Food processors are one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. All you need is the right recipes and ingredients to do everything from chopping nuts to making salsa, sauces and vegetable mixes. On the other hand, owning a large food processor can be a hassle, especially if you have limited counter or cabinet space, or if you want to take on a simple task like chopping nuts or making a sauce without creating a big cleanup project afterwards.
In our view, the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper finds the sweet spot between convenience and utility. It’s small enough to fit on a kitchen counter and leave plenty of room to spare, and it’s also an efficient, no-fuss chopper that can stand up to everyday usage. It’s also a great time to buy one, as it’s currently on sale for 25% off on Amazon. Let’s break down what the KitchenAid does and why it should be an indispensable part of your kitchen.
KitchenAid KFC3516IC 3.5 Cup Food Chopper, $44.99 (25% off)
Right off the bat, you’ll notice the petite size of this KitchenAid mini food chopper. At under 9 inches high and just 7 inches wide, you’ll have no problem accommodating it on your kitchen counter, and it’s easy to stow away in a cabinet or drawer when not in use. (The wrap-around power cord you can tuck into the base is a nice touch.)
But even though the chopper is small and lightweight, its 3.5-cup work bowl (which includes a handy pouring spout) gives you enough capacity to prepare a full meal for one or whip up sauces and soups for multiple people in no time. We’re big fans of how the stainless steel chopping blade locks in place and stays there even if you’re pouring out the contents of the bowl.
In actual operation, the KitchenAid food chopper is just plain fun to use. With two speed options, you can chop up fruits and vegetables or puree items to create sauces and soups. The chopper’s 240-watt motor provides a good dose of power for both operations, even when working with solid items like nuts. You can also operate the chopper with one hand; just press down where the lid meets the handle and it’ll go to work, and you can press and release as needed for pulsing.
We also give a thumbs-up to the a drizzle basin in the lid, which lets you add oils and other liquids while the machine runs (perfect for emulsifying). And since all the major parts of the chopper are machine-washable, you won’t have to devote much time to clean-up.
So, whether you’re making sauces or soups or creating a mix of healthy chopped veggies, the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper can be a crucial part of your daily meal prep. And at its current price of under $50, it’s a value that you shouldn’t pass up!
