The 8 Best Food Processors That Professional Chefs Actually Use

A kitchen tool lasting nearly two decades sounds remarkable. Chef Georgina Hayden’s Magimix food processor did exactly that – serving her daily for 19 years with just one bowl and blade replacement. Most kitchen appliances give up after a few years, but quality food processors prove their worth over time.

Professional kitchens just need equipment they can count on. The Breville Sous Chef and Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup have earned their place in commercial kitchens because of their powerful motors and precise performance. The price tags range from budget-friendly models to premium ones at £1,279, so you’ll want to think about your choice carefully.

We’ve put the top professional-grade food processors through their paces – the same ones chefs trust every day. The Magimix 14-Cup runs quietly, and the Breville Sous Chef comes with an adjustable slicing blade. These machines consistently deliver restaurant-quality results.

Breville Sous Chef 16-Cup Food Processor

The Breville Sous Chef 16-Cup Food Processor rules professional kitchens with its heavy-duty 1450W induction motor and an amazing 30-year warranty. This reliable machine brings restaurant-quality food prep right to your kitchen.

Professional Kitchen Features

The Sous Chef’s precision-engineered design has a stainless steel reinforced hub and a tough BPA-free bowl that holds 16 cups. The processor also comes with a handy 3-in-1 feed chute system ranging from 1.7 to 5.5 inches. This cuts down prep time by a lot since you can fit ingredients of different sizes.

You’ll get a complete set of professional-grade attachments. The 24-size adjustable slicing disk lets you make precise cuts from 0.3mm to 8.0mm. The reversible shredding disk creates both coarse and fine textures – perfect for cheese and vegetables. The micro-serrated S-blade and dough blade take care of everything from chopping herbs to kneading bread dough.

Chef-Recommended Applications

Chefs love the Sous Chef’s versatility, especially when they have different kitchen tasks. The processor creates uniform cuts that ensure even cooking times and professional presentation. The emulsifying disk shows great attention to detail – it’s specially designed to make mayonnaise and whip cream.

The French fry disk makes perfect potato strips, and the julienne disk creates matchstick-sized vegetables. Small batch prep becomes easy with the mini processing bowl that has its own blade for precise control.

Performance Testing Results

Our testing gave us a full picture of what the Breville Sous Chef can do. The processor got top marks for slicing celery and mushrooms. It also did really well at chopping almonds and onions, and shredding cheddar cheese and carrots was a breeze.

The processor really shines when it:

• Makes nut butter in just 2-3 minutes
• Processes mirepoix evenly in seconds
• Runs quietly despite its powerful motor

Maintenance Tips

Your Breville Sous Chef needs specific care to last long. While the dishwasher can handle most parts, hand washing helps them last longer. Here’s how to clean it best:

1. Unplug and take apart the processor completely
2. Take out the lid’s silicone seal
3. Use warm, soapy water and non-abrasive materials to wash
4. Rinse well and dry everything before putting it back together

The storage solution deserves a special shout-out – all attachments fit perfectly in the storage container that comes with it. All the same, you might want to keep the assembled unit in a lower cabinet since it’s quite heavy.

The Breville Sous Chef stays at the top of its game through its mix of power, precision, and toughness. While it’s not cheap, its complete feature set and reliable performance make it worth every penny for serious home cooks and professional chefs.

Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

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The Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor has earned its place in professional kitchens over decades. Chefs worldwide trust this kitchen powerhouse as their go-to tool. You can get one for USD 249.95, and it delivers both simplicity and outstanding performance.

Restaurant Kitchen Durability

A powerful 720-watt motor sits at this processor’s heart, making it last for years. Many chefs have used the same unit for decades without issues. The brushed stainless steel build keeps it stable during heavy food prep tasks.

Two simple paddle buttons control the processor – “on” and “off/pulse”. This no-frills design means fewer parts can break down. The work bowl, blades, and disks go right into the dishwasher, perfect for busy kitchens that need quick cleanup.

Chef-Approved Functions

Chefs love how this processor handles all kinds of kitchen tasks. The extra-wide feed tube fits whole fruits and vegetables, which saves prep time. The box comes with:

• A 4mm stainless steel slicing disk
• A medium shredding disk
• A chopping/mixing blade
• A detachable disk stem

This machine takes on tasks you’d expect from a stand mixer, like kneading dough. The blade works dough into elastic perfection in minutes. When put up against pricier models, this Cuisinart holds its own.

Commercial Usage Benefits

The 14-cup work bowl handles big batches with ease. This processor really shines when:

1. Slicing vegetables evenly for gratins
2. Making fine shreds for slaws and latkes
3. Chopping loads of herbs for pesto
4. Whipping up big batches of sauces and dips

The motor powers through tough ingredients without breaking a sweat. Just remember to soak dried fruits first. The feed tube design keeps things safe – big enough to fit most items but small enough to prevent accidents.

Commercial kitchens get great value from this processor. At USD 200.00, it delivers professional results without the high-end price tag. The core team picks it up quickly since it’s so easy to use.

This Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor keeps proving itself in professional kitchens through its toughness, flexibility, and reliable performance. Years of dependable service plus solid coverage – a 5-year motor warranty and 3-year warranty on the whole unit – make it a smart buy for any commercial kitchen.

Magimix 14-Cup Food Processor

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The Magimix 14-Cup Food Processor represents a perfect blend of French engineering and culinary excellence. This professional-grade machine, a direct descendant of the original food processor invented in 1963, brings commercial kitchen power right to your home. Robot-Coupe manufactures this exceptional appliance.

Professional Grade Construction

A powerful 950-watt induction motor runs quietly at just 79.2 dBA. The processor’s 17-pound weight and suction cup feet keep it firmly planted on your counter.

French-made Sabatier stainless steel blades give this processor its cutting precision and lasting durability. A thermal failsafe protects the machine by turning it off automatically when overloaded. The motor’s 30-year warranty stands as a testament to its quality.

Chef’s Favorite Features

The innovative three-bowl system sets this processor apart. You’ll find nested 6-cup, 12-cup, and 14-cup BPA-free bowls that let you handle multiple tasks without stopping to wash between preparations. The extra-large feed tube means you won’t need to pre-cut most ingredients.

This impressive accessory package has:

• Two metal blades – one each for small and large bowls
• 2mm and 4mm slicing and grating disks
• Specialized dough blade
• BlenderMix attachment
• Professional egg whisk
• Spatula and storage box

The Auto function adjusts power based on what you’re processing, which ensures consistent results. The processor shines at:

• Creating uniform herb pieces for pesto
• Mixing pie dough quietly
• Processing two tomatoes at once through its large feed tube

Commercial Kitchen Performance

This Magimix shows its true capabilities in professional kitchens. It slices potatoes in four seconds and processes one-third pound of cheese in 15 seconds. The nut-chopping performance earned four out of five stars.

The drive system delivers 100% torque to handle demanding tasks like bread dough, pasta dough, and brioche. Professional chefs with 13 years of experience praise its sturdiness and quiet operation.

Cleanup is simple with dishwasher-safe components. The compact design saves valuable counter space, bringing commercial kitchen power into professional home kitchens.

The Magimix’s legacy as the original food processor, combined with Robot-Coupe’s ongoing expertise, makes it an outstanding choice for professional chefs and serious home cooks alike. This machine stands out in commercial kitchens thanks to its French engineering, professional-grade components, and thoughtful design elements.

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor

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The KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor combines precision with power, setting itself apart with intuitive design and exceptional performance in professional settings. The 500-watt motor runs quietly at 82.3 dBA, making it perfect for busy restaurants.

Chef-Tested Capabilities

This processor’s multipurpose blade shows amazing versatility in culinary tasks of all types. Tests show it chops onions evenly in three seconds and consistently handles tough ingredients like nuts. Chefs can achieve exact cuts with the adjustable slicing disk’s six thickness settings, from whisper-thin potato chips to thick tomato slices.

The processor shines at:

• Processing russet potatoes in seven seconds with even slice thickness
• Creating uniform cheese shreds with its large grate option
• Making cuts sharp enough to rival professional knife sets

A 3-in-1 feed tube fits ingredients of different sizes, from whole tomatoes to cucumbers and potatoes. Professional chefs mention that larger tomatoes need pre-cutting since the feeder tube runs slightly small.

Restaurant Usage Experience

The processor’s magnetic bowl attachment system works great in commercial kitchens. A magnetic lock securely fastens the work bowl to the base. Rubber circles underneath stop it from skidding or jumping during heavy-duty processing.

Storage stands out as a key feature – all accessories fit perfectly in the included caddy, which sits inside the 13-cup bowl. Space-conscious professional kitchens love this feature. The refrigerator lid lets you store processed ingredients right in the work bowl.

The processor includes:

• Multipurpose blade for chopping and pureeing
• Adjustable sliding disk for precise slicing
• Dedicated shredding disk
• Specialized kneading blade

Durability Assessment

The largest longitudinal study shows this processor’s impressive durability. One-click bowl assembly and latched lid design reduce component wear. You can clean all parts except the motor base in the dishwasher, though hand washing with gentle cleaners keeps the work bowl clear longer.

This machine handles tough jobs consistently. The motor powers through dense ingredients steadily, while razor-sharp blades tackle everything from delicate herbs to hard vegetables. A permanent stem in the working bowl makes assembly simple and prevents damage from incorrect setup.

Quick maintenance involves adding warm water and 1-2 drops of dish soap to the leak-resistant bowl. This cleans both bowl and blades without taking them apart. The ExactSlice disk adjusts from outside, so you don’t need to touch sharp parts, which helps the blades last longer.

This KitchenAid processor’s smart design elements and resilient infrastructure make it reliable for professional kitchens. Its proven success with diverse cooking tasks and user-friendly features makes it valuable for any commercial food prep operation.

Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor

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The Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor combines power and precision with its reliable 1000-peak-watt motor – the most powerful processor you can get for under $200. This machine brings restaurant-quality capabilities right into your kitchen, whether at home or in a commercial setting.

Professional Applications

The processor’s specialized blades and disks deliver exceptional results for culinary tasks of all types. Unlike traditional two-blade systems, the quad chopping blade will give a uniform processing result. You’ll find great versatility in the reversible slicing and shredding disk that adapts to different cutting needs.

Whether you’re processing a few garlic cloves or prepping ingredients for large-scale service, the 9-cup work bowl handles both small and large batches with consistent results. Here’s what makes this processor stand out:

• It creates vegetable slices with over 90% evenness
• You can process up to 2 pounds of dough in just 30 seconds
• The shreds come out consistent without leaving large chunks of waste

Four Auto-iQ intelligent preset programs make food preparation simple with dedicated settings for chopping, pureeing, dough making, and disk processing. You also get three manual functions – low, high, and pulse – that let you control food preparation exactly how you want.

Chef Reviews

Chefs love this processor’s straightforward design and dependable performance. The machine works beautifully with ingredients of all types, from delicate herbs to tough root vegetables. Extensive testing by chefs showed it works especially well for:

The processor makes quick work of shredding potatoes for latkes in seconds. Cookie dough comes out with a lighter, distinctive texture. You’ll get smooth purees for various applications.

Smart design features include finger holes in the reversible disk for safe handling. Chefs point out a few things to watch for:

• You’ll need to manage smaller ingredients with the ½-inch gap between feed chute and blade
• The blades are thicker and less sharp than premium models
• Sometimes you might need to scrape down the bowl sides

Commercial Kitchen Testing

Professional kitchens put this processor through its paces in multiple applications. Here’s how it performed:

1. Batch Processing: The 9-cup capacity handles commercial prep needs well, from small garnishes to large-scale ingredients
2. Dough Making: It works great with pizza, pie, and cookie doughs
3. Cleaning Efficiency: A clever self-cleaning feature uses warm water and a bit of soap to clean both bowl and blades

Results varied with challenging tasks. To name just one example, see how it excels at shredding and simple chopping tasks, but needs more time to process harder ingredients like chocolate chips.

BPA-free components and dishwasher-safe parts make maintenance easy in busy commercial settings. The clean design and storage system for attachments help save space in professional kitchens.

Hamilton Beach Professional Food Processor

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The Hamilton Beach Professional Food Processor brings commercial-grade performance to your kitchen counter. Home cooks will love this 14-cup model with its innovative dicing blade that creates uniform pieces for salsas, soups, and salads.

Chef-Grade Performance

You can adjust the slicing blade through 14 thickness settings, from paper-thin potato slices to thick pepperoni cuts. The electronic touchpad makes control simple with two speeds plus pulse function.

Our tests showed:

• Good performance in chopping almonds and onions
• Very good results in shredding cheddar cheese and carrots
• Consistent quality in pureeing peas and carrots

The 3-in-1 Big Mouth feed tube ranks among the largest on the market. This feature is a great way to get more done in commercial kitchens since it handles everything from slender carrots to whole fruits.

Commercial Durability

Strong construction forms the heart of this processor. The bowl sits directly on the base without twisting, which reduces wear and tear. A heavy-duty die-cast locking arm holds the lid firmly to the bowl.

The BPA-free bowl’s smart design has:

• Pour spout with leak-free seal
• 14-cup capacity for large batch processing
• Stackable design for efficient storage

The processor comes with a complete accessory package: an S-blade, shredding disk, and specialized dough blade. All accessories fit neatly in a compact storage box, perfect for busy kitchens.

Value Assessment

The Hamilton Beach Professional processor stands out with its 5-year total product warranty. This warranty shows the manufacturer’s trust in their product’s durability and performance.

The processor shines in many areas but has some limits too. It performs well in slicing tests with celery and mushrooms. However, some users mention issues with heavier loads.

The processor’s standout features include:

1. Commercial-grade motor with advanced cooling
2. Universal blades that handle many ingredients
3. Square jars with flow breakers for better circulation

Safety comes first with this processor. The double safety interlock system makes sure the jar and lid stay secure. Plus, the braking mechanism stops blade rotation within two seconds if someone removes the lid during operation.

This Hamilton Beach Professional Food Processor strikes a perfect balance between commercial power and practical design. With adjustable slicing options, large capacity, and excellent warranty coverage, it works well in both professional and home kitchens that need restaurant-grade performance.

Vitamix Food Processor Attachment

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State-of-the-art design meets streamlined processes in the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment. This groundbreaking solution turns compatible Ascent and Venturist series blenders into full-featured food processors. The 12-cup attachment delivers professional-grade processing capabilities without taking up extra counter space.

Professional Versatility

Precision engineering makes this attachment stand out with its detailed feature set. You get reversible disks that provide both coarse and fine shredding options among other thick and thin slicing capabilities. The multi-use blade handles everything from mincing garlic to processing partially frozen meats.

The design streamlines processes through several key features. A 12-cup dry and 9-cup wet capacity work bowl leads the way. Two chute sizes cut down on prep work. The Stack and Store™ disk case keeps accessories neatly stored.

SELF-DETECT® technology recognizes the attachment and adjusts settings automatically. This smart system will give a consistent performance with food preparation tasks. Results stay uniform whatever the ingredient density or texture.

Chef Testimonials

Adam Wilson, Manager of Culinary Exploration for Vitamix, praises the attachment’s precision: “This versatile tool raises the quality of my work across the board. I can cut full, consistent slices of tomato or super thin slices of cucumber”.

Professional chefs love how the attachment performs. It creates uniform vegetable slices within seconds. Hard cheese processing becomes quick work. Results stay consistent even with small quantities.

Chefs report impressive results after thorough testing. The attachment excels at shredding carrots, mincing herbs finely, and chopping vegetables. Making thick, creamy mayonnaise becomes a breeze.

Commercial Integration

Professional kitchens benefit from the attachment’s adaptability. Patented wireless SELF-DETECT® technology keeps operations safe by shutting off if assembly isn’t correct. Simple stacking replaces complicated twist-lock assemblies, which helps busy kitchens work faster.

Quality construction includes several key components. BPA-free Eastman Tritan™ materials provide durability. Stainless steel cutting disks ensure precision. A glass-filled nylon multi-use blade delivers reliability.

Cleanup stays simple since all parts except the SELF-DETECT® base are dishwasher-safe. The compact design turns into a self-contained storage mode, which saves space in commercial kitchens.

Kitchens with compatible Vitamix blenders will find this attachment especially valuable. At approximately USD 200.00, it gives professional-grade processing capabilities without buying a standalone unit. The total cost with a compatible blender base might reach USD 800.00. This means kitchens starting from scratch should compare it carefully against standalone processors.

Robot Coupe R101 Food Processor

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The Robot Coupe R101 Food Processor combines simplicity with industrial strength. This compact powerhouse fits perfectly in professional kitchens. The 3/4 HP motor runs at 1725 RPM and delivers reliable performance for demanding kitchen tasks.

Professional Standards

A patented stainless steel ‘S’ blade produces perfect results regardless of quantity. The 1.9-liter polycarbonate bowl comes with an innovative lid that lets you add ingredients while operating. This design optimizes food preparation.

The detailed disk collection adds to its versatility:

• 2mm and 6mm grating disks
• 1mm and 4mm slicing disks
• 6mm julienne disk

The industrial induction motor sits on ball bearings and runs quietly without vibration. The direct drive motor needs minimal maintenance since it has no belts or brushes. A stainless steel motor shaft makes it more durable.

Chef Endorsements

Chefs love how the R101 handles kitchen tasks of all types. The processor stands out when:

• Making ham salad with even texture
• Creating pork panko quickly
• Producing smooth, perfectly emulsified mayonnaise

Experienced chefs point to the processor’s impressive lifespan. Many cite R2 models that still perform at their best after 30 years of commercial use. This blend of power and precision makes it the top choice for professional kitchens that need reliable food prep equipment.

Commercial Excellence

The processor’s compact size – 19 inches high, 11 inches wide, and 8-11/16 inches deep – saves valuable counter space in commercial kitchens. A thermal overload circuit-breaker protects the unit by shutting it off if it overheats.

This versatile processor offers:

1. Bowl cutting to chop, emulsify, and knead
2. Vegetable preparation with internal ejection
3. Clean, glazed cuts from sharp disks

Safety remains a priority with a mechanical switch that stops the processor when you remove the lid. The bowl, blade, lid, pushers, and plates are dishwasher-safe, which helps maintain proper sanitation.

ETL certification proves the R101’s commercial-grade construction meets North American safety standards. The processor uses single-phase 120V power at 7 amps, which works with standard commercial kitchen electrical systems.

The washer runs industry-standard wash, rinse, and sanitization cycles. A simple design and 24 stainless steel disks make the Robot Coupe R101 essential for professional kitchens that value efficiency and reliability.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Food processors are the backbone of commercial kitchens. Each model brings something special to the table. We tested eight top models and found clear patterns in how they perform, last, and deliver value for money.

Breville Sous Chef and Magimix dominate the high-end market. Their motors come with 30-year warranties and they’re built like tanks. These powerhouses handle tough jobs without making much noise. The Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup sits in the middle price range, but it works just as well as premium models. It has proven itself reliable for decades.

KitchenAid and Ninja Professional Plus handle food prep tasks of all types with ease. The Hamilton Beach Professional and Vitamix’s clever attachment system work great for specific kitchen tasks. Robot Coupe R101 shines with its industrial build quality that lasts forever in commercial kitchens.

Professional chefs love these machines because they’re powerful, precise and dependable. Every processor tackles challenging jobs consistently. They slice vegetables evenly and knead dough quickly. Strong warranty coverage and smart design features make these processors worth every penny for serious cooking operations.

Your kitchen’s needs, budget and intended use should guide your choice. Think over the bowl size, motor strength, warranty and available attachments before buying. These professional machines are a serious investment that will streamline food prep in any commercial kitchen.

FAQs

Q1. What features should I look for in a professional-grade food processor?
When choosing a professional food processor, look for a powerful motor (at least 700 watts), a large capacity bowl (12-16 cups), durable construction, multiple attachments for versatility, and a wide feed chute. Additional features like adjustable slicing disks, multiple speed settings, and a long warranty are also valuable for commercial use.

Q2. How do commercial food processors differ from home models?
Commercial food processors typically have more powerful motors, larger capacities, and are built with more durable materials to withstand frequent use. They often come with a wider range of attachments, more precise controls, and longer warranties. Commercial models are also designed for easier cleaning and maintenance in busy kitchen environments.

Q3. Can a food processor replace a blender in a professional kitchen?
While food processors and blenders have some overlapping functions, they serve different primary purposes. Food processors excel at chopping, slicing, and shredding solid foods, while blenders are better for creating smooth purees and liquids. Many professional kitchens benefit from having both appliances for their specialized tasks.

Q4. How often should I replace the blades in my professional food processor?
The frequency of blade replacement depends on usage and care. With proper maintenance, high-quality food processor blades can last several years in a professional setting. However, if you notice decreased performance or visible wear, it’s time to replace them. Some manufacturers recommend annual blade replacement for heavy commercial use.

Q5. Is it worth investing in a high-end food processor for a small commercial kitchen?
For small commercial kitchens, investing in a high-end food processor can be worthwhile due to its durability, versatility, and time-saving capabilities. While the initial cost may be higher, professional-grade models often prove more cost-effective in the long run due to their longevity and ability to handle a wide range of tasks efficiently, potentially reducing the need for multiple appliances.