Embracing a vegan lifestyle means a delicious world of plant-based dishes, from creamy cashew sauces to vibrant veggie burgers and homemade nut cheeses. To truly elevate your plant-based culinary journey, a reliable food processor is an absolute game-changer. It transforms time-consuming chopping and mincing into a quick, effortless task, making healthy vegan meals accessible even on your busiest days. But with so many options out there, finding the best food processor for vegan cooking can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve done the slicing, dicing, and pureeing to bring you our top picks that will handle all your plant-based prep needs with ease.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 Best Food Processor For Vegan Cooking Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Electric 4-Cup Food Chopper & Mini Processor, 400W, 2-Speed, Stainless Steel Blades, Whisk
This electric 4-cup food chopper is a fantastic compact option, especially if you’re frequently making smaller batches of ingredients for your vegan meals. Its 400W motor and dual-speed control give you precise command over your chopping and pureeing tasks. It’s a convenient tool for quickly preparing sauces, dips, and finely minced vegetables.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2 Speeds Control for versatile chopping, mincing, and pureeing.
- ✓ Features 4 Bi-Level Stainless Steel Blades that outperform traditional designs for efficient processing.
- ✓ The included whisk disk expands its functionality beyond just chopping, great for whipping aquafaba.
- ✓ Compact 4-cup capacity is ideal for small batch cooking.
- ✓ Easy to clean design, with sturdy handle for comfortable use.
Why We Recommend It
We absolutely recommend this mini processor for its sheer convenience and efficiency, especially for those new to vegan cooking or with limited kitchen space. It truly makes daily prep a breeze, whether you’re mincing garlic, chopping nuts for a raw dessert, or making a quick vegan mayo. It’s a powerful little workhorse that delivers consistent results without taking up much counter space.
Best For
This is best for individuals or small families focusing on quick, everyday vegan food prep, and those who need a reliable tool for smaller quantities of ingredients.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very fast and efficient for chopping and mincing.
- Compact size saves valuable kitchen counter and storage space.
- Versatile with 2-speed control and included whisk attachment.
- Easy to assemble and clean.
Cons:
- Limited to smaller capacities, not ideal for large batches.
- May require more frequent emptying for bigger recipes.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I really like this food chopper. Four cups, very easy to use. Chops very fast. Also came with an emulsion plate. Easy to clean and I like the handle, feels very sturdy, black.
Customer Review: Easiest, fastest, smallest & best chopper ever had. No fumbling try to open. Its a genuine compact food processor. Ty for great design
2. Ninja BN601 Professional Plus 9-Cup Food Processor, 1000W Peak, 3 Blades for Chopping, Slicing, Pureeing Dough
The Ninja Professional Plus 9-Cup Food Processor is a powerhouse that simplifies even the most demanding vegan meal prep tasks. With its robust 1000-peak-watt motor and versatile blade system, it handles everything from tough root vegetables to creating smooth hummus or homemade nut butter for your plant-based diet. Its large capacity makes it perfect for feeding a family or batch cooking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Boasts a 1000-peak-watt motor for superior processing power.
- ✓ Features Auto-iQ Technology with 4 intelligent preset programs for one-touch convenience.
- ✓ The 9-cup bowl is ideal for handling large batches of ingredients, saving time on meal prep.
- ✓ Comes with 3 blades for versatile chopping, slicing, pureeing, and even dough making.
- ✓ Designed for efficient and consistent results across various textures.
Why We Recommend It
We selected the Ninja Professional Plus as Editor’s Choice because of its incredible versatility and power, making it an indispensable tool for serious vegan cooks. Whether you’re shredding cabbage for coleslaw, pureeing ingredients for a creamy soup, or mixing dough for vegan bread, this machine tackles it all with ease. It’s truly built for performance and durability.
Best For
This food processor is best for avid vegan cooks, families, or anyone who regularly prepares large quantities of plant-based ingredients and needs a powerful, multi-functional kitchen appliance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely powerful motor handles tough ingredients effortlessly.
- Auto-iQ programs make various tasks incredibly simple.
- Large 9-cup capacity is excellent for batch cooking.
- Versatile with multiple blades for chopping, slicing, pureeing, and dough.
Cons:
- Can be quite noisy during operation due to its powerful motor.
- Its size might be a consideration for smaller kitchens.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: this is a great food processor, it blends very well, easy to use and to set up for different types of food, leaks very little from the top at high speed, it works very well, value is ok.
Customer Review: This thing is amazing. I’ve used it for several different things (shredding cheese, making a puree, and chopping veggies) and I can’t get over just how good it works. It works insanely fast, I chopped 4 zucchini’s in literally one minute and shredded 4 bars of cheese in 2 minutes. It’s impressively
3. Hamilton Beach Electric 3-Cup Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor, 350W, Dicing, Mincing, Pureeing
For those mindful of their budget but still craving efficiency in their vegan cooking, the Hamilton Beach Electric 3-Cup Mini Food Processor is an excellent choice. Its straightforward stack & press design makes it incredibly user-friendly for everyday tasks like dicing vegetables, mincing herbs, or pureeing small batches of sauces. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable kitchen helper.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Features a unique Stack & Press design for incredibly easy assembly and operation.
- ✓ The 3-cup capacity is perfect for daily chopping and smaller vegan recipes.
- ✓ Equipped with durable stainless steel blades for efficient dicing, mincing, and pureeing.
- ✓ Powerful 350W motor tackles a variety of ingredients, including hard nuts.
- ✓ Compact footprint, ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space.
Why We Recommend It
This Hamilton Beach mini food processor is our top budget pick because it offers impressive performance for its price point. It’s a no-frills, reliable appliance that excels at basic vegetable chopping and pureeing, which are essential for many vegan dishes. It’s perfect for those who want to simplify their kitchen routine without breaking the bank.
Best For
This processor is ideal for budget-conscious home cooks, individuals, or those with smaller kitchens who need a simple yet effective tool for everyday vegan food preparation.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable without compromising on basic functionality.
- Intuitive “Stack & Press” operation is very user-friendly.
- Compact size fits easily into any kitchen.
- Powerful enough for tough ingredients despite its small size.
Cons:
- Limited capacity means more frequent batches for larger recipes.
- Fewer advanced features compared to higher-end models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Great item, I wanted something I could use to make meal prep faster and easier. This little chopper does both and everything else fast and easy. After using the cleanup is quick and easy. It has not failed to do any job I ask it to do.The blade it sharp enough to chop up hard nuts without missing
Customer Review: Love this little chopper. Very basic, but powerful chopper. Easy to use and easy to clean. The longer you engage, the finer the chop. It totally depends on how low you hold the power button down. I like that it’s necessary to hold the button to operate, which puts you in total control the chip size.
4. Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor, 720W Motor, Stainless Steel, Mincing, Dicing, Shredding, Dough
The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor is a classic for a reason – it’s a robust, reliable workhorse for any kitchen, particularly for extensive vegan cooking. Its powerful 720-watt motor and large capacity mean you can tackle virtually any plant-based recipe, from making large batches of hummus to shredding vegetables for salads or preparing dough for vegan baked goods. It’s built to last and performs consistently.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerful 720-watt motor effortlessly handles demanding processing tasks.
- ✓ Generous 14-cup capacity is perfect for large families or extensive meal prep.
- ✓ Includes versatile accessories like a stainless steel slicing disc (4mm) and medium shredding disc.
- ✓ Extra-large feed tube accommodates whole fruits and vegetables, reducing pre-cutting.
- ✓ Simple “on” and “off/pulse” buttons for easy and precise control.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor for its legendary durability and ability to handle a wide range of tasks crucial for vegan cooking. It’s excellent for making substantial batches of vegan cheeses, finely chopping ingredients for a hearty chili, or slicing up a mountain of vegetables. This model is a true investment for anyone serious about their plant-based culinary adventures.
Best For
This is the ideal choice for large families, avid home bakers, or anyone who regularly engages in large-scale daily chopping and needs a high-capacity, durable food processor for their vegan kitchen.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional power and capacity for demanding tasks.
- Wide range of accessories for diverse food preparation.
- Durable construction ensures a long lifespan.
- Large feed tube minimizes the need for pre-chopping.
Cons:
- Can be bulky and heavy, requiring significant counter or storage space.
- Higher price point than many smaller models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I bought used in new condition. Everything looked absolutely new. I think the retail box was a little dinged, but everything inside was perfect. I used it for the first time to slice cabbage and shred carrots for slaw. Super fast and powerful and great results with very little wasted food.I wasn’t s
Customer Review: Reviews are so sketchy these days so it’s no wonder trying to find a quality product is anxiety inducing. People do not take the time to look something over before trying to assemble it. The user manual and instruction booklet are in the description in PDF format and are printable. I might add they
5. Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, Pureeing
The Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor stands out with its innovative “Scrapes Sides of Bowl” feature, which means no more stopping to scrape down ingredients manually. This thoughtful design makes it incredibly efficient for preparing a variety of vegan recipes, from thick purees to finely chopped vegetables. Its 10-cup capacity offers a great balance for everyday use and larger family meals.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Unique bowl scraper attachment ensures all ingredients are processed evenly without stopping.
- ✓ Generous 10-cup capacity handles a good volume of ingredients for most meals.
- ✓ Versatile functions for slicing, shredding, mincing, and pureeing plant-based ingredients.
- ✓ Powerful enough to process tough vegetables and nuts.
- ✓ Dishwasher-safe parts for quick and easy cleanup.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this Hamilton Beach processor because the integrated bowl scraper is a game-changer for smooth processing, especially when making creamy vegan sauces, spreads, or smoothies. It minimizes manual intervention, allowing you to achieve perfectly consistent textures for your plant-based creations. It’s a reliable and user-friendly option for any vegan kitchen.
Best For
This food processor is best for home cooks who appreciate convenience and consistency, especially when making creamy textures or processing ingredients that tend to stick to the sides of the bowl for their vegan cooking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integrated bowl scraper significantly improves efficiency and consistency.
- Good 10-cup capacity for family-sized portions.
- Easy to use and clean, simplifying meal prep.
- Modern and sleek design complements contemporary kitchens.
Cons:
- Some users might find the scraper mechanism adds a slight complexity to assembly.
- Motor strength might be slightly less than professional-grade models for extremely tough tasks.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: It’s a nice option that I found on sale. The scraper attachment works, it’s sleek and a modern design.
Customer Review: This is a wonderful product, I waited awhile to do my review. But Hamilton did well with this product, Its sharpe, easy to use, and very effective. I love it very handy in my kitchen.
6. Ninja BL770 Kitchen System: 1500W Blender, 8-Cup Food Processor, Two 16oz To-Go Cups
If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution for your vegan kitchen, the Ninja BL770 Kitchen System is an exceptional choice. It combines a powerful 1500-watt blender with an 8-cup food processor and individual to-go cups, offering incredible versatility. This system is perfect for everything from crushing ice for frozen treats to processing tough ingredients for plant-based cheeses and sauces.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Features an ultra-powerful 1500-watt motor for superior blending and processing.
- ✓ Includes an XL 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher capable of crushing ice to snow in seconds.
- ✓ Comes with an 8-cup food processor bowl for versatile chopping, slicing, and pureeing.
- ✓ Two 16-oz. Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids are perfect for individual smoothies and shakes.
- ✓ Designed for professional results and exceptional durability.
Why We Recommend It
The Ninja BL770 Kitchen System is a phenomenal investment for any vegan household that loves to cook and blend. Its sheer power makes light work of tough ingredients, ensuring smooth purees and perfectly processed plant-based foods. Having both a high-performance blender and food processor in one system saves counter space and offers unmatched convenience for a diverse range of healthy vegan recipes.
Best For
This system is best for vegan enthusiasts who require both powerful blending and processing capabilities, love making smoothies and shakes, and frequently prepare a variety of plant-based dishes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely powerful motor handles blending and processing with ease.
- Combines a blender and food processor in one, saving space.
- Excellent for crushing ice, making it perfect for frozen vegan desserts.
- Individual to-go cups add convenience for smoothies and shakes.
Cons:
- Can be very loud during operation due to its high power.
- The processor blades might sometimes require scraping sides for very thick mixtures.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Excellent blender. It’s very powerful, blends ice and fruit easily, and is simple to use and clean. I use it daily and it works perfectly. Highly recommend it.
Customer Review: I love this! It is so powerful and works amazingly as a blender. The processor blades could use to be a little wider maybe as I have to scrape the sides a bit. But it is very durable and heavy so no sliding. It is super easy to clean and use.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Food Processor For Vegan Cooking
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best food processor for vegan cooking, several key factors come into play. First, consider the capacity. Are you cooking for one or a large family? A 3-cup mini chopper might be perfect for quick garlic mincing, while a 12-14 cup model is better for batch-making vegan cheese or processing large quantities of vegetables. Next, think about power. A stronger motor (measured in watts) will handle tougher ingredients like nuts for butter or firm root vegetables with greater ease, preventing stalls and overheating. Look for models with at least 600-700 watts for reliable performance. Blade versatility is also crucial; standard S-blades are great for chopping and pureeing, but additional slicing and shredding discs open up a world of possibilities for your plant-based meals.
Budget Planning
Food processors range widely in price, so setting a budget is important. Entry-level models (typically mini choppers or smaller capacity units) can be found for under $50, offering basic functions that are perfect for simple tasks. Mid-range processors ($70-$150) provide a good balance of power, capacity, and versatility, often including multiple attachments. High-end models ($150+) offer superior power, larger capacities, robust construction, and a wider array of specialized blades and features. Remember, investing in a durable processor can save you money in the long run, as it will likely last longer and perform better for your dedicated vegan kitchen needs.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the perfect food processor for your vegan cooking depends on your specific needs, cooking habits, and budget. Whether you prioritize compact design, raw power, or multi-functional versatility, there’s a model out there to streamline your plant-based prep. Consider how often you’ll use it, the types of dishes you prepare, and the quantity of ingredients you typically process. A well-chosen food processor won’t just save you time; it will inspire you to explore even more delicious and creative vegan recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes a food processor good for vegan cooking?
A: For vegan cooking, a good food processor needs to handle a variety of plant-based ingredients well. This includes being powerful enough to make creamy nut butters and cashew cheeses, having sharp blades for finely chopping vegetables, and often a decent capacity for processing larger quantities of ingredients for plant-based meals. Versatility with different blades for slicing and shredding is also a big plus for things like coleslaw or grating vegan cheese.
Q: Can I make nut butter in all food processors?
A: While many food processors can make nut butter, the process is very demanding on the motor. For the best results and to prolong the life of your appliance, it’s best to use a food processor with a powerful motor (typically 700 watts or more) and sturdy blades. Smaller, less powerful models might struggle and overheat.
Q: How do I clean my food processor after making sticky vegan ingredients?
A: For sticky vegan ingredients like dates or nut-based doughs, immediately after use, remove the blades and bowl. Rinse them with warm water. For stubborn residue, fill the bowl with warm, soapy water, secure the lid, and pulse a few times. Most bowls and blades are dishwasher-safe, but check your specific model’s instructions. A small brush can help reach crevices.
Q: What’s the ideal capacity for a food processor in a vegan household?
A: The ideal capacity depends on your household size and cooking habits. For single individuals or couples, a 7-9 cup food processor is often sufficient for most daily tasks. For families or those who frequently entertain or batch cook, a 10-14 cup model is more appropriate. Mini choppers (1-4 cups) are great for small tasks but aren’t suitable as a primary food processor.
Q: Are food processors generally noisy?
A: Food processors can be quite noisy, especially models with powerful motors or when processing hard ingredients. The noise level can vary significantly between brands and models. If noise is a concern, look for models advertised as “quiet” or read customer reviews specifically mentioning noise levels.
Embarking on a vegan culinary adventure is exciting, and having the right tools can make all the difference. We hope this guide helps you find the best food processor for vegan cooking that perfectly fits your lifestyle and culinary aspirations. From quick weekday meals to elaborate plant-based feasts, a good food processor will be your trusted ally. Ready to transform your kitchen experience? Explore these top food processors on Amazon today and start creating delicious vegan magic!
