Every home chef needs to have all the essential tools to create the meals they love. Having a food processor not only makes their cooking preparation easier, it helps save time as well.
If you are searching for the perfect gift this Christmas, or simply want to have a budget friendly gadget in your kitchen, I’ve found you the best food processor under $100.
Top 5 Food Processors Under 100 Bucks
1. Hamilton Beach 12- Cup Stack and Snap Food Processor
The Hamilton Beach 12-cup stack and snap food processor is one of the best food processors for under $100. This food processor can stand up against some of the more expensive food processors on the market, yet it does not break your budget at a price of .....
Pros:
Easy to assemble
Easy to remove blades
Easy to clean (dishwasher safe bowl and blades)
Large 12-cup bowl
Doesn’t take up too much counter space
Sharp blades
Suction cups at the bottom keep the food processor in place while in use
Do not have to twist the food processor to use
Easy to store
Includes 2 blades for use
Lightweight
Works quickly
Easy to remove food items after use
Can add food items while the food processor is on
One year warranty
Cons:
Can sometimes struggle to mix uniformly
Food can become stuck in the handle which is difficult to remove
Shredding function may not provide consistent results
Not great for small batches (under 2 cups)
Loud when in use
Stands tall, which is not ideal for some customers
Pureeing can be difficult with this food processor
2. Hamilton Beach 10 Cup Food Processor with Bowl Scraper
The Hamilton Beach 10-cup food processor includes a bowl scraper for easy to remove foods. This food processor is not too large and not too small and is capable of doing nearly any amount of foods you place inside.
Pros:
- Powerful
- BPA Free bowl
- Reversible slice and shred disc
- Includes bowl scraper
- Compact and does not take up counter space
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher safe bowl and blades
- Two speeds for processing
- Quieter than most food processors
- Suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place while in use
- High speeds allowing for quick work
- Bowl scraper ensures nothing gets stuck to the sides while processing foods
- One year warranty
Cons:
- Can leak when doing large amounts of liquids
- Function knob can pop back from pulse to settings 1 and 2 which can be frustrating
- Liquid capacity is only 2-4 cups
- Lid may become stuck on
- Scraper inside the bowl can take longer processing times
- Some users find the speed options to be too fast- not best for pretty and uniform outcomes
- May break down after several months of heavy use
- Some users find the bowl scraper to be in the way during use
- Do not over stress the motor with too much in the food processor at one time or it can cause the food processor to break down.
3. Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus Food Processor Brushed Chrome and Nickel
The Cuisinart DLC Mini Prep Plus food processor is a small and compact food processor that packs a punch. The powerful yet lightweight design allows for quick work without taking up too much counter space.
Pros:
- 250 watts
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe bowl and blades
- Compact
- Great for pureeing
- Easy to store when not in use
- BPA free bowl
- Great for lightweight jobs
- Finely chops nearly anything
- Includes spatula that is also dishwasher safe
- Works quickly
Cons:
Not ideal for larger processing jobs
Not as versatile as other food processors
Made of plastic, not stainless steel
Over working the motor may cause break down of the food processor
Not as durable as other food processors
Quite noisy when in use
Bowls may crack after several months of heavy duty use
Liquids can come through the top when in use
Does not include suction cups to stay in place while in use
4. Hamilton Beach 14-Cup Food Processor, with Big Mouth Feed Tube and French Fry Blade
The Hamilton Beach 14-cup Food Processor is great for the home chef or business that requires larger processing jobs. The versatile use is attractive since it can handle nearly any food processing jobs you bring its way.
Pros:
Large bowl capacity
Easy to assemble
Easy to store
Large mouthed feed tube great for whole food items
Versatile use functions
Safe to use- will not operate unless locked in place
Great for home or business use
Very powerful at 525 watts
Works quickly no matter the size processing job
Suction cups allow the food processor to stay in place during use
BPA Free
One year warranty
Can handle large food processing jobs
Purees well
Cons:
Can be too large for smaller processing jobs
The design with the hole in the middle can cause leaks or food items to fall through
Blade can get stuck when overworked or overloaded
Overloaded food processing jobs can cause the food processor to stop working
Assembly is easy, yet it takes more time than other food processors
Not as durable as other food processors- can begin to break down after several months of heavy duty use
5. KitchenAid KFC3516ER 3.5 Cup Mini Food Processor, Empire Red
The KitchenAid Mini Food processor is the go to food processor for those who often need small jobs and do not have much counter space for use. While it is a small food processor, it still gets the job done and it is ideal for single individuals or small, quick prep work jobs.
Pros:
Very small and compact
Easy to use
Easy to store
Easy to assemble
Great for dry food items
Chops very finely
Works quickly
Includes pulsing function
Sharp blades
Safe to use as it locks in place before the motor turns on
Cons:
Can stop working if overloaded with too many food items at once
For small jobs only since the bowl is just 3.5 cups
Not the best for pureeing
Not the best for adding liquids
How to Choose a Food Processor
When you are searching for a new food processor for your kitchen, there are some factors you will need to place into consideration before you make your final choice. There are so many varieties and models of food processors on the market and it can be overwhelming to find the perfect food processor for your needs among such a wide range of choices.
This is why I’ve found the best tips to help you choose a food processor, and how to use a food processor correctly so you will be able to find, and enjoy the food processor of your dreams.
Intent of Use
One of the major deciding factors for purchasing a new food processor will definitely be what you intend to use it for. Are you searching for something to help chop those pesky onions and garlic? Are you looking for a gadget to help make homemade baby food? Do you prepare large meals often and need that ‘extra help’ in the kitchen for prep work?
Food processors are designed to do the extra fine chopping or pureeing that you need in a simple and easy to use manner. That being said, whatever reason you decide that you need a food processor, they can help!
What to Look For
When you have given some consideration as to why you want to add a food processor to your kitchen and what you want to use it for, there are some factors that you need to be aware of in the individual food processors. All food processors are made to help chop or puree, yet the individual models will offer different benefits.
When you are considering a certain brand or model of food processor, there are certain things you need to look for. These factors include:
Are the blades sharp?
Will the blades dull after time?
How many wattages is the food processor?
Is the food processor easy to clean?
Does the food processor include different functions?
Are there multiple blades included?
Are the blades easy to remove and replace?
Does the food processor include a lock in place for safety?
Does the food processor include a bowl scraper to easily remove the food?
How large is the food processor bowl?
Does the food processor include an easy to use chute for adding foods while it is working?
Are there any other features that make the food processor multi-function?
How many speeds does the food processor have?
Are the food processor parts dishwasher safe (including the blades)?
Is the food processor bowl BPA free?
Will the food processor take up counter space?
Will the food processor leak if you are adding liquids?
Are the chopping discs reversible?
Is the food processor easy to assemble for use?
Can you easily store the food processor?
Can you put whole food items into the food processor?
How long will it take for the foods to become chopped/sliced/pureed?
Does the food processor include a warranty?
How to Use a Food Processor
How to use a food processor will vary to some degree, depending on which make and model you end up deciding upon. However, there are basic steps that will be involved with each food processor, no matter which type you own.
Using a food processor is made to be simple and easy. The basic steps to using a food processor include:
- Make sure your food processor is clean and ready to use.
- Assemble the food processor according to the instructions of the make and model.
- Plug in the food processor.
- Add the foods according to the style of the food processor. (some will allow whole foods to be added, while others will require the foods to be rough chopped)
- Make sure the lid is locked in place.
- Select the function or speed based upon the final product of the foods you desire.
- Process until your foods meet the consistency you are looking for.
- Turn off when desired.
- Unlock the food processor lid and remove the food items.
- Disassemble for cleaning, or rinse if you want to process other foods.
As mentioned before, every food processor will include different functions that will depend on the make and model or even the brand of the food processor. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions alongside using these basic steps to ensure you get the best results with your food processor.
Conclusion
Anyone looking to buy a food processor, the five best food processors under $100 will certainly be able to suit your needs. The very best food processor on this list would have to be the Hamilton Beach 12-cup stack and snap food processor.
Not only is this food processor very simple to assembly and use, its high quality parts and sharp blades allow for quick and uniform final products. Whether you need to mix, chop, finely chop, blend, or puree, the Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack and snap can handle the job, even when liquids are involved. Since it has the 12-cup sized bowl, it can suit personal or business use and this versatility is attractive for several users.
If you are in the market for a new food processor, but do not want to bust your budget, select a food processor among the five best food processors under $100. You will be sure to find the best of the best on this list for all your home or business cooking preparation needs.
Annalise O'Conner
Annalise O'Conner is a Registered Dietitian and Personalized Nutritionist. She is a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, teaching nutrition in the School of Public Health and APAN (Asian Pacific Islander American Network) Email: [email protected]
