If I could choose only two kitchen appliances to elevate my cooking, it would be the blender and the food processor.
From smoothies to soups, these two kitchen appliances are game-changers when it comes to food prep. The problem is they cause a lot of clutter. And yet, both are needed to serve different functions.
The solution? A blender food processor combo. Blender food processor combos are highly economical. They combine two kitchen appliances in one to bring you a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance.
After scouring the market, I dwindled down the list of options to bring you the top ten. The Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ being the favorite of the bunch. This model offers an array of settings and packs a powerful punch.
Yet, it wasn’t the only worthy one on the list. Read on to find the best food processor combo and what to look for when considering which option to choose.
Best Blender Food Processor Combo: Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ
Features
- 1400 watt motor
- 72-ounce pitcher
- Two 24-ounce travel cups with lids
- 64-ounce processor bowl
You can’t talk about blending and processing without talking Ninja. Ninja is a popular household name brand producing some exceptional appliances. This includes their Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ
Equipped with 1400 watts of power, the Ninja BN801 features five preset settings. These include smoothie, ice crush, extract, chop, and dough.
That’s right, this blender food processor is powerful enough to handle the dough for your baked goods. If you don’t want to use one of the presets you can opt for one of four manual programs instead.
The 72-ounce pitcher is large enough to make a large batch of smoothies for the family. Meanwhile, the 24-ounce serving cups let you drink on the go. There’s even a processor bowl to handle all your sauces and salsa.
All this makes it seriously hard to find things not to love about this product. However, the one concern we do have is all the plastic components. This isn’t an industrial restaurant appliance so some excessive Jamba Juice style use may decrease the life expectancy.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Streamlined operation panel
- Pulse button
- Plenty of accessories
- Dough mixing compatible
Cons
- Pricer than some options
- May not be as durable as premium options
Runner-Up: Cuisinart Velocity Ultra Trio BFP-650
Features
- 750 watt
- 56-ounce blending jar
- 3 cup food processor
- Two 16 ounce travel cups
A good blender food processor can shred just as well as it pureés. That’s why we chose the Cuisinart Velocity Ultra Trio BFP-650.
This blender food processor has excellent performance on both ends of the spectrum. It pulverizes ice and chops veggies with ease.
What I dig most is that this model can mince herbs. This is a feature I highly appreciate considering I use a healthy dose of cilantro in my green gazpacho.
The Cuisinart Velocity Ultra Trio offers five settings, including a pulse option and several accessories. Pair that with appliance reliability and you’ve got a kitchen workhorse. Did I also mention this option is available in silver, white, or gunmetal?
While I love color options, the to-go cup and blender lids are very stubborn. The motor is also louder than some of the other options. Aside from those two things, this is a quality buy.
Pros
- Sturdy base
- Smooth blending and processing performance
- Streamlined design
- Available in 3 colors
Cons
- Louder than some models
- Stubborn lids
Best Blade Accessories: KTMAII Food Processor Blender
Features
- 500 watt
- 5 cup bowl
- 62-ounce pitcher
- 8 blades
Do you need to chop? How about squeeze citrus? The KTMAII Food Processor Blender has an accessory for that and more.
The KTMAII is highly multifunctional. This versatile machine offers eight removable blade options that let you do everything from squeeze oranges to grate carrots.
I love that the non-slip feet provide a sturdy foundation. Meanwhile, the safe lock design prevents operation until the bowl or pitcher is fully locked in place. Additionally, the KTMAII has built-in overheating protection.
While I love the multifunctionality, the KTMAII isn’t the most high-powered choice. It also only features three speed settings, one of which is a pulse. However, if you like having a blade for each job, this is a great option.
Pros
- Versatile
- Sturdy
- Built-in safety features
- BPA-free
Cons
- Not professional-grade quality
- Some may prefer more settings for the accessories
- Doesn’t include travel cups
Best Budget Option: Ninja Master Prep QB1004
Features
- 450 watt motor
- 48-ounce pitcher
- 40-ounce bowl with splash guard
- 16-ounce chopper bowl
- 2 storage lids
The Ninja Master Prep QB1004 features an innovative design at an affordable price. Rather than using a motor base, the Ninja Master Prep operates on a 450 watt interchangeable pod.
From chopper bowl to pitcher, you can attach the pod to your accessory of choice. This option also includes two storage lids which I greatly appreciate. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started food prepping and couldn’t find a storage container with a matching lid.
The drawback to such a creative design is a low-powered motor. That and the blender pitcher is smaller than other options. However, if you’re shopping on a budget, this could be a great option.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Compact motor
- Non-slip base
- BPA-free
Cons
- Low power
- Cheaper quality than professional options
Best Technology: Vitamix Ascent Series A2300
Features
- 1500 watts
- 64-ounce pitcher
- Self-detect technology
- iOS and Android compatible app
If you’re the type to opt for the latest in technology, take a gander at the high-tech Vitamix Ascent Series A2300. Sophisticated and sleek, the Vitamix A300 is equipped with self-detect technology. This feature adjusts settings and operation time to your container size.
Android and iOS compatible, you can download Vitamix Perfect Blend App for access to 17 programs and over 500 recipes. This blender also features an eye-catching digital timer that will turn the machine off automatically when time runs out.
While the Vitamix A2300 may not look like your average food processor, it packs some serious power and versatility into 11 settings. The sharp stainless steel blades are capable of handling nut butter, cookie dough, pancake batter, frozen treats, pico de gallo, and more. Basically, it offers everything you want in a blender food processor and then some.
Of course, fancy features like this will cost you. However, if you’re willing to spend the money you will reap the benefits of this investment.
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- Durable
- Versatile
- High tech features
Cons
- Very expensive
- No additional accessories
Best High Powered Option: Ninja Mega Kitchen System BL770
Features
- 1500 watt motor
- 72-ounce pitcher
- Two 16-ounce travel cups with lids
- 8 cup food processor bowl
If you like the BN801, but want more power, take a look at the Ninja Mega Kitchen System BL770. This blender features similar accessories and functions with a more powerful motor base. A 1500 watt base to be exact.
Whip up some blended margaritas for a party in the 72-ounce pitcher. Or make a fresh batch of hummus in the 8 cup food processor bowl. Either way, you’ll have your choice of four convenient settings.
The one deciding factor for some may be the price. While this isn’t exceptionally pricey, it isn’t a budget buy. However, you do get your money’s worth.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Very strong motor
- Plethora of accessories
Cons
- Pricey
- Bottom of pitcher is hard to clean
Best Smoothie Option: Ninja SS351 Foodi
Features
- 1400 watt
- 72-ounce pitcher
- Two 24-ounce cups with lids
- 14-ounce smoothie bowl maker with lid
Are you going to mostly be making smoothies? Then consider the Ninja SS351 Foodi. The blending system of this option is on point for making creamy, thick smoothies.
This high-powered 1400 watt blender extracts ingredients to create the ideal frozen drinks. You can blend directly into the nutrient cup for a grab-and-go morning smoothie. Or you can skip the cup and opt for a smoothie bowl instead.
With six preset settings, the Ninja SS351 Foodi is also equipped with a powerful processing system. This can handle everything from chopping to mixing. For this, you’ll want to be sure to swap out the mixing and chopping blade as needed.
High power such as this comes at a price. This machine is also louder than many of the other options. If you can get past that, then you’ll be able to savor a frozen breakfast smoothie bowl at the push of a button.
Pros
- Great for smoothies or frozen drinks
- High power
- Sleek design
Cons
- Loud
Best Glass Jar Option: Oster Pro 1200
Features
- 1200 watts
- 6-cup glass blending jar
- 5-cup food processor bowl
- 24-ounce to-go cup with lid
Nowadays plastic is pretty much everywhere. If you’re looking to cut down, consider the Oster Pro 1200.
This blender food processor features a glass blending pitcher made from boro class. This means it’s resistant to super hot or cold temperatures.
Along with that, you’ll enjoy seven different settings with three programmed speeds. Dips, milkshakes, or chunky salsa, you name it and the Oster Pro 1200 will process it.
The one gripe I have is that only the blending pitcher is glass. The travel cups and food processor bowl are plastic. However, they are BPA-free so there’s that at least.
Pros
- Plethora of settings
- Extreme temperature resistant glass jar
- Affordable
- Quieter than some options
Cons
- Travel cups and processor bowl are plastic
- Seal could use improvement
Best Portable Option: Cuisinart CPB-300 Blender
Features
- 350 watt
- 32-ounce blending jar
- 8-ounce chopping cup
- Four 16-ounce travel cups
Need to bring your blender food processor to a party? How about family holidays? The Cuisinart CPB-300 Blender features just the right design for transportation.
This slim and compact option travels well while taking up minimal counter space. Grind coffee, pureé tomatoes, or prep some chimichurri sauce for your shrimp taco night.
The 350 watt base is not exactly high-powered. However, it’s enough to expedite food prep. Speaking of which, the Cuisinart CPB-300 comes with a variety of blending cups so you can prep multiple things in minimal time.
While the blender is compact, all the accessories will need a place to live. So be prepared to designate a storage spot.
Pros
- Portable design
- Great for food prep
- Compact design
Cons
- Not the most powerful option
- Cup lids could seal better
- Small quantity blending jar
Best Personal-Sized Option: Magic Bullet MB50200 Express
Features
- 250 watt
- 3.5 cup work bowl with chute
- Two 16-ounce blending cups
- 1 to-go lid
- Slice and shred disc
When meal prep doesn’t require an oversized blender, there’s the Magic Bullet MB50200 Kitchen Express. This personal blender food processor is ideal for smaller serving sizes and quick prep.
The design is more compact than some of the other options which save precious storage space. The components are also dishwasher-friendly, saving you time.
The work bowl features a feed shoot so you can chop, grind, or slice while the machine is operating. Meanwhile, you can blend directly into the blending cups for a frozen coffee on the go.
The only issue is this little machine doesn’t pack as much power as other options. However, it may be just enough for handling personal-sized meals and beverages.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Compact
Cons
- Low-powered motor
- Small capacity
Buying Guide
Blender vs Food Processor
While they both process food in some form, blenders and food processors serve different purposes.
Blenders are designed to liquefy ingredients. This makes them ideal for making creamy soups or smoothies.
Food processors don’t need added liquid to operate. Rather, they serve the function of expediting food prep. They can chop up salsa, knead dough, or even mince herbs.
With a blender food processor combo, you get the power of a blender mixed with the finesse of a food processor all bundled into one package.
This gives you greater versatility in a single kitchen appliance. Which means you can save storage space and money.
Motor Power
From pureéing to chopping, blender food processor combos need to have ample power to tackle all their settings. Ideally, this is about 700 watts or more. That way you’ll have enough power to match the settings to the job.
That isn’t to say lower-powered blenders won’t work. They may just not offer enough power to efficiently reach your desired consistency. They also won’t be able to handle larger servings in a single batch.
Settings
The beauty of blender food processor combos is the plethora of settings. These nifty kitchen appliances let you crush, chop, dice, pureé, blend, mix, and more.
How many and what settings you get will differ by brand and model. For instance, the Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ features five clearly labeled presets and four manual controls. These include extract, chop, dough, ice crush, smoothie, low, medium, high, and pulse.
Then there’s the Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 which comes equipped with a single dial that offers 10 different settings. Rather than using clearly labeled presets, you control the speed.
Look for blenders that offer settings tailored to your needs. The Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 can tackle your nut butters while the Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ can mix your cake batter.
Capacity
Capacity will vary by manufacturer and model. Consider what you’re making and your desired serving size before you decide on an option.
For instance, if you need to make a batch of creamy tomato soup for the whole family, you may enjoy the 72-ounce pitcher of the Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ. If you’re using your appliance for food prep, the 8-ounce chopping cup that comes with the Cuisinart CPB-300 Blender may be better.
Blades
The two common types of blade assemblies you’ll come across are S-shaped and X-shaped. An S-shaped blade is common in food processors. They’re better equipped to handle chopping and dicing. Meanwhile, X-shaped blades are more efficient for blending.
Some models may even include a blade plate. These plates are designed to tackle all your slicing and grating needs. A feature that is common in food processors.
Accessories
This is where many models differ. Some will come with an array of accessories like the Cuisinart CPB-300 Blender. Others like the Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 offer only a blending pitcher.
Consider your lifestyle and what you’re trying to make. If you need your breakfast smoothie on the go, the travel cups of the Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ are a nice addition. Meanwhile, the chopper bowl of the Ninja Master Prep QB1004 is nice for prep.
Cleaning
Blenders and food processors aren’t known to be a joy to clean. Blender food processors are the same. The good news is there are some key features to look for to make cleaning less of a hassle.
Look for components that can be dismantled. For example, removable blades allow you to clean out all the gunk stuck on the bottom of a blending jar.
Some options like the Ninja BL770 even have dishwasher-safe components. If you can let the dishwasher do some of the work it will make life much easier.
Which One is Right for You?
Blender food processor combo kitchen appliances are the best of two worlds. They’re convenient, versatile, efficient, and save space.
While there are a variety of options on the market, the Ninja BN801 Pro Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ topped the list. The powerful motor and numerous functions can tackle all your food prepping tasks.
The streamlined design of the Cuisinart Velocity Ultra Trio BFP-650 was also another favorite on the list. Of course, then there’s the Vitamix Ascent Series A2300 equipped with the latest technology. All of which offer some helpful features when you’re cooking in the kitchen.
