In the bustling world of modern kitchens, where time is a precious commodity and culinary creativity knows no bounds, a reliable food processor isn’t just a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity. As a seasoned Food Processor consultant with over 15 years in the kitchen appliance industry and a dedicated content creator for KitchenPro, I’ve seen countless machines come and go. But every now and then, a standout appliance emerges that truly redefines efficiency and ease. The Kitchenaid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus is precisely one such innovation, designed to transform your daily meal prep from a chore into a joy.
Imagine effortlessly chopping, shredding, slicing, and pureeing, all with one versatile machine. This isn’t just about saving time; it’s about unlocking a world of culinary possibilities, making healthy home-cooked meals more accessible than ever. Let’s dive deep into what makes this KitchenAid powerhouse an essential tool for any modern kitchen.
The Heart of Your Kitchen: What Makes the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus Shine
The beauty of the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus lies in its thoughtful design and robust performance, blending power with unparalleled user-friendliness.
Effortless Power & Versatility
At its core, this food processor is built to tackle a wide array of ingredients with remarkable efficiency. Its improved multi-purpose four-blade design is a game-changer, capable of processing even tougher ingredients and mincing meat in a mere 10 seconds. I’ve seen it firsthand, and it’s truly impressive how quickly it transforms chunks of chicken or beef into finely ground meat for burgers or meatballs.
Beyond mincing, the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus excels at:
- Chopping: Onions, garlic, herbs, nuts – achieving consistent, uniform pieces every time.
- Shredding: Perfect for grating cheese for pizza or tacos, or shredding cabbage for a crisp coleslaw, thanks to its reversible slicing/shredding disc.
- Slicing: Whether it’s cucumbers for a salad or potatoes for a gratin, the reversible disc offers convenience, though for ultra-thin, delicate slices, a dedicated mandoline might still be your go-to.
- Pureeing: Smooth soups, creamy hummus, or homemade baby food are just a few pulses away.
- Kneading: The included dough blade makes light work of preparing dough for fresh bread, pizza crusts, or pie crusts. This feature alone is a huge time-saver for any aspiring baker.
- Whisking: Yes, this food processor even comes with a whisk accessory! Imagine whipping cream to perfection or creating light, fluffy butter infused with your favorite herbs. It’s truly a multi-tasker.
Smart Design for Modern Living
KitchenAid understands that a great appliance isn’t just about performance; it’s about seamless integration into your daily life. The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus is a testament to this philosophy.
- All-in-One Storage Solution: This is a feature I rave about constantly. All the blades and discs, including the multi-purpose blade, reversible slicing/shredding disc, thick slicing disc, and dough blade, store neatly and compactly directly inside the 9-cup work bowl. No more rummaging through drawers or dedicating precious cabinet space to accessory boxes. It’s genius!
- Snap-and-Go, Easy-Clean Work Bowl: Gone are the days of wrestling with complex twist-and-lock mechanisms. This model features an easy, twist-free, one-click bowl assembly with a latched lid, making setup and takedown incredibly simple.
- 2-in-1 Feed Tube: This clever design allows you to process ingredients of various shapes and sizes efficiently. The smaller inner tube is perfect for slender items like carrots or celery, while the larger outer tube accommodates bigger pieces, reducing pre-cutting time. You can even drizzle in liquids like oil for emulsifying dressings or mayonnaise through the small opening.
- Simple Controls with 3 Speed Options: Operating this food processor is intuitive. With clearly marked High, Low, and Pulse speed options, controlled by easy-press paddles and illuminated LED controls, you have precise command over your food prep. The pulse function is invaluable for achieving the perfect texture, preventing over-processing.
A Breeze to Clean
Let’s be honest, cleaning is often the least favorite part of cooking. KitchenAid has truly nailed it with the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus. All the accessories, including the work bowl and lid, are dishwasher-safe. The sealed, leak-resistant work bowl design minimizes food getting trapped, which means less scrubbing for you. For a quick clean between tasks, simply add warm water and a drop or two of dish soap to the bowl, pulse for a few seconds, rinse, and you’re good to go. It’s a game-changer for busy households.
Beyond the Basics: Unlocking Your Culinary Potential
With the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus, your culinary horizons expand dramatically.
Daily Prep Made Simple
Imagine shredding an entire block of cheese in seconds, preparing a vibrant salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro in minutes, or finely chopping a batch of vegetables for a stir-fry without breaking a sweat. This food processor makes these everyday tasks effortless, giving you more time to enjoy your cooking and less time on tedious prep work.
Baking Adventures
For those who love to bake, the dough blade is a true revelation. From kneading a perfect pizza dough for a Friday night gathering to preparing a flaky pie crust for a fresh apple pie, the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus handles it all. And don’t forget the whisk accessory for whipping up cream for desserts or creating infused butters for artisanal breads.
Creative Cooking
This machine empowers you to get truly creative. Mince your own chicken, beef, or pork for healthier, fresher ground meat dishes. Prepare smooth purees for sauces or homemade baby food, ensuring you know exactly what ingredients go into your family’s meals. It’s a fantastic tool for making pesto, nut butters, or even grinding spices for unique flavor blends.
Is the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus Right for You?
As a kitchen expert, I always emphasize that the “best” appliance is the one that fits your lifestyle.
Ideal User Profile
The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus is an excellent choice for:
- Small to Medium Families: Its 9-cup capacity is perfect for preparing meals for 3-5 people without being overly bulky.
- Everyday Cooks: If you frequently chop vegetables, shred cheese, or make sauces, this machine will be your new best friend.
- Those Valuing Compact Storage: The in-bowl storage is a huge plus for kitchens with limited counter or cabinet space.
- Baking Enthusiasts: The dough blade makes it a versatile tool for both savory and sweet creations.
- Anyone Seeking Ease of Use and Cleaning: The one-click assembly and dishwasher-safe parts truly simplify the process.
Considerations
While highly versatile, it’s good to keep expectations realistic. If you regularly cook for very large gatherings or need to process massive batches of ingredients, you might find yourself wanting a larger capacity model, like KitchenAid’s 13-cup food processor. Also, while it slices well, some professional reviews note that for extremely thin, uniform slices of delicate items like tomatoes, some higher-end or specialized models might offer a slightly finer touch. However, for most everyday slicing needs, it performs admirably.
Overall, it strikes an excellent balance, offering robust features and performance without the hefty price tag or significant footprint of some professional-grade machines.
Maximizing Your Food Processor’s Life: Tips & Tricks
To ensure your KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus serves you faithfully for years, here are a few expert tips:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Before processing, cut larger items into roughly 1-inch pieces. This ensures more even processing and reduces strain on the motor.
- Don’t Overfill: For optimal results and to prevent strain, don’t fill the work bowl more than halfway, especially for chopping or pureeing.
- Master the Pulse: The pulse function is your best friend for achieving desired textures. A few quick pulses often work better than continuous running, which can lead to over-processing.
- Chill for Shredding/Slicing: Foods like cheese and soft vegetables (e.g., zucchini) shred and slice best when cold and firm.
- Clean Promptly: Rinse components immediately after use to prevent food from drying and sticking, making cleanup even easier. Utilize the quick-clean method with warm soapy water!
- Proper Storage: Always store the blades and discs inside the work bowl as designed. This keeps them organized and safe, preventing accidental damage or injury.
Expert Insights: Elevating Your Kitchen Game
“The modern kitchen is all about intelligent tools that simplify complex tasks without compromising on quality,” says Chef Antoine Dubois, a culinary innovator and fellow KitchenPro contributor. “The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus perfectly embodies this philosophy. Its blend of power, thoughtful storage, and user-friendly design means home cooks can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the art of cooking. It’s a genuine asset for anyone serious about elevating their homemade meals.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus do?
The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus can chop, shred, slice, mince, puree, knead dough, and even whisk cream. It’s a versatile multi-tasker for a wide range of kitchen prep.
Is the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus easy to clean?
Yes, it’s designed for easy cleaning. All its accessories, including the work bowl and lid, are dishwasher-safe. The sealed, leak-resistant work bowl also helps prevent food from getting trapped, simplifying manual rinsing.
Can it handle dough?
Absolutely! The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus comes with a specialized dough blade that makes kneading various types of dough, from pizza to bread, quick and effortless.
How does its storage work?
This model features an all-in-one in-bowl storage solution. All the blades and discs can be stored neatly and compactly directly inside the 9-cup work bowl when not in use, saving cabinet space.
Is it suitable for large families or meal prepping?
For most small to medium families and regular meal prep, the 9-cup capacity is ample. However, for very large batch cooking or entertaining big groups, a larger capacity food processor might be more suitable.
What accessories come with the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus?
Typically, it includes a 9-cup work bowl, lid with a 2-in-1 feed tube, multi-purpose 4-blade, reversible thin/medium slicing/shredding disc, thick slicing disc, and a dough blade. A whisk accessory is also often included with the “Plus” model.
Conclusion
The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus stands out as a formidable ally in any kitchen, marrying robust performance with ingenious design. Its ability to chop, shred, slice, puree, knead, and even whisk, coupled with its smart in-bowl storage and effortless cleaning, makes it an invaluable tool for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs. It’s an investment in efficiency, culinary exploration, and ultimately, in enjoying more delicious, homemade meals with less fuss. If you’re ready to revolutionize your kitchen workflow and unleash your inner chef, this KitchenAid powerhouse is ready to join your team. Go ahead, give your cooking the upgrade it deserves!