Buyer's Guides

The Best Food Processors for Quick & Easy Meal Preparation

Choose the best food processor Australia has to offer and make chopping, grinding, slicing, pureeing, and shredding of food a cinch. These appliances can come in handy when prepping vegetables, spices, meat, and other commonly used ingredients. 👨‍🍳
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As someone who enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes, I’ve been on the hunt for the best food processor to add to my kitchen arsenal. Over the past few months, I’ve tested various models to see which one truly stands out. Living in Australia, where fresh produce is abundant and diverse, having a versatile appliance like a food processor can make meal prep incredibly efficient and enjoyable.

Food processors are one of the most versatile appliances you can consider; they can take on just about any task you throw at them when making your favourite meals. With a range of attachments, these units are perfect for different scenarios, and some even have a kneading function that can help you make dough in just a few minutes. Thanks to their powerful electrical motors, food processors enable you to power through food prep tasks with utmost ease, eliminating the need to chop onions, cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetables by hand. Simply install the most appropriate attachment and power up the motor, and you’ll be ready to go.

TL; DR: The #1 Food Processor for Most People 👇

Equipped with a 350-watt motor, the Cuisinart FP-8A can chop up a wide variety of ingredients without giving you any problem.  Additionally, it is quite affordable and easy to operate. If you are in search of a food processor that is both efficient and durable, the Cuisinart FP-8A is the way to go!

The Best Food Processors to Buy Today in Australia

1. Best Overall: Breville The Kitchen Wizz Peel & Dice Food Processor

24 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Pulse function for rapid bursts of power
  • Extensive range of attachments
  • Adjustable slicing disc for precise cutting
  • It comes with a storage box for housing the attachments
What customers like:

“I had one of these years ago and used it every day, so I know how great they are. Easy to use and very quiet compared to my old one. Fantastic, would highly recommend!”–Linda h Lunn

After months of trying out different food processors, I highly recommend the Breville The Kitchen Wizz Peel & Dice Food Processor to anyone looking for a high-performance kitchen appliance. This machine has become a staple in my kitchen due to its impressive range of features that assist in preparing my favourite dishes and desserts. With a 2,000-watt precision motor, nothing stands in the way of this powerhouse. The motor-powered blades slice through ingredients effortlessly and quickly, saving me a significant amount of time during meal prep.

One of my favourite features is the pulse function, which I use when mincing or chopping. It allows the food to move inside the bowl with every burst of power, ensuring all pieces are chopped evenly. The pause function is also handy, letting me briefly interrupt the processing cycle without having to power down the machine. Operating this food processor is a breeze, thanks to its control panel with just three conveniently labelled buttons.

The best part of this food processor is the rich assortment of attachments included in the package. Depending on the ingredients I’m working with, I can install the julienne disc, peeling disc, dough blade, whisking disc, s-blade, shredding disc, mini blade, or slicing disc. The adjustable slicer, with its 24 settings, is particularly impressive, allowing for precise slicing of potatoes, cucumbers, beetroots, and more. The dicing attachment is equally amazing, not only dicing but also slicing the food before splitting it into cubes. All attachments are made of stainless steel, so I never worry about rust.

Safety is a priority with this model, as the system automatically kicks in if the bowl and other accessories are not correctly installed, disabling the motor and preventing potential injuries. This makes the Breville BFP820BAL an excellent choice for both professionals and beginners. The only downside I’ve found is its high price tag, which may deter some people from purchasing it. However, if you don’t mind spending a bit more, this food processor is worth every penny.

Pros
  • Durable construction
  • It has a timer function
  • Sturdy base
Cons
  • The peeler attachment is not as efficient, especially when peeling irregularly shaped items

2. Best Food Processor for Large Families: KENWOOD MultiPro Classic Food Processor

8 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Variable speed system gives you full control
  • 3-litre bowl accommodates large quantities of food
  • Brushed stainless steel body blends well with most kitchen décor styles
  • 1,000-watt motor for enhanced performance
What customers say:

“We’ve had this about 2 weeks and I haven’t tried the grating disks yet, but everything else seems good. It’s a bit noisy (I notice this, especially when using the citrus juicer) but otherwise, it’s been a great machine so far.”–Lee Stephen Roberts

After several months of using the KENWOOD MultiPro Classic Food Processor, I can attest to its essential features and versatility. This food processor has become an indispensable tool in my kitchen. The generously sized 3-litre bowl allows me to process large portions of food in one go, which is perfect for family meals or when I have guests over. The 1.5-litre blender attachment has been incredibly useful for making smoothies, soups, and sauces, effortlessly liquefying my ingredients.

I’ve found the food processor to be incredibly versatile, handling tasks such as kneading dough for fresh bread, grating cheese for pasta dishes, and slicing vegetables for salads and stir-fries. The stainless steel attachments are highly resistant to corrosion and rust, remaining in excellent condition with proper cleaning after each use. One of the features I appreciate most is how securely the bowl and blender lock onto the machine, preventing any leakage—especially useful when dealing with semifluid foods.

The adjustable speed settings have been a game-changer for me. With up to 8 speed settings, I can tailor the processing speed to match the specific ingredients I’m working with. The speed control dial allows for quick and precise adjustments, and the pulse function is fantastic for tasks requiring extra power, such as blending thick mixtures or chopping nuts. Using the pulse mode is straightforward—just turn the speed dial counterclockwise to the ‘P’ mark, and the motor runs at maximum speed, ensuring ingredients are chopped quickly and evenly.

Transferring contents is a breeze thanks to the ergonomic handles on both the blender and the bowl, which provide a comfortable grip. Durability is another strong suit of this food processor. All parts are made from ultra-tough materials, preventing breakage and allowing me to process frozen and hot foods without damaging the attachments. The slotted storage box prevents discs from leaning against each other, keeping them in good condition.

The wide base of the Kenwood FDM785BA MultiPro prevents slippage during use, providing stability and peace of mind. This feature is particularly important when processing larger quantities of food. For anyone with a large family or who frequently prepares large meals, this food processor is an excellent choice. One downside I’ve noticed, however, is that the machine can be quite noisy at higher speeds, which might be disruptive. Despite this, its performance and versatility make it a worthy addition to any kitchen.

Pros
  • User-friendly
  • The blender thermo-resistant
  • Compact design
Cons
  • No digital display

3. Best Food Processor for Chopping: Sunbeam LC9000 Cafe Series® Food Processor

17 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Comes with an extra wide chute
  • Can process bigger chunks of ingredients
  • Has Auto Pulse feature for quick processing jobs
  • With built-in drawer to keep attachments in one place
What customers say:

“Made a butter cake and coleslaw. Both a great success and found the appliance did both with ease and speed. ”–ajbluebird

For all your food processing needs in the kitchen, the Sunbeam LC9000 Cafe Series® Food Processor is the perfect choice. Over the past few months, this food processor has become an essential part of my kitchen routine, thanks to its impressive features that I’ve come to rely on.

One standout feature is its extra wide chute. This has been a lifesaver on busy days when I don’t have the time to chop large ingredients into smaller pieces. With this chute, I can roughly cut up carrots, onions, peppers, and other veggies before dropping them into the food processor to puree or mince. This feature significantly speeds up my meal prep and makes the process much more convenient.

The inclusion of a small bowl is another feature I’ve found incredibly useful. Whether I need to chop a handful of parsley or a few cloves of garlic, the small bowl handles these tasks efficiently, saving me from having to use and wash the larger bowl for small quantities. This has been particularly handy for quick, small-scale tasks.

Operating the Sunbeam LC9000 is straightforward with its three buttons—start/stop, auto pulse, and pulse. The direct drive induction motor combined with stainless steel blades and discs ensures smooth and efficient processing every time. The large 2-litre bowl is perfect for bigger tasks, while the 400ml small bowl is ideal for smaller ones.

In terms of versatility, this food processor truly shines. The processing blade allows me to chop, mince, puree, crumb, emulsify, and mix with ease. The variable slicing blade is fantastic for precise slicing, and the various discs enable julienning, fine shredding, coarse shredding, grating, and shaving. I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different food preparations, and this device has handled everything beautifully.

Storing all these attachments is easy with the built-in storage drawer at the bottom and the space in the bowl when the processor isn’t in use. This keeps my kitchen organized and ensures all parts are readily available when needed. The safety locking system is also a great feature, providing peace of mind by preventing accidents during use.

However, one downside I’ve noticed is that the processor can be quite loud, especially at higher speeds. This can be a bit disruptive, but given its powerful performance and versatility, it’s a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Sunbeam LC9000 Cafe Series® Food Processor has exceeded my expectations and has become an indispensable tool in my kitchen.

Pros
  • Has a large chute for chunkier ingredients
  • Comes with a smaller bowl for smaller processing jobs
  • Built-in drawer helps keep all attachments intact
Cons
  • Blade can come off the spindle if not attached properly

4. Best for Most People: Cuisinart FP-8A Food Processor 

12 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Removable dishwasher safe parts for effortless cleaning
  • Features a SealTight system to prevent leakage
  • Reversible slicing disc for added convenience
  • Has a blade lock mechanism for user safety
What customers say:

“Perfect for our needs. Compact but effective for all food processing needs. I researched extensively to find a basic food processor that wasn’t too big. Very happy with this. It’s also not noisy.” –Frosty

My fourth pick for the best food processors is the Cuisinart FP-8A Food Processor due to its excellent build quality and long list of features. Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of using this food processor, and it has certainly proven to be a valuable addition to my kitchen.

One of the things that initially concerned me was the motor, which is rated at only 350 watts. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its power and efficiency. This food processor effortlessly handles various tasks, making it perfect for those who appreciate food presentation and precise preparation. Its simple design makes it incredibly easy to use, which I found very convenient during my busy cooking sessions.

Using the Cuisinart FP-8A correctly yields commendable results every time. The blade lock mechanism is particularly reassuring, as it ensures the attached blade stays securely in place, even when the motor is operating at the highest speed setting. This feature adds a layer of safety and reliability to the appliance.

I also appreciated the feed tube, which allows me to add ingredients while the motor is running. This feature is incredibly handy when I need to add items gradually without interrupting the process. The reversible slicer is another great addition, allowing me to customize the slicing thickness according to my needs. The easy-to-use electronic touchpad simplifies making quick changes to the settings, and the rubberized controls prevent unnecessary slippage, ensuring a smooth operation.

The work bowl’s calibrated markings have been very helpful for accurate measuring, streamlining my prep work. The base of the processor is counterweighted and equipped with non-slip feet, which provides excellent stability during use. This is particularly important when processing larger quantities or tougher ingredients.

One aspect I found less favorable is the noise level, which can be quite noticeable, especially at higher speeds. However, given the processor’s performance and versatility, this is a minor inconvenience. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-performance food processor that is reasonably priced, the Cuisinart FP-8A is an excellent choice. It has made my food prep tasks much easier and more enjoyable, and I highly recommend it for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Pros
  • Stainless steel blade
  • User-friendly design
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • No additional accessories

5. Best Food Processor for Baking: Sunbeam Multi Food Processor Plus

171 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Powerful motor for fast and efficient processing
  • Comes with dough attachments
  • Durably built to give you long-lasting service
  • Non-slip feet increase stability
What customers say:

“The product is great, it helps in my prep in cooking. The other great thing about it is that it is light, so it is great for me use & store without straining my wrists…”–Sonia Hazy

The Sunbeam Multi Food Processor Plus has become an essential tool in my kitchen due to its multifunctionality. Over the past few months, I’ve used it for grating, slicing, mixing, mincing, whisking, and shredding, and it has performed admirably in all these tasks. This unit also comes with dough attachments, making it convenient for baking enthusiasts.

Upon purchasing the Sunbeam Multi Food Processor Plus, I received a 2-litre bowl and a 1.5-litre blender jug. Both are made from high-quality materials, ensuring they provide prolonged service. The durability of these attachments has been impressive, offering a frustration-free processing experience. Installing and detaching the accessories is straightforward, allowing me to switch between tasks quickly without wasting any time. Each attachment locks firmly in place, so I’ve never had issues with blades coming loose during operation.

Similar to the Philips HR7310/00, this food processor features a dual-speed system and a pulse function. However, I found the separate placement of the pulse button on the Sunbeam LC6500 particularly user-friendly. The jug’s calibrated markings have been incredibly useful for measuring ingredients accurately. It’s important to ensure not to load the machine beyond the max mark for each food category to maintain optimal performance.

The feed chute has a wide opening, making it easy to process medium to chunky foods. However, some ingredients might need pre-cutting to fit inside the chute. The processing blade retains its edge well, provided it’s used correctly. I’ve found that hand-washing the attachments prolongs their durability, which is a small effort for long-term benefits.

Cleaning the accessories is easy, and they fit neatly inside the bowl for convenient storage. If you value quality, precision, and performance, the Sunbeam Multi Food Processor Plus is the right choice. It’s reasonably priced, durable, and reliable. The only downside I’ve noticed is that the machine can get quite noisy when processing solid foods. Despite this minor drawback, its performance and versatility make it a worthy investment for any kitchen.

Pros
  • Easy to work with

  • Very efficient

  • Space-saving design
Cons
  • It only has basic functions

6. Best Food Processor for Breadcrumbs: Russell Hobbs RHFP5BLK Desire

Price reduction
162 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Has rubber suction feet for non-slip performance
  • The bowl has a double lock to prevent spillage
  • Removable parts are dishwasher safe
  • Large 2.5-litre processing bowl
What customers say:

“Super easy to set it up and use, powerful multifunction tools that suit all daily chopping/whipping/grinding needs. All components are plastic but can’t complain for this price point.”–Susan

Closing our list of products is the Russell Hobbs RHFP5BLK Desire Food Processor, which I’ve found to be just as efficient as the other units I’ve tested. Equipped with a 600-watt motor, this food processor handles all the heavy lifting when processing a variety of foods. Its versatility and durability have made it a reliable addition to my kitchen.

The processor bowl features a reliable locking mechanism that keeps it securely in place, regardless of how fast the motor is running. With a capacity of 2.5 litres, I can easily process enough food for my entire family. Like most food processors on our list, the Russell Hobbs RHFP5BLK comes with a 1.5-litre jug blender, which is perfect for handling foods that can’t be processed in the bowl.

One of the aspects I appreciate the most is that all the attachments and the bowl are dishwasher safe, allowing for fast and easy cleaning. This appliance comes with a variety of attachments, including a shredding disc, creaming disc, and reversible slicing blade. The stainless steel blades on one of the attachments effortlessly cut through carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, and other commonly processed foods, making prep work a breeze.

The straightforward design of this food processor makes it user-friendly for just about anyone. It has a single control dial, allowing for quick adjustments between two speed settings. Speed 1 is suitable for chopping food into smaller pieces, while speed 2 is ideal for blending ingredients. The pulse function provides quick bursts of power, which I found particularly useful for tasks requiring precision.

I was impressed by the stability of this food processor. The base is fitted with rubberized suction cups, ensuring it stays in place during use. The motor housing also has vibration dampening properties, preventing the food processor from moving about on the worktop. Additionally, the well-designed handle attached to the bowl is ridged, providing a secure grip and preventing my fingers from slipping.

The only downside I’ve encountered is that the motor can be somewhat noisy, especially when processing tougher ingredients. However, the performance and versatility of the Russell Hobbs RHFP5BLK Desire Food Processor make this a minor inconvenience. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable, and efficient food processor.

Pros
  • Has cord storage
  • Great quality
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • No storage box

How We Researched the Best Food Processors

To find the best food processors, I consulted independent product comparison sites of kitchen appliances in Australia to see what the experts and consumers had to say. I visited two of Australia’s most trusted review websites—ProductReview.com.au and CHOICE. Both sites provided helpful data, which allowed me to identify some of the things that one should consider when choosing a food processor.

I also checked Canstar Blue’s latest food processor brand comparison report to know which brands are best according to Australian consumers. However, I didn’t stop there; I did additional research and came up with data-driven selection criteria based on my findings. After this, I searched for food processors on popular online marketplaces such as Amazon, Appliances Online, eBay, and Myer.

I considered the features and specifications of each food processor to ensure you get the most efficient appliance. I further compared the products that I had chosen and eliminated those that seemed unreliable based on customer reviews. This left me with 6 of the best food processors that I have listed above.

Food Processors: Buying Guide

Are you planning on buying a food processor? If so, this buying guide can help you choose the most ideal product for your needs. I have highlighted all the important factors that I considered when testing these units, so take your time and read through this guide before settling for a particular option.

What to Consider When Buying a Food Processor

Attachments

When I was looking for a food processor, the attachments were a key consideration. A good food processor should have a slicing disc, dough tool, s-blade, and grating disc. Some units come with additional attachments, but these are the basics. Buying a processor with multiple accessories allowed me to tackle a wide range of tasks in my kitchen, from slicing vegetables to kneading dough.

Bowl Capacity

Bowl capacity was another important factor for me. These appliances come in different sizes and can hold varying amounts of food. Most food processors on the market have a capacity of 1 to 2.5 litres, but some models can hold up to 5 litres. Since I often prepare large quantities of food, I opted for a processor with a large capacity. However, I also made sure that my kitchen counter and storage spaces could accommodate the larger appliance.

Motor Strength

The motor is the heart of a food processor, so I took my time comparing the wattage ratings. Motor strength varies, and some units are more efficient than others. Low-power motors might stall under heavy loads, while high-power motors can handle large quantities of food efficiently. I chose a food processor with a motor that matched the amount of food I typically process.

Price

Price is always a consideration. I had to decide whether I wanted a high-end, mid-range, or low-end model. This helped me with budgeting and ensuring I got an appliance that met my needs. Food processors can range from $50 to $800, and some models might be even higher or lower. High-end models like the Breville The Kitchen Wizz Peel & Dice Food Processor are extremely versatile and come with advanced features that enhance kitchen performance.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

I prefer appliances that are easy to use and clean. Most food processors have simple controls, making it easy to access all functions quickly. Detailed user manuals were also helpful. For cleaning, I found it convenient to choose a food processor with dishwasher-safe attachments, as it saved time and effort.

Noise Level

All food processors are noisy, but some are noisier than others. Most standard food processors are rated at 95 decibels. While testing, I found that some models were quieter, which made a difference in my kitchen environment.

Features to Look for When Buying a Food Processor

Food Pusher

A food pusher is essential for safely pushing food through the feed chute. This feature was particularly useful when slicing cucumbers and other vegetables.

Load Sensor

Not all food processors have a load sensor, but it’s a valuable feature. It detects when the blades are under load and adjusts the motor speed for better performance. This made processing large chunks of food easier and more efficient.

Pulse Function

The pulse mode was a feature I frequently used for mincing and chopping ingredients. It triggers the motor to spin at maximum speed, reducing food into smaller pieces quickly.

Double Feed Chute

A double feed chute design was convenient for processing both large and small foods. One chute was larger for big portions, while the smaller chute was perfect for items like carrots.

Reversible Blade

Reversible blades added versatility to my food processor. They allowed me to slice and grate with the same attachment by simply turning the blade the other way round.

Rubber Feet

To prevent the processor from moving around due to vibrations, I looked for units with rubberised feet. This increased traction and ensured the appliance stayed firmly in place on my worktop.

By following this guide, you’ll be better equipped to choose a food processor that meets your needs. Whether it’s the power, capacity, attachments, or additional features, understanding what to look for can help you make an informed decision and find the perfect food processor for your kitchen.


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Last update on 2024-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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