and evenly distributed, no matter what type of foods you are chopping.”
Best Accessories Food Processor in Canada
Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor
- Capacity: 16 Cups
- Speeds: 2
- Power: 1200 Watts
- Size: 27.94 x 20.3 x 45.72 cm
- Dishwasher Safe: All removable parts
It's Great For:
- Canadians who prepare food often
- Dicing and slicing as well as other types of processing
- Users who need a large capacity bowl
- Easy storage
The Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor offers a ton of valuable features, especially for home chefs who prepare a lot of food. This processor works to deliver consistent results across all of its functions, which are possible due to the large range of accessories that come with the machine.
Inside the box, you’ll find a lot of different discs, blades, and accessories. These include a dicing kit, peeling disc, shredding disc, variable slicing disc, julienne disc, French fry cutting disk, micro-serrated S-blade, mini blade, and dough blade. You’ll also receive a cleaning brush and plastic spatula, so you can jump into food processing right away. All the accessories fit into the included storage box, so you can keep everything you need organized and ready to go.
The dicing and peeling systems are especially noteworthy. A two-step dicing process slices your foods before dicing them, leading to consistent and uniform cubes no matter what you are dicing. The peeling disc can handle up to 7 potatoes at once, but works well for carrots, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables. If you need a range of slices in varying thicknesses, the variable slicing disc delivers; 24 settings allow you to choose from thinner slices (0.3mm in size) up to 8.0mm.
There are three feed chute options, allowing you to feed foods of most any size precisely. This means you’ll get a more even slice. When dicing, you’ll get more cubes at once than with a standard dicing system. Further, a larger processing bowl (which holds up to 16 cups) allows for all the preparation space you’ll need for your most delicious dishes.
Key Features
- Powerful Motor. The induction motor on the Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Process makes even the toughest foods easy to process. It has enough power and torque to handle anything you throw at it.
- A Host of Accessories. This food processor comes with a host of different cutting, slicing, and mixing discs. You won’t have to buy additional discs later on, and the convenient storage box keeps everything organized.
- New Dicing Disks. An intuitive dicing disc slices your food first before dicing in on the 360-degree dicing grid. This helps produce cubes of a uniform size and shape.
- Multiple Chutes. There are three different chute options available with this processor. That means that you’ll get a wider option for larger foods, but a mini chute that also works for carrots and other produce. It’s simple to install the one you need to get the job done.
Our Expert’s Take
“The robust Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor makes food preparation so much easier. A host of accessories and a powerful motor makes this versatile machine a must-have for home chefs.”
Best Budget Food Processor in Canada
Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor
- Capacity: 9 Cups
- Speeds: 3
- Power: 1000 Watts
- Size: 19.7 x 25.1 x 40.7 cm
- Dishwasher Safe: All removable parts
It's Great For:
- Canadians on a budget
- Intelligent food processing
- Larger batches of ingredients
- Dough mixing
While some professional-grade food processors are in a much higher dollar range, the Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor offers power for less. This option offers a huge capacity, powerful motor, and a ton of functions for a lower price than some of the other options on the Canadian market, including the best food processors featured on our list. Its comparatively lower price doesn’t get in the way of how well it works.
This Ninja food processor offers 1000-watts of peak power, which means that it can handle your firmest produce. No matter what you are mixing, chopping, slicing or dicing, this machine can get it done with ease. Not only does it deliver on power, but all of its functions work to produce uniform, even pieces and mixes that can be used to great effect in all of your dishes.
If you have ever used a smaller, lower-quality food processor to chop produce, you may have found the results to be less than uniform. Large chunks of food that won’t get processed and small, liquefied pieces are common in less capable machines. However, the Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor won’t leave you hanging. Every chop and slice is uniform thanks to the blade technology, which means you’ll get more out of your produce than with other units. The 9-cup capacity makes it easier than ever to shred mounds of cheese, slice vegetables, mix batters, fold doughs, and chop onions and tomatoes without breaking a sweat.
If you want a machine that is easy to clean, simple to use, and uses presets to help you achieve the results you want, this Ninja food processor is the right option for you. It can handle any food prep you need it to, and the removable parts can be thrown into the dishwasher when you are finished.
Key Features
- Uniform Chopping. If you’ve ever chopped onions or tomatoes in a smaller food processor, you may have noticed large chunks and lots of pieces that are too small to be useful. The blades on this food processor produce uniform ingredients every time.
- Powerful Motor. A 1000-watt motor works to smoothly chop, slice, and reduce even the toughest ingredients. Harder produce is no problem with the motor inside this deceptively powerful food processor.
- Large Capacity. The 9-cup capacity is the perfect size for most dishes. Whether you need to prepare a whole bowl of ingredients or just a few ounces of cheese, this processor can handle everything you throw at it.
- Auto-iQ Presets. This food processor comes with 4 different Auto-iQ preset programs, which allow you to chop produce, shred cheeses, make sauces, or mix cookie dough without worrying about preset options.
Our Expert’s Take
“The technology and power behind the Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor makes it a great buy for its relatively inexpensive price. This versatile food process mixes, chops, slices, and shreds your food to perfection without leaving a hole in your wallet.”
Comparing the Best Food Processors for Canadians
| Category | Food Processor | Capacity | Speeds | Power | Dishwasher Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Ninja Professional Plus | 9 Cups | 3 | 850 Watts | Bowl, Blade, and Disc |
| Best for Small Batches | KitchenAid Mini | 3.5 Cups | 2 Speeds + Pulse | 240 Watts | Bowl, Lid, and Blade |
| Best Multifunctional | Black+Decker 3-in-1 | 8 Cups | 2 | 450 Watts | All Removable Parts |
| Best Performance | Cuisinart 8-Cup | 8 Cups | 2 | 350 Watts | All removable parts |
| Best Feed Chute | Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup | 12 Cups | 1 Speed + Pulse | 720 Watts | Bowl, Discs, and Blades |
| Best Accessories | Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice | 16 Cups | 2 | 1200 Watts | All removable parts |
| Best Budget | Ninja BN601 Professional Plus | 9 Cups | 3 | 1000 Watts | All removable parts |
How Did We Test The Best Food Processors in Canada?
For years, we’ve kept up with the latest trends in home goods. From small kitchen appliances (like the best food processors in Canada) to bedding, mattresses, and health and fitness products – we’ve tracked it all. During that time, we’ve developed a sense of what makes these items desirable for most Canadians. We use that knowledge, combined with expert opinion and in-depth evaulation, to determine which products are the best.
We evaluated the best food processors in Canada based on a few performance areas, including:
- Capacity. The capacity you need depends on how you’ll use the food processor. As a result, we’ve tried to include processors with multiple capacities.
- Speeds. Speeds can determine how versatile your processor will be. There should be a wide range of options for chefs of every caliber. The best food processors in Canada have an adjustable or variable speed, so you’ll always have the options you need.
- Power. More powerful food processors can handle more food and process it more quickly. However, not everyone will need the most powerful processor, so we included options for everyone.
- Attachments. A processor with more attachments can perform more functions. A standard processor with one blade can chop and puree, but other blades and attachments can grate, slide, juice, and more.
Why Should You Use a Food Processor in Canada?
Tired of chopping your own fruits and vegetables? Ready to start making your own dips or salsas? What about shredded cheese? A food processor can do all these things and more. If you cook a lot at home but don’t like extended prep, a food processor can be your new best friend. In many cases, it’s like having a sous chef on hand, ready to handle your chopping needs!
But a food processor does more than just chop and shred your food. Depending on the speed and attachments, a food processor can also perform the following functions:
- Grind
- Mince
- Puree
- Blend or Mix
- Slice
- Knead dough
- Fold ingredients into fresh dough
- Juice oranges and lemons
- Create salsas and dips
- Blend exciting sauces
There’s no limit to what a food processor might be able to do in your kitchen. It depends on how you use it, the attachments it comes with, and the power behind the blades. We’ll talk about all these options and what they mean below.
Food Processor or Blender?
Some might argue that you don’t need both a food processor and a blender. The truth is, a well-rounded kitchen contains both appliances. Blenders are used primarily for large volumes of liquid or near-liquid ingredients. Food processors can quickly chop larger quantities of raw fruits and vegetables. Blenders, on the other hand, are better for ice and blended drinks.
Should you choose one or the other? It depends on how you plan to use them. If you primarily want help with meal prep, a food processor might be back. If you want to make milkshakes and crush ice, choose a blender.
Again, there is some overlap in the functions of each machine. Some food processors can handle liquid ingredients, including pureed foods. Some blenders can make salsas and chop up vegetables. The versatility depends on the type of appliance you buy, the attachment it has, and the type of motor it uses.
Always be sure to use your blender or food processor according to the guidelines for best use, usually outlined in the user manual. Make sure to follow these guidelines carefully, as using your blender or food processor for a function it is not designed to handle can lead to damage. It may void your warranty, too.
How to Choose a Food Processor for Canadians
Now that you have some idea of how you might use a food processor, it’s time to start shopping. The following features, tips, and options can help you determine which food processor might work best in your kitchen.
Capacity
The first thing you need to consider when shopping for a food processor is capacity. Here, we’re referring to the size of the work bucket and the capacity of ingredients the processor can chop at once. The capacity you need is simple to determine.
- Up to 6 cups. Food processors with a smaller capacity are great for single people, but they can also work well for smaller portions or those who only occasionally need to prep vegetables or puree foods.
- 6 cups to 8 cups. This range is best for the standard family. If you want to get the most out of your food processor, this is the ideal range for most users.
- 8 cups to 12 cups. Food processors with this capacity are best for larger-than-average families. However, they can also be used by home chefs who do large meal prep sessions or larger batches at once.
- Over 12 cups. Usually, professional food processors have a capacity of about 12 to 16 cups. Larger options do exist for industrial use. However, those with larger families, larger portion sizes, or those who entertain often should choose this option.
For best results, we recommend choosing a larger cup than you think you will need. If you have space on your countertops, it’s always better to have a larger capacity than you think you need. If you need to make a larger serving size than usual or want to prepare food in bulk, a larger capacity is better.
Speeds
A food processor’s different speeds are another measure of what they are capable of. Most processors come with at least one speed, while the best food processors in Canada come with multiple speeds and a pulse setting. A single speed can efficiently chop or slice vegetables (depending on the attachment and blades used). However, more speeds can make it faster or simpler.
A food processor with a single speed will serve you well. However, if you are a dedicated home chef and want to create many different dishes, different speeds may be ideal. Your choice here should depend on how many speeds you think you’ll use, as processors with many different speeds can get pricey.
A processor with three speeds is a good place to land. Choosing an option with two speeds and a pulse function is great to start off with, too.
Preset Options
While it’s rare, some food processors do include preset options. Presets can make it easy to create popular foods and perform standard functions. Instead of worrying about the speed or duration you should be using, you touch a single button, and the processor does the rest.
Some common preset options might be dough, chopping, spreads, smoothies, and more. Some smoothies will have between 3 and 6 presets in addition to standard speeds and options. If getting the perfect settings is important to you, consider choosing a blender that has preset options you’ll use.
Power
The power rating of your food processor, measured in watts, will tell you how much the machine can accomplish. As with many other appliance power ratings, a higher power rating is always better. Some professional food processors have a rating of up to 1200 watts. With this much power, it can easily cut through a large variety of ingredients (including harder ingredients like nuts). This also means it can handle more ingredients at once.
Of course, smaller quantities can be easily processed with lower wattage ratings. Some single or mini food processors are rated for around 200 – 400 watts. As long as you aren’t overloading the processor, this can work fine for single people or those who only need a few ingredients blended or chopped.
Standard families who often prepare food in this way should choose a food processor with a wattage rating of between 600 and 800. Home chefs and professional users can start at 1000 watts for the best results.
Attachments
Attachments can help your food processor perform different tasks, increasing functionality overall. Attachments included with your food processor may vary. Most processors come with at least one blade. The s-shaped blade is the most common. This blade is best for mixing and chopping and fulfills the basic needs you should have from your food processor.
You may find other attachments as you shop, including some of the most common:
- Grating discs for cheese
- Slicing discs for vegetables (some adjustable for differently sized slices)
- Dough blades or hooks for making fresh dough and folding ingredients in
- A sharp blade for mincing
- Potato rasp for slicing and peeling potatoes
- Juicers and citrus presses for juicing
- A mill for chopping and grinding nuts and herbs
There might also be multiple versions of the same type of attachment. Usually, these versions vary in size or ability (such as a coarse grating disc as well as a standard one). If you plan on doing a lot of food prep and cooking with your food processor, try to choose one that comes with as many attachments as possible.
On the bright side, many food processor companies create additional attachments that can be purchased separately. If you ever find yourself needing an additional attachment, check the manufacturer’s website for compatible attachments. Make sure to always use a compatible attachment or attachment set, as using universal attachments might not always work with your specific food processor model.
Size
Because a food processor is a countertop appliance, its size can matter quite a lot. Some Canadians have less counter space than others, and some kitchens might have lower cabinets that prevent taller appliances from fitting underneath. Because of these issues, you should consider the dimensions of each food processor. This includes the size of the footprint (length and width), as well as the height.
In most food processors, the height listed includes the height of the feed chute. The feed chute is attached to the lid, so it can be removed or turned upside down for storage. Keep this in mind as you shop for a food processor in Canada. It’s important to choose an option that fits well in your kitchen, even as it meets your food preparation needs.
Feed Chute
The feed chute is the tube where you put your food into the processor. If you’re adding ingredients while the processor is working, you should be safely loading your fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients into the feed chute. The size of the feed chute can determine how much prep time your foods need, as well as how much your processor can handle.
Larger feed chutes may be able to load whole fruits and vegetables. With a larger feed chute, you won’t have to precut the foods so that they fit. If you want to reduce the time you spend preparing ingredients, go for a food processor with a larger feed chute.
However, even smaller feed chutes will work for most users. It just means you will spend a little more time cutting your vegetables and preparing them for the processor. The size you prefer is based on your preference.
Cleaning
When you use a food processor for a variety of purposes, you may wonder how you can keep it clean. After all, shredding, chopping, and slicing food is sure to leave behind a lot of mess. Thankfully, most food processors are simple to clean. We looked for options with dishwasher-safe components, including blades, work bowls, and lids.
Most food processors won’t be harmed in the dishwasher, especially those rated for cleaning this way. Some options might even include self-cleaning options to help keep your machine clean between dishwasher cycles. However you choose to clean your food processor, remember to remove the blade if possible. Much like blenders, the blades are likely removable to assist with cleaning. It’s much safer to clean the blade separately if possible to avoid injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
The size you need depends on how many people you are cooking for, but it can also depend on how much prep you’re doing. Single people should choose a bowl between 2 and 4 cups, while a larger family or those who entertain often might choose a capacity between 12 and 16 cups. If you want to prepare more ingredients at once, choose an option that has a larger capacity.
Yes, you can chop onions in a food processor. A food processor can chop a wide range of vegetables. However, the pieces won’t be uniform unless you use a more powerful processor with better blades. Plus, you should avoid overprocessing some vegetables to preserve flavor, which is where a pulse setting comes in handy.
Blenders and food processors are similar, but they serve different purposes. Blenders are mostly used to make drinks and dips, as well as to crush ice or puree foods. A food processor is made to slice, grate, and dice foods before cooking. A well-equipped kitchen should have both appliances.
Canadians who love to cook might consider food processors essential for their kitchens. They can fill a wide range of functions, including faster food preparation for cooking. The best food processors in Canada offer multiple settings to keep even the most productive home chefs efficient.
Most food processors offer a range of functions, all of which are useful in the kitchen. The best food processors on the Canadian market can chop, dice, slice, shred, grind, puree, and more. Some can make bread doughs, sauces, and mix ingredients. Each processor also comes with accessories to make some tasks easier.
