What should I look for when buying a food processor?
Here are a few considerations to think about before putting your hand in your pocket.
Size and storage: Think about where you will store it and how much space the attachments and bowls will take up, as well as the machine itself. Does it come with storage for accessories or do they all pack neatly into the bowl when not in use?
Weight: Will it be easy to get in and out of the cupboard, or can you leave it in a corner of the work surface?
Ease of cleaning: Are the attachments and bowls dishwasher safe? If not, are they easy to wash by hand, with no awkward corners?
Attachments you'll use: What jobs do you want to use it for and does it come with the right attachments to do that? It will be more expensive for an all-singing, all-dancing model, so make sure you're prioritising the functions you'll get some good use out of.
Controls: What functions does it have? E.g. is there a pulse function to give you plenty of control? How many speed settings are there? Does it have any automatic programmes so you don’t have to stand over it resetting the buttons?
Feeding tube size: Is there a large feeding tube so you don’t have to chop things too small and can feed them in while the processor is still running to save time?
Suction or non-slip feet: Look for models that feel stable and have non-slip or suction bottoms to reduce movement on the work surface when in use.
Replacement parts: Bowls and lids are the bits that crack - brands that sell replacements easily are worth paying more for.
What’s a good food processor for most people in the UK?
For most households, the “best” food processor isn’t the biggest or fanciest - it’s the one you’ll actually use midweek because it’s quick, stable and not horrific to clean.
In practice, that usually means:
A mid-size bowl (around 1.5–2.5L)
Good slicing/grating discs and a feed tube that isn’t stingy
A solid base that doesn’t wander around the worktop
Parts that are easy to wash (and ideally dishwasher-safe)
A brand with replacement bowls/lids available.
If you’re deciding between two models, pick the one that matches your most common job: everyday prep, batch cooking, or baking. And don’t overpay for 15 attachments if you’ll only ever use three - the best value is the one that makes 6pm easier, not the one that looks like it belongs on Bake Off.
Our current best all-rounder pick is the Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor with Auto IQ BN800UK (see above for why).
Popular brands Mumsnetters search for
Looking for Ninja food processors, a Magimix food processor or Bosch food processors? We’ve flagged the best options in our list above so you can jump straight to the right model.
What size food processor do I need?
It depends on what you cook and how much you do in one go. If you’re specifically after the best small food processor in the UK, prioritise a compact model you’ll actually use, even if it means smaller batches. If you’re chasing the biggest food processor, check bowl capacity and working capacity — huge bowls still need headroom for dough and liquids.
Here's a sensible shortcut to help:
Mini choppers (0.5 to 1L) are great for smaller households and tiny jobs (like herbs, onions, breadcrumbs, small dips). You'll be batching anything bigger, and they're not idea for grating or dough.
Mid-sized (1.5 to 2.5L) options are best for most families. They're big enough to grate a block of cheese, slice vegetables for traybakes, blitz hummus and prepare base veg without doing it in three rounds.
Large (3L+) models are worth it if you batch cook a lot, cook for crowds or bake frequently (and you've got the storage space).
Two things worth mentioning that people forget: working capacity isn’t the same as bowl size (liquids/dough need headroom) and storage decides usage. After all, a slightly smaller processor you’ll actually use beats a huge one that lives in the loft cupboard.
About the authors
Natasha Gregson is a Senior Content Editor at Mumsnet and oversees all home and kitchen content on the website. With numerous years of editorial experience under her belt, her work has also been featured in prestigious national publications like The i Paper and Stylist Magazine, and she's written on a wide range of topics.
Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. As a parent of two children, she knows how difficult it can be to get food on the dinner table that kids will actually a) eat and b) enjoy. So, her thorough reviews of kitchen appliances are designed to make sure any recommendations made are indeed worth your money.
Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.