Food processor vs food chopper: which is best for texture, taste, and price

Food processors vs food choppers – the difference is slight, but distinct. Both appliances are handy in the kitchen. They can effortlessly slice, dice, and blend in a matter of seconds. However, if you need to pick just one, I can help.

The differences between a professional processor and simple chopper are key. They come in different sizes, with different functionalities, attachments, and price ranges. Your culinary needs will most likely determine which you choose, but you'll need to factor in some other variables too.

Our team of experts have tested the best food processors, so that we can dissect the differences between both models. We'll also let you know which are the best, so you know that when you do invest in an appliance, you'll use it every day.

Quick answers

If you're in a hurry and you just want to know the headlines, here's our verdict. Food processors have a bigger capacity and tend to be more versatile. If you're keen on crafting your cuisines, you'll want one of these. If you have a compact kitchen and will be making small dips, a food chopper will suit you better.

Buy a food processor if

• You want a big capacity 
• You want to make sauces and purées
• You want to tackle heavy ingredients like dough and meat
• You want to shred cheese or grate chocolate

Food processors are the more popular of the two. These large, versatile appliances are at the heart of a range of recipes. They typically have capacity for up to 16 cups, so they're brilliant for big households. Food processors also often come with lots of attachments, making them useful for slicing, shredding, chopping, kneading, pureeing, and mixing. 

Food processors' versatility comes at a cost. In some cases, this cost is literal. They're more expensive appliances. However, it's worth considering how much it would cost to cover all the functions with separate appliances. These are good value, but only if you would be using machines to slice, shred, knead, chop, and puree anyway. The range of functions also means that they can be more complicated to operate and harder to store. There are plenty of small options, but, on average, a food processor will be bigger than a food chopper.

Buy a food chopper if

• You're tight on storage
• You want to make dips and salsas
• You're on a budget

Food choppers are the opposite of food processors. These petite appliances are perfect for compact kitchens. Their capacities can be as small as one cup and range up to four cups in size. They're perfect for chopping, mincing, and blending small amounts of food. They're less likely to come with extra accessories, instead, most choppers have a single, sharp chopping blade. It's specialized and straightforward, perfect for dips and salsas. They're also more likely to be compact and sometimes even cordless, ideal for bringing outside or moving across countertops with. 

More often than not, food choppers are also cheaper than food processors. This will depend on quality and the time at which you buy them, but they're a good option for saving money.

Head to head

These are our top picks for food processors and food choppers. They're both excellent investments, but if you have to choose one, we've put them head to head.

FAQs

What's the difference between a food chopper and a food processor?

Food choppers tend to be smaller, cheaper, more basic versions of food processors. If you're looking for a high standard and big capacity, you need a food processor. If you will be making dips and sauces, a chopper will be a good space-saving option.

Do I need a food processor?

Food processors are incredibly useful appliances. They can save you time and deliver consistent results in a fraction of the time. If you're kitting out a kitchen, this should be a priority.

Do I need a food chopper?

If you own a food processor, you probably don't need a food chopper. However, if you don't have either and need a compact option, a food chopper will be an invaluable appliance.

Final thoughts

There's no 'better' option between a food processor and a food chopper, it's all down to your appetite. If you're shopping for a single-person home, small kitchen, or dorm room, a food chopper will be incredibly useful, but also relatively inexpensive. However, if you're a keen cook and baker, you'll want a food processor. It can do the job of lots of appliances in one. Whether you're a processor pro looking for puree perfection or a shopper after chopper convenience, as long as you have one of these, you'll be a whizz in the kitchen.