Short on counter space but craving the function of both a blender and a food processor? Well with the right tool, you can blend, chop, dice, and grate all in one appliance.
A blender/food processor combo brings together the best of both culinary worlds without the need for two bulky machines. With one base and a variety of pitchers, blades, and specialty attachments, you can create any blended or processed recipe under the sun.
But how do you know which models are worth your time and which are total duds? Here’s where to start: have a look at our reviews of the best blender food processor combo on the market.
Top Picks
- Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor (Our top pick) Thisis a straighforward option for anyone looking for a high-capacity blender and food processor.
- Ninja Mega Kitchen (Our Runner-up) This vacuum is an affordable alternative to other high end vacuums. It comes with the food processor bowl, personal size containers and food procesor blades.
Best Blender Food Processor Combo Product Reviews
Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor
Highlights:
- Power: 1200 watts
- Jar capacity: 64 oz. (blender jar), 40 oz. (food processor bowl)
- Speeds: 7
- Dishwasher-safe: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
- Extra features: Dual Direction Blade Technology, One-touch programmed buttons, Chopping “S” blade
Are you on the hunt for a combo blender/food processor without unneeded bells and whistles? The Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor is a great place to start. This is a straightforward option for anyone looking for a high-capacity blender and food processor.
The Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor comes with a 64 oz. blender jar and a 40 oz. food processor bowl. The BPA-free plastic pitchers won’t break with impact or extreme temperature.
The 1200-watt motor powers both the blender and food processor attachments. When blending ice, you can expect up to 900 watts of power. This is powerful enough for most household blending and food processing needs.
The Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor includes seven settings, including three pre-programmed buttons and a pulse function.
In regards to blade technology, Oster stepped up its game with its newest line of blenders and food processors. First, the Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor’s blades are 50-percent larger than past models.
Second, it features Dual Direction Blade Technology that helps pull ingredients to the bottom of the pitcher for better blending.
Along with a special pitcher, the Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor comes with a dedicated processing blade. This “S” blade is sharper than the blending blade, making easy work of nuts, seeds, dough, and other dry ingredients.
Changing the blade system is as easy as switching out the pitchers — just assemble and go.
Despite Oster’s claims about the durability of its products, the plastic pitchers, lids, and adapters are prone to cracking and breaking.
The motor is also too weak for some recipes. If you’re someone who regularly makes recipes with ice, frozen fruit, or other hard-to-blend ingredients, you may want something more powerful.
- High-capacity blending jar and food processor bowl
- Dedicated Dual Direction blades for blending and chopping
- Pre-programmed settings for popular recipes
- Stylish matte base with 1200-watt motor
Ninja Mega Kitchen System
Highlights:
- Power: 1500 watts
- Jar capacity: 72 oz. (blender pitcher), 64 oz. (food processor bowl), 16 oz. (Nutri Ninja cups)
- Speeds: 4
- Dishwasher-safe: Yes
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Extra features: One-touch single-serve blending, Reversible slicing/grating disc, Recipe inspiration guide
If you’re familiar with Shark vacuum cleaners, then you also may have heard of the company’s line of Ninja blenders. Marketed as an affordable alternative to Vitamix, the Ninja Mega Kitchen System offers lots of power without the hefty price tag.
The Ninja Mega Kitchen System is a combination blender/food processor that can handle almost anything you throw at it. The 1500-watt motor is one of the strongest available at this price point. The base unit also comes with specialty blades for slicing, shredding, and grating.
Along with the 72 oz. blender jar and 64 oz. food processor bowl, this system comes with two 16 oz. Nutri Ninja to-go cups. All included pitchers feature BPA-free, dishwasher-safe plastic for easy clean-up.
The Ninja Mega Kitchen System features five power settings. These include three different speeds, a single-serve setting, and a pulse button.
The single-serve button is perfect for creating on-the-go meals in the included Nutri Ninja cups. While other systems may offer more power settings, sometimes simpler really is better.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, the Ninja Mega Kitchen System does come with a 30-recipe booklet. Keep in mind that you should not use this model for hot recipes.
While this system can blend, chop, and grate, it won’t replace a high-end blender or food processor. If you’re looking for perfectly smooth blending or uber-fine processing, you’re better off investing in a dedicated machine rather than a combo one.
The pitcher and lid designs also make this system prone to leaking.
Ninja’s one-year limited warranty on this product is a bit disappointing, especially when compared to other models in the same price range.
- Powered by a 1500-watt motor
- Separate blades for blending, chopping, and grating
- Includes two single-serve Nutri Ninja cups
- Easy-to-understand settings for hassle-free operation
Oster Versa Pro Series Blender with Food Processor Attachment
Highlights:
- Power: 1100 watts
- Jar capacity: 64 oz. (blending jar), 40 oz. (food processor bowl), 32 oz. (mini jar), 20 oz. (Blend-N-Go cups)
- Dishwasher-safe: Yes
- Warranty: 7-year satisfaction guarantee
- Extra features: Two pre-programmed buttons, Pulse feature, Recipe booklet
If the Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor doesn’t do it for you, don’t write the brand off entirely. The Oster Versa Pro Series Blender with Food Processor Attachment is a premium take on the blender/food processor combo, complete with attachments, customizable power settings, and extra features not found in other models.
Along with a 64 oz. blending jar and 40 oz. food processor bowl, this system comes with a 32 oz. mini jar and two 20 oz. Blend-N-Go cups. While not as large as the Ninja Mega Kitchen System pitchers, the wide variety of attachments is a definite plus.
The Oster Versa Pro does have a weaker motor than the Oster and Ninja machines already mentioned, but only slightly. With 1100 watts of blending and chopping power, this machine can handle most household culinary tasks without issue.
Unlike other blenders/food processors that use preset buttons, the Oster Versa Pro allows for custom speed adjustments for every job. It also features two pre-programmed buttons and a pulse setting.
The Oster Versa Pro comes with the brand’s patented Dual Direction Blade Technology. This pulls ingredients into the blades for better blending, chopping, and grating.
Speaking of blades, this system comes with several. These include standard blending and “S” blades, along with a specialty shredding/slicing blade.
All included pitchers use BPA-free and dishwasher-safe plastic. The Blend-N-Go cups also come with convenient lids to double as reusable water bottles.
While this system is an excellent option for customers in need of both a blender and a food processor, the driveshaft is prone to stripping. But the Oster Versa Pro does come with a seven-year satisfaction guarantee for extra peace-of-mind.
- Premium set of blending and food processing attachments
- Specialized blades for blending, chopping, shredding, and more
- Manual power knob for hands-on speed control
- Patented Dual Direction blades
- Blend-N-Go cups are perfect for single-serve smoothies or milkshakes
Buyers Guide
Investing in a new kitchen appliance is never an easy choice, especially when that appliance could cost several hundred dollars. The last thing you want is to spend precious time and money only to discover you purchased a lemon.
When shopping for a quality blender/food processor combo, there are a few very important factors to consider.
Power
While power isn’t everything, look for a blender/food processor combo with at least a 1000-watt motor. Every smoothie lover will tell you that blending power is important. Any less and your machine will struggle to chop through ice, nuts, and other tough ingredients.
Capacity and Size
The ideal blender size depends on a lot of factors, including what type of recipes you plan to make. In most cases, though, look for a jar that holds 64 oz. or more.
Most individuals and couples can make do with a 40 oz. food processor bowl. For families or bulk recipes, consider a food processor that can hold at least 56 oz.
Blades and Slicing Discs
Since the main difference between a blender and a food processor is the blades, look for a combo machine with multiple blade sets. At the very least, it should come with designated blending and chopping blades.
Some models, like the Oster Versa Pro, come with a grating blade. This blade is compatible with the food processor bowl.
Specialty blades might be sold separately — check with your machine’s manufacturer for availability.
Attachments
If you often make personal-sized smoothies, juices, or milkshakes, look for a machine with smaller blending attachments.
The Ninja Mega Kitchen System and Oster Versa Pro both come with single-serving pitchers and adapters for making on-the-go recipes.
Price
Buying a blender/food processor combo machine will likely cost more than purchasing one or the other. But with this extra cost comes plenty of added functions and capabilities.
For a good household blender/food processor combo, buyers should expect to spend between $150 and $250.
Dishwater-Safe Parts/Ease of Cleaning
Since dishwashers are so common in today’s homes, finding a dishwasher-safe blender or food processor is an easy task. Still, it’s important to take a close look at what this means.
In many cases, the “dishwasher-safe” claim only applies to pitchers and related accessories. Special attachments, blades, and motor bases may require hand-washing.
Always check your owner’s manual for safe washing instructions.
Pitcher Material
Most blender/food processor combos (including the three models we’ve mentioned) come with plastic pitchers. While some consumers prefer glass, plastic is more affordable, shatter-resistant, and nearly as durable.
Pre-Programmed Settings
Constantly find yourself in a rush and in need of a quick breakfast? Consider a combination blender and food processor with pre-programmed settings.
Pre-programmed settings make it easy to whip up common recipes like smoothies, milkshakes, and more — just load up your ingredients and press a single button.
Extra Features
When comparing different blender/food processor models, don’t forget to take a look at the additional features or accessories that come with each appliance. Depending on the model, this could mean extra pitchers, blades, or inspirational recipes.
Can a blender work as a food processor?
Technically, but it’s not ideal. While these two appliances look much alike, each plays a unique role in the home kitchen.
Food processors are designed to handle dry ingredients, meaning their blades are much sharper than those of a traditional blender. High-powered blenders can achieve similar results in a pinch, but you shouldn’t rely on one for all your food-processing needs!
Can a food processor work as a blender?
Blenders excel at turning soft foods into liquids, making them the preferred tool for smoothies, soups, cocktails, and purees.
By sheer design, a food processor will produce similar results. Still, smoothie-lovers should think twice about foregoing a blender altogether. A food processor will technically get the job done, but it can’t replicate the silky-smooth pulverization of a blender.
What are the advantages of having a blender and food processor in one machine?
The most obvious benefit of a combo machine is the price. Even if you invest in a top-of-the-line model, like the Oster Versa Pro Series Blender with Food Processor Attachment, you’ll spend less than you would by purchasing two mid-range machines.
Another key advantage is the saved storage space. Whether you keep your machine on your countertop or in the pantry, a combination blender/food processor will take up far less space than separate appliances.
Is a food processor a high-speed blender?
No. Actually, it’s the opposite. Blenders are faster and more powerful than the average food processor.
The real difference between a blender and a food processor is the blades.
Blender blades are dull and break apart soft ingredients through sheer force. Food processors feature ultra-sharp blades that slice through wet and dry ingredients with ease.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a blender/food processor combo, any of the three models we’ve mentioned will do the trick.
While the Oster Pro 1200 Plus Food Processor is simplistic, it delivers excellent results in the kitchen without unneeded attachments and accessories.
On the other hand, the Ninja Mega Kitchen System and Oster Versa Pro Series Blender with Food Processor Attachment both offer versatile blending and chopping with a wide range of attachments and blades.
Whichever model you choose, you’re sure to enjoy delicious smoothies, milkshakes, salsas, cocktails, and much more for years to come!
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Hi, I am Charms, a self-confessed smoothie fanatic! Here I will share some of my favorite smoothie recipes, tips and guides and gear reviews. Learn more .
