Best Quiet Food Processors (For Night Prep)

How many times have you wished you could make that pre-gym snack or baby food at dawn, but your food processor is way too noisy?

If you are anything like me, you probably tried using thick towels to dampen the noise. Did it work? We both know better!

Don’t worry; I have found not just one but FIVE super-quiet food processors that allow me to cook and listen to my OWN thoughts.

Now, you can as well cook on your terms (even at night) with 0 noise using any of these devices!

How Loud Is A Food Processor?

Food processors are among the noisiest household appliances. They rank higher than washing machines and dishwashers.

Generally, these devices make up to 95 dBA of noise, twice the noise of flushing your toilet. Every ten dBA difference equates to half or twice the original dBA.

So, if an average rock concert or ambulance siren makes 110 dBA noise, it means most food processors out there make half that heart-pumping noise. If you want peace and quiet, you should invest in a silent food processor.

Difference Between a Food Processor and a Blender

Blenders and food processors are a lot similar to some degree. So, both are easily mistaken to be interchangeable. Blenders are great for anything that ends up in a cup. So, they are the go-to for crushing ice or pureeing.

Function	Blender	Food Processor
Smoothies/Frappes/Shakes	Best	No
Mincing Vegetables/Herbs	Capable	Best
Dough Mixing & Kneading	No	Capable
Mixing Dressings/Dips/Salsas	Capable	Best
Chopping Nuts/Vegetables	Capable	Best
Ice Crushing	Best	Capable
Pureeing Vegetables/Baby Food	Capable	Best
Grinding Meats	No	Best
Grating Cheese/Spices/Bread Crumbs	Capable	Best

On the flip side, food processors are excellent at handling a wider range of menial tasks, from chopping to grating, including pureeing. In short, if the end product needs a spoon or a fork, a food processor is the power tool for it.

Some food processors are great at pureeing and come with juicer attachments, like the Magimix Compact 5200 XL.

What Makes A Quiet Food Processor Versatile?

 The appliance can be versatile, so you get more value for money. But how do you identify the best from the not-so-good ones?

 Here are some of the critical factors to weigh before making a choice:

Noise Level

Food processors, generally, generate a hearing-averse 95 dB noise. For reference, an average concert and ambulance siren put about 110 decibels of noise. In comparison, the noise from these devices is almost half the noise.

These devices sound like pneumatic drills, and no number of tea towels underneath them can hush the noise. So, purchasing a kitchen tool integrated with several quiet features is smarter. In this case, more features mean lower noise operation.

For instance, models featuring sound-absorbing materials contain noise inside the base. More importantly, a quiet food blender features tight seals for better sound absorption.

Not only that, you need to check if the device comes with rubberized feet. They help attenuate the noise from the device vibrating against the kitchen countertop. Besides, new induction motors are running smoothly and generating low noise.

Capacity/Size

This workhorse comes in different sizes for unique purposes.

• The 3-cup mini choppers are great for processing tricky ingredients. Thus, they are often used for making garnishes, sauces, and nuts.
• The extra-large food processor is bigger and more powerful than mini choppers. These larger options usually come with at least a 14-cup capacity bowl. This way, you can prepare a large chunk of food ingredients with the least effort. They are the ideal option for homeowners looking to host a great family reunion or BBQ party.
• For a small family, you might hate the cumbersomeness of an extra-large food processor. The medium-sized 11-cup size processors are great alternatives. Remember, they won’t handle as many food ingredients as the XL models.

Type

There are three types of food processors:

• Food choppers
• Food processors
• Induction food processor

Food choppers

Choppers are tiny helping hands great at simple, repetitive prepping tasks. They are best suited for making garnishes and purees. Usually, they come with two-speed options – High & Low for fool-proof food prep.

Want to make your own spicy sauce or custom baby food? This is the most efficient option for you.

Food processors

The food processor is larger in size. And it sports a more powerful motor, which explains its incredible versatility. These devices can handle anything from slicing food to kneading dough.

And again, they are NOT created equal. Some models have larger feed tubes, while others might have smaller bowl sizes.

Also, some manufacturers might supply this heavy-duty gadget with a series of assortment. For example, thin and thick blades for grating and slicing, the S-blade to mix and chop, etc.

In some cases, these gadgets come with citrus presses, blenders, and mini-mills. These wide ranges of attachments improve the versatility of the heavy-duty kitchen appliance.

They can be the extra helping hand you need to cook that large sumptuous meal with the least effort.

Induction Food Processors

The induction food processors are the real champ for processing loads of heavy food in a breeze. They feature strong induction motors that can handle anything you throw at it. These gadgets are your way out of tiring, repetitive prepping tasks.

These weirdos don’t come with different speed options. They rely on the Clever LoadSensing Technology to adjust the power based on the load. These crazy beasts can cut your prep time by 40% and handle high volumes to avoid wasting your valuable time.

Power

The most crucial component of the food processor is the motor. Some people would call it the heart of this appliance, and they are NOT wrong.

Making the right choice depends on the wattage of the motor. And, the higher that value is, the more superb the performance.

Speed, torque, and efficiency. These crucial features are byproducts of a higher-wattage motor.

For home use, you will need at least a 600W motor to let you grind, chop and knead the dough. Otherwise, your high-and-mighty processor might fail at simple tasks.

But if you are in the food service business, you should snag a food processor with more than 1000W motor. I’d suggest the induction food processor. It allows you to prep large chunks of food ingredients in minutes without looking.

With great power comes even more speed options. The typical processors feature a dial control to set the machine’s speed between low and high.

But premium ones rock variable speed options. You can create your desired outcome, from perfectly grated cheese to well-kneaded dough.

Even better, these high-end models come with pulse mode and other cutting-edge features. So, you can outsource these repetitive menial tasks to these devices and do other stuff – 0 extra effort!

Blade Performance

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

You know who said that, right? Abraham Lincoln

And this means a blunt blade will deliver awful results no matter how much power the device packs. A sharp blade will chop ingredients with great precision and deliver uniform results.

Not just about being razor-sharp; you need to factor in the quality of the blade. Some blades come super sharp straight out of the box and lose their edge after only a few uses.

Also, you might want to consider a reversible blade with a slicing blade on one side and, on the other, a grating blade. Plus, it reduces the number of assortments you need to track, organize, and store.

An ultra-sharp blade can make all the difference in a device’s ability to grate and chop.

Attachments

Food processors are like mighty men of valor that can handle anything. They do more than just slice, chop, and grate. Thus, go for a model offering a wide range of attachments. This is key to unlocking the incredible versatility of these powerful kitchen tools.

For instance, some products include a mini mill to create fresh, family-secret spices. Others might come with a juicer to make vitamin-rich citric juice, and many more.

Weight

A wobbling food processor won’t stay in place until you hold it with all your strength. This defeats the purpose of buying this kitchen tool in the first place.

Plus, the whole hullabaloo causes more noise. Eventually, it keeps everyone up until you’re done making the baby’s food in the middle of the night.

A heavy base will help improve your cooking performance. How? It helps keep the machine from making nasty movements on your countertop. Thus, you can focus on other important aspects of your cooking. 

Even better, some models feature suction cups. This feature keeps the appliances securely in place no matter what you throw in.

But there’s something of concern with hefty models; it can be tiring to store in cabinets. If you won’t leave the device on the kitchen countertop, buy a lighter model with suction cups. It can be stressful to lug a heavy food processor around the kitchen.

Easy to Use

Cooking a culinary mastery piece requires the right tools, skillset, and undivided attention. Meaning you don’t need a device that would be a pain in the ass.

So, the best silent food processor for you should be straightforward with a user-intuitive control panel. The included attachments should be easily fitted and removed without needing a toolbox.

 More importantly . . .

After the gourmet meals and high praise from your cherished guests, cleaning the kitchen is still up to you. Yes, this energy-sucking task will likely be your responsibility.

But it doesn’t have to be tiring and time-consuming, always. There are models with dishwasher-safe parts for a convenient cleaning experience. This way, you can quickly rush to clean up the kitchen and return to the splendid occasion without missing ANY special moment.

Warranty

Don’t be one of those easily-fooled shoppers blindly trusting a manufacturer claiming to offer a so-so years warranty.

The best food processors won’t come ridiculously cheap. That’s why you need to protect your investment. Some homeowners boast of 30-year no-troubles using their appliances. The secret hack is: choosing a customer-centric brand that has been in the space for more than two decades.

A manufacturer with a rich history and reputation would stand by its promises. This gives you that EXTRA peace of mind with your smart purchase.

More importantly. Some manufacturers offer a decent 5-year warranty on the motor and less for the parts. Check the contract for the motor and all accessories included before making a choice.

Best Quiet Food Processor Reviews

1. Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Peel & Dice Food Processor

Breville Sous Chef BFP820BAL takes our top spot in a landslide. No product on this list is this large, powerful, and smart. Plus, this device features a heavy-duty induction motor, an XL 16-cup bowl, and three feed chute options to do more than any food processor I’ve ever owned.

This smartest food processor is not the quietest device on this list, but it does all the tedious work, like kneading the dough, without making a noise. Worse, you get a subtle humming noise that reminds you what a powerful machine you’ve got there.

Talking of power, this device comes with the latest direct drive featuring the high-torque 1200W motor to handle up to 16 ounces of any food ingredient. This is more than enough power you will ever need on your kitchen countertop to mix, chop, and knead.

The average-sized food processor will force you to make separate batches of anything. Luckily, the Breville Sous Chef BFP820BAL lets you prep once in its extra-large 16-cup bowl with 0 extra effort.

Even better;

This all-in-one device offers three feed chute options instead of the single option you get with the regular models. The top chute is wide enough to throw in your produce WHOLE. 一 faster prep, fun cooking, and 0 stress.

You can reduce the feed chute size to fit more slender food ingredients with two smaller options. This is a sure way to get consistent, precise slices to improve your cooking.

Also, I loved the food pusher to help every last bit into the machine, meaning ZERO waste. And, if you are anything like me, you will find the pusher useful as a measuring cup.

What else?

This quietest blender food processor combo features a pulse and timer function, so you don’t run this device until the end of time. The LED display makes monitoring the device from a distance easier to get your cooking momentum rolling.

Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro Review | By The Average Kitchen

Furthermore, this model stretches its versatility with its two-separate BPA-free mixing bowls. The smaller 2.5-cup top bowl makes a small batch of tricky ingredients.

These two bowls are leak-free. Thanks to its tight silicone seal, the content in the top bowl remain where it should be.

Here’s where it’s standout;

Breville Sous Chef BFP820BAL is one of the few products with a battery of well-designed accessories. The adjustable slicing blade delivers the world’s thinnest slices up to 0.3mm. Also, this powerful food processor comes with NEW dicing and peeling discs to improve culinary skills in minutes, NOT years.

On the downside;

This device is massive and will take up a lot of space on your countertop, especially if you want to keep the sturdy storage case close. I keep mine in the pantry to save space.

However, I’d have preferred if this food processor’s base had come with a drawer for compact storage. Keep in mind that it’s a 35-pound workhorse; you might want to leave it on your countertop as it is heavy to lug.

2. Magimix Compact 5200 XL Chrome 1100 Watt Food Processor

Magimix might seem like a funny brand, but its first-class kitchen appliances have earned the heart of most baking enthusiasts. Notably, this model sports the power-blazing 1100W induction motor and extensive features to ensure it is the ONLY product you’ll ever need.

The manufacturer backs it with a whooping 30-year guarantee for an almost RISK-FREE purchase.

Noise-wise, Magimix Compact 5200 XL handles everything beyond simple slicing tasks at low decibels. This is one of the few models out there that would allow you to shred, knead, and puree at your convenient time.

Further, the Magimix Compact 5200 XL is a powerhouse with an auto-speed setting. This means you’ve no control over the device’s speed. While this might seem concerning at first, you will realize how it intelligently simplifies your tedious cooking task.

Talking of simplicity;

This top-rated food processor is perfect for double or tripled recipes. Unlike regular models that would slow you down, this device has a unique feature that allows you to use the three BPA-free bowls at once. There’s no reason to waste time cleaning a single bowl after every use.

This model, which comes with 6-cup, 12-cup, and 16-cup bowls, has more containers than my top choice. However, the Breville Sous Chef BFP820BAL has a tight seal to keep the ingredients from splattering or spaying into the more giant bowls.

More impressively;

I find the dome-shaped citrus juice very exciting among all of these attachments. It works with the large 16-cup bowl and citrus fruits only. This attachment is my go-to for whipping up a cup of orange juice in a fraction of the time.

Magimix Food Processor – Unboxing, Full Test and Review By Bonni Bakery

Sadly, Magimix Compact 5200 XL does not come with an attachment to convert it into an actual juicer.

Wait, is the Magimix Compact 5200 XL better than Magimix Compact 5200 XL?

Both models come with a heavy-duty motor, a generous warranty covering it, and are in the same price range. However, the ONLY significant difference lies in the attachment supplied. Our top choice comes with just two bowls, while this product offers three.

Also, you get a french fry cutter instead of purchasing one separately for your Magimix Compact 5200 XL. If you are a juicer, then you can’t go wrong with the Magimix food processor and its state-of-the-art juicing attachment.

3. Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14 Cup Food Processor

Need an affordable kitchen assistant to take on the drudge aspect of food prep? The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY was the best-selling food processor in 2013 and 2016. And today, its simple interface, Powerful 720W Motor, and the low-price point still rival my winning food processor, Breville. Trust me; it’s a hard pill to swallow.

“Simple. Inexpensive. Super Quiet”

This sums up this most popular food processor, and several other customers agree. It runs quieter than any product on the list, including your dishwasher and washing machine.

This mid-range device might just be the silent sous chef you need with its impressive low 65 dB noise level. Finally, you can hear your thoughts!

But the true tag included “Uncompromising Power,” which this device lives up to. The manufacturer equipped this machine with a jaw-dropping 720-watt heavy-duty motor. It’s capable of more than slicing and dicing ingredients. Despite not coming with a specialty attachment, this mid-range model kneads dough without giving up or bogging down.

The motor is the cutting-edge Direct Drive known for its gearless connection between the shaft and the motor. This way, you don’t have to worry about this device breaking.

Moving on, the feed chute is exciting and a little bit awkward. The exciting part is its extra large chute for quickly processing oversized items like zucchini and cheese. You can also throw in large batches of vegetables, including tomatoes and potatoes, without downsizing them.

Thank Goodness, you can now cook those demanding delicacies in a shorter period with ZERO extra effort.

The awkward part? The XL feed chute is at the back. This jack-of-all food processor can feel inconvenient to use for a while. Luckily, it’s compensated with a small pusher to allow you to process one cucumber or carrot. Or, use the small pusher to add oil slowly to the mixture.

For the operation modes, the paddle control features Pulse control to process raw dry produce and dough. Also, it comes with an “ON” button for continuous operation to grind meat, puree fruits, make baby food, and nut butters.

On the drawbacks;

This kitchen equipment is not so easy to clean, especially the complicated safety locking mechanism. Also, the chute won’t work without inserting the pusher, meaning you have to cut longer food to slice them.

This model does not come with many bells and whistles. This is understandable. The manufacturer did not cut many corners to deliver a Breville-like food processor at a surprising discount.

4. KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor

The KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor comes with several first-of-its-kind features outclassing most models on this list. This unit is the Next-Gen of food processor with its externally adjustable slicing feature, 3-in-1 Ultra Wide Mouth Feed Tube, and Three Speed Mode. When it comes to flexibility, this is it!

This revolutionary food processing machine is equipped with a 500W motor that won’t disappoint. Although it’s a smaller motor compared to others I’ve reviewed, this unit makes more noise. This device makes up to 82 dB of noise, twice the whisper-quiet Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY.

The KitchenAid 13 Cup Food Processor doesn’t come compact and would consume significant space on your counter. However, this versatile unit weighs less than 10 pounds, making it easier to lug in your kitchen than Breville and Magimix models.

This product has a lot of bragging rights. It’s the ONLY product with an externally adjustable slicing mechanism. Unlike every other option, you can easily choose how thick or thin the slice should be with the lever.

Not only that;

This unit offers three feed chute options, arguably this innovative device’s most exciting feature. This 3-in-1 Ultra Wide Mouth™ Feed Tube makes prepping a great variety of foods a cinch – throw it as is. Now, you can spend less time on menial tasks.

Furthermore, this device comes with three-speed modes – Pulse, Low, and High. It’s great to have these options, which these high-end models still lack. It provides you with more control over the result.

I trust this device in the kitchen to handle these menial prepping tasks, from dicing to shredding. However, I noticed some waste, especially with shredding chocolate.

The blades (multipurpose and dough) are made of stainless steel. They are ultrasharp, allowing them to plow through most things you throw at them. But, they tend to struggle with large quantities of beef and dough.

All in all, if you have a small household and rarely need to process large food batches for the freezer, the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor will meet up with your everyday demands without breaking a sweat.

5. GE Food Processor | 12 Cup | Great for Shredded Cheese

The GE G8P1AASSPSS is the most affordable food processor on this list. It has the necessary attachments, three feed chute openings, and sturdy stainless steel construction to give you a good run for your money. There are ridiculously cheap options; just be prepared to swear and buy a new one in the next three months.

Right out of this box, it’s hard not to love a food processor coming in a compact and elegant design. It’s lightweight and easy to lug around your kitchen. Choose to keep it on your countertop, and this device will transform your kitchen decor.

While it’s not as silent as my top 3 picks – Breville, Magimix, and Cuisinart, it’s way better than most food processors flooding the market. This unit makes a bearable 85dBA squealing sound, which is about the same as your hairdryer.

The manufacturer equips this low-priced unit with a 550W motor and comes with a large 12-cup BPA-free bowl to avoid prepping in batches. Also, I love its built-in power cord storage keeping the workspace clutter-free.

There’s more;

Like the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor, this model offers three processing speeds – Pulse, Low and High. You can now improve and refine your culinary skill at ZERO extra cost.

The GE G8P1AASSPSS isn’t lacking in power and handles some really tough ingredients. However, pureeing hummus in its large 12-cup bowl, this device never delivered a fine consistency.

The bowl was too large, and I wished it came with a smaller bowl capacity like the Magimix Compact 5200 XL.

Another area it struggles;

This low-priced device does not come with a specific dough blade, but it mixes cookie dough to some reasonable degree. Sadly, it couldn’t blend sugar and butter, even when I ramped it up to its highest settings.

So, this model might not be a great choice if you are a baker. I recommend the Magimix Compact 5200 XL.

Quiet Food Processor Comparisons

	Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup	Magimix Compact 5200 XL	Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY	KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor	GE Food Processor 12 Cup
Best	Overall	Versatile	Price	Mid-range	Portability
Power	1200 W	1100 W	720 W	500 W	550 W
Speed Setting	2	2	3	3	3
Bowl Sizes (s)	16-cup / 2.5-cup	16-cup/12-cup/6-cup	14-cup	13-cup	12-cup
Item Weight	35 lbs	27.7 lbs		9.7 lbs	10 lbs
Warranty	25 years	30 years	3 years / 5 years
Noise Level	**	**	*	***	***

What Size Food Processor Should I Get?

The right food processor size to buy depends on a couple of factors. The chunk of items often processed, and countertop space are the most critical factors. If you have a small family with low demand and space, the 12-cup capacity should top your list.

The 16-cup food processors are great for chefs with high demand and space to permanently nestle these large devices.

How To Make The Food Processor Quieter?

There are several valid reasons for needing a hush food processor. You might be living in a new community with strict laws against noise or welcoming a new baby to the house.

Regardless of the why, here are simple tricks to restore some quiet to your home:

• Place your food processor on a soft towel to reduce the vibration against your counter.
• Keep the blender away from the walls to prevent loud echoes.
• Use the device in a soundproof room to contain the noise.
• Place the unit on a rubber mat to dampen the noise.
• Purchase a sound enclosure, which keeps the noise away from the operator.
• Swap your old, noisy appliance for a quiet model.
• Lastly, put on earmuffs whenever you want to use the food processor.

Conclusion

Food processors make food prep less time-consuming, stressful, and overwhelming. A silent model packs the same amount of power to deliver better results without noise.

The upshot? a more comfortable kitchen where concentration and ideas are not interrupted.

In this post, I’ve reviewed the top 5 quietest food processors on the market. These models will allow you to make anything, any time of the day, even midnight.

Feel free to consider other products if you want to take a huge risk on them.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Affiliate Disclosure:

The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative, we are able to earn advertising fees through providing links to products on Amazon.com. Please rest assured that we only recommend high-quality products.