Once dinnertime rolls around, many cooks count on their food processor to cut prep time. Consumer Reports tested dozens of food processors to help you slice through your many choices.
Food processor basics - slicing, chopping and shredding - were no problem for most. Several processors from Cuisinart did well in Consumer Reports' tests, but none were top-rated.
That distinction goes to the Breville Sous Chef BFP800XL, which aced most of Consumer Reports tests, including chopping. It has a 16-cup work bowl and an extra-wide feed tube, which saves you from having to cut items such as potatoes into smaller pieces. But it comes with a lofty price tag at $400.
For significantly less money, and a lot less counter space, Consumer Reports named the $100 KitchenAid KFP715 a Best Buy. It has fewer bells and whistles, but it scored excellent for slicing and very good for shredding. But the KitchenAid gives you less capacity at 7 cups to the Breville's 16.
Consumer Reports also tested food choppers. They're smaller and weigh less, so storing is a lot easier. They don't slice or shred but can be great for smaller tasks such as chopping nuts and herbs or grating a small chunk of cheese. Consumer Reports named the Ninja Master Prep Professional, model QB1004, a Best Buy at $60.
