Best Blender Food Processor Combo in 2021 – Reviews & Comparison
If you’re looking for both blending and food processing capabilities, a blender food processor combo is an excellent way to get more for your money and save on kitchen storage space.
Usually costing only slightly more than a blender, these combined systems provide a huge range of capabilities: make smoothies, doughs, fries, salads… the list is endless.
Here I’ve reviewed the top picks for the best blender food processor combo and also included a helpful buyer’s guide with what to look for when selecting your new appliance.
Blender and Food Processor Combos Comparison Chart
Reviews and Top Picks
If you’re looking for a blender and food processor all in one, there are a lot of choices, and making the right selection can be a daunting task.
To help you pick the right appliance for you, I’ve provided a review roundup of some of the best systems out there.
1. Ninja Mega Kitchen System (BL770) <<Top Pick>>
Packing an impressive 1200-watt, 2-HP motor, the Ninja Mega is a complete system for healthy living.
Included are a 72-ounce blender pitcher, an 8-cup mixer bowl, and two 16-ounce nutri-ninja cups for personal blending!
Features & Capabilites
Versatile and powerful
Value for Money
Great price for specs and accessories included
Ease of Use
User-friendly and easy to clean
Customer Support
5-year warranty with good customer service
Editor's Final Rating
Overall a great system for the money!
Pros
- Powerful enough to handle the toughest recipes such as nut butters
- Suction cup feet allow the base to be locked down on the counter
- Easy pour spout on 72-ounce blending jar
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons
Requires considerable storage space
Cannot make hot soup with a blender
Here's a good unboxing video I found on YouTube, that gives you a very detailed look at what you get when you buy the Ninja Mega:
2. Cuisinart BFP-10CH PowerBlend Duet
The Cuisinart BFP-10CH PowerBlend Duet features a 56-ounce blending jar and three-cup mixing bowl, which both attach to a 600-watt, 7-speed motor.
With LED touchpad controls and a sleek design, the Cuisinart Duet looks great and is easy to use.
Features & Capabilites
Wide range of speeds but no presettings available
Value for Money
Competitively priced and high-quality
Ease of Use
Easy to use and clean with all detachable parts dishwasher-safe
Customer Support
Limited 3-year warranty and good customer service
Pros
- Wide blender and food processor jars are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
- Easy to store; doesn’t require as much space as other systems
- Great for crushing ice
- 7 power settings allow for a wide range of speeds
Cons
Some users report that the blades on the food processor may slip
Food can get stuck in corners of the square blender pitcher
Pro Tip
If you’re making smoothies, it’s best to add liquid ingredients first.
The blender may also work best when the jar isn’t filled to the top, so make large quantities in two separate batches.
3. Oster Pro 1200 Blender 2-in-1 with Food Processor Attachment
At 1200 watts, the Oster Pro 1200 Blender 2-in-1 packs a powerful punch and is able to handle the toughest recipes - all at a very modest price point. It might be your best combination appliance for the money.
This system includes a 64-ounce glass pitcher, 5-cup plastic food processor with chopping blade and chopping disc, and plastic single-serve 24-ounce blend-and-go cup.
Features & Capabilites
Convenient presets and excellent performance
Value for Money
Competitively priced
Ease of Use
Easy to use and clean
Customer Support
3-year warranty on attachments, 10-year warranty on the motor with excellent customer service
Pros
- Very powerful for this price point
- Versatile and can make a variety of recipes
- 7 speeds and convenient presets offer a wide range of blending power
- High-quality and durable
Cons
Louder than average
May move across counter during operation
4. Oster BLSTVB-103-000 Versa
The Oster Versa delivers impressive power with an 1100-watt motor and is a high-performance blender and food processor in one. This system includes a 64-ounce plastic blender pitcher, 5-cup processor bowl with blade and slicing disc, and two 20-ounce blend-and-go cups for single-serving blending.
The Oster Versa has two convenient presettings for frozen drinks and dips/salsas allowing for hands-free blending. It also has three manual speeds and a pulse option.
Features & Capabilites
Powerful but limited versatility (2 presets)
Value for Money
Cheaper than other systems of a similar power level
Ease of Use
User-friendly and dishwasher-safe
Customer Support
7-year money-back guarantee and excellent customer service
Pros
- Dual-direction blades keep food from becoming jammed
- Blend-and-go cups offer the convenience of single-serve blending
- Also attaches to standard mason jars
- Food processor has separate chopping and shredding blades
- Impressive 7-year warranty/satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Louder than similar systems
Fairly pricey for the features
Pro Tip
The Oster Versa is great for making smoothies! The smoothie presetting turns off on its own when finished, allowing for no-fuss, hands-free blending.
5. Black & Decker FP2620S Wide-Mouth Food Processor & Blender
Unique from some of the other systems on our list, the Black & Decker is a true combined mixer and blender, as it only has one 10-cup jar with different attachments for blending and food processing purposes.
At 500 watts, the motor doesn’t pack quite as much of a punch as some of its competitors.
The Black & Decker has very simple cycles, including a high and low-speed setting and pulse button, making for simplistic operation but less flexibility.
Features & Capabilites
Not as much blending power or versatility as other options
Value for Money
Competitively priced
Ease of Use
User-friendly and dishwasher-safe
Customer Support
Two-year limited warranty and good customer service
Pros
- Suction cup feet keep pedestal still during use
- Takes up less space than other systems, so it is ideal for compact kitchens
- Wide-mouth chute and jar keep food from becoming jammed
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
Not as much power as other models
The two-speed motor may make the Black & Decker less versatile
6. Nutri Ninja Bowl DUO (NN102)
The Ninja Nutri Bowl DUO packs a wallop at 1200 watts and can handle the toughest ingredients, including nuts and frozen fruits.
The food processor even makes dough, so this could be considered a blender mixer combo as well!
This system includes a 4-cup food processor and two 24-ounce single-serve blending cups. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a personal blender to make smoothies and also want to do some quick food mixing.
The base unit has presets for smoothies and food processing, with Auto-iQ technology that combines blending, pulsing, and pausing patterns for hands-free blending and food processing.
Several trusted online reviewers report that this technology is very effective, and this brand, in general, gets high user ratings by verified buyers.
Features & Capabilites
High-power with convenient presets
Value for Money
Competitively priced
Ease of Use
User-friendly and dishwasher-safe
Customer Support
Lifetime limited warranty and good customer service
Pros
- Powerful and durable motor
- Auto-iQ presets make for convenient hands-free blending and food processing
- Excellent warranty and customer service
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
Only single-serve blending jars
Food processor capacity of 4 cups is a bit small
7. Hamilton Beach Power Elite Multi-Function (58149)
This is one of the cheapest blenders on the market, yet still has excellent functionality.
Powered by a formidable 700-watt motor, the Hamilton has enough power to handle tough ingredients such as ice and frozen fruit.
This system comes with a 40-ounce glass jar with a patented no-mess pouring spout. Twelve convenient presets for drinks, purees, chopping, grating, and more make for hands-free blending and perfect results every time.
It isn’t exactly a combo machine; however, it does offer ingredient processing functionalities, so if your main use for the appliance is blending, and you only need occasional food processing, this might be the machine you’re looking for.
Features & Capabilites
Versatile, but lacking compared to competitors
Value for Money
Hard to beat price
Ease of Use
Convenient presettings and dishwasher-safe
Customer Support
3-year warranty and good customer service
Pros
- At 700 watts, motor packs a powerful punch
- Has 12 blending functions including mix, milkshake, puree, smoothie, frozen drink, dice, chop, salsa, grind, crush ice, grate, and easy clean
- Glass container has a no-mess pour spout
- No-frills system can easily handle smoothies, frozen drinks, shakes, and purees
Cons
Glass jar is heavy
Motor can’t handle dry/hard ingredients such as nuts
And the winner is…
I’m going to go with the Ninja Mega Kitchen System. This system is so versatile and can handle just about any blending or food processing job.
Unlike some of the other systems we reviewed, the Mega can handle even the toughest recipes such as nut butters, and also has full food-processing capabilities.
Blender and Food Processor Buyer’s Guide
All of this might leave you asking should I get a blender or food processor, or both?
Today’s market is saturated with offers for all three types of appliances, so selecting the right appliance can be a daunting task.
Not to worry - I’m here to help! This buyer’s guide can help you decide which appliance is right for you and learn which features are important to look for.
Blender Type
When you start to look at the overall design and utilization of blenders, you will typically find three blender types. These types include countertop blenders, personal blenders, and hand blenders.
A countertop blender is typically the more effective option, but it does take up more space in the kitchen and on the countertops when compared to the other types. However, they often come with a good amount of power and a bevy of functions. It is good for a variety of applications.
A personal blender is much smaller and is best suited for making quick smoothies and shakes. While it can perform other functions, including blending and food processing, it isn't going to be quite as good at these tasks as the other types and won't make as much at one time.
Hand blenders are also called immersion blenders and are compact and quick and easy to use. They are both effective and versatile but can be messy and lack the functions of the other blender types. This is a no go if you are looking for combination features for the whole family, including blending and food processing.
The Functionality
When it comes to kitchen appliances, you want to have small appliances that are versatile and can take care of a variety of things for different applications. Who wants to dirty more than one small appliance at a time? This is where a blender food processor combo comes in very handy.
Most will slice, chop, dice, grate, shred, and blend, and some also come with additional attachments and different blades so you can work faster and easier and get everything done with just one appliance.
The Materials
Now comes durability. When choosing a combo, find something that is easy to clean and maintain. Glass is a tougher material that is often dishwasher-safe, which makes it easier to clean. One of the bigger downsides to a blender food processor combo is how difficult they can prove to clean at times. So, for this reason, make sure to look for easy to clean materials.
Price and Budget
Remember, you get what you pay for. With that in mind, you want to take the time to read as many reviews as possible to make sure you are getting exactly what you need.
While some of these combos are more expensive than others, you will find more premium features and more power for the higher price tag.
So, when determining your budget, you need to factor in the kind of features you want to have. This brings us to our next set of considerations.
Important Features - What to Look for
These are the most important points that you should look for in a combo, and the ones we considered when evaluating the appliances in this roundup and picking the top performers.
Capacity
The capacity refers to how much food your system can process at once. If you’re looking to make family-sized portions, you’ll want to choose a combination food processor-blender with the most capacity possible.
In contrast, if you’re looking for single-serving blending or food processing, a smaller capacity may be more convenient.
Size
Depending upon how much kitchen space you have, you’ll also want to keep an eye on size and storage space. If you’re working with limited space or small cabinets, take a look at the appliance’s physical dimensions to make sure it will fit and make sure you have room to store all of the accessories.
Power
Power refers to how much power the base unit’s motor has. If you’re looking mainly for food processing and to make the occasional smoothie, 700 watts should be sufficient. Less than that, and the machine tends to struggle with anything tougher than soft fruits.
If you would like to process tougher ingredients such as nuts, you’ll want upwards of 1200. However, you may still find that a lower watt motor can still produce enough rpm for what you need to get done. So, make sure to consider this as well as you make your decision on which combo to purchase.
Speeds
For maximum functionality, you’re best off with a system that has a wide range of speeds, with slower speeds for chopping and slicing, and high speeds for blending tough ingredients such as ice.
Functions
These combined machines are generally quite versatile with many functions. You’ll want to prioritize based upon your needs and what you plan on making.
Some common functions include blending, chopping, slicing, grating, dough making, mixing, shredding, and softening butter.
Pre-Programmed Settings
Pre-programmed blending and food-processing settings are ideal, as they allow for hands-free blending, and may also produce better results than manual controls.
In general, the more settings, the better, but prioritize based upon what you plan to make. Personally, I’d shoot for a minimum of chop, whisk, grate, shred, puree, and ice crushing.
Noise
Check out my product reviews above to see how loud each prospective model is.
In general, most systems make about the same amount of noise as a normal blender and are noisier when blending tough ingredients such as ice.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is easily the least fun part of cooking, so you’ll want to select a system that’s as easy to clean as possible. Ideally, the bowls and attachments should be dishwasher-safe, and the base unit should be sleek and easy to wipe down.
Durability and Warranty Period
You’ll want to select a system that has a proven track record of durability and is also backed up by a manufacturer's warranty in case of any manufacturing defect. The duration and terms of the warranty can vary not only by manufacturer but also by model, so be sure to do your homework.
Also, check to see if the manufacturer has a good reputation for customer service, what the repair/replacement policy is, and if shipping is covered. The extent of the warranty is usually an indication of the confidence the manufacturer has in the durability and longevity of the products they are offering.
A blender food processor combo is definitely a small investment you will make in your kitchen, so you want to make sure all of your bases are covered before you spend the money. Make sure to read through all the warranty terms. Additionally, research the cost and availability of replacement parts that you may find yourself needing in the future.
Accessories
There are many accessories available for these all in one machine. Most systems include at least a few of the following.
In the end, it comes down to what you’re planning to make with your new appliance, but make sure you select one with the accessories required for recipes you plan to make often.
- Mill: A mill is usually a separate bowl attachment that’s used to grind solid ingredients such as coffee beans, grains, or spices.
- Knife blade: Most food processors have a multi-purpose knife blade that is used for mixing, mincing, mashing puréeing, and chopping.
- Dough blade or hook: This is usually a blade that attaches to the food processor bowl and is used to make pizza doughs or pie crusts.
- Shredding and slicing blade: Many food processors come with several sizes of shredding and slicing blades for different consistencies.
- Chipping blade: A chipping blade usually attaches to the food processor and is used to make homemade chips or French fries.
- Grating blade: A grating blade attaches to the food processor and is used to shred cheese or vegetables.
- Potato rasp: A potato rasp is used to finely grate hard vegetables such as potatoes or hard cheeses such as Parmesan.
- Beater: A beater, or whisk attachment, is used to make whipped creams.
- Feed tube: A feed tube usually attaches to the top of the food processor bowl and is used to feed in food during mixing.
- Matching Spatula: Some systems come with a matching spatula, which is sometimes designed especially for use with the appliance.
Safety
Some systems have safety features such as auto shut-off and auto-lock. The auto-lock function may be important if you have young children at home.
Other
There are a few additional features that aren’t completely necessary but may make using your new appliance easier.
These include a citrus press or juicer that allows the machine to be used as a juicer, a straight-sided processor chop and micro-serrated blades that don’t need to be sharpened.
Food Processor Versus Blender
Some people may not know the differences between the functionalities of a food processor versus a blender, so they may not be completely aware of how beneficial a combo appliance of this nature can be.
Countertop blenders are used most often for making quick purees, sauces, and emulsifications. They can also make a delicious smoothie in just minutes. They are made to be durable and versatile but are often not used as frequently as one might expect because the functionality of the one appliance is rather limited.
You also don't want to use a countertop blender for mashing potatoes, chopping vegetables, or grinding breadcrumbs.
Food processors, on the other hand, excel at the above. They can easily chop, grate, and shred with no problem. If you have the right attachment for the food processor, it can also be used to knead dough. You can't use a food processor for blending smoothies.
So, if you have a household that does all of the above, then you will want to have the convenience of both of the appliances in your kitchen. With a high-performance blender and food processor combo, you can have both and take up less space.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to what you plan to do with your food processors and blenders. That's why in the buying guide here, I've covered in detail the different uses and considerations.
I hope I’ve been able to shed some light on which is the best blender food processor combo might be ideal for your needs, and on what to look for as you make your selection.
If you're not sure if you need a food processor at all, and rather invest in a good blender, then check out our blender buyer's guide here.
Have any experiences or insights that you’d like to share with us?
Please leave a comment below!
Blender & Food Processor FAQs
What is a food processor, and why use it?
A food processor usually consists of a wide-mouth bowl, often with an attachment to the lid that’s used to feed in solid ingredients.
They usually come with several blade attachments for cutting, chopping, slicing, shredding, and even dough hooks.
This kind of appliance is best for chopping, slicing, and grating solid foods to make recipes such as salsas, coleslaw or hummus (my favorite use!).
What is a blender, and why do we use it?
A countertop blender usually consists of a pitcher with rotating blades at the bottom. A blender jar is also narrow at the bottom and creates a vortex that brings ingredients into contact with the blades more frequently.
A blender is best for turning solid ingredients like fruit and vegetables into liquid smoothies or purees. It’s also best for combining liquid ingredients with solid.
What does a food processor do that a blender doesn't, and vice versa?
Although blenders and food processors are similar appliances, both have different applications, and there’s less crossover than you might imagine.
A food processor has chopping blades that can chop, slice and grate ingredients, while a blender will turn solid ingredients into a pulp - not so great for your coleslaw.
On the other hand, food processors are bad at handling liquid ingredients, and generally, don’t produce a complete emulsion.
If you’re looking for maximum versatility in your new appliance, you might be best off with a 2 in 1 blender food processor for a few reasons:
- Buying both in one saves a substantial amount of money
- Using a combination machine reduces food prep time
- Requires less storage space
- It offers more functionality and flexibility
To summarize the differences between these two appliances, here's an interesting video:
