A food processor is the ultimate kitchen workhorse, saving you precious time and effort on tedious prep tasks. From chopping onions and kneading dough to shredding cheese and slicing vegetables, the right model can truly revolutionize your cooking routine. KitchenAid, a brand synonymous with quality and durability, offers a range of food processors designed to meet various needs and kitchen sizes.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook frequently preparing large meals or someone with a smaller household looking for quick chopping solutions, there is a KitchenAid food processor built for you. This roundup examines eight of their best models, highlighting the key features and benefits that make each one a worthy addition to your countertop.
The Best KitchenAid Food Processors for Your Cooking Needs
- KitchenAid KFP1133WH 11-Cup Food Processor
- KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus, Contour Silver
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment, Food Processor
- KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
- KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Mini Food Processor
- KitchenAid KFP0718BM 7-Cup Food Processor
- KitchenAid KFP0919BM 9-Cup Food Processor
- KitchenAid KFP1333BM 13-Cup Food Processor
KitchenAid KFP1133WH 11-Cup Food Processor with Exact Slice System – White
This 11-cup model is a fantastic mid-size option for families or those who regularly cook in larger batches. Its standout feature is the Exact Slice System, which includes an external control lever that lets you easily adjust the thickness of your slices from thick to thin without having to change discs. This provides incredible precision and convenience for recipes that require uniformly sliced ingredients.
The 3-in-1 wide mouth feed tube accommodates whole fruits and vegetables, significantly reducing your pre-cutting time. With simple High/Low speeds and a Pulse/Off operation, you have full control over the texture of your food, from coarse chopping to smooth purees. This processor is designed to handle a wide array of tasks efficiently.
KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus, Contour Silver, KFP0919
Organization and easy cleanup are at the heart of the 9-Cup Food Processor Plus. It features a brilliant all-in-one storage solution that keeps all the blades and discs neatly stored inside the work bowl, ensuring you never lose an accessory. The twist-free, one-click bowl assembly and securely latched lid make setup and operation straightforward and safe.
This model is versatile enough to chop, shred, slice, and puree a variety of foods, and it even includes a dedicated dough blade for kneading pizza and bread dough. Cleaning is simplified; you can add warm water and a drop of dish soap to the leak-resistant bowl and run the machine for a quick rinse, making post-cooking cleanup much faster.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachment, Food Processor with Commercial Food Dicing Disc KSM2FPA
If you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer, this attachment is a perfect way to expand its capabilities without taking up additional counter space. It easily connects to your existing mixer, providing powerful food processing functions. A unique feature is the commercial-style dicing disc, which allows you to create perfectly uniform diced vegetables, fruits, and cheeses.
Like the larger models, it boasts the ExactSlice System with an adjustable slicing lever for precise control. The wide feed tube is also present, accommodating larger pieces of food to minimize prep work. This attachment is an ideal solution for bakers and cooks who want the power of a food processor with the convenience of an integrated appliance system.
KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor – KFP0718
This compact 7-cup model is an excellent entry-point into the KitchenAid food processor family, ideal for smaller households or for those with limited storage space. It maintains the user-friendly design of its larger siblings, featuring the same all-in-one storage that keeps blades and the reversible shred/slice disc organized inside the bowl.
The snap-and-go work bowl assembly is intuitive, requiring no twisting to lock into place, and the latched lid ensures secure operation. It is perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks like chopping vegetables for a salad, shredding cheese for tacos, or making fresh salsa and sauces. Its smaller footprint makes it a practical and powerful tool for daily kitchen prep.
KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Mini Food Processor
For the smallest jobs, the 3.5-cup mini food processor is an indispensable tool. It’s designed for tasks that are too small for a full-sized machine, such as mincing garlic and herbs, chopping a single onion, grinding spices, or making small batches of sauces and dressings. Its compact size makes it easy to store and quick to clean.
Despite its small stature, it delivers the same reliable performance and quality associated with the KitchenAid brand. This mini processor is perfect for completing meal prep without the hassle of cleaning a large bowl, making it a favorite for quick seasoning blends or preparing ingredients for a meal for one or two.
KitchenAid KFP0718BM 7-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice System
This model takes the compact 7-cup capacity and enhances it with the advanced ExactSlice System. This gives you the flexibility and precision of adjustable slicing thickness, a feature typically found on larger, more premium models. It’s an ideal choice for cooks who want maximum control over their food prep in a space-saving design.
You can effortlessly switch from thick slices for potatoes au gratin to paper-thin slices for cucumbers or potatoes. Combined with its ability to chop, shred, and puree, this processor offers a remarkable level of versatility for its size, making it a powerful tool for creating a wide range of dishes with professional results.
KitchenAid KFP0919BM 9-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice System
Building on the popular 9-cup platform, this version incorporates the ExactSlice System, offering the perfect blend of convenient storage, ample capacity, and precision slicing. It is well-suited for families or entertainers who need a machine that can handle larger quantities without sacrificing control over the final outcome.
The ability to adjust slice thickness on the fly, combined with the all-in-one storage for blades and discs, makes this a highly efficient and organized kitchen centerpiece. Whether you are preparing a big batch of coleslaw, slicing vegetables for a stir-fry, or kneading dough for homemade bread, this processor is designed to perform reliably.
KitchenAid KFP1333BM 13-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice System
For the most demanding kitchens, the 13-cup model is the ultimate powerhouse. Its large capacity is perfect for big batch cooking, canning, preparing holiday meals, or feeding a crowd. It includes the sophisticated ExactSlice System, giving you complete command over slicing thickness for all your ingredients.
This processor is built to handle the toughest tasks with ease, from kneading stiff bread dough to processing large quantities of vegetables for soups and sauces. If you frequently host gatherings or have a large family, this high-capacity model provides the performance and volume needed to make meal preparation efficient and effortless.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right KitchenAid Food Processor
Choosing the right food processor can feel overwhelming with so many models on the market. I’ve found that focusing on a few key factors makes the decision much easier, especially when looking at the 8 best KitchenAid food processors for your kitchen. The goal is to match the machine’s capabilities to your actual cooking habits.
First, consider the bowl capacity. If you mostly cook for one or two people, a compact 3.5-cup model is probably perfect. It takes up less counter space and is easier to clean. For families or anyone who loves meal prepping, a larger 9 to 13-cup model is a better investment. It can handle big batches of dough, slaw, or soup. Think about the largest task you’d realistically do—making a double batch of pizza dough, for instance—and let that guide your choice.
Next, look at the motor power. This is measured in watts, and generally, a higher wattage means a more powerful motor. A robust motor is non-negotiable if you plan on frequently kneading bread dough or grinding meat. For lighter tasks like chopping vegetables, making pesto, or mixing pastry dough, a moderately powered machine will do the job just fine without the higher price tag.
Don’t forget about the accessories and discs that come with the machine. A standard S-blade is essential for chopping and pureeing, but the specialized discs do the heavy lifting for slicing and shredding. Some models come with a dough blade, a citrus juicer, or even a french fry disc. I always check what’s included in the box. It’s more cost-effective to get a model with the discs you know you’ll use than to buy them separately later.
Finally, pay attention to the design and usability. I prefer models with simple, intuitive controls. A wide feed chute is a huge plus because it means less pre-cutting of large vegetables. Also, consider how easy it is to store. Some bowls nest neatly inside each other, and a compact design is always helpful if your cabinet space is limited. By thinking about capacity, power, attachments, and your kitchen’s real estate, you can find a KitchenAid food processor that feels like it was made just for you.
FAQ
What is the main difference between a KitchenAid stand mixer and a food processor?
They are designed for completely different tasks. A stand mixer is fantastic for mixing, whipping, and kneading tasks where you want to incorporate air—think fluffy cakes, meringues, and bread dough. A food processor, on the other hand, uses a fast, sharp blade to chop, puree, slice, and shred. It’s your go-to for making salsa, nut butter, coleslaw, or grinding meat. They are complementary tools, not substitutes for one another.
Can I knead bread dough in a KitchenAid food processor?
Yes, many of the larger KitchenAid food processor models are excellent for kneading bread dough. Their powerful motors and specialized dough blades can mix and knead a stiff dough in just a minute or two. It’s a huge time-saver compared to kneading by hand. Just be sure to check your specific model’s manual, as it will state the maximum dough capacity to avoid straining the motor.
Are all the attachments and bowls dishwasher safe?
Most KitchenAid food processor bowls, lids, and blades are top-rack dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup very simple. However, I always recommend double-checking the care instructions for your specific model. The main base unit itself should never be submerged in water; just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
How do I clean the food processor properly?
After unplugging the unit, I disassemble the bowl, lid, and all blades. I rinse the parts to remove food particles. For a deeper clean, they can usually go on the top rack of the dishwasher. For the base, I use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any spills or splatters. It’s important to handle the sharp blades with care during cleaning.
What safety features do KitchenAid food processors have?
KitchenAid designs its food processors with several key safety features. The most common is a locking mechanism that prevents the motor from running unless the bowl is properly locked into the base and the lid is securely in place. This is a fundamental feature that gives me peace of mind, especially when I’m in a hurry in the kitchen.
Why should I consider one of the 8 best KitchenAid food processors for your kitchen?
KitchenAid has a reputation for building durable, powerful, and versatile appliances. Their food processors are no exception. They offer a range of sizes and feature sets to fit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a frequent entertainer or a weekday meal-prepper, a KitchenAid model can handle a wide variety of tasks reliably, saving you significant time and effort in the kitchen.