Are you looking for a food processor or food chopper that has the safest food contact materials? Mamavation ranked all the most popular food processors and food choppers available based on the safest food contact materials and then ranked them into three categories. You’ve trusted Mamavation to cover topics like safest cookware, safest blenders, safest air fryers, & safest baking sheets, now join us as we bring you the best (& possibly worst) safe non-toxic food processors & food choppers.
Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. This post contains affiliate links.
Table of Contents
Food Processor Basics
Food processors are incredibly useful in the kitchen when you need to dice, chop, shred, slice, and grate something you are cooking in a matter of minutes. From chopping up carrots, onions, and other vegetables to go into soups, to making hummus or pesto puree, food processors are helpful in the kitchen. With great versatility, they are even helpful in making ingredients for sauces and smoothies, and even pizza dough.
However, not all food processors are created equal. For some the strength of pulses are stronger, for others, they have an easy cleanup or bigger buttons, while you’ll find other food processors being more compact. Mamavation is only going to look at the food contact materials of these machines to help you decipher which ones are safest for the hormonal health of your family and lifestyle. You’ll then have to go through them to decipher which types are best for you at the end of this post.
The most important part of the food processor in terms of hormonal health is the work bowl and what it’s made from because that is where most of the exposure comes from. Most of what we found were medium bowls that were made from plastic. This is the bowl where the food goes into while your food processor is blending your recipes. If this bowl is damaged, like if it’s cracked from being in the dishwasher, it’s important to get a new bowl. Second to the bowl in importance would be the additional attachments like the blades (we found were mostly made from stainless steel held together by plastic) and the lid which most of the time was a type of plastic. The lid is the least problematic part.
We did not find a perfect food processor that doesn’t have ANY plastic food contact materials. Even the ones made from plastic or stainless steel has some plastic food contact materials that hold the blades in place. This investigation will help you sort food processors by plastic exposure.
“Dishwasher Safe” is a Myth!
Most food processors will advertise themselves as dishwasher-safe, but this only means they will not melt in the dishwasher. Will the plastic break down in the dishwasher? Absolutely. This will happen slowly over time when it’s exposed to extreme heat like in the dishwasher. It’s never a good idea to put any type of polymer, like plastic or silicone, into the dishwasher if you are planning on eating off it again. The heat from the dishwasher breaks down the plastic and causes chemical additives to leach out of the food processor and into your food.
Plastic — The Laws of Leaching
As long as we are talking about leaching, let me share with you the simple rules of how plastic additives leach and what has to happen for those exposures to begin. Listed below are the most prevalent situations that would cause the leaching of mystery additives from plastics or any other type of polymer like silicone.
- Heat (like from the dishwasher or using hot food mixtures)
- High fat like butter or oils
- Acids like citrus acid in tomatoes
The presence of any of these situations can cause the leaching of mystery plastic additives out of your food processor and into your food. So if you are using a type of polycarbonate plastic food processer and you have put that product in the dishwasher a few times and then use it to make salsa or something with lots of oil like pesto, you may be exposing your food to the bisphenols inside the polycarbonate plastic.
Thermoplastic Food Contact Materials Inside Food Processors
Mamavation found many thermoplastic food contact materials that were used in various ways inside each food processor. Some of these materials are more concerning, while others are less concerning over time. However, it’s important to understand that this is not a perfect solution category. Any type of plastic will leach over time. This means over time, the plastic will break down and perhaps leach additives inside the plastic into the food that is prepared. So we recommend discontinuing the use of the food processor bowl when scratches or discoloration happen. We found many different types of plastics. Here’s more of what we found.
Polycarbonate (Bisphenols like BPA or BPS)
Most of the stronger and more expensive food processors are made with a type of polycarbonate plastic. This type of plastic is used because it’s exceptionally durable and doesn’t crack easily. But unfortunately, that type of sturdy plastic comes with its own toxic disadvantage — Bisphenols like BPA or BPS are hormone disruptors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the structural part of polycarbonate plastics is made from bisphenols like bisphenol-A (aka BPA). In fact, “general exposure to BPA at low levels comes from eating food or drinking water stored in containers that have BPA.” Mamavation noticed in our research most brands have swapped from BPA to another type of bisphenol, possibly BPS.
Just recently, the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) review shows that BPA exposure levels in the United States represent a “high health risk” for Americans of all ages. This new assessment and the recommended daily dose are about 250,000 times lower than what is recommended by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). In other words, Americans are exposed to levels of bisphenols that are considered unsafe in Europe. Therefore, it’s important to lower the amount of bisphenols you are exposed to through small kitchen appliances like food processors.
However, finding plastics free from bisphenols is harder to do than we realized. Based on how food processors are advertised to the public, it can get very confusing. It’s very easy to purchase a food processor product made from polycarbonate because it’s marketed as “BPA-free.” However, what they don’t tell you is they could be using another type of bisphenol, like bisphenol-S, as an alternative inside the plastic. Bisphenol-S is just as toxic and possibly worse. In our investigation of food processors, we found that most brands using polycarbonate were also calling their product “BPA-free.”
These chemicals are from the bisphenol family and are classified as hormone disruptors because they can disrupt your everyday hormonal processes. And they are common, like really common. In fact, over 93% of the population tests positive for BPA.
Bisphenols, like BPA, are linked to weight gain, infertility, early puberty, complications during IVF fertilization, hyperactivity in children, lowering vitamin D in the body, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, inflammation, oxidative stress, breast and prostate cancers.
Tritan (Specialty Polycarbonate Plastic)
Tritan is a copolyester plastic that’s manufactured exclusively by a company called Eastman and made without any bisphenols like BPA or BPS. It’s also very hard, durable, and impact resistant like other polycarbonates.
Eastman, the manufacturer of Tritan copolyester, has posted safety information on their website which provides details on its estrogenic activity (EA)-free testing methods and results, however, in 2013 the scientific peer-reviewed journal Food Chemistry tested Tritan and discovered the migration of DMIP (dimethyl isophthalate), BBP (benzylbutyl phthalate) and detectable BPA from Tritan.
Two other non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), 4-nonylphenol and 2-phenoxyethanol, were also found to leach from Tritan during this testing. In addition, Biomed Central’s Environmental Health journal conducted testing that showed estrogenic activity present in 3 Tritan resins with exposure to UV radiation in natural sunlight resulting in an increased release of EA chemicals. The journal also states that triphenyl-phosphate (TPP), an additive used to manufacture some thermoplastic resins such as Tritan, exhibited EA in both testing assays.
Very little has been done to look at Tritan since then. Eastman brought suit against competitors and won. Tritan claimed studies were done by commercially interested parties who stood to benefit from the fall of Eastman’s Tritan. So what does Mamavation recommend? The precautionary approach. We recommend avoiding Tritan as a precaution.
ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a type of plastic that is not as problematic as other types of polycarbonate. ABS is a less hormonally problematic type of plastic. Problems arise when ABS filament is inhaled by laboratory rats, but this type of exposure is more relevant to 3-D printing than to small kitchen appliances like food processors. Therefore, this would be considered a “better” option. However, it’s important to still understand that over time the plastic will break down and need to be replaced in order to prevent being exposed to mystery additives.
ABS is also cheaper to use and produce, so it’s been looked at over the years as the cheaper option. Another reason why it’s considered the cheaper option is the impact resistance may not be as strong, meaning it’s more likely to crack over time. And thus you’ll need to replace products made by ABS more often. But if you don’t want bisphenols or Tritan plastic, this is the better option.
You will not find many name-brand food processors made from ABS because polycarbonate is more flexible and has better impact resistance and tensile strength. Thus far, food processor companies have been successful in selling polycarbonate plastic by calling it “BPA-free.” We found enough of these units to make a “better” section.
Other Food Contact Materials Inside Food Processors
Stainless Steel
Many of the additional attachments, parts, and accessories like the chopping blade, dough blade, shredding disc, reversible slicing disc, grating disc, adjustable slicing disc, or reversible shredding disc are all made from stainless steel.
Stainless steel parts are not something we are concerned about in terms of food contact materials. They should be safe for most people who are not sensitive to nickel. We did not detect any brands that were marketing themselves as nickel free.
Glass
There are two basic grades of glass bowls you find when you rank food processors.
- Soda-lime glass — made from natural raw materials like limestone, soda ash, and sand. Thinner and less expensive to produce. Dishwasher safe. Non-toxic. The most common among reusable water bottles.
- Borosilicate glass — made from boric oxide, silica sand, alumina, and soda ash. Thicker and less likely to break when dropped. Dishwasher safe. Non-toxic, heat shock resistant, very strong, and shatterproof. Used in many applications.
We were VERY excited when we found food processors with glass bowls because we thought we had solved our plastic problem. Then Mamavation ordered a sample product to take a look at the components and found that there was a plastic piece that was inserted into the bowl that held the blades. That plastic piece would be in contact with your food and most brands are not disclosing what that plastic is made from. So although I love the idea of a glass bowl, there are no perfect food processors thus far.
Mamavation’s Investigation on Food Processors & Food Choppers
Not Our Favorite Food Processors & Food Choppers
Many things are going wrong with this category. Some possibilities are these products have very little information online and were not responsive to our emails and therefore we have no idea what their materials contain. Or we know the food contact surfaces are made from polycarbonate plastic that contains bisphenols like BPA or BPS. We also placed Tritan plastic in this category.
- Black and Decker 3 in-1 Easy Assembly 8 Cup Food Processor
- Brentwood Mini Food Chopper
- Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro
- Chefman Food Processor
- Courant 12 cup food processor
- Cuisinart 14 Cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart Pro 11 cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart 14 Cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart Kitchen Central 3 in 1 Food Processor
- Cuisinart Core Custom 10-Cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart Core Custom 4-cup chopper
- Cuisinart Pro Classic 7 Cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus 4 cup processor
- Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart Stainless Steel Chopper
- Davivy 16 cup Food Processor
- Fohere 12 cup Food Processor
- Gbasics Portable Cordless Mini Food Processor
- GE 12 cup Food Processor
- Hamilton Beach 8-cup food processor
- Hamilton Beach Model 72850- 3 Cup Chopper
- Hamilton Beach 8-cup stack and snap processor
- Hamilton Beach Stack and Snap 4 Cup Food Processor
- Hamilton Beach 10-cup food processor
- IMUSA Mini Food Chopper
- Kitchenaid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
- Kitchenaid Plastic Food Processor Attachment
- Kitchenaid 7 cup Food Processor
- Magic Bullet Kitchen Prep
- Mueller Ultraprep Food Processor
- Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor
- Nutrichef Multifunction Food Processor
- Oster 10-cup Food Processor
- Ovente Mini Food Processor
- Panasonic Food Processor
- Proctor/Silex 9 Cup Quick Clean Food Processor
- Proctor/ Silex 1.5 Cup Food Chopper
- Vitamix 12 cup Food Processor Ascent Bundle
- Zyliss Easy Pull Food Processor and Manual Chopper
Better Food Processors & Food Choppers
These food processors and food choppers are made from safer plastics like Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and/or polypropylene (PP) as food contact surfaces.
- Braun 8-cup Food Processor
- Costway Food Processor and Blender
- La Resevue Electric Mini Food Chopper
- La Revesue 4 cup Food Processor
- La Revesue Electric Mini Food Processor
- Magiccos 14 cup French Fry Cutter Food Processor
- Magiccos 14 Cup aluminum diecast food processor
- Nutribullet 7 Cup Food Processor
- OXO One Stop Chop Manual Processor
- Shardor Food Processor
Best Non-Toxic Food Processors & Food Choppers
These food processors and food choppers have mostly glass bowls. However, it’s important to understand that we couldn’t find a perfect processor. The reason the glass bowls or stainless steel bowls are not a perfect solution is because most of them have a plastic piece that touches the food inside that is connected to the stainless steel blades. Other than saying it’s “BPA-free” plastic, we do not know what that plastic piece is made from. We put these models here because overall, there is less plastic exposure in this category.
- 5 Core Meat Grinder Food Processor
- Acekool Small Electric Food Chopper
- Bear Food Processor & Electric Food Chopper
- Black + Decker Glass Bowl Chopper EHC3002R (currently unavailable)
- DSstyles Mini Food Processor
- Elechomes Food Processor
- Entcook 300W Mini Food Processor
- Hamilton Beach 3 Cup Glass Bowl Food Processor
- Homeleader Food Processor/Blender Combo
- Kocbelle Food Processor (1.3 cup)
- Lumme Food Chopper
- MOSAIC Food Processor
- Oster 3-Cup Mini Food Chopper
- Plodon Baby Food Maker
- Posame Small 4-Cup Food Processor FD01
- Redmond 8-Cup Food Processor
- Robot Coupe Stainless Steel Food Processor (Vintage)
- Syvio Food Chopper
- The Pioneer Woman Stack & Press Glass Bowl Food Chopper (3-Cup)
- TODO 1.0 L Food Processor
- Ultra AZ-CH903 Food Chopper
- Wolfgang Puck 350W Glass Bowl Chopper
Pordog
wow it looks like good
Tonya
It seems like all food processors leave room for improvement. How do you feel about the Kitchenaid Meat Grinder attachment? I believe it’s all aluminum… I am using it more for food grinding where I can, along with my knife and mortar and pestle.
I also read your article on immersion blenders and the issues. Would kitchenaid mixers or food processors not also have this risk if the motor is above the food?
Lynn
Syvio
I have sadly lost all trust in you.
This item is PURE CHINA CHEAP PLASTIC.
The smell overwhelmed me opening the box.
I’m mad you sold out when people trusted you. I no longer will.
Kim possible
I agree ..I believe these recommendations benefit the companies that sell the products. Not cool!
Mr Spock
The focus of this article is wrong. The real concern is the moving parts. If they are plastic and grind against each other, you could be left with billions of microplastic particles in your food. Almost a bilion after 30 seconds according to one study.
Emily Wilde
Yeah! This cool! Like after yoga! My life has been profoundly impacted by Kundalini yoga, bringing about self-awareness, inner tranquility, and improved physical health. This practice awakened dormant energy within me, resulting in increased vitality and mental clarity. Emotionally, I have found greater balance and resilience, while the spiritual aspect of Kundalini yoga has provided me with a sense of purpose and faith. Additionally, the practice has strengthened my body and overall well-being. For those interested in exploring Kundalini yoga further, I highly recommend visiting https://julstory.com/kundalini-yoga-for-beginners-a-comprehensive-guide/ for valuable information. This comprehensive guide is an excellent resource for personal growth and inner transformation.
Ed
Thank you so much for investigating the food processors! Very helpful.
Will you ever do Food Steamers?
Holly
Have you tested:
Kitchen in the box Food Processors,Small Meat Grinder & Food Chopper Electric Vegetable Chopper with 2 Bowls (8 Cup+8 Cup)& 2 Bi-Level Blades for Meat/fish/Vegetable/Baby Food (Black, 8cups+8cups)
Jessisca Milligan
hi
Joe
Eww — I guess these plastic warnings would apply to fruit and vegetable juicers too, but they might be another good rating undertaking for you.
Leah Segedie
Thanks! We are working on juicers now but not sure when it will be ready.
Trod
Hi.. grateful for what you do. Have you had opportunity to review juicers? I was unable to find when searched. Thank you!
BayMom
This is a valiant effort to find the lesser of evils. Unfortunately, since no corporation is actually trying to make safer items it is a lost cause. I have a Magimix I don’t use much because it is plastic. The ones with glass also have plastic and often have bad reviews. I would also be concerned about lead with all the painted name/designs on them. I read an article about immersion blenders that found that because the motor was at the top- particulates (including teflon) could migrate to the food. I would assume that with blenders if the machine is on the top it may pose a similar issue. I prefer to just do it the old fashioned way and chop up things with a knife. Regarding plastic problems your testing skills would be much needed for all the plastic we are faced with from dentists etc. The resin fillings, the mouthguard and retainers, the CPAP machines. There is very little oversight from the governing bodies on those. It is pretty much the fox watching the henhouse.
Heather Tubbs
You missed the best Mixer and Chopper on the market.
My contact info can be found on my site. I would love to tell you about it, It will be well worth your time I promise you that. And no, what I am talking about isn’t on my site, as it’s only offered to my private clients. I would have if I could have easily found a way to contact you on your site. Reach out. I promise you will be blown away.
ROLF HEBENSTREIT
Very interested, where can I get one ??? Rolf