Everyone leads such hurried lives these days. Working, taking care of family, and doing all the errands, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours to accomplish it all.
And cooking typically takes up a big chunk of our time. Sure, takeout is quick, but it’s not nutritious and may get pricey. Busy folks need a time-saving solution to create great and nutritious meals at home.
I say, why not try a food processor? Automatic kitchen gadgets can be a huge assistance when it comes to creating a wonderful meal. We’ve looked for the best budget food processors out there for the right solution at a wallet-friendly price.
The Best Budget Food Processors Reviews
1. Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Compact Food Processor – Best Medium Sized Budget Food Processor for Bakers
This Hamilton Beach food processor is our first pick because it offers excellent value for the money. The 8-cup volume allows for a wide range of ingredients to be used. A large feed tube allows ingredients to be added without having to open the machine's lid.
A really fast machine indeed! Its 450-watt output provides a tremendous jolt of power to the blades. This processor can quickly and easily do a wide variety of tasks, from chopping cabbage to making nut butter.
Is there any way to change that speed?
There are two different speeds available. The speed of the blades can be changed depending on the dish being prepared. For those who work with dough, this is a huge help.
There's also a pulse setting to choose from. Cutting tough materials like nuts is a time-consuming chore that also poses a heat risk to the appliance. The pulse button allows the user to mix in quick, sharp bursts that are considerably gentler on the motor.
Can we talk about the blades for a minute?
Each of the two options presented to us is equally appealing. An S-blade is the first option. This form is perfect for chopping, mixing, and pureeing.
The disc can also be turned inside out. Salads are best prepared using a disc blade. It can make a delicious side dish in a matter of minutes by shredding and slicing vegetables and cheese.
However…
But there is a major flaw in this product that you should know about. Don't forget about the speed we discussed previously. It's a lot to take in sometimes. The mechanism might be easily worn out if the user is not attentive.
That is, however, the sole drawback. This is a fantastic small machine! And at an excellent price, too.
Pros
Cons
2. Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper – Best Budget Food Processor for Large Family
Here we have another food processor from Hamilton Beach. You'd think even the most inexperienced cooks would be familiar with the name Hamilton Beach. This manufacturer has earned a reputation for producing affordable, high-quality kitchen appliances.
The question is whether or not this one can live up to its fame
This 10-cup food processor is certainly substantial. Cooks who need to feed a large number of people would greatly benefit from this solution. With its powerful chopping blade, it's simple to prepare meals for a crowd.
That said, it's not only for households with many members. It can work at any capacity. When grinding only a few whole spices or nuts at a time, it functions perfectly.
Save time when chopping or pureeing
When using the Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper Food Processor, you won't have to pause processing to remove the lid and scrape along the sides of the bowl to dislodge pieces of food from the sides of the bowl. Whether the processor is on or off, the built-in scraper will perform the job for you.
Like the earlier product, this one has two blades. It's easy to swap them out depending on the task at hand. Moreover, they are quite sturdy and long-lasting due to the stainless steel from which they are made.
How user-friendly is it?
Indeed, it is. There is a single knob available for use. It serves as a quick on/off switch for the CPU and controls the pulse feature as well with a 450-watt motor.
Another advantage of its compact size is that it is easy to carry. There aren't many hard-to-reach spots since the chamber is so large. We can make a thorough sweep of the area without missing a thing.
The BPA-free bowl, lid, and blade can all go in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Safety features...
It features suction cups underneath that keep the base in place on the counter during processing, and it has a safety lock and won't start unless the lid is fully closed.
So, what's the catch?
The S-blade is set a little too high. There might still be pieces of food at the bottom of the container after mixing. This is especially challenging when cutting small items like cashews.
It's also very loud, and if you're trying to make a batch of liquid stuff like runny salsa or blended drinks, this food processor will leak. The top isn't sealed well enough for liquids, which is why you should always use a towel when blending liquids or sauces.
That being said, it's still rather enjoyable. This is a fantastic option for individuals who do meal prep or who regularly cook for large gatherings.
Pros
Cons
3. Cuisinart FP-8GMP1 Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, Gunmetal – Best Budget Low Watt Food Processor
The following item is a unique little number in trendy gunmetal gray. This food processor from Cuisinart is the perfect way to beautify your kitchen counter.
How well does it perform in reality?
This time around, there are two disc blades instead of one. The first is a slicing disc that can be adjusted to different thicknesses to provide different cuts for the contents. Then, there's a disc that can flip sides and cut and combine with ease.
The good news is... The blades can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Using this food processor will cut down on the amount of time spent in the kitchen, and it will also make cleanup easier.
Just how do they keep everything under control?
With the rubberized buttons, you can adjust the pace from very slow to very fast, use the pulse setting, or turn it off totally. Additionally, the rubber covering makes them simple to clean and prevents water from penetrating the mechanism.
This one runs on 350 watts of electricity. When compared to others, it lacks the power of those we've seen before. Therefore, chopping those more firm items may take a little longer. Yet, this also implies that we won't have to worry as much about chopping too much. Onions, for example, tend to turn into a mushy mess when processed. With less energy available, that's less likely to occur here.
What is its size?
You'll get about 8 cups of food for it. That's plenty for the average family. It's roomy enough to handle most jobs without necessitating a huge footprint on your work surface.
Here we have a fantastically useful device. It's functional, handy, and aesthetically pleasing. We just can't help but adore it!
Pros
Cons
4. Cuisinart FP-11GM Elemental 11 Cup Food Processor, Gunmetal – Best Value Food Processor
Is there a need to cook for a huge number of people simultaneously? Okay, that's not an issue. You can rely on this machine.
This Cuisinart food processor is massive, holding 11 cups of food at once. A tremendous quantity can be held in the container at once. In addition, the large mouth feeding tube means that users won't waste time chopping up ingredients before putting them in the food processor.
Strong enough to handle anything...
It takes a lot of power to run a food processor of this size. This is just what we get! This item's 550-watt motor is more than powerful enough to do tasks like whipping soups or grating carrots into tiny pieces.
The gorgeous gunmetal gray is back. It's classy and sophisticated, and it'll make any kitchen look better. The simple design and operation contribute to its attractive appearance.
Just how does it function?
This one is operated by four distinct buttons. With a single button press, we may change the machine's speed, activate its pulse mode, or power it off completely. The rubber coating on the buttons makes them easy to clean.
We really like the SealTight Advantage System, which is one of our favorite features. This innovation serves two purposes: it secures the mixer's blade and also prevents spills. It provides us with an extra layer of protection when cooking, which is not always the case with other products.
If we're counting blades, how many exactly are there?
We got three this time! One reversible disc, one adjustable disc, and a sharp stainless steel tool are included. As a bonus to their usefulness for chopping and mixing, they also let us control the final product's consistency to a high degree.
That's fantastic! So, what's the catch, exactly?
So, we set out to find the most cost-effective food processor. This is a bit pricier than average. Compared to other options, this one is more expensive.
Perhaps, though, in this case, you do get what you pay for.
Pros
Cons
5. BLACK+DECKER 8-Cup Food Processor, Black, FP1600B – Safest Budget Food Processor
As we go on to the next food processor in our best budget food processor reviews, we want to emphasize the importance of safety. Once again, we discover a secure locking mechanism. This safety feature prevents the blades from spinning until the lid is firmly locked.
Its 8-cup capacity is respectable. The large volume is helped along by a pushing mechanism installed in the feed chute. This useful little part gently guides the ingredients toward the spinning blades so that they can be added to the mixture.
What exactly can it do?
Whether you need to slice or dice, this machine has you covered. It also has a reversible metal disc in addition to the steel S-blade. One does simple chopping, while the other works swiftly to grate, shred, and purée.
Moreover, the interface could not be simpler to use. The design consists of only two buttons. With a single quick press, it can be turned on, and a second push provides pulse control or a fast shutdown.
This is looking great up to this point! Any problems?
Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. There seems to be a little problem with the design. It has to do with where the blades are placed.
They are positioned over a central spindle, as is the case with most other machines. However, this spindle has a hollow tube running through it. Consequently, there will be a lot of flour and liquid ingredients all over the kitchen counter.
And there's yet another issue...
It is quite noisy! Even in a large kitchen, the 450-watt motor can be painfully loud.
That's a bummer because otherwise it seems like a solid piece of equipment. It does the job well, safely, and at an affordable price.
Pros
Cons
6. KitchenAid KFP0918CU Easy Store Food Processor – Best Looking Budget Food Processor
Here we have the KitchenAid food processor. Wow, talk about cutting edge, right here! It has a sleek, almost futuristic look thanks to the LEDs lighting up the controls.
But have no fear; you won't need to be a pro to use it!
A closer look reveals that those lights are not as complicated as they appear. This one actually couldn't be much simpler—it only has high, low, and pulse settings.
Everything else about the layout is straightforward as well. The bowl locks into place and can be easily removed by twisting it. The blades attach easily. In addition, there is a latching system built into the lid that disables the device if it is missing.
What about cleaning?
It's as simple to clean as the rest of this food processor. Every single moving element is dishwasher safe. To finish, a safe cloth wipedown of the motor housing ensures the appliance is ready for use in the kitchen at any time.
Surely, a deal this wonderful can't be real, right?
Problems exist; there's no denying it. It has a cool design, but the cheap plastic makes it break easily. It's convenient that it's light, but that also increases the likelihood that it'll break. Like you, we're not too fond of the engine. Only 250 watts. As the power requirements of a 9-cup CPU are much higher, it is more likely to overheat and fail after extended use.
So, unfortunately, it is not the best food processor available. On the other hand, it could be useful in some other situations. When used moderately, it is a beautiful complement to any kitchen and efficient in its duties.
Pros
Cons
7. KitchenAid KFP0718ER 7-Cup Food Processor Chop – Empire Red – Best Retro Style Budget Food Processor
The penultimate item in our review is a real eye-catcher due to its vivid coloring! The machine's retro vibe is reflected in its color scheme (imperial red tones) and its simple, straightforward controls. It's the perfect way to give your kitchen counter that authentic retro look and feel.
I want to talk about those buttons.
They are straightforward and simple to understand. The user is given the option of a high, low, or pulse mixing speed. They finish off the machine beautifully and give it an air of vintage sophistication.
They are also lit, which is a nice touch. They are easily visible thanks to the bright LEDs. This is not only aesthetically pleasing but also useful in low light.
Can this be used by anyone?
Well, if functionality is what we're referring to, then definitely! In any case, potential purchasers may want to keep the size in mind.
This is more of a mini food processor, as it only has 7 cups. For big families, this is not the best option. However, this is a fantastic choice for chopping in small quantities, making it ideal for singles, couples, or households with limited counter space.
Therefore, it is small, easy to carry, and attractive!
However, the mechanism is where KitchenAid falls short. Exactly 250 watts is all the power the motor needs. It's simply not strong enough for extended use and is prone to being overheated and breaking.
Those who don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen might like this. In the end, there's a lot to like about this unit. However, regular cooks may want to look elsewhere.
Pros
Cons
8. Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack & Snap Food Processor – Best Extra Large Budget Food Processor
We began with a Hamilton Beach food processor, so why not end with one as well? The final product we offer is manufactured by that reliable company once again.
Will it satisfy our needs?
We have an interesting bowl and lid design here. It's not like the others, which typically work with a simple twist-and-click mechanism. Instead, they're simply placed on the machine and locked in place without any uncomfortable swiveling.
Moreover, the interface is distinctive compared to most others. As an alternative to high and low speeds, they provide functions including shredding, slicing, and pureeing. Depending on the task at hand, we can always choose the best one.
What about capacity?
That's a really big deal! The 12-cup capacity makes this the largest we've seen. Of course, you don't have to wait until you have a lot of people around to utilize it; it works just as well with lesser amounts.
The motor, luckily, is powerful enough to handle this enormous mass. The input power is rated at 450 watts. That's enough of power to keep the blades spinning, even after repeated uses.
Does it take little effort to keep it clean?
I'd say that's true for the vast majority of it. You can clean it in the dishwasher along with the blades, the bowl, and the cover. Yet, we do encounter difficulties in this regard. There are a few tiny cracks and crevices that might trap food and moisture. And cleaning them is next to impossible! They don't let much air in, so even if we wash them, they won't dry quickly. As a result, mold might develop.
Otherwise, it's a magnificent piece of equipment. Sad to say, it can't be cleaned properly. If not for that, we'd say it's the best budget food processor.
Pros
Cons
Best Budget Food Processors Buying Guide
It's hard to overstate the usefulness of a food processor. Yes, it can be used to chop vegetables, but it also has many other uses. How do we know which food processor is the best?
Among the most essential factors to think about is capacity. It's important to have lots of room, even if you're just using it for one person. The feeding tube also has to be large enough to accommodate entire, unchopped items.
Small and inexpensive food processor
Though capacity is important, it is equally important to consider available storage space. The large mixing bowl of certain machines makes them difficult to store and takes up valuable counter space. Think about how much space you have in your kitchen and how much storage you need.
We also need to consider the issue of power. Having a powerful enough engine is essential for any large piece of equipment. Before buying something cheap, make sure you know how powerful the motor is.
If so, how many should it have?
The blade you use depends on the task at hand. Having a disc that can be adjusted to change the food's consistency would be fantastic. A reverse one would be much better for simple shredding.
But an S-blade is essential for bakers. It is not convenient to use a disc to mix dough. An S-blade can also be used to chop ingredients and create purees in addition to mixing dough. The positioning of those blades is also important. Uncut food might be left behind if they are positioned too high. We can prevent this from happening if they are positioned at the bowl's base.
It should have an easy-to-understand design. A food processor is designed to speed up the cooking process. Having one that needs constant tweaking or struggles with small controls is pointless.
Finally, but most certainly not least...
It should also be simple to clean. Products with several little crevices are more likely to have food become lodged within them. All removable pieces must be safe for the dishwasher, and the rest must be simple to clean by hand.
Then there are the additional elements. Things that aren't really necessary, but are nice to have anyhow. Even a seemingly little feature, such as measuring markings on the exterior of the mixing jug, may set a machine apart from the competition.
Simply one more thing: just because we're looking at inexpensive options doesn't mean we have to always choose the one with the lowest price. You get what you pay for, as is the case with many things in life. Instead of settling for the cheapest option, think about which one would provide you with the greatest value.
So, which of the Best Budget Food Processors is making an appearance in your kitchen?
There can be only one victor in the end. Indeed, we've settled on the...
Cuisinart FP-8GMP1 Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, Gunmetal
This small machine may not have the most powerful motor, but it sure can do some work! The food processor has plenty of power at 350 watts. With little to no effort, you can use it to cut vegetables, grate cheese, and chop nuts.
To top it all off, it won't break the bank. High quality at an affordable price? This is precisely the kind of quality we expect from a product like this.
Have a nice meal!
