KitchenAid 7 Cup Food Processor Review

KitchenAid is a reputable brand known for its high-quality kitchen appliances, including food processors. This brand produces differently-sized food processors to suit different meal prep needs, and among its top-selling units is the KitchenAid 7 / 1.7 liter cup Food Processor KFP0718WH, White.

The KitchenAid 7 cup food processor sits in the mid-range, offering a balance of size and features suitable for various meal prep needs.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the specifics of the KitchenAid 7 Cup Food Processor, exploring its design, performance, ease of use, cleaning, and more. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this food processor is the right fit for your culinary needs.

So, let’s dive right in and see whether the KitchenAid 7-cup Food Processor is worth the hype.

Features/ Specs

• Dimensions: 7.87”D x 9.65”W x 15.35”H

• Weight: 6.6 Pounds

• Wattage: 300 watts

• Voltage: 120 Volts

• Capacity: 7-cup/ 1.7 liter work bowl

• Color: White

• Controls: Easy-press paddles with illuminated LED controls

• Speed options: High, low, and pulse

• 2-in-1 feed tube

• Multipurpose blade

• Reversible medium slicing/shredding disc

• Removable parts are dishwasher-safe

Pros and Cons of the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor KFP0718WH

Pros

• Efficient performance

• Compact and stylish design

• Durable build quality

• 2-in-1 feed tube

• Easy to use

• Dishwasher-safe parts

• Moderate noise level

• Good value  for money

Cons

• Inconsistent slicing and shredding

• Doesn’t come with a kneading blade

• May struggle with tough ingredients

• May move around during use

Key features of the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor KFP0718WH

1. Performance

The KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor KFP0718WH generally handles various food prep tasks well thanks to its moderately powerful 300-watt motor. It has two speed options (high and low) and a pulse function, allowing for versatile processing capabilities. The high-speed setting is particularly useful for tasks that require more power, such as pureeing thick mixtures.

We know that any food processor should efficiently handle typical meal prep needs such as chopping, slicing, and dicing. So, let’s see how this KitchenAid 7 cup processor executes basic meal prep tasks.

Personal experience and tests:

To test how powerful this processor is, we put it to the test by slicing and dicing fruits, vegetables, cheese, and nuts, and below are our observations.

1. Chopping and dicing: When it comes to chopping and dicing, the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor performs admirably for most ingredients thanks to its multipurpose blade. It effortlessly handles vegetables, herbs, and softer items like fruits. However, it does tend to strain a bit when faced with tougher ingredients like nuts. While it still got the job done, we noticed a slight drop in speed and efficiency.

2. Slicing and shredding: The processor’s reversible medium slicing/shredding disc is a valuable and versatile tool. It can slice and shred a variety of ingredients, but it may not provide perfectly even results for all items. During our tests, some pieces of cheese were not evenly grated, and there were instances where chunks of cabbage were left behind. It’s worth noting that achieving uniform results depends on the size and texture of the ingredients you’re processing. So, if you prioritize precise slicing and shredding, you can get higher-end KitchenAid models.

However, one notable drawback of this KitchenAid Food Processor is the absence of a kneading blade. This means it’s not designed for heavy-duty dough mixing, which could be a limitation if you frequently make bread or pizza dough. If kneading is a significant part of your food prep routine, you might want to consider other food processors with this feature.

During our tests, we also noted that the processor kept moving on the counter (it’s not stable on its own), so it’s not advisable to leave it running without inspection.

2. Design and build quality

The KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor KFP0718WH features a sleek and modern design that complements most kitchen aesthetics. Its compact dimensions of 7.87”D x 9.65”W x 15.35”H make it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space. The white color option adds a clean and classic look to your kitchen décor.

In terms of build quality, KitchenAid is known for producing durable kitchen appliances, and this food processor is no exception. The materials used in its construction feel sturdy and well-built, ensuring that it can withstand regular use over time.

The work bowl and various attachments are made of high-quality, BPA-free plastic, which is durable, safe to use, and easy to clean. The highly functional multipurpose blade and reversible medium slicing/shredding disc are made of stainless steel, making them easy to clean and maintain.

One unique design feature worth noting is the 2-in-1 feed tube. It allows for both large and small ingredients to be processed without the need for pre-cutting, saving you time and effort. The easy-press paddles with illuminated LED controls are user-friendly and add a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

In terms of size, the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor strikes a good balance between capacity and countertop footprint. It’s compact enough to fit comfortably on most kitchen countertops without taking up excessive space while still offering a 7 cup work bowl capacity, which is sufficient for most household food prep needs.

However, if you often prepare your meals in large batches, the 7 cup work bowl may be too small for you.

In a nutshell, we can say this food processor is a practical addition for smaller homes.

3. Ease of use

The KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor is relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. The intuitive design of the components and the one-click, twist-free bowl assembly with a latch ensures that you can quickly put it together before use and take it apart for cleaning without any hassle.

The 2-in-1 feed tube, in particular, simplifies the loading process, as it accommodates a wide range of ingredient sizes.

The controls of this food processor are user-friendly, thanks to the easy-press paddles and illuminated LED controls. You can easily select between the high and low-speed settings or engage the pulse function for precise control over the processing. The LED indicators provide visual feedback, making it clear which setting is active.

This food processor also has standard safety features, such as a locking mechanism that prevents the machine from operating unless the components are properly assembled. This ensures that users are protected from any potential accidents during operation.

While using this processor, we didn’t encounter significant difficulties. However, it’s worth noting that you may need some experimentation and adjustments on the ingredients’ texture and size for precise slicing and shredding.

4. Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor KFP0718WH is relatively easy. This processor’s sealed, leak-resistant work bowl means less food gets trapped in the bowl and lid, making clean-up a breeze. Additionally, the removable parts, including the work bowl, lid, multipurpose blade, and reversible medium slicing/shredding disc, are dishwasher-safe. This feature simplifies the cleaning process, as you can easily detach these components and place them in your dishwasher for thorough cleaning.

During our testing, we found that the dishwasher-safe parts maintained their quality and did not show signs of wear or degradation after multiple washes. The stainless steel multipurpose blade and slicing/shredding disc were particularly easy to clean and did not retain any food residue or stains.

For manual cleaning (handwashing), the parts are also easy to rinse and wipe down, thanks to their smooth surfaces and non-stick coatings. However, it’s advisable to exercise caution while handling the sharp blade to avoid accidents.

One maintenance tip that will ensure you get the most out of your processor is to regularly inspect the blades and attachments for any signs of wear or damage. Replacing worn-out parts promptly can help maintain the machine’s performance and safety.

5. Noise level

The KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor produces a moderate noise level during operation, which is typical for appliances of this kind. While it’s not entirely silent, it’s not excessively loud. If you’ve used other food processors or blenders, you’ll find the noise level to be within the expected range.

It’s worth noting that noise perception can be subjective, and individual tolerance to noise varies. If noise is a concern for you, you might consider using the food processor during quieter times or in a separate room to minimize any disruption.

6. Price

The price of the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor KFP0718WH typically falls in the mid-range category for food processors of its capacity and features. It offers good value for its cost, considering its brand reputation, build quality, and functionality. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market, it provides a balance of performance and durability.

When comparing its price to similar products with similar features, you’ll find that KitchenAid often commands a slightly higher price due to its brand recognition and reputation for quality.

7. User feedback

Here are some reviews from several customers on Amazon:

Easy to clean, fabulous convenience size. Love it

Not all of cheese or cabbage was shredded, big chunks were left behind, very dissatisfied with this food processor..

It can do anything it is made to do, and it does it very well. Do what I did, go take a look at all the videos available for the 7 cup machine. You are probably doing something wrong. For grating cheese, you have to use the correct side as indicated in the video, otherwise you get lumps of cheese instead of nice grated cheese. It makes awesome coleslaw. I love it. It is a wonderful machine!

Feedback from other users and online reviews generally align with our findings during testing. Users often praise the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor for its performance in typical food prep tasks like chopping, dicing, and pureeing.

However, some users have reported issues with achieving perfectly even results when slicing and shredding certain ingredients like cheese and nuts, similar to our observations. This inconsistency can be a drawback if precise slicing and shredding are crucial for your recipes.

The absence of a kneading blade is a common point of discussion among users. While it’s not a deal-breaker for most users, those who frequently make dough might find it limiting.

So, Should You Buy the KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor KFP0718WH

Buy it if…

1. You need a compact and versatile food processor: This food processor’s 7-cup capacity strikes a balance between size and functionality, making it suitable for a variety of meal prep needs. It’s ideal for individuals or small families who need a reliable kitchen companion without sacrificing too much counter space.

2. You prioritize brand reputation and build quality: KitchenAid is a well-respected brand known for durable and high-quality kitchen appliances. If you value longevity and reliability in your kitchen equipment, this food processor lives up to KitchenAid’s reputation.

3. You don’t need heavy dough mixing capabilities: If you’re not into heavy dough mixing for bread or pizza, this food processor should suffice for most other food preparation tasks. Just keep in mind that it lacks a kneading blade.

4. You’re looking for good value in the mid-range: While not the most budget-friendly option, this food processor offers good value for its price point, considering the KitchenAid brand, build quality, and performance.

Don’t buy it if…

1. You need precise slicing and shredding for all ingredients: If you prioritize consistently precise slicing and shredding results for a wide range of ingredients, you might want to explore higher-end food processors with more advanced slicing and shredding capabilities.

2. You frequently work with tough ingredients: If you often process tough or hard ingredients like nuts, you might find that this food processor struggles and slows down during these tasks.

3. You require stability during operation: The KitchenAid 7 cup Food Processor may not be entirely stable on the countertop during operation, so if this is a concern, you might want to consider a model with better stability features.

4. You need a larger capacity: If you regularly prepare meals in large batches or have a larger family, the 7-cup/ 1.7 liter capacity might be too limiting for your needs. Consider a larger food processor like the KitchenAidKFP1133CU 11 cup food processor to meet your requirements.

While the KitchenAid 7-cup Food Processor KFP0718WH excels at everyday food preparation tasks, it may not be the best choice for users who require precise slicing and shredding or heavy-duty dough mixing capabilities. So, be sure to consider your specific cooking needs and preferences before getting this food processor.