My Favourite Food Processor (and a Few Budget Friendly Alternatives)

If there’s one kitchen tool I’d never want to give up, it’s my food processor. Honestly, it’s like having a second set of hands in the kitchen—it chops, shreds, purees, and mixes in a fraction of the time it would take me with a knife or whisk. From silky hummus to falafel mix, pie crust dough, and even homemade energy bites, this one appliance saves me hours every week. Literally.

Now, I’ll admit—my favorite food processor is a bit of a splurge. It’s powerful, durable, and has all the bells and whistles. If you cook plant-based meals as often as I do, investing in a high-quality model can be worth every penny. Plus, I love that it even dices up food into uniform bites for me- a huge time saver when I am batch cooking!

But I also know not everyone wants (or needs) to spend that much, so I’ve included a couple of other options that I’ve either tested myself or know are solid performers. They’re easier on the budget and still handle most plant-based recipes beautifully.

One thing to keep in mind: good food processors are heavy. That’s usually a good sign of quality (a heavier motor = more power), but it also means you probably won’t want to drag it in and out of a cupboard every time you need it. If you can, find a spot to keep it on your counter—you’ll be amazed how much more you use it when it’s always within reach.

Another top tip: Rinse your processor right away after use- it makes it super easy to clean out and keep hygienic!

✨ Top Pick (Worth the Investment):
Breville Peel and Dice Sous Chef 16

Why I love it: It powers through nuts for homemade nut butter, has multiple blades/discs, and holds up to daily use without slowing down. There’s so many attachments and it’s unbelievably convenient having the storage case to keep all of your blades tidy and ready to use (no more digging through drawers). Plus, as mentioned earlier, this thing dices! If you prepare a lot of chilis or large batches of food, the time savings are phenomenal.

I also love that it has a mini food processor bowl that can be used too, making this truly an all-in-one unit. I use this thing multiple times a week and am so glad to have it in my collection. If you are in the kitchen a lot and your budget can stretch for it, it’s my top pick.

One note: Since I’ve purchased the unit, it looks like you now have to purchase the Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro separately and then add on the dicing attachment.

If you don’t need such a large capacity, there is a 9 cup model that is very similar.

💚 Mid-Range Favorite: Breville Sous Chef 12

A fantastic all-rounder. Great for chopping, shredding, and pureeing without taking up too much counter space (or too much of your budget). This is the food processor I started out with, and it’s an excellent option that has plenty of capacity and power to tackle your toughest jobs- just without the dicing capacity of the Peel and Dice.

It doesn’t mush ingredients together, but leaves them perfectly sliced and ready for your creations. This processor is just as capable and a fantastic kitchen assistant.

🌱 Budget-Friendly, Yet Powerful Option: Cuisinart Pro with 625W Motor

Cuisinart is a reliable brand, recommended by many for their food processor. This model has a power motor that will still allow you to tackle the toughest jobs. Plus, there’s a variety of size options available which is great to allow you to spend just what you need to get the right size for you.

No matter which one you choose, a food processor is one of those tools that truly makes plant-based cooking faster, easier, and more enjoyable. If you’ve ever struggled to get perfectly creamy hummus or evenly chopped veggies for a salad, trust me—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without one.

👉 Have a favorite food processor of your own? Share it in the comments—I’d love to know what’s working in your kitchen!