The 5 best food processors for pesto are Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY, Breville BFP800XL, Hamilton Beach 70730, KitchenAid KFP0718CU, and Ninja BN601. Each offers unique features that make pesto preparation easy and efficient.
Pesto lovers know the importance of a good food processor. A high-quality food processor can turn fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil into a smooth, flavorful pesto in minutes. With the right appliance, you can enjoy homemade pesto that tastes better than store-bought versions.
We have researched and tested various models to help you find the best options. Below, we will explore five top food processors that excel at making pesto, ensuring you get the perfect consistency and taste every time.
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Table of Contents
- Introduction To Pesto Making
- Why A Food Processor?
- Benefits Of Homemade Pesto
- Criteria For Choosing A Food Processor
- Motor Power
- Blade Quality
- Capacity
- Ease Of Cleaning
- Cuisinart Dfp-14bcny
- Features
- Pros And Cons
- User Reviews
- Breville Bfp800xl
- Features
- Pros And Cons
- User Reviews
- Hamilton Beach 70725a
- Features
- Pros And Cons
- User Reviews
- Kitchenaid Kfp1133cu
- Features
- Pros And Cons
- User Reviews
- Ninja Bn601
- Features
- Pros And Cons
- User Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is It Better To Make Pesto In A Blender Or Food Processor?
- Is Basil Pesto Better With A Food Processor Or Mortar And Pestle?
- Which Is Better, Hamilton Beach Or Cuisinart Food Processor?
- Why Did My Pesto Turn Brown In The Food Processor?
- Conclusion
Introduction To Pesto Making
Pesto is a flavorful and versatile sauce. It originated in Italy and is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Making pesto at home ensures you get a fresh and vibrant taste. It’s much better than store-bought versions.
A food processor is a handy kitchen tool for making pesto. It helps you blend all the ingredients smoothly and quickly. In this blog post, we will explore the five best food processors for making pesto. Let’s dive in!
Why A Food Processor?
A food processor makes pesto-making easy and quick. It chops, grinds, and blends ingredients to the perfect consistency. A mortar and pestle can be used, but a food processor saves time and effort. It ensures that the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Benefits Of Homemade Pesto
- Fresh Ingredients: You control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Preservative-Free: No artificial preservatives or additives.
- Cost-Effective: Making pesto at home can be cheaper than buying pre-made versions.
- Versatile: Use it in pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more.
| Food Processor Model | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Model A | Compact size, powerful motor, easy to clean | $50 – $100 |
| Model B | Large capacity, multiple speed settings, durable | $100 – $150 |
| Model C | Affordable, simple controls, dishwasher-safe parts | $30 – $70 |
| Model D | High power, versatile attachments, sleek design | $150 – $200 |
| Model E | Quiet operation, compact storage, easy assembly | $70 – $120 |
Criteria For Choosing A Food Processor
Choosing the right food processor is essential for making perfect pesto. You must consider several key criteria to ensure you get the best performance. Here, we break down the most important factors to look for.
Motor Power
The motor power of your food processor is crucial. A powerful motor ensures efficient processing. Aim for a motor with at least 600 watts. This will handle tough ingredients like nuts and hard cheese. High wattage also means a longer-lasting machine.
Blade Quality
The blade quality directly affects the texture of your pesto. Look for stainless steel blades. They stay sharp and resist rust. Sharp blades make smooth, consistent pesto. Check if the processor offers multiple blade options. Different blades can enhance versatility.
Capacity
Consider the capacity of the food processor. A larger bowl is ideal for big batches. Aim for a capacity of at least 8 cups. This size is versatile for various recipes. Smaller bowls are good for quick, small servings.
Ease Of Cleaning
Easy cleaning saves time and effort. Look for dishwasher-safe parts. Removable blades and bowls simplify the cleaning process. Avoid processors with many small, hard-to-clean parts. Smooth surfaces are easier to wipe down. Check for easy-to-assemble parts. This ensures no food gets trapped.
| Criteria | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | At least 600 watts |
| Blade Quality | Stainless steel, multiple options |
| Capacity | At least 8 cups |
| Ease of Cleaning | Dishwasher-safe, removable parts |
Cuisinart Dfp-14bcny
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY is a top choice for making pesto. It offers high performance and durability, which makes it a favorite among many users. This food processor brings efficiency and ease to your kitchen tasks.
Features
- 14-cup capacity – Ideal for large batches of pesto.
- 720-watt motor – Powerful enough to handle tough ingredients.
- Stainless steel blades – Ensures consistent chopping and pureeing.
- Extra-large feed tube – Accommodates whole fruits and vegetables.
- Single-touch operation – Easy to use with just one touch.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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User Reviews
Users appreciate the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY for its reliability and efficiency. One user mentioned, “It’s perfect for making large batches of pesto without any hassle.” Another user noted, “The motor is very powerful, making it easy to process tough ingredients.”
Though some users find it noisy, most agree that its performance outweighs this minor drawback. Overall, the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY receives high marks for its functionality and ease of use.
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Breville Bfp800xl
The Breville BFP800XL is a top choice for making pesto. This food processor is known for its powerful motor and versatile features. It simplifies the process of creating smooth and delicious pesto.
Features
- Powerful Motor: The 1200-watt motor handles tough ingredients.
- Multiple Attachments: Comes with five multifunctional discs and three blades.
- Large Capacity: The 16-cup bowl is perfect for large batches.
- LCD Display: Easy-to-read display with a timer for precision.
- Safety Features: Includes a safety braking system.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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User Reviews
Many users praise the Breville BFP800XL for its powerful motor. It handles nuts and leafy greens with ease. Users also love the large capacity bowl. This makes it ideal for family meals or parties.
Some users mention the high price tag. They say it is worth the investment for its durability and performance. A few users find it bulky. They suggest having enough counter space for it.
Overall, the Breville BFP800XL receives positive feedback. It is a reliable and efficient food processor for making pesto.
Hamilton Beach 70725a
The Hamilton Beach 70725A is a popular choice for making delicious pesto. This food processor is known for its efficiency and reliability. Let’s dive into the details to understand why it’s a favorite among pesto lovers.
Features
- Powerful 450-Watt Motor: Ensures smooth and quick processing.
- 10-Cup Capacity: Ideal for making large batches of pesto.
- Two-Speed Options: Offers versatility for different ingredients.
- Reversible Slicing/Shredding Disc: Perfect for various chopping needs.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Easy to clean and maintain.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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User Reviews
Users have praised the Hamilton Beach 70725A for its efficiency in making pesto. They love its large capacity and powerful motor. Many users have noted its ease of use and quick cleanup. Some users mentioned the noise but found it manageable given the machine’s performance.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach 70725A is a reliable and affordable choice for any kitchen. It delivers consistent results, making it a top pick for pesto enthusiasts.
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Kitchenaid Kfp1133cu
The KitchenAid KFP1133CU food processor is a top choice for making pesto. Its powerful motor and user-friendly design make it a favorite in many kitchens. Let’s explore its features, pros and cons, and user reviews.
Features
- ExactSlice System: Adjust slicing thickness with a lever.
- 3-in-1 Wide Mouth Feed Tube: Fits various food sizes.
- Two Bowls: Includes 11-cup and 3-cup work bowls.
- UltraTight Seal: Prevents spills and leaks.
- High and Low Speeds: Offers precise control.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful motor | Bulky design |
| Easy to clean | Heavy weight |
| Versatile functions | Noisy operation |
| Durable build | Pricey |
User Reviews
Many users praise the KitchenAid KFP1133CU for its efficiency in making pesto. They find the ExactSlice System very useful for different recipes.
Some users mention the machine’s weight as a drawback. They appreciate the wide mouth feed tube for larger vegetables.
Overall, the KitchenAid KFP1133CU scores high on performance and durability. It remains a popular choice for home cooks and professionals alike.
Ninja Bn601
The Ninja BN601 is a powerful food processor. It is perfect for making delicious pesto. This machine is known for its efficiency and reliability. Let’s dive into its key features, pros and cons, and user reviews.
Features
- 1000-Peak-Watt Motor: This motor handles tough ingredients with ease.
- 4 Auto-iQ Preset Programs: These programs simplify food processing tasks.
- 9-Cup Capacity: Ideal for large batches of pesto and more.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Easy cleanup after making your pesto.
- Stainless Steel Blades: Durable and efficient for chopping and mixing.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful motor handles tough ingredients. | It can be noisy during operation. |
| Large capacity for big batches. | It is quite bulky and needs storage space. |
| Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. | Preset programs might not suit all needs. |
User Reviews
- Amy: “This food processor is a game changer. My pesto is smooth and delicious.”
- John: “I love the large capacity. It’s perfect for my family.”
- Linda: “The motor is powerful but noisy. Still, it makes great pesto.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better To Make Pesto In A Blender Or Food Processor?
A food processor is better for making pesto. It provides a coarser texture and better flavor integration.
Is Basil Pesto Better With A Food Processor Or Mortar And Pestle?
Using a mortar and pestle for basil pesto offers a richer flavor and traditional texture. A food processor provides convenience and speed.
Which Is Better, Hamilton Beach Or Cuisinart Food Processor?
Both Hamilton Beach and Cuisinart offer reliable food processors. Cuisinart models are generally more powerful and versatile, while Hamilton Beach provides affordable options. Choose based on budget and specific needs.
Why Did My Pesto Turn Brown In The Food Processor?
Pesto turns brown due to oxidation when exposed to air. Use lemon juice to help maintain its green color.
Conclusion
Choosing the right food processor can elevate your pesto-making experience. The five options listed offer various features to suit different needs. Invest in a quality food processor to enjoy smooth, flavorful pesto every time. Your culinary creations will thank you, and so will your taste buds.
Happy cooking!