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Food processors occupy a strange place in many kitchens. Some cooks use theirs several times a week and cannot imagine making pesto, pie crust, or coleslaw without one. Others received one as a wedding gift and have barely touched it since. Before you buy a food processor, or before you give one as a gift, it is worth asking honestly whether it will become an everyday tool or a cabinet resident.
This guide explains what a food processor does well, who benefits most, and how to choose the right size. We have not tested food processors ourselves; our guidance is based on the manufacturers' descriptions, the product listings at major retailers, and common advice from home cooks. Prices on food processors change frequently, especially during holiday sales, so check the current price at the retailer before you buy.
What a food processor actually does
A food processor is a motorized base with a bowl and interchangeable blades and discs. The standard S-shaped blade chops, minces, purées, and mixes, while slicing and shredding discs turn vegetables and cheese into uniform slices or shreds in seconds. Many models also knead dough.
That versatility means a food processor can replace a surprising amount of knife work. Chopping a large batch of onions, shredding a block of cheese, slicing a pile of potatoes for a gratin, or making a big bowl of salsa can take a few minutes instead of half an hour. For people who cook from scratch, especially in large quantities, that time savings can be significant.
Tasks where a food processor shines
Some jobs are particularly well suited to a food processor. Pie crust and pastry dough come together quickly because the machine cuts cold butter into flour without warming it with your hands. Pesto, hummus, and dips become smooth and evenly blended. Breadcrumbs and cookie crumbs for crusts take seconds. Shredding cheese and vegetables for casseroles, coleslaw, or latkes is fast and uniform. And chopping nuts or making nut butter is far easier than doing it by hand.
During the holidays, a food processor can be especially helpful for big cooking projects like Thanksgiving stuffing, cranberry relish, and holiday cookie doughs.
A food processor is worth it if you cook from scratch often, cook in large batches, or make dough and pastry regularly.
Tasks where it may not be worth the cleanup
A food processor has several parts to wash, so it is not always the fastest option for small jobs. Mincing a single clove of garlic or chopping half an onion is usually quicker with a knife. If you mostly cook small meals for one or two people, you may find that the setup and cleanup outweigh the time saved. That is the main reason some food processors end up rarely used.
A tool like the Microplane Classic Zester Grater can handle small tasks like garlic, ginger, and citrus zest quickly, while a good chef's knife such as the Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch covers everyday chopping.
Choosing a size
Food processors are measured by bowl capacity in cups. Smaller models are compact and handy for small batches of sauces and dips, while larger ones handle big batches and dough. A 14-cup model sits at the larger end of the typical home range, which makes it a good fit for families, batch cooks, and anyone who regularly makes dough or cooks for gatherings. If you have limited counter space and mostly make small amounts, a smaller model may suit you better.
The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor is one of the most familiar large-capacity food processors at major retailers. According to its listing, model DFP-14BCNY has a 720-watt motor and is designed for mincing, dicing, shredding, puréeing, and kneading dough. Cuisinart has been closely associated with food processors for decades, and this model is a common recommendation for home cooks who want a large, versatile machine.
Its 14-cup bowl handles large batches of dough, slaw, and salsa, and its relatively simple design makes it approachable for first-time owners. As with any food processor, read the manual for guidance on maximum capacity for liquids and dough, since those limits are often lower than the bowl's total size.
Safety and care
Food processor blades are extremely sharp, so handle them carefully when washing and storing. Many cooks store blades in their original packaging or a dedicated container to avoid accidental cuts. Always make sure the bowl and lid are locked into place before running the machine, which is a safety feature on most models. Follow the manufacturer's instructions about which parts are dishwasher safe.
A food processor or a stand mixer?
People sometimes wonder whether they need both a food processor and a stand mixer. They do different jobs. A food processor chops, shreds, slices, and purées, while a stand mixer creams, whips, and kneads in larger, gentler motions. For bread dough, both can work, but a stand mixer is the more common choice for serious bread bakers. For pie crust, pesto, and shredding, a food processor is the better tool. If you bake more than you cook, you may prefer a stand mixer such as the KitchenAid Artisan. If you cook from scratch more than you bake, a food processor is likely the more useful appliance.
Who should buy one?
A food processor is most worthwhile for people who cook from scratch several times a week, cook for families or groups, make dough or pastry often, or meal prep in bulk. It is also a thoughtful gift for someone who has mentioned spending too much time chopping vegetables. If you rarely cook in large quantities, you may get more value from a good knife and a few hand tools.
When to buy
Food processors are commonly discounted during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and major retail sales events. Because they are large purchases, even a modest percentage discount can save a meaningful amount. We post the kitchen appliance deals we think are worth it on our Today's Deals page every morning.
Recipes that make a food processor earn its keep
If you buy a food processor, a few recipes can help you get comfortable with it quickly. Homemade pesto comes together in a minute or two with basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil. A basic pie crust shows how well the machine cuts cold butter into flour. A big bowl of coleslaw, made with the shredding disc, demonstrates how fast it handles vegetables. Hummus, salsa, and breadcrumbs are other easy wins.
Pair those projects with a few good basic tools. A set of Pyrex glass mixing bowls is helpful for holding shredded and chopped ingredients, and a pair of Nordic Ware sheet pans gets plenty of use once your pie dough or roasted vegetables are ready for the oven. The more often you use a food processor in its first few weeks, the more likely it is to become a regular part of your cooking.
The bottom line
A food processor is worth it if you cook from scratch often, cook in large batches, or make dough and pastry regularly. It can save significant time on chopping, shredding, and puréeing, though it may be overkill for small, quick meals. The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor is a long-standing favorite for cooks who want a large, versatile machine. Consider your cooking habits and counter space, and check today's price at the retailer before you buy.