How to Choose a Food Processor

General buying advice. Always check current specifications, prices and reviews with the retailer before you buy.

A food processor can save a lot of time on chopping, slicing, grating and mixing. The best one depends on how much you cook and how much space you have.

Bowl size

Compact choppers hold a small amount and suit sauces and herbs. A full-size processor with a bowl of around 2 to 3 litres suits family cooking and batch prep. Check the working capacity for liquids, which is usually smaller than the full bowl.

Motor power

A stronger motor copes better with dough, hard vegetables and nuts. Wattage is a guide, but build quality and blade design also matter.

Blades and discs

Most come with a main blade and slicing and grating discs. Extra attachments such as a dough blade or a whisk can be useful, but only if you will use them. Think about where all the parts will be stored.

Feed tube and safety

A wide feed tube means less pre-cutting. Look for a safety lock so the motor will not run unless the lid is secure.

Cleaning and noise

Check that bowl, lid and blades are dishwasher safe. Food processors are loud, so expect noise during heavy jobs.