Best Budget Food Processors – Top 5 Under $75 (2025)
If you’re looking to save time in the kitchen without spending a fortune, a good budget food processor can be your new best friend. These compact, affordable machines handle chopping, shredding, slicing, and mixing in seconds – no more tedious prep work. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top 5 food processors under $75 in 2025 that deliver impressive performance, space-saving design, and easy cleanup. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making salsa on the fly, these picks give you pro-level results on a budget.
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Hamilton Beach 70740
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 – Best Overall Under $75
Overview:
The Hamilton Beach 70740 is a top performer in the budget category, offering solid capacity, power, and simplicity for everyday use. With an 8-cup bowl and a wide-mouth feed chute, it’s built to handle everything from slicing cucumbers to shredding cheese in a single batch. It’s ideal for beginners and budget-minded home cooks.
Why We Like It:
- Generous 8-cup capacity
- Large feed chute reduces prep time
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Two-speed control with pulse
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 cups
- Power: 450 watts
- Functions: Slice, shred, chop, puree
- Dimensions: 10.25″ W x 8.43″ D x 15.47″ H
- Includes: Reversible disc, chopping blade
👍 Pros
- Great value for its size and power
- Stable, non-slip base
- Easy setup and intuitive controls
- BPA-free, dishwasher-safe bowl and parts
👎 Cons
- Plastic bowl can stain with heavy use
- Only one disc blade included
- Loud when processing dense foods
BLACK+DECKER FP1600B
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 – Best for Everyday Use
Overview:
The BLACK+DECKER FP1600B is a reliable, no-frills food processor built for simplicity and everyday cooking. It features an 8-cup work bowl, stainless steel slicing/shredding disc, and a powerful motor that makes quick work of vegetables, cheeses, and even doughs. It’s lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean – a solid choice for basic kitchen tasks.
Why We Like It:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup
- Safety interlock system for peace of mind
- Sleek black design fits most kitchenso oil
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 8 cups
- Power: 450 watts
- Functions: Slice, shred, chop, mix
- Dimensions: 11.3″ W x 7.5″ D x 15.6″ H
- Includes: Stainless steel blade, reversible disc
👍 Pros
- Powerful motor for the price
- Non-slip base and easy assembly
- Compact design fits under most cabinets
- BPA-free bowl and accessories
👎 Cons
- Only one speed plus pulse
- Feed chute is a bit narrow
- Blade storage not included
Ninja Express Chop
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 – Best Compact Chopper
Overview:
The Ninja Express Chop is a small but powerful mini food processor that’s perfect for quick tasks like chopping garlic, herbs, veggies, or nuts. Its compact 3-cup bowl is ideal for small kitchens or single-person households. With a simple push-down top to activate the blade, it’s incredibly easy to use and clean.
Why We Like It:
- One-touch operation for fast results
- Compact and lightweight – perfect for daily use
- Splash guard doubles as storage lid
- Great for chopping and light pureeing
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Power: 200 watts
- Functions: Chop, mince, puree
- Dimensions: 5.75″ W x 5.75″ D x 10.13″ H
- Includes: 1 chopping blade, splash guard/storage lid
👍 Pros
- Very compact – stores easily
- Super simple push-top control
- Ideal for dips, toppings, baby food
- Bowl and blade are dishwasher-safe
👎 Cons
- Not suited for slicing or shredding
- Small capacity limits batch size
- No variable speeds or accessories
Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.4/5 – Best for Precision Chopping
Overview:
The Cuisinart DLC-2ABC is a high-quality mini food processor with a 3-cup capacity, ideal for smaller portions and precision work. It features dedicated chop and grind buttons, making it easy to switch between soft and hard ingredients. Whether you’re whipping up dressings or grinding nuts, this unit handles small tasks with finesse.
Why We Like It:
- Two processing modes: chop and grind
- Durable stainless steel blade with auto-reverse
- Lightweight and stylish with brushed chrome finish
- Great brand reputation for long-term quality
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 3 cups
- Power: 250 watts
- Functions: Chop, grind, puree
- Dimensions: 9.8″ W x 7″ D x 5.6″ H
- Includes: Spatula, instruction/recipe booklet
👍 Pros
- Very efficient for herbs, garlic, and nuts
- Sleek and sturdy design
- Easy to clean and store
- Blades auto-reverse for better control
👎 Cons
- Not ideal for slicing or shredding
- Small bowl size isn’t great for large families
- Buttons can wear over time with heavy use
KitchenAid KFC3516ER
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.4/5 – Best for Dressings & Small Batches
Overview:
The KitchenAid KFC3516ER is a stylish and well-built mini food processor ideal for smaller prep jobs. It features a 3.5-cup BPA-free bowl and a clever drizzle basin on top, making it perfect for emulsifying dressings or sauces. Compact, colorful, and efficient – it’s a go-to for quick chopping, mixing, and pureeing.
Why We Like It:
- Drizzle basin for emulsions like vinaigrettes or aioli
- Sleek, modern design with multiple color options
- Simple 2-speed + pulse operation
- Bowl, lid, and blade are dishwasher-safe
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 3.5 cups
- Power: 240 watts
- Functions: Chop, mix, puree
- Dimensions: 8.7″ W x 5.6″ D x 8.7″ H
- Includes: Stainless steel blade, BPA-free work bowl
👍 Pros
- Excellent for sauces and dressings
- Compact footprint with wrap-around cord storage
- Quiet motor
- Trusted brand quality
👎 Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty chopping
- Lid can be slightly tricky to lock at first
- No slicing or shredding functions
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📘 Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right Budget Food Processor
Even under $75, there are food processors that offer impressive functionality. But not all models are built the same, so here’s what to keep in mind before buying:
1. Capacity
For everyday chopping, a 3–4 cup processor is ideal. If you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping often, go for 8 cups or more. A larger bowl helps reduce batch work and mess.
2. Power
Wattage ranges from 200W (mini choppers) to 450W (mid-size processors). More power means smoother processing of dense ingredients like carrots, nuts, or dough. But for herbs and onions, even 200W is enough.
3. Functions
Most budget processors chop, mix, and puree, but some come with extra blades to slice or shred. Choose a model based on what you’ll use it for most — dips, dressings, or full meal prep.
4. Ease of Cleaning
Look for dishwasher-safe parts, BPA-free materials, and smooth surfaces that are easy to wipe down. Removable blades and lids make cleaning easier and reduce the risk of mold.
5. Controls & Safety
Most models have either one-touch or two-speed + pulse options. Bonus points for safety locks, non-slip feet, and intuitive assembly. If it’s complicated to use, you’re less likely to reach for it.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I clean a food processor safely?
Unplug the unit, remove the blade carefully, and wash all removable parts with warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher (if allowed). Wipe the motor base with a damp cloth – never submerge it.
Are budget food processors powerful enough for dough?
Most food processors under $75 can handle light dough, but may struggle with larger or stiffer batches. For kneading bread or pizza dough regularly, a higher-wattage model is a better choice.
What can I make with a food processor this size?
You can chop vegetables, mince garlic, shred cheese, puree sauces, grind nuts, whip up dressings, and even make quick doughs or breadcrumbs. Smaller bowls are better for sauces and dips, while 8-cup units can tackle bigger tasks.
Do all models come with slicing or shredding blades?
Not always. Some budget models only include chopping blades, while others come with reversible discs for slicing and shredding. Check the specs before buying if you need these features.
Can food processors crush ice?
Most budget food processors are not designed for ice crushing and doing so may damage the blades or motor. Use a blender or an appliance with an ice-crush setting for that purpose.
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Final Verdict – Which Food Processor Should You Choose?
Finding a reliable food processor on a budget is easier than ever. Whether you’re cooking daily or just want to cut down on prep time, the models on this list offer great performance under $75. Here’s a quick recap:
- Hamilton Beach 70740 – Best overall value with an 8-cup bowl and solid power for most kitchen needs.
- BLACK+DECKER FP1600B – A reliable everyday pick with simple operation and a compact footprint.
- Ninja Express Chop – Excellent for small kitchens or quick jobs like dips, herbs, and toppings.
- Cuisinart DLC-2ABC – Ideal if you want more precision in a compact, durable design.
- KitchenAid KFC3516ER – Great for sauces and dressings, with thoughtful features and stylish looks.
No matter which model you pick, all five offer a combination of affordability, ease of use, and reliable results. Choose the one that fits your space and cooking habits — and enjoy faster, cleaner meal prep without breaking the bank.
