Food processors come in various sizes and our review is made up of models with small, medium and large processing bowls.

Whether the product is purely a food processor or if it comes as a food processor and blender combo.

We recommend food processors with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80% and an ease of use score of at least 70%.

This CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of performance (60%) and ease of use (40%).

We assess how well the food processor slices carrots, chops breadcrumbs, shreds cheese, kneads shortcrust pastry and emulsifies mayonnaise. 

How easy it is to use the controls, read the labels, lock and release the bowls and attachments, store the unit with accessories, and clean. We also consider the stability of the unit when in use. 

Slicing carrots is part of the performance score. We're looking for even thickness and uniform shape.

Chopping breadcrumbs is part of the performance score. We're looking for even, finely chopped breadcrumbs.

Shredding cheese is part of the performance score. We're looking for even and thin strips.

When assessing shortcrust pastry performance we use the dough blade where available. We're looking for a uniform, smooth texture and minimal dry ingredients which may require scraping down from the sides of the bowl.

If capable, we see how well the food processor emulsifies mayonnaise.

Models with a blender attachment are subjected to blender performance tests - soft frozen smoothie, crushing ice, chopping carrots and blending kale.

We measure how noisy the food processor is when processing breadcrumbs, using the highest setting (where applicable). Readings over 70dB are considered noisy while readings over 80dB are considered very noisy.

'Tested model' refers to food processors that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to food processors that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price.

Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. The rating ranks from A (highest) to F (lowest); N/A means there is no rating for that company.

This is the manufacturer's stated warranty.

Number of blades the food processor comes with such as a fine slicing blade or shredding blade.

Stated wattage. Bear in mind more power doesn't always mean better performance.

This is the weight with the processing blade attached and no other attachments stored on board. Above 5kg is considered very heavy, 4-5kg - heavy, 3-4kg - fairly heavy, 2-3kg light weight, 1-2kg very light weight.

The bowl's volume is based on solid foods (maximum capacity is less for liquids). Some bowls have a large, medium and mini processing bowl, and each bowl's capacity is shown here.

An internal storage drawer or separate storage box keeps all the attachments together, which is a good way to protect the blades (and your fingers). But we found it strange that some models aren't big enough to store all the blades and attachments included with the appliance.

It's best to check the manual for exact conditions, as dishwasher-safe food processor accessories can vary and may not include the bowl.

This is a standard chute with a smaller chute insert that allows for smaller or thinner foods to be guided into the food processor for better control when slicing or shredding. Some models also come with three chutes.

The standard blade attachment used for processing food.

Whether the food processor comes with an attachment for making dough (usually made of plastic).

Whether the food processor comes with an attachment for finely slicing food.

Does the food processor come with a blender attachment?

Whether the unit comes with mini bowls for processing smaller quantities of food.

Whether the food processor comes with an attachment for coarsely slicing food.

Whether the food processor comes with an attachment for zesting citrus or getting a finely grated result.

Whether the food processor comes with an attachment for finely shredding food.

Whether the food processor comes with an attachment for coarsely shredding food.