Food Processor vs. Immersion Blender: Which Do You Actually Need?
Both do similar things, but one is likely better for your needs. Here's how to figure out which you actually need.
I own both. I use both for different things. Here's how to figure out which you actually need.
Both do similar things, but one is likely better for your needs.
Food Processor
Best For: Large batches, dough (pie crust, biscuit), shredding cheese, chopping many vegetables at once, making nut butters.
Not Great For: Smooth purées (leaves texture), hot liquids (dangerous), single servings.
Immersion Blender
Best For: Smooth soups (right in the pot), small batches, hot liquids (safe), single smoothies, emulsifying sauces.
Not Great For: Dough, large quantities, shredding.
My Recommendation by Use Case
If You Bake a Lot: Get a food processor. Making pie crust and biscuit dough is so much easier.
If You Make a Lot of Soup: Get an immersion blender. You can blend right in the pot.
If You Do Both: Get both. They're not redundant—they serve different purposes.
My Specific Picks
Food Processor: The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor is the standard for home kitchens—about one hundred fifty dollars.
Immersion Blender: The Braun MultiQuick Hand Blender is powerful and comfortable to hold—about forty dollars.
The Bottom Line
If you can only have one and you cook mostly soups and smoothies, the immersion blender is more versatile. If you bake or cook for groups, the food processor is more useful.
Related: Read our full Best Food Processor 2026: Cuisinart vs Breville (We Tested Both) for detailed product comparisons and recommendations.