Many people believe that cooking homemade pesto is a real challenge.
However, with the best food processors for pesto, you can easily churn out a fresh batch of this delicious sauce within an hour.
Does it sound tempting to you?
If the answer is yes, let’s have a look at the following guide.
7 Best Food Processors For Pesto (Expert Picks)
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Hamilton Beach Mini Food Processor – Best User Feedback
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At the top of my list, today is the model from Hamilton Beach, a product that earns more than 10600 reviews on Amazon. Once I get to know more about this item, it is understandable why Hamilton Beach has such a strong sales record.
To be more specific, Hamilton Beach prides itself on the compact design yet powerful motor. The machine does not take up more than 5.25’’ in diameter and 8.5’’ in height, making it ideal for even the most narrow kitchen.
Incorporated inside is a 350-Watt engine, which offers an effortless grinding whether you put in nuts, onions, dressings, or hummus.
Even better, this processor comes with a patented stack and press design, essentially simplifying the assembly so that you never have to struggle with operating.
But still, be aware that the capacity of Hamilton Beach is quite limited, with only 3 cups for every use.
Pros:
- Reliable brand name.
- Solid design.
- Strong performance.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons:
- Low capacity.
Kocbelle Food Processor – Best Appearance
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At first look, Kocbelle caught my attention with its visually pleasing coating, available in pastel mint and pink. If you fancy a colorful addition to your existing kitchenware, this beautiful processor will not let you down.
Beyond the appearance, Kocbelle is best known for its wireless build quality. For every charge of 4 hours, the machine can last for days. This way, you can easily bring this product along for any outdoor camping or picnic dates. Coupled with the non-slip mat at the bottom, Kocbelle ensures that you get the most convenient experience out of their offer.
Furthermore, you might be pleased to know that Kocbelle features a one-touch control, including only one bottom to turn on and off. No more guesswork trying to determine how the machine functions!
That said, Kocbelle is designed for handling soft food only, so anything thick and hard will not do well in this processor.
Pros:
- Appealing facade.
- Portable.
- Simple control board.
Cons:
- Only works with soft ingredients.
Elechomes Food Processor – Best Motor
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For those looking for a heavy-duty product that can deal with chunks of food within minutes, Elechomes will be an excellent choice. Featuring a 300-Watt pure copper motor with double-layer stainless steel blades, this gadget is capable of mincing 8 cups of ingredients in one go.
Even better, the machine is equipped with an overheating protection function, which automatically shuts down when the temperature is too high.
Not only does it prevent accidents from happening, but it also helps lengthen the lifespan of the machine. Rest assured that Elechomes calls for little maintenance and replacements, so your money is well-spent.
However, you should be aware that this processor does not chop food finely. The outcomes are usually a bit coarse.
Pros:
- Powerful motor.
- Time-saving.
- Safety features.
Cons:
- Does not grind finely.
Homeleader Food Processor – Best Value
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Next up, let’s have a look at Homeleader’s model. Personally speaking, I believe this product offers the most out of its price tag, particularly with its four removable stainless blades.
They can slice through veggie in six seconds and chop down meat in eight seconds, making the entire machine a helpful addition during your cooking.
Furthermore, Homeleader provides a decent capacity with a 2-liter glass bowl, capable of holding up to 8 cups of ingredients. So whether it is pesto sauce, milkshake, or salsa, this gadget is large enough for you to churn out a large batch and serve at least ten servings. No more hassle when it comes to party and feast preparation!
Unfortunately, this amazing appliance is not without flaws. The blades do not reach all the way to the bottom, which means some of the foodstuffs stuck down there will not be minced properly.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Efficient cutting blades.
- Big capacity.
Cons:
- Blades are not placed evenly.
Cuisinart Food Processor – Best For Heavy-Duty Performance
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Cuisinart is already a household name for kitchenware, so it is no wonder that the products from this brand belong to the top tier. In my opinion, the most noticeable feature of this product is the reversible slicing and shredding discs, which provide two levels of texture for the ground food: fine and medium.
Furthermore, Cuisinart includes a feed tube at the top of the machine, allowing users to add more ingredients while the processor is working. This way, you are granted more control over the operation.
As far as clean-up is concerned, the detachable body parts of Cuisinart are dishwasher-safe, so you do not have to rinse them manually. Instead, just toss everything in the dishwasher’s upper basket and let it do the heavy work.
And, of course, all of these functions come with a price. Cuisinart is relatively more expensive than the average food processor, so it is out of reach for many customers.
Pros:
- Trustworthy manufacturer.
- Reversible blades.
- Feed tube included.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Not affordable.
KitchenAid Food Processor – Best Accessories
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Buying a food processor just for the sake of making pesto is a stretch. So why not make the most out of your money with a highly versatile machine like KitchenAid?
Each package comes with a multi-purpose blade, an adjustable slicing disc, a reversible shredding disc, a dough blade, and a storage caddy. So whatever your cooking purpose is, KitchenAid can accompany your wishes in no time.
Another reason why I enjoy using the KitchenAid processor is its snap-and-go design, which minimizes the effort needed to set up and clean up. All it takes is a simple removal, and the lid will separate from the bowl with one click. Now, you only have to wash them with warm soapy water. And everything will be pristine again.
However, there have been complaints that this item is rather bulky and heavy. If you want to move it around, things can be a bit difficult.
Pros:
- Many tools are available.
- Innovative design for an effortless experience.
Cons:
- Cumbersome.
- Not portable.
MOSAIC Food Processor – Best Material
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Last but not least, I want to recommend MOSAIC and their worth-noting machine. Durable and powerful are the two adjectives that cover the performance of this household appliance.
Thanks to the 400-Watt motor and the titanium coating blades, MOSAIC ensures all of your ingredients are chopped finely, regardless of how hard they could be. The stainless steel used to craft all the body parts are chip-resistant, so rest assured that your machine will last for a long time.
Moreover, this processor comes with cable storage, sparing you from the struggle of messing with the wire. Now, all you have to do is wrap it around the motor and attach the end to the bayonet.
Nevertheless, I should warn you beforehand that the rubber base of the machine will get loose after being washed by the dishwasher.
Pros:
- High-quality material.
- Built to last.
- Easy storage.
Cons:
- Cheaply made rubber base.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Food Processor For Pesto
Functionality
Some food processors can only chop down food. Others are more versatile, as they can slice, grind, and mince ingredients. If you only want a machine for pesto-making, anything that can blend is enough. But in case you want to make the most out of a household appliance, you might need something more adaptable.
Size
Small-sized processors are compact and take up less space in the kitchen, making it ideal if all you need is a personal food chopper. Vice versa, if you usually cook in large quantities and for many people, make sure to choose a heavy-duty gadget.
Noise
This factor is often overlooked, but how loud your processor gets can make or break the user experience. Naturally, an item that emits as little noise as possible is worth considering.
Cleaning
After using a food processor, you would not want to spend hours rinsing each metal body part and removing the residue from getting stuck in small crevices and corners. Thus, look out for any models that are removable and dishwasher-safe.
Material
Most of the food processors are made from stainless steel, essentially ensuring their sturdiness in the long run. However, there are other economical choices available in food-grade plastic.
While the former lasts longer, the latter requires less investment upfront. Depending on your budget and how frequently you use the machine, choose a material that delivers a decent lifespan.
FAQ’s
What is pesto sauce?
Pesto sauce is an Italian sauce made from fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
It can be used on pasta, pizza, or as a dip.
How do you make pesto sauce?
To make pesto sauce, you will need:
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove of garlic
To make the sauce, you will first need to blend the basil, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic together in a food processor.
You can then use the sauce on pasta, pizza, or as a dip.
Is pesto sauce healthy?
Yes, pesto sauce is a healthy sauce to eat.
It is made from fresh ingredients and is low in calories.
It is also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against disease.
Can anyone be vegan and eat this dish?
Yes, vegan pesto sauce is a dish that anyone can enjoy.
It is made from plant-based ingredients and is therefore vegan-friendly.
Pesto sauce can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or bread.
Can I use store-bought pesto sauce to make this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto sauce to make this recipe.
However, it is best to use a high-quality sauce made from fresh ingredients.
If you are using a store-bought sauce, be sure to read the ingredient list to make sure that it does not contain any unwanted additives or preservatives.
What are some variations of the traditional pesto sauce recipe that I can try at home?
There are many variations of the traditional pesto sauce recipe that you can try at home.
Some variations include using different types of herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, or adding other ingredients such as roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
You can also change up the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less olive oil.
Pesto sauce is a versatile and customizable dish that can be adapted to fit your own taste preferences.
Do I have to use pine nuts in pesto sauce?
No, pine nuts are not a mandatory ingredient in pesto sauce.
You can use other types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.
However, pine nuts do add a delicious and unique flavor to the sauce that is worth trying at least once.
What’s the best way to store pesto sauce so that it lasts for a while?
The best way to store pesto sauce is in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay fresh for up to one week when stored this way.
If you want to freeze the sauce, you can place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and it will keep for up to three months.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about two servings.
However, the pesto sauce can be easily doubled or tripled to make more servings.
Is a food processor or blender better for pesto?
When it comes to making pesto, using a food processor or a blender will not make much of a difference.
Both of these machines are capable of mixing basil leaves, garlic, cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts, resulting in a flawless taste and texture.
Why is my pesto bitter?
Usually, olive oil accumulated in the processor would be the reason behind bitter pesto. This ingredient is rich in polyphenols, which leaves a pungent aftertaste when eating.
Why does my pesto taste like grass?
If you throw lots of herbs and spices together without carefully measuring their quantity and variety, your pesto is likely to suffer from being grassy.
How do you neutralize garlic in pesto?
The easiest way to neutralize garlic beforehand is to freeze them in the fridge. Another solution is to boil garlic using milk for at least five minutes.
How do you make pesto with a KitchenAid food processor attachment?
First, you need to attach the fine shredding disc to the Kitchenaid food processor.
Then, put in Parmesan cheese and let the machine grate it.
Replace the disc with a standard blade and add in other ingredients.
Wait for all the ingredients to be minced properly, and your pesto is done!
Do you heat pesto before adding it to pasta?
You should never heat pesto, as high temperatures would tamper with the smell, texture, and taste of the sauce.
Can you eat pesto pasta cold?
Yes, pesto pasta is yummy regardless of how it is served.
Conclusion
Buying the best food processor for pesto should be a piece of cake once you have finished reading these reviews. Now, it is time to evaluate the choices and go for the product that lives up to your expectations!