Before investing in this all-in-one food-prepping solution, you must first select a size. Choosing the right size will help you prep food more efficiently and optimize the amount of cleanup that is needed.
When learning how to interpret food processor sizes and choose one that meets your kitchen’s needs, consider your cooking habits, storage options, and other important factors to invest in a food processor that fits your space and your lifestyle.
Understanding food processor sizes
Food processor sizes relate to the amount of food the bowl can hold. Small, medium, and large can mean different things depending on the kitchen appliance, but here are the general measurements:
● Small: 1–4 cups
● Medium: 5–9 cups
● Large: 10+ cups
Now, let’s consider the advantages and potential hurdles of each size according to your slicing and dicing needs.
Small food processors (1-4 cups)
A small food processor, also known as a food chopper, serves as a mini sous chef that fits easily on even the tightest counter space. While it can only process a few handfuls of ingredients, a high-quality mini food processor will make quick work of any food you toss in.
Ideal uses for small food processors
Small food processors accomplish many nitty-gritty cooking tasks such as:
● Mincing garlic
● Grating cheese
● Blending sauces, salsas, and salad dressings
● Chopping single fruits and veggies for snacks
Its work bowl capacity may be small, but with several unique food processor blades, you can achieve mighty kitchen feats and handle many food preparation tasks.
Pros and cons of small food processors
With a small food processor, you can:
● Save on sparse kitchen space – Your cluttered counters and storage cabinets won’t bat an eye at a mini food processor.
● Replace small kitchen tools – Say goodbye to your cumbersome cheese graters and garlic presses. Small food processors can do the jobs of several miscellaneous kitchen tools without all the tough-to-clean bells and whistles.
Understandably, small food processors have one major downside: They can only handle so much. If you want to prepare larger foods or chop ingredients for a big family dinner, you’ll need to upgrade to a bigger size.
Medium food processors (5-9 cups)
Most standard at-home food processors fall into this middle category, and for good reason. Compared to smaller models, they boast enhanced capabilities for food prep while still occupying a modest corner of your kitchen.
Best applications for medium food processors
Medium food processors can complete most at-home food-prepping needs, including:
● Simultaneously chopping and mixing salad ingredients
● Cutting butter into flour for pastry dough
● Blending larger batches of sauces and dressings
● Slicing and dicing larger foods like potatoes, cucumbers, and carrots
Advantages and disadvantages of medium food processors
Medium food processors can tackle bigger, more tedious kitchen tasks, making them suitable for:
● Busy at-home chefs
● Weekly meal preppers
● Multiple-person households who want quick food preparation
While medium food processors can handle steeper slicing jobs, they can’t do it all. They also take up more space on your counter.