KitchenAid Food Chopper Review: Expert Tested and Reviewed

As a seasoned home cook, I’ve put the KitchenAid KFC3516IC Food Chopper through its paces to deliver an honest review of this kitchen workhorse.

Its compact design is a game-changer for small kitchens, packing enough power to make quick work of ingredients without hogging precious counter space.

With a closer look at the chopper’s functionality and capacity, this review cuts through the fluff to highlight key features that could revolutionize your meal prep routine.

Whether you’re whipping up a simple fruit salad or experimenting with new recipes, understanding how this machine stands out—or blends in—among others is crucial. Stay tuned; my test results might just be the deciding factor in your next kitchen attachment purchase.

Specification	Value
Product Model	KitchenAid KFC3516IC
Bowl Capacity	3.5 Cups
Number of Speeds	2
Blade Material	Stainless Steel
Dishwasher Safe Components	Yes
BPA-Free	Yes
Work Bowl Features	Locking blade, handle, pour spout
Pulse Function	Yes
Drizzle Basin	Yes
Product Dimensions	5.95″D x 7″W x 8.74″H
Item Weight	2.7 pounds
Design	Compact and lightweight
Cord Storage	Simple cord wrap
Ideal for	Chopping, mixing, pureeing
Suitable for	Pico de gallo, hummus, sauces, dressings

KitchenAid Summary

The KitchenAid Food Chopper boasts a 3.5 cup capacity, striking a balance between being space-efficient and adequately sized for typical kitchen tasks. Its two-speed settings, complemented by a pulse function, offer versatility whether you’re aiming for coarse or fine results.

I’ve found the stainless steel blade to be remarkably sharp and durable. It powers through ingredients like nuts and herbs with ease, locking in place to facilitate safe pouring of your preparations.

Ease of use is one of this chopper’s strong suits thanks to its drizzle basin feature—ideal when emulsifying dressings or adding oils gradually. The inclusion of dishwasher-safe parts simplifies cleanup; I appreciate not having to hand-wash after every use.

In my experience, this chopper excels in everyday kitchen prep tasks. Whether it’s quickly whipping up salsas or finely chopping vegetables for garnishes, it performs consistently well without taking up much counter space—a boon for smaller kitchens.

However, while the compact size is great for storage and occasional use, if you’re prepping larger meals frequently, you might find yourself emptying the bowl more often than desired due to its limited capacity.

Despite that minor drawback, the KitchenAid Food Chopper stands out as an efficient tool tailored for quick jobs like making sauces or preparing ingredients for cooking. It handles these with aplomb but may require patience during bigger culinary undertakings.

Key Features

The KitchenAid KFC3516IC 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is a game-changer for those who value efficiency in the kitchen. I’ve found its BPA-free work bowl not only safe but also perfectly sized for quick tasks like chopping nuts or creating dressings.

Its compact size has been a major plus in my small kitchen space, allowing me to store it easily without sacrificing valuable counter real estate. The simple cord wrap is an added convenience that keeps things tidy when the chopper’s not in use.

With two speed options and pulse functionality, this food chopper offers versatility. Whether I need a fine puree or a coarser chop, it delivers consistent results every time. The pulse operation particularly shines when controlling texture is crucial—like achieving that perfect chunkiness for salsa.

What stands out to me about this model is how the stainless steel blade locks into place; it makes pouring out contents mess-free and safe—a thoughtful touch on KitchenAid’s part.

Despite its many benefits, no product is without faults. At times, especially with harder ingredients like carrots or nuts, I have had to stop and redistribute the pieces to ensure even chopping since the blade can create uneven results if overfilled.

However, considering its ease of cleaning—with dishwasher-safe components—the minor inconvenience seems negligible compared to the time saved during cleanup.

Compact 3.5 Cup Work Bowl Design

The compact nature of the 3.5 cup work bowl is a game-changer for small kitchens and minimal storage space. It’s just the right size for whipping up dips, salsas, or chopping nuts without taking over your countertop.

I appreciate how it fits neatly into my cupboard after use—no jigsaw puzzle of parts to store away. This design also makes it ideal for single servings or small family meals, eliminating food waste associated with preparing large quantities.

Equipped with a pour spout and handle, this chopper turns potentially messy transfers into clean pours directly to your serving dish or pan. I’ve found that when making dressings or marinades, the precision of pouring is particularly beneficial; not a drop wasted.

Safety during operation can’t be overstated and here the locking blade instills confidence in use. When I first operated it, there was no movement or rattling—a stark contrast to other models that often feel like they might come apart at any moment.

Two Speeds with Pulse Operation

The KitchenAid Food Chopper’s dual-speed functionality allows for a tailored approach to texture. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, chunky salsa or a silky-smooth soup base, the choice between coarse and fine settings gives you the versatility needed.

I appreciate how the pulse feature complements this control by offering bursts of power. It’s particularly useful when I’m looking to achieve precision in my chopping or when pureeing ingredients to just the right consistency.

In my experience, these speed settings are not just about preference but necessity. When working on delicate herbs that easily bruise, using the low setting prevents them from turning into a mushy mess—a common issue with less sensitive choppers.

Conversely, for tougher items like nuts or hard cheeses, cranking up to high speed ensures they break down efficiently without straining the motor. This adaptability makes it suitable for an array of recipes; from quickly whipping up dressings to methodically building layers of flavor in complex dishes.

However, it’s worth noting that while versatile, users should be mindful of not overfilling the bowl regardless of speed chosen—overloading can lead to uneven results and potentially strain the unit over time.

Stainless Steel Multi-purpose Blade

The blade’s stainless steel construction ensures durability, making it a reliable tool for processing a variety of foods. Whether I’m chopping nuts, dicing vegetables, or pureeing fruits for smoothies, the blade handles each task with precision.

Its design to lock in place is not only convenient but also enhances safety. This feature allows me to pour out my chopped ingredients without worrying about the blade falling out and possibly causing injury.

Through personal use, I’ve found that this multi-purpose blade excels at both chopping and mixing tasks. It has efficiently pureed cooked vegetables into silky soups and effortlessly mixed batter for pancakes. However, when working with very hard ingredients like coffee beans, it can struggle slightly—something to keep in mind if you’re looking for an appliance that can handle every kind of grinding task.

Drizzle Basin Feature

The Drizzle Basin feature on the KitchenAid Food Chopper is a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade dressings and sauces. This clever addition allows you to add liquids like oils or vinegars slowly while the machine is running, creating perfect emulsifications every time.

I’ve found this particularly useful when making mayonnaise; it’s always been a finicky process that requires precise pouring to achieve the right consistency. With the drizzle basin, my mayo turns out creamy and stable without any separation – something I struggled with before using this chopper.

Simplifying the vinaigrette-making process is another area where this feature shines. In my experience, achieving that ideal balance of oil and vinegar can be tricky, but with the steady stream enabled by the drizzle basin, even delicate vinaigrettes come together effortlessly.

Moreover, its presence enhances not just these recipes but also expands what you can do in your kitchen in general. From pesto to aioli to simple fruit purees needing just a touch of juice for thinning, it’s clear that KitchenAid has considered practicality alongside functionality here.

Dishwasher-safe Components

After using the KitchenAid food chopper, one feature that significantly stood out to me was its dishwasher-safe components. Cleaning up after meal prep can be a hassle, but this chopper makes it a breeze.

The bowl, lid, and blade easily detach and are safe to pop into the dishwasher. This not only saves time but also ensures that all parts are thoroughly cleaned without any extra effort on your part.

I’ve found that being able to trust that my food is in contact with materials free from BPA is crucial for health-conscious consumers like myself. The BPA-free work bowl of this KitchenAid model gives me peace of mind every time I use it.

Moreover, as someone who values efficiency in the kitchen, the convenience added by these dishwasher-friendly components cannot be overstated. After preparing foods like salsas or purees, which can leave a sticky residue, knowing I can simply place everything in the dishwasher allows me more time to enjoy with family instead of scrubbing away at the sink.

Buying Guide

When picking a food chopper, size matters. The KitchenAid KFC3516IC’s 3.5 cup capacity hits a sweet spot for small households or those preparing single servings. It’s not too big to hog counter space, nor too small that it can’t handle the average chopping task.

Multi-speed functionality is vital for versatility in the kitchen. This model offers two speeds plus pulse control, allowing me to tackle various ingredients with precision—whether I’m aiming for coarsely chopped nuts or a fine purée.

Ease of cleaning should never be underestimated when selecting kitchen appliances. Thankfully, this food chopper has dishwasher-safe parts—a feature I find invaluable as it saves time and simplifies cleanup after meal prep.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How compact is the KitchenAid KFC3516IC 3.5 Cup Food Chopper?

It’s small enough to fit comfortably on most countertops, with dimensions of 5.95″D x 7″W x 8.74″H.

Can I put parts of this food chopper in the dishwasher?

Yes, the work bowl, lid, and blade are all dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

What can I make with this KitchenAid food chopper?

This chopper is great for salsas, hummus, dressings, and sauces – perfect for quick prep tasks.

Is the KitchenAid food chopper suitable for making doughs or batters?

It’s designed primarily for chopping and pureeing; it might not be ideal for doughs or heavy batters.

Does this model have a cord storage feature?

Indeed it does! It has a simple cord wrap underneath to keep your counter clutter-free.

What makes the drizzle basin feature useful?

The drizzle basin allows you to add liquids like oils gradually while mixing—ideal for emulsified dressings or mayo.

Is there any BPA in the plastic components of this chopper?

Nope! The work bowl is BPA-free ensuring that your food prep stays safe from harmful chemicals.

Cordless vs Corded Food Chopper Comparison

When choosing between a cordless and corded KitchenAid food chopper, convenience versus constant power comes to mind. I’ve found that the freedom of a cordless model allows for flexibility in my kitchen space. No need to juggle with other appliances for an outlet or be confined to one spot.

However, this mobility does come at a cost—battery life. While I appreciate not being tethered to the wall, I must remember to recharge the unit after use. In contrast, a corded chopper is always ready for action as long as there’s an available power source.

The performance aspect also plays a crucial role here. A cordless chopper may struggle with tougher tasks due to limited battery capacity affecting its power output. My experience with denser foods like nuts has shown that while convenient, the motor strength in some cordless models can’t quite compare with their plugged-in counterparts.

On the flip side, if you’re chopping softer items such as herbs or cooked vegetables, both types perform admirably well. It’s when dealing with heavy-duty chopping that the difference becomes noticeable—the consistent energy supply of a corded appliance typically yields more uniform results.

Maintenance and longevity are further considerations; batteries eventually wear out and will require replacement or could lead to diminished performance over time. With direct electricity powering it, my corded KitchenAid chopper maintains consistent speed and efficiency without concern for battery degradation.

KitchenAid Food Chopper Performance Review

The KitchenAid Food Chopper is the best commercial food processor because of its efficiency. In my experience, this chopper handles tasks like pureeing hummus or salsa with ease. The two-speed setting is particularly useful; I’ve found that the lower speed works well for coarsely chopped vegetables while the higher speed achieves a fine puree.

The pulse feature adds an extra level of control which is crucial when you’re aiming for precision in texture. During use, I appreciated how simple it was to give ingredients a quick chop without overprocessing them – something that can be hard to achieve with more powerful food processors.

Despite being compact, this chopper doesn’t compromise on power. It’s surprisingly robust and has tackled every recipe challenge I’ve thrown at it, from creamy sauces to crunchy slaws. This versatility makes it suitable not only for simple dips but also for more complex culinary creations.

One potential downside is its size; while perfect for small batches, if you’re planning on cooking large meals or doing meal prep for the week ahead, you might find yourself having to process ingredients in multiple batches.

In terms of noise levels, this machine is relatively quiet compared to other food processors I’ve used before. It’s not silent by any means but certainly won’t disrupt conversation in the kitchen.

Cleaning up after using the chopper is hassle-free as well since most parts are dishwasher safe – a convenience that shouldn’t be underestimated when considering daily use appliances.

From creating quick dressings to finely grinding nuts and seeds, its performance remains consistent across various tasks. Moreover, due to its lightweight design and easy cord storage feature, moving it around and storing isn’t cumbersome at all – ideal for kitchens where space-saving is essential.

I did notice however that certain sticky ingredients can get under the blade which requires manual intervention at times.

Importance of Mini Food Processor

A mini food processor like the KitchenAid KFC3516IC is an essential tool for small-scale food preparation. Its compact size is a boon for kitchens with limited counter space. Despite its small footprint, it delivers powerful performance.

The 3.5 cup capacity of this KitchenAid model is perfect for quick tasks like chopping onions, making dressings, or preparing salsas. It’s not just about saving space; it’s also about the efficiency of having a machine that can quickly handle smaller quantities of food without the hassle of using a larger appliance.

In my experience, I’ve found the two-speed setting to be particularly useful. The lower speed works well for chunkier chops, while the higher speed achieves finer purees. The pulse feature gives me additional control over the texture, ensuring that I don’t over-process ingredients.

One might think that cleaning could be an issue with such a compact device, but that’s not the case here. The dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze. After whipping up some hummus or pesto, I simply disassemble the parts and pop them in the dishwasher.

However, it’s important to note that while this chopper is highly convenient for small jobs, it may not be suitable for more extensive food prep tasks due to its size limitations. For instance, when I’m hosting larger gatherings, I have to process ingredients in batches or switch to a full-size food processor.

The inclusion of a drizzle basin is another thoughtful touch, allowing for easy incorporation of oils or other liquids while mixing. This feature has made emulsifying vinaigrettes and mayonnaise much simpler in my kitchen endeavors.

I appreciate how lightweight and portable it is too. Whether I’m rearranging my kitchen appliances or need to bring it along to a cooking class, it’s never a burden to move around.

In conclusion, the KitchenAid KFC3516IC 3.5 Cup Food Chopper strikes an excellent balance between size and functionality. Its compact nature makes it an indispensable tool for small-batch processing and everyday kitchen tasks. While it might not replace a full-sized processor for more demanding workloads, its ease of use and cleaning convenience make it a valuable addition to any kitchen arsenal.

Key Takeaways

• The KitchenAid Food Chopper is highly efficient for small-batch food prep, with its 3.5 Cup Work Bowl making it ideal for quick tasks without taking up much counter space.
• Its Two Speeds with Pulse Operation offer versatility in processing, allowing for both coarse chops and fine purees to suit various recipes and preferences.
• The inclusion of a Stainless Steel Multi-purpose Blade ensures durability and effectiveness for chopping and pureeing a wide range of ingredients.
• The Drizzle Basin Feature is a standout, enabling the easy addition of liquids while in operation, which is perfect for emulsifying dressings and sauces.
• Maintenance is made simple with Dishwasher-safe Components, emphasizing the convenience factor of this kitchen gadget for everyday use.
• When considering a purchase, the Cordless vs Corded Food Chopper Comparison in the Buying Guide section provides valuable insights to determine the best fit for your kitchen needs.