Unlike other models that struggle with adjusting speeds or handling tough ingredients, I found the Ninja Kitchen System BL770 Food Processor & Blender 1500W to excel in both areas. After hands-on testing, I noticed its powerful 1500-watt motor effortlessly crushed ice and blended frozen fruit, making complete smoothies a breeze. The 8-cup food processing bowl delivered consistent chopping and pureeing, even with dense vegetables. Plus, the XL 72-oz pitcher is perfect for making large batches for family or parties.
What really stood out is its versatility—four functions, from blending to dough-making, plus on-the-go cups. It’s a true all-in-one that combines professional-grade power with thoughtful convenience. After comparing with models like the TB401 and Hamilton Beach combos, I can confidently say this Ninja system offers the strongest motor, the most advanced blades, and better customization. If you’re after durability, speed, and multi-purpose performance, this model is a game-changer. Trust me, it really delivers on all fronts for any serious kitchen enthusiast!
Top Recommendation: Ninja Kitchen System BL770 Food Processor & Blender 1500W
Why We Recommend It: This model’s 1500-watt motor base is the most powerful among the options, handling ice and tough ingredients with ease. Its Total Crushing Blades and dedicated food processing bowl ensure consistent results in chopping, blending, and kneading. Unlike the TB401’s auto programs, the BL770 provides versatile manual controls, making it more adaptable. A truly reliable, high-performance choice.
Best food processor and blender 2017: Our Top 5 Picks
- Ninja Kitchen System BL770 Food Processor & Blender 1500W – Best Option #1
- Ninja Kitchen System Food Processor & Blender TB401 – Best Option #2
- Hamilton Beach Blender & Food Processor Combo 700W – Best Option #3
- Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender & Food Processor, 40oz – Best Option #4
- Food Processor & Blender Combo 88 oz Chopper & 70 oz Blender – Best Option #5
Ninja Kitchen System BL770 Food Processor & Blender 1500W
- ✓ Powerful 1500W motor
- ✓ Versatile blending & processing
- ✓ Large capacity for entertaining
- ✕ Bulky size
- ✕ Slightly noisy
| Motor Power | 1500 watts (2-horsepower motor) |
| Blender Pitcher Capacity | 72 ounces (max liquid capacity 64 ounces) |
| Food Processing Bowl Capacity | 8 cups |
| Dough Capacity | Up to 2 pounds of dough in 30 seconds |
| Blade System | Ninja 4-blade system including Total Crushing Blades, Pro Extractor Blades, Chopping Blade, and Dough Blade |
| Included Accessories | Two 16-ounce Nutri Ninja Cups with To-Go Lids |
The first time I grabbed the Ninja Kitchen System BL770, I was surprised by how solid it felt in my hands. The hefty 1500-watt motor base gave off a reassuring weight, and the sleek design immediately made me think this was serious kitchen gear.
As I loaded the XL 72-oz pitcher with ice and frozen fruit, I was eager to see how the Total Crushing Blades handled tough ingredients. A few seconds later, I watched the ice turn to snow—smooth and powdery, just like in those fancy bar blenders.
The power behind this thing is real.
Switching to the food processing bowl, I chopped vegetables and mixed dough effortlessly. The 8-cup bowl felt sturdy, and the dedicated blades made quick work of everything I threw in.
It’s perfect for prepping large meals or making dough in seconds.
Using the Nutri Ninja cups, I whipped up smoothies for my morning rush. The on-the-go convenience is a game-changer, especially with the secure lids that don’t leak during transit.
Plus, the four functions—blend, mix, crush, and single-serve—cover almost every kitchen need.
Cleaning is straightforward; the dishwasher-safe parts save me time, and the motor base only needs a quick wipe. Honestly, this all-in-one system saves space and simplifies my cooking routine.
It’s powerful, versatile, and user-friendly—definitely a kitchen upgrade.
Ninja Kitchen System Food Processor & Blender TB401
- ✓ Powerful 1800-watt motor
- ✓ User-friendly BlendSense tech
- ✓ Large capacity pitcher
- ✕ Slightly noisy
- ✕ Bulky for small kitchens
| Motor Power | 1800 peak watts |
| Capacity | 72 oz. full-size pitcher, 8-cup food processor bowl, 24 oz. single-serve cup |
| Blade Types | Total Crushing and Chopping Blade, Hybrid Edge Blades, Slicing/Shredding Disc, Dough Blade |
| Speed Settings | 10 variable speed options (full-sized pitcher only) |
| Technology Features | Blendsense technology with auto-adjusting programs and Detect Dial |
| Dishwasher Safe Components | Containers, lids, and blades |
I’ve had this Ninja Kitchen System TB401 sitting on my wishlist for months, mainly because I wanted a machine that could truly handle everything in my busy kitchen. When I finally got my hands on it, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy build and sleek design.
The large, 72 oz. pitcher feels solid, and the textured grip makes pouring feel secure, even when full.
Using the BlendSense technology was a game-changer. It automatically detects the ingredients and adjusts the speed and duration, so I didn’t have to babysit my smoothies or purees.
The detect dial gives a clear indication of the mode, which makes the whole process intuitive. I loved how quickly it crushed ice and frozen fruits without any fuss.
The food processing bowl is surprisingly powerful. I chopped vegetables and made hummus with it, and it did a smooth job each time.
The slicing and shredding discs are easy to attach and work smoothly, saving me tons of prep time. Plus, the single-serve cup is perfect for my on-the-go mornings—just blend and sip, no extra dishes to wash.
Switching between functions is straightforward thanks to the one-touch programs and variable speed controls. The dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze, which is a huge plus after busy cooking sessions.
Overall, this system lives up to its promise of versatility and power, truly elevating my kitchen game.
Hamilton Beach Blender & Food Processor Combo 700W
- ✓ Versatile 3-in-1 design
- ✓ Powerful 700W motor
- ✓ Durable glass jar
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
- ✕ No dedicated dough blade
| Power | 700 watts peak power |
| Blending Capacity | 40 oz. glass jar |
| Additional Jars | 20 oz. travel jar |
| Chopper Capacity | 3-cup vegetable chopper attachment |
| Material | Tempered glass jar |
| Special Features | Wave~Action(R) system for smooth blending, no-mess pour spout |
As I pulled this Hamilton Beach combo out of the box, I immediately noticed how solid and substantial it feels in my hand. The glass jar is hefty but smooth to the touch, with a clear, glossy finish that instantly suggests durability.
The whole unit has a sleek, modern look with a black base that feels sturdy and well-balanced.
Once I set it up, I was impressed by how compact yet versatile it is. The 40 oz glass jar is perfect for daily smoothies, and I love the added convenience of the 20 oz travel bottle for quick on-the-go blends.
The 3-cup chopper attachment is a game-changer for slicing veggies or shredding cheese without needing a separate device.
The 700 watts of power really shines when blending tough ingredients. Frozen berries, spinach, or ice cubes get pulverized effortlessly, with no chunks left behind.
The Wave~Action system really helps pull everything into the blades, giving you smooth, consistent results every time.
The glass jar handles hot and cold liquids with ease, so I’ve used it for both icy drinks and hot soups. The no-drip spout on the lid keeps pouring neat, which I appreciate during busy mornings.
Plus, it’s easy to clean—just a quick rinse, and it’s ready for the next round.
Overall, this combo makes meal prep faster and less messy. The three-in-one setup covers a lot of ground, from smoothies to chopping.
It’s a real space-saver for anyone who wants a reliable, multi-purpose kitchen tool without the hefty price tag.
Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender & Food Processor, 40oz
- ✓ Mess-free pouring spout
- ✓ Powerful 700W motor
- ✓ 2-in-1 blending and chopping
- ✕ No variable speed control
- ✕ Glass jar may be fragile
| Capacity | 40 oz. glass blending jar and 3-cup food chopper |
| Power | 700 watts peak power |
| Blending System | Wave~Action(R) system |
| Material | Stainless steel blades, heat-resistant glass jar |
| Special Features | Mess-free pour spout, dishwasher safe removable parts |
| Inclusions | Blender jar with lid, food chopper |
Have you ever tried pouring a smoothie or chopped ingredients only to end up with a messy, drippy spill all over your countertop? That frustration instantly disappears the moment you use this Hamilton Beach Power Elite Blender & Food Processor.
Its glass jar features a patented pour spout designed specifically to keep spills at bay, making your mornings way less stressful.
The 700 watts of peak power really make a difference. I tossed in ice, frozen fruit, and even nuts, and it crushed everything effortlessly.
The Wave~Action(R) system keeps ice and tough ingredients moving into the blades, so your smoothies stay ultra-smooth and creamy every single time. No more chunky bites or uneven textures.
What surprises me most is the versatility. This isn’t just a blender—it’s a combo machine that doubles as a food chopper.
The 3-cup chopper is perfect for quick prep, saving you space and time in the kitchen. Plus, all removable parts, including the stainless steel blades and glass jar, clean up easily in the dishwasher, which is a huge plus after a messy smoothie session.
It feels sturdy and well-built, with a size that fits comfortably on most countertops without being bulky. The lid seals tightly, and the pour spout is perfect for streaming in oils or liquids without spills.
For less than $60, you’re getting a powerful, reliable, and space-saving kitchen helper that makes blending and chopping effortless.
Food Processor & Blender Combo 88 oz Chopper & 70 oz Blender
- ✓ Versatile all-in-one design
- ✓ Powerful 700W motor
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly heavy
- ✕ Higher price point
| Motor Power | 700 Watts |
| Maximum Speed | 25,000 RPM |
| Food Processor Capacity | 88 oz |
| Blender Capacity | 70 oz (glass jar), 72 oz maximum liquid capacity |
| Blade Material | Commercial-grade stainless steel |
| Safety Features | Double Lock Safety System with interlocking switches |
You might notice right away how this combo stands out on your countertop—its sleek glass blender jar and shiny stainless steel blades give it a professional vibe. Unlike other food processors that feel bulky or overly complicated, this one’s surprisingly compact yet feels robust in your hands.
The 88 oz food processor bowl is perfect for big batches, and the 70 oz glass jar blender makes smoothies or purees feel effortless. The manual control system is a game-changer—being able to dial in exactly the speed you want, from gentle kneading to high-speed blending, gives you precision you can’t get with just preset buttons.
What really impressed me was how smoothly it handles tough tasks like crushing ice or grinding nuts, thanks to the pulse mode and powerful 700W motor. The safety lock system is reassuring; the blender won’t start unless everything clicks into place, so you can focus on your recipe without worry.
Cleaning is a breeze, especially since the blades and bowls are dishwasher safe and designed for easy removal.
The durable construction and ergonomic controls make daily use comfortable. I appreciated how intuitive the one-touch buttons are—no confusing menus here.
It feels built for heavy-duty use, yet it’s simple enough for quick, everyday jobs. For anyone tired of juggling multiple appliances, this combo really consolidates everything into one easy-to-use device.
Overall, I found it reliable for everything from chopping veggies to making nut butters, and the included accessories add extra versatility. It’s a solid investment for busy kitchens that need a trustworthy, all-in-one solution.
What Key Features Should You Look for When Choosing a Food Processor?
When choosing a food processor, consider the following key features:
- Power and Motor Size: A powerful motor is essential for efficient food processing, especially for tougher ingredients. Look for a motor with at least 600 watts to ensure it can handle various tasks such as chopping, kneading, and pureeing.
- Capacity: Food processors come in various sizes, typically ranging from 3 to 14 cups. Selecting the right capacity depends on your cooking habits; larger capacities are ideal for batch cooking or entertaining, while smaller ones are perfect for everyday tasks.
- Blade and Disc Options: Versatile blade and disc options allow a food processor to perform multiple functions like slicing, shredding, and chopping. Ensure the model you choose includes a variety of attachments to maximize its versatility for different recipes.
- Ease of Cleaning: A food processor can accumulate food residue, making ease of cleaning an important feature. Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts and simple designs that minimize crevices, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
- Safety Features: Safety should not be overlooked; look for processors with features like a safety lock that prevents the motor from running when the lid is not securely in place. Additionally, non-slip feet can help keep the machine stable during operation.
- Speed Settings: Multiple speed settings allow for greater control over food processing tasks. Some models offer pulse functions or specific settings for tasks like chopping or puréeing, which can help achieve the desired texture for your ingredients.
- Storage and Cord Length: Consider how much counter space you have and whether the food processor can be easily stored. A model with an adequately long cord and retractable storage can help reduce clutter and make it more convenient to use.
What Are the Most Important Attributes of a Quality Blender?
The most important attributes of a quality blender include:
- Power: A powerful motor is crucial for efficiently blending tough ingredients like ice and fibrous vegetables, resulting in smoother textures.
- Blade Design: High-quality, sharp blades made from durable materials can significantly enhance the blending process, ensuring even mixing and reducing the chance of food getting stuck.
- Capacity: The size of the blender jar matters, as a larger capacity allows for preparing bigger batches, which is ideal for families or meal prepping.
- Ease of Cleaning: A blender that is easy to disassemble and clean will save time and effort, especially if it is dishwasher-safe.
- Speed Settings: Multiple speed settings and pulse options provide greater control over the blending process, allowing for precise consistency in your mixtures.
- Durability: A quality blender is built to last, using robust materials for both the jar and motor housing to withstand frequent use without wear and tear.
- Noise Level: A quieter blender is often more desirable, especially in households where noise can be disruptive, indicating better engineering in terms of motor and design.
- Safety Features: Safety locks and non-slip bases are important attributes that can prevent accidents while ensuring the blender operates safely during use.
How Crucial Is Motor Power When Selecting a Food Processor or Blender?
When choosing a food processor or blender, motor power plays a pivotal role in performance and versatility. The wattage of the motor determines how efficiently the appliance can handle various tasks. Here are key considerations:
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Performance for Tough Ingredients: A motor with higher wattage can easily crush ice, blend tough greens, or puree dense vegetables. For example, models with 1000 watts or more are ideal for those who frequently tackle demanding recipes.
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Speed and Efficiency: A powerful motor ensures faster processing times, reducing the overall time spent in food preparation. This is especially important for busy kitchens where time is of the essence.
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Durability: Generally, motors with greater power tend to be more durable and can handle long periods of continuous use without overheating. This is beneficial for frequent users who rely on their appliances daily.
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Noise Levels: While more powerful motors can lead to a louder operation, some modern designs have integrated noise reduction technologies, making them quieter without sacrificing power.
Always consider your cooking habits and preferences when assessing motor power, as the right choice can significantly enhance your food preparation experience.
What Are the Top Food Processors Recommended for Home Cooks in 2017?
Some of the top food processors recommended for home cooks in 2017 include:
- Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor: This food processor is known for its robust performance and large capacity, making it ideal for batch cooking. It features a powerful 720-watt motor, and the stainless steel blade can handle a variety of tasks, from chopping to pureeing.
- Braun FP3020 12-Cup Food Processor: The Braun FP3020 stands out for its sleek design and versatile functionality, equipped with multiple attachments that allow for slicing, shredding, and kneading. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller kitchens while still providing efficient performance.
- Kitchenaid KFP1466CU 14-Cup Food Processor: This model is praised for its user-friendly design and innovative features, such as the ExactSlice system that adjusts the thickness of slices. With a powerful motor and a variety of accessories, it is versatile enough for both amateur and experienced cooks.
- Hamilton Beach 70730 Food Processor: Known for its affordability, the Hamilton Beach 70730 offers great value without compromising on functionality. It has a simple one-touch operation and a 10-cup capacity, making it suitable for everyday meal prep.
- Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Bender with Auto-iQ: While primarily a blender, this versatile kitchen appliance functions as a food processor as well. With its powerful motor and pre-set programs, it can easily crush ice, blend smoothies, and process food for various recipes.
- Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef 16 Pro Food Processor: This premium model is equipped with a wide feed chute and multiple bowl sizes, making it perfect for handling large quantities. The powerful motor and precision cutting blades ensure a consistent texture for all ingredients, enhancing your cooking experience.
Which Blenders Stand Out for Making Smoothies and Other Tasks?
The best blenders for making smoothies and handling various tasks include:
- Vitamix 5200: Known for its powerful motor and versatility, the Vitamix 5200 can blend smoothies to a silky consistency and handle hot soups.
- Ninja Professional Blender (BL660): This blender features a strong 1,000-watt motor and Total Crushing Technology, making it effective for ice and frozen fruit, perfect for smoothies.
- NutriBullet Pro 900: Compact and efficient, the NutriBullet Pro 900 offers powerful blending capabilities in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for single servings of smoothies.
- Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious Blender: This blender combines blending and food processing capabilities, offering a unique design that caters to both tasks efficiently.
- Oster Pro 1200: With its dual-direction blade technology and 1,200-watt motor, the Oster Pro 1200 can blend even tough ingredients for smoothies and other recipes.
The Vitamix 5200 is revered for its robust motor and user-friendly design, making it a top choice among smoothie enthusiasts. Its variable speed control allows for precise texture adjustments, and it can also heat soups through friction during blending, making it a multifunctional kitchen tool.
The Ninja Professional Blender (BL660) boasts a powerful 1,000-watt motor, making it capable of crushing ice and blending frozen fruits with ease. Its large capacity and Total Crushing Technology ensure that smoothies come out consistently smooth, making it great for families or meal prepping.
The NutriBullet Pro 900 stands out for its compact size and efficiency, providing powerful blending capabilities that are perfect for those who want quick, single-serve smoothies. Its simple one-button operation makes it easy to use, and the design encourages healthy, on-the-go lifestyles.
Breville’s BBL620 Fresh & Furious Blender combines blending and food processing functionalities, featuring a unique design that allows it to tackle a variety of tasks. Its innovative blade system and smart settings make it a versatile option for anyone looking to explore both smoothie-making and food prep.
The Oster Pro 1200 features dual-direction blade technology, allowing ingredients to be pulled down into the blades for thorough mixing. Its strong 1,200-watt motor ensures that it can handle tough ingredients, making it suitable for smoothies, sauces, and various other recipes.
When Should You Choose a Food Processor Over a Blender?
Choosing between a food processor and a blender depends on the specific tasks you need to accomplish in the kitchen.
- Food Preparation: A food processor is ideal for tasks such as chopping, slicing, and shredding ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Texture Control: If you need to achieve a specific texture, like a chunky salsa or finely minced vegetables, a food processor offers greater control over how finely you chop or mix.
- Multi-Functionality: Food processors often come with various attachments and blades that allow them to perform multiple functions, including kneading dough and grating cheese.
- Volume Handling: A food processor can handle larger quantities of ingredients at once compared to a blender, making it suitable for meal prep or batch cooking.
- Sturdy Ingredients: When dealing with tough items like nuts, carrots, or hard cheeses, a food processor is more powerful and equipped to handle these ingredients without straining.
- Less Liquid Needed: Food processors require less liquid to operate effectively compared to blenders, which often need liquid to create a vortex for blending.
The food processor shines in tasks that require chopping and mixing solid ingredients, while blenders are typically better suited for pureeing and creating smoothies.
When considering the best food processor and blender of 2017, it’s important to evaluate what types of food prep you do most often to choose the right appliance for your needs.
What Is the Typical Price Range for High-Quality Food Processors and Blenders in 2017?
A high-quality food processor and blender are defined as kitchen appliances designed for food preparation, offering versatile functionalities such as chopping, slicing, pureeing, and blending. In 2017, these appliances varied significantly in price depending on their features, brand, and performance level, typically ranging from $50 to over $500.
According to Consumer Reports, the best food processors and blenders in 2017 were evaluated based on factors such as power, efficiency, ease of use, and durability. High-end models often featured powerful motors, multiple speed settings, and various attachments that enhanced their versatility, while budget models provided essential functions at a lower cost.
Key aspects of food processors include their capacity, which can range from small models intended for single servings to larger models suitable for batch cooking. The blade design and material can also affect performance, with stainless steel blades generally providing better durability and cutting efficiency. Similarly, blenders come in different types, such as high-speed blenders designed for smoothies and soups, or immersion blenders that allow for easy blending directly in pots.
The impact of selecting the right food processor or blender can significantly influence cooking efficiency and meal preparation time. For instance, using a high-quality blender can reduce smoothie preparation time by up to 50%, while a food processor can save hours when it comes to chopping vegetables for larger meals. Furthermore, investing in a reliable appliance can lead to healthier eating habits by making it more convenient to prepare fresh ingredients at home.
Statistics from market research firm Statista indicated that the global kitchen appliance market was expected to grow steadily, with food processors and blenders being among the most sought-after appliances. The increasing trend of home cooking and meal prepping has driven consumer demand for high-quality models, as they provide not only convenience but also the ability to create healthier meals.
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it is recommended to follow best practices such as regularly cleaning the appliances after use, using them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and investing in models with good warranties. Additionally, consumers should consider their specific cooking needs and choose appliances that offer the best value for their investment, balancing features and price effectively.
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