Best For Chopping: Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus Food Processor

When we asked our readers for their favorite mini food processors, we got several answers—it all depending on what you want to use it for!

For chopping vegetables and other light food prep, there was a clear winner: Cuisinart’s DLC-2ABC. We’ve used this one in our own home for years and it is a workhorse. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Purees well.

• Great for chopping.

• Also great for baby food.

• Includes a spatula.

• BPA free.

• Dishwasher safe bowl and lid.

• 250 watts, 3-cup bowl.

What Needs Work

• Loud!

• Have to hold down the button while using.

• Bowl can warp in dishwasher—it might be best to hand wash!

• Cord storage under the base is not as convenient as other brands.

Best For Smoothies: Ninja 400-Watt Blender/Food Processor

Not every food processor is best for smoothies. This model impressed us with its power—yes, it is a 400 watt blender. Compare that the 250 watt processors that are common on the market.

The Ninja blender/food processor is our pick for blending, but it also does well at chopping. And we liked the two different size containers (2-cup and 48 ounces pitcher).

What We Liked

• Lots of power!

• Great for blending smoothies.

• Blades and storage lids are dishwasher safe.

• Anti-splash guard.

• 2 different size containers.

What Needs Work

• A bit pricey.

Best For Baby Food: KitchenAid KFC35161C 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

We’ve written an entire book on baby gear and we know from our readers how popular making your own baby food is today. And a good food processor makes that a snap.

We have tried several food processors over the years (including those marketed as baby food makers) before deciding the the KitchenAid KFC351161C is the best bet for most folks. Why? It purees food like few other models we’ve tried.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to clean.

• Great for pureeing.

• 3.5 cup bowl with pour spout is great for small projects.

• Two speeds.

• Dishwasher safe bowl.

What Needs Work

• Not so great at chopping. Yes, this processor is great for pureeing . . . but not our favorite for chopping.

• No on/off button—you have to hold down the handle with your thumb.

• Could be easier to open and close.

Best Quiet Mini Processor: Proctor Silex Durable Mini Food Processor

We have tried many kitchen food processors over the years and one complaint is common to many models: they are LOUD! 

If volume is important, then we’d recommend the Proctor Silex as the best quiet mini food processor. Part of the reason: it only has a 70 watt motor. But it has enough power to chop nuts and garlic.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Also great for baby food.

• Affordable.

• Easy to clean.

• Quiet.

What Needs Work

• Better with hard foods like nuts, as opposed to fruit. 

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money. 

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!