If you're short on space but big on culinary dreams, a compact blender food processor might be your kitchen's new best friend. From smoothies to salsa, these little champs promise big results. Wondering which one actually lives up to the hype? Stick around—we’re breaking down the pros, the quirks, and the standout features so you can pick the perfect fit for your kitchen hustle.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for all-in-one powerhouse: Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System
- Best for compact chopping pro: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor
- Best for stack‑press simplicity: Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor
- Best for versatile jar set: Ninja QB1004 Blender/Food Processor with 450-Watt Base
- Best for glass jar smoothie: Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender for Smoothies with 3-Cup Vegetable Chopper
- Best for turbo smoothie bowl: Ninja Blender & Food Processor Combo
- Best for mini oil‑ready chopper: BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper
- Best for smart dual-function: Cuisinart BFP-703BC Smart Power Duet Blender/Food Processor
- Best for 3‑in‑1 shake maker: Hamilton Beach Blender and Food Processor Combo for Shakes & Smoothies
- Best for auto‑iq processor: Ninja Food Processor
Product Comparison: Best Small Blender Food Processor
All-in-One Powerhouse
Ninja BN801 Professional Plus Kitchen System, 1400 WP, 5 Functions for Smoothies, Chopping, Dough & More with Auto IQ, 72-oz.* Blender Pitcher, 64-oz. Processor Bowl, (2) 24-oz. To-Go Cups, Grey
Ninja
- MORE FUNCTIONALITY: The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and more functionality than Ninja's original Kitchen System. (Versus BL770 based on the number of available blending programs.)
- POWERFUL CRUSHING: Ninja Total Crushing Blades give you perfectly crushed ice for your smoothies and frozen drinks with 1400 peak watts of professional power.
- FOOD PROCESSING: The 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl provides precision processing for even chopping and smooth purees.
- 5 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: 5 preset Auto-iQ programs allow you to create smoothies, frozen drinks, nutrient extractions, chopped mixtures, and dough, all at the touch of a button. Extract a drink containing vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
- AUTO-IQ TECHNOLOGY: take the guesswork out of drink making with intelligent programs that combine unique timed pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns that do the work for you.
- XL CAPACITY: The 72 oz Total Crushing Pitcher is great for making large batches for the whole family. (64 oz max liquid capacity).
- ON-THE-GO CONVENIENCE: Two 24-oz. single-serve cups with spout lids make it easy to take delicious nutrient-rich smoothies on the go.
- MIX DOUGH IN SECONDS: Powerful dough mixer has the torque to fold in ingredients quickly and evenly, making up to 2 lbs. of dough in as little as 30 seconds.
- BLADES FOR ANY RECIPE: Stacked Blade Assembly for the pitcher, Dough Blade and Chopping Blade for the processor bowl, and Pro Extractor Blades Assembly for single-serve cups.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 1400-Peak-Watt Motor Base, 72-oz. Total Crushing Pitcher, (2) 24-oz. Single-Serve Cups with Spout Lids, Pro Extractor Blades Assembly, 8-cup Precision Processor Bowl, Stacked Blade Assembly, Chopping Blade, Dough Blade, 30-Recipe Inspiration Guide, Instruction Booklet & Quick Start Guide.
Compact Chopping Pro
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to Chop Herbs, Vegetables, and Hard Cheese, 24-Ounce Work Bowl, Reversible Stainless Steel Blade, DLC-2ABC, Brushed Chrome
Cuisinart
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor offers an efficient 250-watt motor and patented reversible stainless steel blade to quickly chop herbs, dice vegetables, and grind hard cheese
- CONVENIENT CONTROL: The 24-ounce food chopper with durable, lightweight plastic body features a push-button control panel and auto-reversing SmartPower blade for two powerful processing options—chop and grind (not recommended to grind beans as it chops)
- EASY CLEANUP: A dishwasher-safe bowl and lid provide for easy cleanup, while the motor base can be wiped clean with a damp sponge or cloth
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: The mini chopper includes a 24-ounce work bowl with handle, stainless steel blade with sharp blunt edges, spatula, and instruction/recipe book
- LIMITED 18-MONTH WARRANTY: The BPA-free Cuisinart mini chopper comes with a limited 18-month warranty
- 250-watt food processor with 3-cup plastic work bowl
- Chops and grinds with patented reversible stainless-steel blade
- Simple push-button control panel; durable, yet lightweight plastic body
- Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid for quick cleanup; spatula included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards
Stack‑Press Simplicity
Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor, 3-Cup, 350 Watts, for Dicing, Mincing, and Puree, Black (72850)
Hamilton Beach
- Simply stack and press to chop: The patented stack & press design makes it easy to assemble and use. Simply press the lid to chop and release to stop. Since all you do is stack the lid on top of the bowl, no difficult twist-locking is needed.
- Perfect size for everyday use: Chop and mix up to 3 cups of ingredients every day of the week with this 3 cup chopper. It's the perfect size for everyday use, yet small enough for easy storage.
- Easily chop, puree and emulsify with stainless steel blades: Durable stainless steel blades make easy work of a multitude of ingredients including onions, carrots and nuts. Oil dispenser on lid makes it easy to emulsify dressings, dips and sauces.
- Easy to clean: The bowl, lid and removable blades of the Hamilton Beach chopper are all dishwasher safe.
- Power through tough ingredients: This small food chopper has a 350 watt motor to provide all the power you need to prepare all types of food including onions, nuts, herbs, hummus, dressings and homemade baby food.
Versatile Jar Set
Ninja QB1004 Blender/Food Processor with 450-Watt Base, 48oz Pitcher, 16oz Chopper Bowl, and 40oz Processor Bowl for Shakes, Smoothies, and Meal Prep,Black
Ninja
- Interchangeable 450-watt power pod.Voltage: 120 V.Auto shut-off: No
- 48 oz. pitcher for frozen blending and smoothies
- 40 oz. bowl for food processing and meal preparation
- 16 oz. chopper bowl for even chopping
- All jars include convenient storage lids, are dishwasher safe, and are BPA free
- Includes: 450-Watt Power Pod, 48 oz. Pitcher, 16 oz. Chopper Bowl, and a 40 oz. Processor Bowl with Splash Guard and (2) Storage Lids
Glass Jar Smoothie
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender for Smoothies with 3-Cup Vegetable Chopper, Mini Food Processor, 40oz Glass Jar, 12 Functions for Puree, Ice Crush, Black and Stainless Steel (58149)
Hamilton Beach
- MESS-FREE POURING: The 40 oz. glass blending jar features a lid with a patented, mess-free pour spout that's designed to eliminate drips and spills. The pour spout can also be used for streaming in oils with this countertop blender.
- POWERFUL BLENDING PERFORMANCE: With 700 watts of peak power, the electric blender will effortlessly crush ice and other tough ingredients with ease, making it the perfect blender for shakes and smoothies.
- 2 IN 1 VERSATILITY: Save space in the kitchen with this one multifunctional blender that works as both a smoothie maker blender and food chopper. It includes a 40 oz. glass blender jar and a 3 cup food chopper.
- ULTRA-SMOOTH RESULTS: The patented Wave~Action(R) System on this Hamilton Beach blender continuously forces ice and other tough ingredients into the stainless steel blades, so smoothies and shakes come out rich and creamy every time.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The removable stainless steel blending and chopping blades, the heat-resistant glass jar and all removable parts are dishwasher safe, making it a perfect smoothie blender.
Turbo Smoothie Bowl
Ninja Blender & Food Processor Combo, Foodi Power Blender System for Smoothies, Bowls, Spreads & Shakes, 6 Functions, 72-oz Pitcher, To-Go Cups, Silver, SS401
Ninja
- ENHANCED FOOD PROCESSING: The enhanced processing lid with feed chute and select-cut processing discs allow for precise shredding, slicing, and grating.
- NEVER STALL AGAIN: Crushing blender with 1600-Peak-Watt Power Dense Motor and smartTORQUE to power through and never stall.
- XL SMOOTHIE BOWL MAKER: Blender for smoothies with built-in tamper specially designed to power through frozen ingredients using less liquid for smoothie bowls or nuts and seeds for smooth nut butters.
- NUTRIENT EXTRACTION CUP: Designed to deliver better ingredient breakdown for perfectly smooth drinkables. Extract a drink containing vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
- VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL: Speed and texture control of every blend. Blend your favorite protein shake recipes in seconds for a nutritious breakfast on the go.
- 7 PROGRAMS: Preset Auto-iQ programs for one-touch smoothies, extractions, bowls, spreads, chopping, and food processing.
- SMOOTHER BLENDING: Hybrid Edge Blade Assembly deliver better breakdown of frozen whole fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, and ice for smoothies.
- DISHWASHER SAFE PARTS: Containers, lids, discs, and blade assemblies are all dishwasher safe.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 1600 Peak-Watt Motor Base, 72 oz. Power Blender & Processor Pitcher, Feed chute lid with 2-part pusher, 18 oz. XL Smoothie Bowl Maker with Built-in Tamper and Storage Lid, 24 oz. Nutrient Extraction Cup, Total Crushing & Chopping Blade Assembly, Reversible Slicing/Shredding Disc, Grating Disc, Dough Blade, Hybrid Edge Blades Assembly & 20 Recipe Inspiration Guide
Mini Oil‑Ready Chopper
BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper, One Touch Pulse, 150W Motor, Mini Food Processor, Stay-Sharp Blade, Dishwasher Safe
BLACK+DECKER
- 1.5-CUP CAPACITY - 1.5 Cup chopper is perfect for small jobs; enjoy fresh chopped herbs, bread crumbs, fruits and veggies, chocolate and more
- DISHWASHER SAFE - Dishwasher-Safe Removable Parts allow for easy and quick clean-up
- STAY SHARP STAINLESS STEEL BLADES - Bi-level stainless steel blades stay sharp, providing long-lasting performance
- EASILY ADD OIL WHILE MIXING - The chopper is equipped with oil holes, allowing you to easily add oil to hummus and vinaigrette as you mix without making a mess.
- 150W MOTOR FOR POWERFUL CHOPPING - 150W Power for chopping and mincing; Your electric chopper is equpped with a base, bowl, and lid; improved chopping assembly & one-touch pulse control
Smart Dual-Function
Cuisinart BFP-703BC Smart Power Duet Blender/Food Processor, Brushed Chrome, 3 cup, count of 6
Cuisinart
- SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: The powerful 500-watt motor crushes ice instantly with no liquid added – blends, purées, chops, mixes, and liquefies all with the push of a button!.Voltage: 220 V
- EASY TO USE: 7-Speed touch pad controls with LED indicators: off, on, pulse, stir, chop, mix, puree, food processor and ice crush
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Die-cast metal housing, 48-ounce glass blender jar with premium ultra-sharp stainless steel blade assembly and removable 2-ounce measuring cap on blender jar lid
- INCLUDED: 3-Cup food processor attachment with feed tube and pusher, slicing/shredding disc and chopping blade with large 48-ounce glass blender jar, clear 2-ounce measured pour lid, manual and recipe book – all removable parts are dishwasher-safe
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
3‑in‑1 Shake Maker
Hamilton Beach Blender and Food Processor Combo for Shakes & Smoothies, With 3 Cup Electric Food Chopper Attachment, 40 oz Glass Jar, Blender Travel Cup, 700 Watts Peak Power, Gray & Black (58163)
Hamilton Beach
- 3-IN-1 VERSATILITY: This food processor blender combo includes a 40 oz. glass blending jar, 20 oz. blend-in blender travel jar for on the go and a 3 cup vegetable chopper attachment for slicing, shredding, chopping and more.
- POWERFUL BLENDING PERFORMANCE: With 700 watts of peak power this kitchen blender for shakes and smoothies effortlessly handles frozen ingredients and leafy greens, making it great for smoothies, shakes, salsas, and more.
- CONSISTENTLY SMOOTH RESULTS: The patented Wave~Action(R) System on this protein shake blender pulls the mixture down into the blades for smooth results every time you blend. Excellent for making fruit smoothies, milkshakes, icy drinks and more.
- DURABLE 40 OZ. GLASS JAR: The glass blending jar on this blender is designed to withstand extreme temperatures. It is perfect for blending both ice-cold drinks, like fruit smoothies and protein shakes, and hot liquids.
- DRIP-FREE POURING: The 40 oz. glass blending jar that comes with this smoothie blender features a lid with a patented, no-mess pour spout that’s designed to eliminate drips and spills. The pour spout can also be used for streaming in oils.
Auto‑IQ Processor
Ninja Food Processor, Professional Plus, 1000 Peak Watts, 4 Functions for Chopping, Slicing, Purees & Dough with 9-Cup Processor Bowl, 3 Blades, Food Chute & Pusher, Silver, BN601
Ninja
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a 1000-peak-watt motor, this Ninja food processor effortlessly handles tough ingredients, ensuring smooth and consistent results every time.
- AUTO-IQ TECHNOLOGY: Features 4 Auto-iQ intelligent preset programs that take the guesswork out of food prep, providing one-touch control for chopping, slicing, pureeing, and dough making.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 9-cup bowl is perfect for large batches, making it ideal for family meals, entertaining, or weekly meal prep, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- PRECISION BLADES: Includes stainless steel precision blades designed for optimal performance, ensuring even chopping, slicing, and pureeing of all your ingredients.
- DOUGH BLADE INCLUDED: Comes with a specialized dough blade that makes mixing dough for bread, pizza, and pastries a breeze, delivering professional-quality results at home.
- EASY TO CLEAN: All removable parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and hassle-free, so you can spend more time enjoying your culinary creations.
- MODERN DESIGN: Sleek silver finish and compact design fit seamlessly into any kitchen decor, while the sturdy construction ensures long-lasting durability and performance.
- USER-FRIENDLY: Intuitive controls and easy assembly make this food processor accessible for all skill levels, from novice cooks to experienced chefs, enhancing your cooking experience.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Built-in safety mechanisms ensure the processor operates only when properly assembled, providing peace of mind during use and preventing accidents.
- VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: Perfect for a wide range of tasks including chopping vegetables, slicing fruits, pureeing hummus, and mixing dough, making it an essential tool for any kitchen.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing a small blender/food processor combo?
Look at motor power, capacity, and the range of attachments that come with the unit. A higher wattage (e.g., 1400‑1600 W) handles ice and tough ingredients better, while a smaller bowl (1‑3 cups) is easier to store for occasional use. Also check for dishwasher‑safe parts and warranty length to gauge long‑term value.
How does the Ninja BN801 Professional Plus compare to the Ninja QB1004 in terms of power and capacity?
The BN801 packs a 1400‑peak‑watt motor and includes an 8‑cup processor bowl plus a 48‑oz pitcher, making it suitable for larger batches. The QB1004 uses a 450‑watt power pod with a 48‑oz pitcher, a 40‑oz bowl, and a 16‑oz chopper, which is more modest in power but still versatile for everyday tasks. If you need extra torque for dough or heavy chopping, the BN801 is the stronger choice.
Which model offers the best value for occasional chopping tasks?
The Hamilton Beach 3‑Cup Electric Vegetable Chopper (350 W) provides solid power, an easy stack‑and‑press design, and dishwasher‑safe blades at a lower price point. Its 3‑cup capacity is perfect for daily prep without taking up much counter space, making it a cost‑effective option for light to medium chopping.
Are the Cuisinart Mini‑Prep Plus and Hamilton Beach 3‑Cup chopper suitable for making nut butter?
Both units can handle soft nuts, but the Cuisinart Mini‑Prep Plus’s 250‑W motor and reversible stainless‑steel blade are geared more toward chopping herbs and cheese rather than thick pastes. The Hamilton Beach model’s 350‑W motor and sturdy stainless blades are better suited for creating smooth nut butter, though you may need to add a little oil for consistency.
How important is dishwasher‑safe design for small processors?
Dishwasher‑safe bowls, lids, and blades dramatically reduce cleanup time, especially when you use the appliance frequently. Models like the Cuisinart Mini‑Prep Plus, Hamilton Beach chopper, and Ninja QB1004 all list dishwasher‑safe components, which adds convenience and helps maintain hygiene without extra effort.
What are the advantages of Auto‑iQ technology in Ninja models?
Auto‑iQ programs combine timed pulsing, blending, and pausing patterns to achieve consistent results without manual adjustments. This feature is especially helpful for users who want one‑touch operation for smoothies, frozen drinks, or dough, reducing guesswork and delivering repeatable texture each time.
If I need a versatile 3‑in‑1 appliance, which product should I pick?
The Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender (700 W) includes a 40‑oz glass jar and a 3‑cup food chopper, offering both blending and chopping in one footprint. The Ninja Foodi Power Blender System also provides a blender, a processing lid with slicing discs, and a nutrient‑extraction cup, giving a broader set of functions for those who want slicing, shredding, and high‑power blending together.
How do warranty and build quality differ among the listed brands?
Cuisinart typically offers an 18‑month limited warranty, while Ninja and Hamilton Beach often provide 1‑year coverage, and the Cuisinart Smart Power Duet extends to 3 years. Ninja and Hamilton Beach models tend to use more robust metal housings and higher‑wattage motors, whereas mini choppers like the Black+Decker 1.5‑cup unit rely on lighter plastic bodies, which may affect long‑term durability.