best-food-processor-under-100

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One of the biggest questions we get is: can you really get a decent food processor for under $100? The answer, as with most kitchen gear, is “it depends.” It depends on what you need it for, and it depends on what you’re willing to compromise on. We bought three of the most popular food processors under $100 at retail and put them through a battery of tests to see which one offered the best performance and value. We chopped, sliced, shredded, and puréed our way through pounds of vegetables, fruits, and nuts to bring you our honest assessment.

What to Expect (and Not Expect) from a Budget Food Processor

Before we dive into the specific models, let’s set some realistic expectations. A sub-$100 food processor isn’t going to compete with a $400+ workhorse. You’re likely sacrificing bowl size, motor power, blade quality, and overall durability. Here’s what we kept in mind:

• Motor Power: Expect a less powerful motor. This means it might struggle with tougher ingredients like dense root vegetables or large batches of dough. Overloading the processor can lead to overheating and potential motor failure.
• Bowl Size and Material: Bowls will generally be smaller (around 8 cups or less) and made of thinner plastic. This is fine for smaller tasks, but less ideal for large families or batch cooking.
• Blade Quality: The blades on budget models are often made of thinner metal and may not be as sharp or durable as those on higher-end models. Expect to sharpen them more frequently, and don’t be surprised if they dull faster.
• Features and Attachments: Forget fancy features like adjustable slicing discs or multiple bowl sizes. Budget models typically come with a basic chopping blade and maybe a shredding/slicing disc.
• Durability: This is the biggest trade-off. Cheaper materials and less robust construction mean these processors likely won’t last as long as pricier models.

Despite these limitations, a good budget food processor can be a valuable addition to your kitchen. They’re great for basic tasks like chopping vegetables for mirepoix, making pesto, hummus, or salsa, and shredding cheese. If you primarily need a food processor for these types of jobs, a budget model might be all you need.

The Contenders: Three Food Processors Under $100 Put to the Test

We selected three popular models frequently recommended in online roundups. All were purchased at retail, and we used them for at least 30 days before rendering judgment.

1. Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor: A widely available model known for its simplicity and low price.
2. Black+Decker 8-Cup Food Processor: Similar in price and features to the Hamilton Beach.
3. Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor: A smaller, more compact model, often recommended for smaller tasks.

Chopping Performance: Onions, Carrots, and Celery

The first test was chopping. We chopped equal amounts of onions, carrots, and celery (the classic mirepoix) in each processor. We timed how long it took to achieve a consistent chop and noted any unevenness or large chunks.

• Hamilton Beach: Did a decent job, but required some scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even chopping. Took around 45 seconds.
• Black+Decker: Similar performance to the Hamilton Beach. Some unevenness, requiring manual intervention. Took around 50 seconds.
• Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus: Because of the smaller bowl size, we had to do this in batches. However, it delivered the most consistent chop and required the least amount of scraping. Took about 1 minute, 15 seconds total (including batching).

Winner: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus (for evenness, despite requiring batches).

Shredding and Slicing: Cheese and Cucumbers

Next, we tested the shredding and slicing capabilities. We shredded blocks of cheddar cheese and sliced cucumbers. We looked for evenness and consistency in both tasks.

• Hamilton Beach: Shredding was adequate, but some of the cheese got stuck in the lid. Slicing was uneven, with some slices being much thicker than others.
• Black+Decker: Similar to the Hamilton Beach, with cheese getting stuck and uneven slicing.
• Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus: This model doesn’t have a shredding or slicing disc, so it wasn’t included in this test.

Winner: Neither. Both the Hamilton Beach and Black+Decker performed similarly, with noticeable flaws. If consistent shredding and slicing are crucial, consider a dedicated mandoline or box grater, or look at higher-end food processors.

Puréeing: Hummus

Finally, we made hummus in each processor to test its puréeing ability. We measured the time it took to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and noted any issues with overheating or motor strain.

• Hamilton Beach: Struggled a bit with the chickpeas. The motor sounded strained, and it took several minutes to achieve a relatively smooth texture.
• Black+Decker: Similar performance to the Hamilton Beach. The hummus wasn’t as creamy as we would have liked.
• Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus: Surprisingly, the Mini-Prep Plus performed the best in this test. The smaller bowl size seemed to help keep the ingredients in contact with the blade, resulting in a smoother, creamier hummus in less time.

Winner: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus.

The Verdict: Which Budget Food Processor is the Best Value?

After weeks of testing, here’s our final assessment:

• Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor: A decent, all-around budget option, but not exceptional in any one area. Best for those on a very tight budget who need a basic food processor for occasional use.
• Black+Decker 8-Cup Food Processor: Very similar in performance and price to the Hamilton Beach. Choose based on aesthetics or availability.
• Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor: Our top pick for small tasks. While it lacks the shredding/slicing capabilities of the larger models, its superior chopping and puréeing performance make it a great choice for those who primarily need a food processor for these tasks. Also takes up less space, which is important if you have small [Best bakeware upgrades for small spaces](Best bakeware upgrades for small spaces) or limited storage.

Our Recommendation: If you need a food processor primarily for chopping and puréeing, the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus offers the best performance for the price. If you need shredding and slicing capabilities, be prepared for some compromises with the Hamilton Beach or Black+Decker.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Budget Food Processor

Regardless of which model you choose, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your budget food processor and extend its lifespan:

1. Don’t Overload the Bowl: Overfilling the bowl can strain the motor and lead to uneven processing.
2. Cut Ingredients into Smaller Pieces: This makes it easier for the processor to handle the ingredients and reduces the strain on the motor.
3. Pulse, Don’t Run Continuously: Pulsing the processor gives you more control over the texture and prevents over-processing. Also, continuous running can overheat the motor.
4. Scrape Down the Sides Regularly: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even processing.
5. Clean Immediately After Use: Food particles can dry and harden, making them difficult to remove. Cleaning immediately after use will keep your processor in good condition.
6. Sharpen the Blades: Dull blades can lead to uneven processing and strain on the motor. Sharpen the blades regularly with a knife sharpener. See our guide to [knives buying mistakes to avoid](knives buying mistakes to avoid) for more sharpening tips.
7. Don’t Process Hard or Frozen Foods: Avoid processing ice, frozen fruit, or other hard foods, as this can damage the blades and motor.
8. Read the Manual: This might seem obvious, but it’s important to read the manual to understand the specific features and limitations of your food processor.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of your budget food processor and get the most out of your investment. Remember, even a budget model can be a valuable tool in the kitchen if used properly.