The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper and the 5 Cup Food Chopper are designed for quick kitchen tasks but differ mainly in capacity, accessories, and power. The 3.5-cup model is a compact, affordable tool perfect for small jobs like chopping herbs or garlic, while the 5-cup model offers more versatility with a larger bowl, a whisking accessory, and a slightly stronger motor for handling bigger batches.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid food chopper for your meal prep needs.
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is a small powerhouse designed for everyday prep tasks and small kitchens. It excels at quickly chopping, mixing, and puréeing small quantities, making it ideal for sauces, dressings, or chopping ingredients for a single meal. Its simple operation and compact footprint make it a go-to tool for cooks who value speed and efficiency for minimal prep work.
- What it is: A compact food chopper for basic, small-batch food preparation.
- Key features: 3.5-cup BPA-free work bowl with pour spout and handle, two speed settings (Chop/Purée), pulse operation, and a drizzle basin in the lid for adding liquids during processing.
- Price: Around $50 to $70.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8" H x 4" D x 8" W.
- Materials/Construction: Lightweight plastic body, stainless steel multi-purpose blade, and a BPA-free plastic work bowl.
- Style: Features the classic KitchenAid aesthetic with smooth lines and is available in a wide range of colors to match other appliances.
- Pros: Very compact and lightweight, easy to store and clean. Affordable price point. Simple, one-touch operation is intuitive for quick tasks. Perfect for small quantities of herbs, nuts, dressings, or homemade baby food.
- Cons: Limited capacity is not suitable for family-sized meals or batch prepping. Struggles with very tough ingredients like hard cheeses or dense vegetables. Lacks the attachments found on larger models.
This chopper is an excellent choice for individuals, couples, or anyone with limited kitchen and counter space who needs a reliable tool for daily small-scale prep.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/p.3.5-cup-food-chopper.kfc3516er.html
KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper
The KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper is a step up in both size and versatility, designed beautifully for home cooks who need a bit more capacity. While still compact, it offers enough space to handle larger batches of sauces, dips, and chopped vegetables. The inclusion of a whisking accessory transforms it from a simple chopper into a multi-functional prep tool that can also whip cream or emulsify vinaigrettes.
- What it is: A mid-size food chopper designed for larger batches and expanded functionality.
- Key features: 5-cup BPA-free work bowl, two speed settings and pulse, stainless steel multi-purpose blade for chopping and mixing, and a dedicated whisking accessory.
- Price: Around $70 to $100.
- Dimensions: Approximately 9" H x 5" D x 9" W.
- Materials/Construction: Sturdy plastic base, BPA-free work bowl, and a more robust motor than the 3.5-cup model.
- Style: Maintains KitchenAid's signature timeless design, available in several core colors that fit seamlessly into a modern kitchen aesthetic.
- Pros: Increased capacity is great for small families or prepping multiple meals. Whisking attachment adds useful versatility beyond chopping. Still relatively compact and easy to store. More powerful motor handles ingredients more effectively.
- Cons: More expensive than the 3.5-cup version. Takes up more counter and cabinet space. Though more versatile, it does not include slicing or shredding discs like larger food processors.
Users who cook frequently, prepare meals for more than one person, or want a single tool for both chopping and whipping will find great value in this model.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/p.5-cup-food-chopper.kfc0516bm.html
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup vs. 5 Cup Food Chopper Comparison
Capacity & Size
The most obvious difference is the capacity. The 3.5-cup model is best for single servings of pesto, a handful of nuts, or roughly one onion. It’s perfect for minimalists or those with small kitchens where every inch counts. Its small, approximately 8-inch by 4-inch footprint makes it incredibly easy to tuck away.
The 5 Cup Food Chopper provides a noticeable increase in volume - nearly 40% more space. This means you can make a full batch of hummus or salsa without having to process it in multiple batches. Though larger at around 9 inches by 5 inches, it remains compact enough for most kitchens, offering a practical middle-ground between a mini-chopper and a full-size food processor.
Performance & Features
Both choppers feature two speed settings - one for coarse chopping and another for fine pureeing - plus a pulse function for precise control. However, their performance differs in other areas. The 3.5-cup model sticks to the basics with a single multi-purpose blade designed for chopping, mixing, and pureeing.
The 5-cup model not only has a slightly stronger motor for more consistent processing of larger quantities but also includes a whisking accessory. This simple attachment allows you to whip cream, egg whites, or emulsify dressings directly in the work bowl, adding a layer of functionality the smaller model lacks.
Price & Value
The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper typically retails for $50-$70, making it an excellent budget-friendly option. For someone who just needs a quick, simple tool for basic tasks, it offers fantastic value and signature KitchenAid quality without a large investment.
Priced between $70 and $100, the 5-cup version costs slightly more. However, that extra $20-$30 gets you significantly more capacity and the added function of the whisk. If you plan to use it for more than just chopping garlic and herbs, the extra versatility provides a better long-term value and may prevent you from needing to buy a separate small appliance.
Design & Footprint
Both models share KitchenAid's recognizable, sleek design and are available in an array of classic colors like black, white, and empire red. They look great on a countertop and aesthetically complement other KitchenAid appliances. The primary design difference is the physical footprint.
The 3.5-cup chopper is exceptionally small and light, making it a great choice for kitchens in apartments, dorms, or RVs. The 5-cup model is noticeably more substantial. While still manageable, it demands more dedicated counter or cabinet space, which is an important consideration for anyone with a crowded kitchen.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these KitchenAid choppers are excellent tools, but they are built for different users and kitchen routines.
Choose the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup model if:
- You have minimal storage or counter space.
- You typically cook for just one or two people.
- Your main goal is to quickly chop small items like garlic, herbs, and nuts.
- Budget is your top priority, and you need a simple tool that just works.
Choose the KitchenAid 5 Cup model if:
- You often cook for a small family or enjoy batch-prepping ingredients.
- You want the ability to make larger quantities of sauces, dips, or dressings.
- The idea of a whisking accessory for whipping cream or making mayonnaise is appealing.
- You’re willing to invest a little more for greater versatility and capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup and 5 Cup choppers?
The primary differences are capacity, features, and price. The 5-cup model has a larger bowl (5 cups vs. 3.5 cups), comes with a whisking accessory for more versatility, and has a slightly more powerful motor. The 3.5-cup model is smaller, more affordable, and designed for basic chopping and pureeing tasks.
Can the 3.5 Cup chopper handle tough ingredients like hard cheese?
The 3.5 Cup Chopper works best with softer ingredients. While it can handle some hard cheeses in very small, pre-cut cubes, it may struggle. For a more consistent result with hard ingredients, a larger food processor with more power is recommended.
Do these choppers come with a slicing or shredding disc?
No, neither the 3.5-cup nor the 5-cup model includes slicing or shredding discs. They are designed as "choppers" with a multi-purpose blade for chopping, mixing, and pureeing, along with a whisk on the 5-cup model. For slicing and shredding, you would need to look at KitchenAid's full-size food processors.
Are the bowls and blades dishwasher-safe?
Yes, for both models, the lid, work bowl, and multi-purpose blade are top-rack dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup quick and easy.
How many speed settings do they have?
Both the 3.5-cup and 5 Cup Chopper have two speed settings, accessed via the one-touch operation lever, plus a pulse function for more granular control over texture.
Which model is better for making hummus?
The 5-cup model is significantly better for making hummus, as it can comfortably accommodate the volume of a standard can of chickpeas and other ingredients for a good-sized batch. The 3.5-cup can make a very small, single-serving portion.
Is the whisking accessory on the 5-cup model effective?
Yes, the whisking attachment is effective for light tasks like whipping cream, beating egg whites for a small meringue, or creating emulsified dressings and mayonnaise. However, it is not a replacement for a hand mixer or stand mixer for heavier tasks like creaming butter and sugar.
What colors are available for these models?
Both models come in a variety of classic KitchenAid colors, such as Empire Red, Onyx Black, Contour Silver, and White. Availability can vary by retailer, so it's always best to check the product listing for current options.
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