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Shoppers evaluating a kitchen aide food processor encounter a major choice between compact food choppers built for single-batch sauces and full-sized processors designed for bulk vegetable slicing and shredding. For culinary creators and kitchen hobbyists, this decision affects daily workflow, prep pacing, and cleanup efficiency. Selecting between smaller counter units and high-capacity bowls determines whether your machine stays accessible on the counter or sits unused in a cabinet.

KitchenAid organizes its prep collection into two functional tiers: mini food choppers (in 3.5-cup and 5-cup formats) equipped with locking blades and drizzle basins, and full food processors (in 7-cup and 13-cup sizes) featuring snap-and-go bowl assemblies and interchangeable discs. This KitchenAid food processor comparison details how each design handles batch meal preparation, storage, and specialized recipe tasks.

This guide by the numbers

4.5/5

Best rated model

Highest buyer average in this line-up, as left by Amazon shoppers

6

Models on file

Models in this guide that have a stored product record

1

Brand involved

Distinct brand names on the product records used here

Figures come from the stored Amazon listing data for the products in this article. Ratings are buyer averages, not scores given by this site.

KitchenAid Food Processor Lineup at a Glance

Model Capacity and Type Controls and Speeds Included Blades and Accessories
KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor (KFP0718BM) 7-cup food processor 3 speeds (High, Low, Pulse) with illuminated LED controls Multi-purpose blade, reversible medium slicing and shredding disc
KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor (KFP1318CU) 13-cup food processor 3 speeds (High, Low, Pulse) with paddle controls Multi-purpose blade, adjustable slicing disc, reversible shredding disc, dough blade, storage caddy
KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper KFC0516BM 5-cup food chopper 2 speeds plus pulse Stainless steel multi-purpose blade, whisk accessory
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516IC) 3.5-cup food chopper 2 speeds plus pulse Stainless steel multi-purpose blade
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516WH) 3.5-cup food chopper 2 speeds plus pulse Stainless steel multi-purpose blade
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper KFC3516BM 3.5-cup food chopper 2 speeds plus pulse (240 watts) Stainless steel multi-purpose blade

The Models in Detail

01

KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor

KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor

KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor

4.0Amazon buyer avg

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Best for: Everyday family dinners and medium meal prep

Pros

  • Snap-and-go twist-free bowl
  • All-in-one in-bowl accessory storage
  • Illuminated LED 3-speed paddles
  • Reversible slice and shred disc

Cons

  • No dough blade included
  • Listing omits motor wattage

The KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor, designated as model KFP0718BM, provides mid-capacity processing tailored for everyday home cooking. A key workflow innovation on the KitchenAid KFP0718 is the snap-and-go work bowl, which uses a twist-free, one-click assembly paired with a latched lid to eliminate alignment struggles. Operating the unit is straightforward with three paddle speeds (High, Low, and Pulse) highlighted by illuminated LED controls. A 2-in-1 feed tube positioned on the lid accommodates varied produce profiles like cucumbers, potatoes, and tomatoes, minimizing preliminary knife work during meal preparation.

Inside the leak-resistant 7-cup bowl, the included multi-purpose blade and reversible medium slicing and shredding disc handle fresh produce, firm cheeses, sauces, and salsas. The listing highlights an all-in-one storage design where all accessories nest directly inside the work bowl. Maintenance is simple: adding warm water and one to two drops of dish soap allows you to clean the bowl and blades quickly using the pulse function. This unit suits everyday cooks preparing family dinners and pairs efficiently with a kitchen made mixer during weekend prep, yielding to the 13-cup model when stiff doughs or large batch volumes are required.

02

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor

4.0Amazon buyer avg

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Best for: Batch cooking and bread dough kneading

Pros

  • Externally adjustable Exact Slice disc
  • Dedicated in-bowl storage caddy
  • Includes dough and multi-purpose blades
  • 3-in-1 wide feed tube

Cons

  • Large countertop storage footprint
  • Listing omits motor wattage

For high-volume culinary tasks, the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor (model KFP1318CU) serves as the brand’s heavy-duty prep hub. The KitchenAid KFP1318 features an externally adjustable Exact Slice disc, enabling cooks to shift slicing thickness from thick to thin without stopping the motor or opening the bowl. Its expansive 13-cup capacity accommodates large batch prep, from pizza night toppings to weekly meal containers. Feeding large items is seamless through the 3-in-1 feed tube, which accepts whole tomatoes, potatoes, and slender ingredients through nested pushers.

The machine incorporates a twist-free, snap-and-go bowl assembly with a secure latched lid. The included kit features an adjustable slicing disc, reversible shredding disc, multi-purpose blade, and dedicated dough blade to chop, shred, precision slice, knead, and mix ingredients. All blades and discs store inside an included in-bowl storage caddy, keeping the workstation organized. Clean-up follows the leak-resistant design, allowing in-bowl soap and water pulsing. This model suits large households and home bakers, stepping aside for smaller food choppers when processing small garnishes or single-portion dressings.

03

KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper KFC0516BM

KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper KFC0516BM

KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper KFC0516BM

4.5Amazon buyer avg

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Best for: Homemade dressings and whipping fresh cream

Pros

  • Includes 30-second whisk accessory
  • Locking blade for safe pouring
  • Lid drizzle basin for emulsifying
  • Integrated bowl handle and spout

Cons

  • No slicing or shredding discs
  • Listing omits motor wattage

Bridging compact convenience and versatile prep, the KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper KFC0516BM offers expanded capacity over micro-choppers while preserving counter space. This best KitchenAid food chopper candidate includes a 5-cup work bowl with an ergonomic handle and pour spout. Its stainless steel multi-purpose blade locks firmly onto the shaft, ensuring safe pouring without loose blades falling out. Controlled by two speeds plus pulse, it shifts smoothly between coarse vegetable salsas and smooth purees.

Beyond chopping, the KFC0516 includes a dedicated whisk accessory that whips one cup of heavy cream into whipped cream in 30 seconds. A lid drizzle basin allows you to incorporate olive oil steadily while emulsifying dressings or mayonnaise. Creators making scratch pasta sauces to accompany dishes made with a kitchen aide pasta maker attachment for kitchenaid stand mixer will appreciate its rapid puree speed. Featuring an integrated cord wrap, this model suits small families and sauce enthusiasts, though it gives way to full processors when slicing discs are needed.

04

KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

Best for: Modern dark counters needing fast chopping

Pros

  • Stated 240-watt motor
  • Under-base cord storage wrap
  • Locking blade with pour spout
  • Compact 5.95-inch depth

Cons

  • No slicing or shredding discs

Best for: Small-batch purees with extended warranty

Pros

  • 8-year limited warranty
  • Locking multi-purpose blade
  • Drizzle basin for emulsions
  • Dishwasher-safe work bowl

Cons

  • No slicing or shredding discs
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

4.0Amazon buyer avg

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Best for: Quick aromatic mincing in compact kitchens

Pros

  • Locking blade for easy pouring
  • Compact footprint with cord wrap
  • Dishwasher-safe work bowl
  • 3-year limited warranty

Cons

  • No disc accessories included

The Ice Blue KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (model KFC3516IC) delivers rapid aromatic prep in a compact footprint. Belonging to the KitchenAid KFC3516 series, it houses a 3.5-cup work bowl equipped with a locking stainless steel multi-purpose blade, side handle, and pour spout. With two speeds and pulse operation, it quickly minces garlic, shallots, herbs, and nuts for everyday cooking.

The lid includes an integrated drizzle basin for steadily adding oils into dressings, pestos, and marinades while the motor runs. A small counter footprint and simple cord wrap allow tidy drawer storage. The listing specifies a 3-year limited warranty and dishwasher-safe bowl construction. This model is perfect for single cooks or dedicated garlic prep stations, giving way to the 5-cup model when whisking cream or handling larger vegetable volumes.

05

KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

Finished in crisp white, this edition of the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (model KFC3516WH) provides compact chopping, blending, and liquefying capabilities. It shares the 3.5-cup work bowl format with an integrated handle, pour spout, and locking stainless steel multi-purpose blade. Two speed settings and pulse provide precise texture control for coarse salsas or smooth infant purees.

The lid drizzle basin allows controlled liquid incorporation during emulsion cycles. For hobbyists producing smooth fruit blends before dehydrating them in an excalibur food dehydrator, this compact bowl processes small batches efficiently. Uniquely, its listing highlights an 8-year limited warranty and a dishwasher-safe bowl. It suits cooks seeking classic white styling and extended warranty protection, stepping aside when recipe volumes require multi-cup slicing discs.

06

KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper KFC3516BM

The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper KFC3516BM brings a modern Matte Black aesthetic to small-scale meal prep. Listing specifications detail compact dimensions of 5.95 inches deep, 7 inches wide, and 8.74 inches high, driven by a 240-watt motor. The unit features integrated cord storage underneath the base, keeping kitchen stations clean and free from clutter.

Like other models in this size tier, it utilizes a locking stainless steel blade, pour spout, and two speeds with pulse. The lid drizzle basin simplifies blending mayonnaise and vinaigrettes without splashing. Dishwasher-safe bowl components ensure rapid cleanup between cooking stages. This unit suits creators wanting a dark countertop look for small aromatic chopping tasks, handing over to the 7-cup and 13-cup processors when high-volume slicing or shredding is necessary.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

Deciding which KitchenAid food processor to buy depends on matching your batch size, culinary techniques, and available storage space. Here is how each unit fits into distinct kitchen setups:

  • High-volume meal prepping, pizza dough kneading, and adjustable vegetable slicing: Choose the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor for its large capacity, Exact Slice disc, dough blade, and storage caddy.
  • Daily family dinners and medium-batch vegetable shredding: Choose the KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor for its reversible slicing and shredding disc, snap-and-go bowl, and nesting in-bowl storage.
  • Scratch dressings, pestos, and rapid dessert whipping: Choose the KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper KFC0516BM for its 5-cup capacity, locking blade, drizzle basin, and included whisk accessory.
  • Small apartment cooking and vibrant counter aesthetics: Choose the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper in Ice Blue for quick aromatic mincing, compact cord storage, and a 3-year limited warranty.
  • Neutral countertop staging with extended warranty coverage: Choose the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper in White for small purees, liquefying tasks, and an 8-year limited warranty.
  • Modern dark workstations requiring dedicated aromatic mincing: Choose the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper KFC3516BM in Matte Black for its 240-watt motor and compact dimensions.

Before You Buy

Before finalizing a purchase, shoppers should note details that the manufacturer listings do not include or do not specify. Motor wattage is not specified for the 7-Cup Food Processor, 13-Cup Food Processor, or 5-Cup Food Chopper; only the 3.5-cup Matte Black model lists a 240-watt specification. Additionally, the listings do not specify decibel noise levels during high-speed operation or maximum continuous duty cycle times. Warranty terms also vary widely across the line, ranging from 1 year on the larger processors and 5-cup chopper to 3 years and 8 years on specific 3.5-cup listings.

Accessory versatility is another essential factor to review. The 3.5-cup and 5-cup food choppers rely exclusively on rotating blades and do not include slicing or shredding discs. If your prep requires grated cheese or sliced vegetables, stepping up to the 7-cup or 13-cup food processor is necessary. Furthermore, none of the models in this lineup include specialized accessories such as dicing grids, french fry discs, or citrus juicers. Identifying your required prep attachments ensures you select a model that supports your cooking routine.

FAQ

How does the snap-and-go bowl assembly work on KitchenAid food processors?

On the 7-cup and 13-cup food processors, the snap-and-go work bowl drops straight down onto the motor base with a single click, completely removing the need to rotate or twist the bowl into a locking channel. The lid then secures via a front-facing latch, creating a leak-resistant seal that simplifies assembly and prevents misalignments.

What is the main difference between a KitchenAid food chopper and a food processor?

Food choppers (such as the 3.5-cup and 5-cup models) use a central rotary blade to chop, mix, and puree ingredients, making them ideal for small aromatics, pestos, and sauces. Full-sized food processors (like the 7-cup and 13-cup units) incorporate interchangeable discs driven through tall feed chutes, enabling precise horizontal slicing and vertical shredding in addition to standard chopping and kneading.

Can the KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor knead bread dough?

The listing for the KitchenAid 7-Cup Food Processor includes only a multi-purpose blade and a reversible slicing and shredding disc; it does not include a dough blade. While it can mix soft batters or pastry dough with the multi-purpose blade, yeast dough kneading is specifically supported on the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor, which includes a dedicated dough blade.

How does the lid drizzle basin operate on KitchenAid food choppers?

The drizzle basin is a recessed well integrated directly into the lid of the 3.5-cup and 5-cup food choppers. When preparing mayonnaise, dressings, or emulsified condiments, you pour oil or liquid ingredients into the basin, which slowly trickles liquid through a small hole into the spinning bowl below without requiring you to remove the lid.

How do you clean the work bowls on the 7-cup and 13-cup processors?

According to the product listings for both the 7-cup and 13-cup food processors, quick cleaning is achieved by adding warm water and one to two drops of liquid dish soap directly into the leak-resistant bowl, assembling the lid, and running the pulse setting to scrub the bowl walls and blades before a final rinse.