Braun FP3020 12 Cup Food Processor Review

One unique feature of this food processor, at least among those that made the cut to be featured on our list of the best food processors, is that the motor housing is off to one side instead of underneath the working bowl. Another, which is no less important, is that it has separate control knobs for speed and activation (either pulsed or continuous). Since slicing at the correct speed has a pretty important influence on the results, this level of control will appeal to someone who is used to using a food processor and wants to do more than just turning large chunks into smaller ones.

It is also, despite a decent power rating, one of the quietest food processors around. This is partly because you’re able to adjust the speed to such a fine degree and partly due to its belt-coupled design. If you’re planning to make fresh baby food on a regular basis, this low noise level is an important consideration.

All the Extras

A wide range of attachments, including a citrus juicer, gives you all the processing options you’re likely to need. For a little extra cash, you can also add a thicker slicing blade, a French fry attachment and a smaller chopping bowl for sauces, herbs and the like.

Due to a special bowl design, this food processor doesn’t leak even with as much as 9 cups of liquid inside. This characteristic almost makes it an option if you actually want a blender/food processor combo like the Ninja, though it doesn’t have that machine’s formidable blade system. Specifically, it isn’t intended to crush ice and will not puree fruit to a total pulp if they’re swimming in a liquid like yogurt.

The bowl itself – the Achilles’ heel of all food processors – is noticeably thicker and tougher than most. All the parts fit together very well without fiddling. Weirdly, there’s some divergence of opinion, even in the manufacturer’s own documentation, over whether or not the bowl and other plastic parts are dishwasher safe. In any case, if you simply put a small amount of soapy water in the machine and run it for a few seconds immediately after use, you need do little more than rinse it out.

Once everything is assembled, you can’t remove the lid without twisting the entire bowl off the base, which is either a hassle or a safety feature depending on how you look at it.

The Perks of German Design

This particular product is designed by Germans and made in Hungary. With the exception of some KitchenAid products, most food processors nowadays hail from Chinese manufacturing facilities. Though the warranty is only for 12 months, the build quality is really pretty good and you shouldn’t expect any problems. While many other brands’ products sometimes arrive dead on arrival, this rarely happens with Braun.

Though you can find more powerful motors, this appliance works well with dough and can also whip cream and egg whites effectively – some of the benefits of being able to select between more than only one speed. Getting to know which setting to use for each task may take a little experimentation, but it’s good to know you can crank it up to 15 to get fluffy whipped egg whites and dial it down for pizza dough.

With the motor mounted to one side, it may be easier to store, though this machine’s appearance will not appeal to everyone. A protective cover for the razor-sharp S-blade is a nice touch, especially as an accessory storage box is not included.

All in all, this food processor is much more powerful and versatile than its size (a little over 10 inches high with the lid upside down for storage) and 10-pound weight would suggest.

In fact, it may even have been more useful if it had been heavier or had suction cup feet: if working on a heavy load, it tends to walk around the counter a little. Placing it on a dishcloth or rubber mat will solve this problem.