The invention of food processors makes every procedure regarding the food easy and time-saving. They vary in many features and you should thoroughly consider your requirements before buying one. In this article, we want to talk concretely about the mini food processors.
The size of the food processor ranges from 3 cup to 20 cup choppers and choosing the appropriate one depends on the number of people you are going to cook for. Generally, 3 cup food processors are considered mini ones that contain a small bowl and blades.
3 Cup food processors are easy to clean, easy to store, and excellent for smaller food items. Source: 3 Cup food processors have an average motor size of 200 Watts.Top 3 3 Cup Food Processors
4.9/5
[Best 3 Cup Food Processor Overall]
The KitchenAid mini food processor is the most popular one on the market due to its compact size and several attractive features.
We would like to start with power. It contains a 240 watts motor, that generally is considered a weak one, but when you need to chop the small ingredients, then it’s absolutely sufficient.
4.8/5
[Best for the Money]
2. Cuisinart DLC-2APM Mini-Prep
This is also a popular and high-quality product like the KitchenAid food processor above and it provides a slightly higher power.
The motor of this food processor is 250 watts which is a little higher than the previous one. As we already know working with a 3 cup food processor does not require much power, so this is also sufficient to precisely chop, slice, shred, dice, and puree the food.
4.7/5
[Best for the 2-in-1]
3. Cuisinart BFP-703BC Smart Power Duet
This is a 2-in-1 machine with a food processor as well as a juicer. It features a powerful 500 watts motor with a premium build.
This Cuisinart food processor is the most powerful one in the list. It provides many innovative attributes which you will see below.
The 3 cup food processors are suitable for only small-sized ingredients such as nuts, herbs, and so on. If you want to perform simple processes like chopping, dicing, slicing, or pureeing in order to prepare small sauce or dip, then 3 cup capacity is sufficient for you.
In this article, we are going to review the 5 best 3 cup food processors and describe what kind of benefits they provide.
Also Read: Best Food Processors for Pie Crust
List of Best 3 Cup Food Processors in 2023
The following options we believe should cater to a different set of people. Depending upon your budget and needs, the following may appeal to you.
1.KitchenAid KFC3516ER – Popular Mini Food Processor
2.Cuisinart DLC-2APM Mini-Prep – High-Quality 250 Watts Food Processor
3.Cuisinart BFP-703BC Smart Power Duet – Powerful 500 Watts 2-in-1 Food Processor
4.Hamilton Beach 72860 – Affordable 175 Watts Food Processor
5.Brentwood FP-548 – Ultra-Affordable 200 Watts Food Processor
1. KitchenAid KFC3516ER – Popular Mini Food Processor
When it comes to mini food processors, this is the most popular model with an attractive looks and 240 watts motor.
The KitchenAid mini food processor is the most popular one on the market due to its compact size and several attractive features.
We would like to start with power. It contains a 240 watts motor, that generally is considered a weak one, but when you need to chop the small ingredients, then it’s absolutely sufficient.
It comes with a convenient and BPA-free 3.5 cup work bowl which includes a handle, locking blade, and pour spout. The capacity is more than enough if you want to chop the nuts or herbs quickly and precisely.
The food processor features three speeding controls – on, off, and pulse. You can control the food processing easily with the help of them in order to achieve successful results.
It should be noted, that stainless steel blades help you to chop, slice, dice, or shred the ingredients effortlessly.
The KitchenAid food processor is a great addition to any kitchen. Its dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning up a breeze, while its compact size ensures it can be comfortably stored away.
While the smaller size is perfect for a two-person household, those who cook larger quantities may want to consider upgrading to the next size up for an extra $10. Once set up correctly, it works great and chops ingredients finely.
Additionally, its retro design adds a touch of charm to any countertop. Overall, this food processor comes highly recommended and the hope is that it will continue to perform well for years to come.
In conclusion, we can say that this mini food processor contains a lot of beneficial components and it’s definitely the best 3 cup food processor.
2. Cuisinart DLC-2APM Mini-Prep – High-Quality 250 Watts Food Processor
A premium mini food processor with a rather powerful 250 watts motor.
This is also a popular and high-quality product like the KitchenAid food processor above and it provides a slightly higher power.
The motor of this food processor is 250 watts which is a little higher than the previous one. As we already know working with a 3 cup food processor does not require much power, so this is also sufficient to precisely chop, slice, shred, dice, and puree the food. However, some customers have mentioned that the motor has some kind of uncomfortable smell.
This food processor features a unique component – an auto-reversing smart power blade. You are able to process the hard and soft food thoroughly with the help of it.
What makes this one similar to the KitchenAid food processor is also a 3 cup work bowl with a handle, stainless steel blades, and dishwasher-safe parts. You can wash them easily without worrying about any damage.
However, the 3-cup food processor with a power blade can handle all types of small ingredients, making it the ideal appliance for small kitchen tasks. Its small and compact size allows it to fit easily in cabinets and be easily accessible.
This processor is perfect for those who want a hassle-free appliance that meets their needs.
Finally, it is easy to use and ideal for small jobs, producing perfect results in just a few seconds. Furthermore, its ability to work with small amounts of food reduces waste, making it an excellent option for small households. Overall, it is the best 3-cup food processor on the market.
3. Cuisinart BFP-703BC Smart Power Duet – Powerful 500 Watts 2-in-1 Food Processor
This is a 2-in-1 machine with a food processor as well as a juicer. It features a powerful 500 watts motor with a premium build.
This Cuisinart food processor is the most powerful one in the list. It provides many innovative attributes which you will see below.
The reason why it is the most powerful one is a 500 watts motor. Considering the capacity of 3 cups, we can boldly say that such kind of power is more than enough to perform even the hardest tasks in the kitchen.
One of the unique features of this food processor is a large 48 OZ blender. It contains a premium ultra-sharp stainless steel blade assembly that contributes to smooth processes.
Another innovative component is 9-speed touchpad controls with LED indicator – on, off, pulse, chop, stir, puree, mix, ice crush, and food processor. These buttons help you to easily control the procedures.
The 3 cup work bowl comes with a feeding tube and pusher in order to fit the food without any difficulty. You are able to cut the ingredients effortlessly with the help of the slicing disk and stainless steel chopping blade.
As you can see, this 3 cup food processor boasts numerous unique features and is considered the best option in its class.
It is also very powerful and versatile, functioning both as a blender and food processor to save valuable kitchen space. Although some caution is advised when cleaning to avoid injury, I like its ability to effortlessly create everything from smoothies to margaritas.
Additionally, it is recommended for those seeking an affordable, two-in-one appliance that matches other Cuisinart products. Overall, this food processor offers a great balance of value and performance.
4. Hamilton Beach 72860 – Affordable 175 Watts Food Processor
An affordable, compact, 3 cup food processors for an average user who does not need a powerful motor.
This Hamilton Beach food processor is the weakest one in terms of power in our list. However, the highly affordable price gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy this mini food processor.
It contains a 175 watts motor, which makes it the weakest one compared to the other 4 products. The motor may not be effective for all kinds of food, but you can still chop the herbs, onions, tomatoes, peppers and it’s especially good for sauces and relishes.
It comes with a 3 cup work bowl that is easy to assemble. You won’t need to twist or lock, just simply stack the bowl on the base. It should be mentioned, that the glass is durable and it can resist scratches and stains, as well as odors.
The food processor comes equipped with a built-in cord wrap at the bottom, making storage effortless.
Additionally, the dishwasher-safe parts allow for easy cleaning. This compact unit can fit in a corner of your workspace and is perfect for chopping any kind of veggies with just a couple of pulses.
It's especially helpful when chopping onions, mushrooms, or anything else that requires hassle-free chopping. Although it still needs conditioning, it now takes less time and is less messy thanks to this little chopper.
In conclusion, we can say that it may not have a very powerful motor but the compact size and the affordable price makes it the best 3 cup food processor.
5. Brentwood FP-548 – Ultra-Affordable 200 Watts Food Processor
An ultra budget mini food processor. Not a premium model, but offers great value at a cheap price tag.
This food processor also contains a weak motor and it’s less popular compared to the above-mentioned product. However, like Hamilton Beach, it’s also a highly affordable food processor.
When it comes to power, it includes a 200 watts motor which is slightly higher than the previous one, making it the second weakest one in the list. Therefore, it might not be so smooth with every process regarding the food.
The 3 cup work bowl is BPA-free and it has a safety mechanism. It allows the blades to operate only when the lid is locked properly. This way any uncomfortable accident can be prevented.
As for the speeding controls, it only includes two – high and low. However, all the removable parts are dishwasher-safe and you are able to wash them without any problems.
It should be noted that although this food processor is weaker than most of the other products, it is highly affordable, and everyone has the opportunity to buy it.
In fact, many customers have praised its efficiency and ease of use, especially given its price point. Users report that it works really well and delivers good value for money.
Despite its lower power, it is still able to produce consistent results, such as nice-sized diced onions, when used correctly. So, if you're on a tight budget but still want a decent food processor, this product might be worth considering.
Finally, if you are looking for a cheap product capable of performing simple tasks, then this is the best 3 cup food processor.
Who Would Need a 3 Cup Processor?
As we have mentioned above, the 3 cup is a mini food processor intended for only small ingredients. Therefore, it can be used by someone who is cooking for one or two people and does not need to operate with large-sized food.
If you want to chop the herbs and nuts, make a small sauce, or even the pies, then the capacity of 3 cups is the most convenient. It helps you to save a lot of time and you no longer need to use a knife or other tools.
However, it should be noted, that the 3 cup food processor is not able to deal with large vegetables and fruits, so you have to use it for only small ingredients. The more food you need to process, the more capacity is required.
What Features Can You Expect from 3 Cup Food Processors?
The successful working of the food processor depends on many different components besides the capacity. You need to look for all features including the power, blades, feeding tube, and so on.
When it comes to power, the 3 cup food processor does not require a lot of wattages. Generally, any kind of motor is effective enough to perform simple tasks with small ingredients.
The average size of the motor found in food processors is 500 watts, but you don’t even need that much, as the small motors can do work precisely. Therefore, you don’t have to go for high power when it comes to 3 cup food processors. 3 Cup food processors average at about 200 Watts of power only.
Blades are one of the most important attributes of every food processor. Although you need to work with small ingredients, some of them are hard to cut, so it must have high-quality blades. We recommend using the one made of stainless steel, as they are durable and powerful.
The other features include feeding tube, speeding controls, dishwasher-safe parts, and several food processors provide some unique attachments. As you can see, you need to consider every factor when choosing the food processor.
Also Read: Best Large Food Processors
Conclusion
In this article, we have reviewed the best 3 cup food processors. We want to highlight again, that 3 cup food processors are considered mini ones and they are intended for small ingredients. They are not effective for large-sized vegetables and fruits.
If you are going to prepare the meal for one or two people and you want to chop the herbs, nuts, or make a small sauce, then 3 cup food processor is absolutely sufficient and it can help you to save a lot of time and energy in the kitchen.
FAQs:
1. Is a 3-cup food processor big enough?
A 3-cup food processor is a good size for small batches of food. It's not big enough for large batches, but it's perfect for making dips, sauces, and dressings.
2. Is it worth getting a food processor?
A food processor can be a great addition to your kitchen if you do a lot of cooking. They can be used for chopping, slicing, and grating ingredients. If you are looking for a cheaper option, a hand-held immersion blender can also be used for many of the same tasks.
3. What features to look for in a food processor?
Everything you look for is important in a food processor, but for different people they may have different weight.
#1 – Capacity of the bowl.
#2 – The Blades.
#3 – Power or Wattage.
#4 – Functionalities.
#5 – Warranty.
#6 – Juicing.
#7 – The Dishwasher-safe parts.
#8 – The main Body.
4. How many watts should a good food processor be?
A good food processor should have at least 500-100 watts of power. This will ensure that it can handle most tasks, such as chopping and grinding.
5. Can I knead dough in a food processor?
Yes, you can knead dough in a food processor. However, it is not recommended, as the dough will become very sticky and difficult to work with. It is better to knead dough by hand.