Every commercial food processor gets a score from 0 to 100% built from six factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Processors are grouped by type, batch bowl and continuous feed (combination units and vegetable prep machines), and use the same scale in both groups.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per 1,000 W of motor power | 25% |
| Capacity | batch bowl capacity | 15% |
| Power | motor rating | 15% |
| Discs | slicing, shredding, grating and dicing discs in the box | 15% |
| Sanitation | NSF or ETL Sanitation listing | 15% |
| Warranty | parts and labor warranty length | 15% |
Where the numbers come from
Bowl capacity, motor rating, discs, sanitation listing, electrical rating and warranty come from the maker’s specification sheet or product page, or from the maker’s own copy on a retail listing where no spec sheet is published. Where the maker’s own figures conflict (for example a spec sheet that lists discs as optional and a listing that says they are included), the figure is left out rather than guessed. Prices are checked at the stores each page links to, and the lowest price is used.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the motor power, in dollars per 1,000 W, on a log scale, so halving the price always counts the same. $2,500 per 1,000 W scores zero and $250 per 1,000 W full marks. Motors rated in horsepower are converted at 746 W per hp.
Capacity is the batch bowl size: 2 qt scores zero and 8 qt full marks. A prosumer bowl rated in cups is converted at 4 cups per quart. A vegetable prep machine has no batch bowl, so this factor scores neutral for it.
Power is the motor rating: 500 W scores zero and 1,500 W full marks. Some makers quote peak horsepower, which overstates what a motor holds under load; the rating is scored as published and labeled peak on the product page.
Discs counts the slicing, shredding, grating, whipping and dicing discs and kits in the box: none scores zero and six full marks. Many commercial machines ship with only the S-blade or with no discs at all, and a disc set bought separately can cost several hundred dollars.
Sanitation is full marks for an NSF or ETL Sanitation listing, which most health inspectors look for in a licensed kitchen, and zero without one.
Warranty is the maker’s parts and labor warranty: 1 year scores zero and 3 years full marks. A longer motor-only warranty is shown on the product page but not scored.
What isn’t scored
Bowl material, speeds, continuous-feed output per hour, voltage and amperage, weight and release date are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. Two factors are exceptions. A processor with no published sanitation listing is scored as unlisted, and a maker that doesn’t publish a warranty gets no warranty counted, so each of those factors scores zero and is marked estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.