The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper and the 5 Cup Food Chopper primarily differ in capacity and control. The 3.5 Cup model is smaller and has a simple one-touch operation perfect for quick, small jobs, while the 5 Cup offers a larger bowl, a whisking accessory, and two speeds for more preparation versatility.
Here’s a detailed look at both models to help you decide which KitchenAid chopper is the right fit for your kitchen.
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Chopper is a compact and efficient tool designed for everyday small-scale tasks. Its simplicity and small footprint make it a favorite for quick prep work like chopping herbs, making small batches of salsa, or puréeing baby food without occupying much counter space.
- What it is: A mini food processor with a 3.5-cup capacity designed for chopping, mixing, and puréeing small quantities.
- Key features: One-touch operation with two speeds (Chop/Purée) and Pulse, drizzle basin on the lid for adding liquids, and a locking stainless steel blade.
- Price: Around $40 - $60.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8.7" H x 5.6" W x 5.6" D. Its compact size makes storage easy.
- Materials/Construction: Features a BPA-free plastic work bowl and lid, with a durable stainless steel multi-purpose blade.
- Pros: Extremely compact and lightweight. Simple to use with one-touch controls. Ideal for dressings, sauces, and chopping small ingredients like garlic and nuts. Affordable and easy to clean (bowl, lid, and blade are dishwasher-safe).
- Cons: Limited capacity means it's not suitable for meal prep or larger families. Motor can be strained by very hard ingredients. Lacks the versatility of multiple blades or attachments.
This chopper is ideal for individuals, couples, or anyone with a small kitchen who needs a reliable tool for simple, daily food prep tasks.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/food-processors/food-choppers/p.3.5-cup-food-chopper.kfc3516er.html
KitchenAid 5 Cup Food Chopper
The KitchenAid 5 Cup Chopper offers enhanced capacity and functionality while maintaining a relatively small footprint. It's built for cooks who need a bit more room for ingredients and more control over their food processing, tackling everything from chopping vegetables to whipping cream.
- What it is: A versatile food chopper with a 5-cup capacity, two speeds, and a whisking attachment for expanded culinary use.
- Key features: Stainless steel multi-purpose blade, special whisk accessory, two speeds and Pulse function for precise control. Drizzle basin integrated into the lid.
- Price: Around $50 - $80.
- Dimensions: Roughly 10" H x 6.4" W x 6" D. It's slightly larger but still manageable on a counter.
- Materials/Construction: Constructed with a sturdy BPA-free plastic work bowl and a locking stainless steel blade, similar to the smaller model.
- Pros: Increased 5-cup capacity handles larger recipes. Included whisk accessory adds versatility for making whipped cream, vinaigrettes, or mayonnaise. Two-speed operation offers more control. Still relatively compact for its capacity.
- Cons: Costs a bit more than the 3.5 cup model. Takes up slightly more storage and counter space. Still isn't a full-sized food processor for tasks like kneading dough.
For small families or home cooks who frequently prepare meals from scratch, this chopper provides the right balance of size and versatility.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/food-processors/food-choppers/p.5-cup-food-chopper.kfc0516bm.html
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup vs. 5 Cup Chopper Comparison
Capacity & Sizing
The most obvious difference is the work bowl capacity. The 3.5-cup model is designed for very small jobs - think a handful of herbs, a couple of cloves of garlic, or a single-serving sauce. Attempting to process larger amounts requires working in multiple batches, which can be inefficient.
The 5 Cup Chopper gives you an extra 1.5 cups of space, which makes a practical difference. You can chop a full onion, prepare a dip for a few people, or mix a small batch of ingredients without overcrowding the bowl. Physically, it's only about 1-2 inches larger in height and width, so it doesn't represent a huge jump in required storage space.
Performance & Features
Performance diverges mainly due to speed options and attachments. The 3.5 Cup Chopper offers two speeds (Chop and Purée) that are controlled via a single button, which simplifies operation for users who just want to get the job done quickly.
The 5 Cup Chopper also has two speeds and a Pulse operation, giving you more nuanced control over the texture of your ingredients. The key feature enhancement is the included whisking accessory. This simple attachment allows you to whip liquids, transforming the chopper into a multi-purpose tool for making whipped cream, emulsifying dressings, or making mayonnaise - tasks the 3.5 cup model can't perform.
Price & Value
There's generally a $10 to $20 price difference between the two models. The 3.5 Cup Chopper is an excellent entry-level option for those on a strict budget or who are unsure how often they’ll use a food chopper. It provides core functionality at a very accessible price point.
However, the 5 Cup Chopper often presents better overall value. For a small additional cost, you get 40% more capacity and the added functionality of the whisk accessory. If you plan to use it for more than just basic chopping, that small price increase buys a much more useful kitchen tool.
Style & Design
Aesthetically, both choppers are pure KitchenAid. They feature the brand's signature classic, rounded design and are available in a wide array of colors like Empire Red, Onyx Black, and Contour Silver. Both models include user-friendly features like a locking lid, pour spout, and integrated handle.
The design philosophy is identical, the only real difference is their physical size. They both look great on a countertop and fit well within the broader KitchenAid ecosystem of appliances. Your choice here won't be based on looks, but purely on function and size.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both food choppers are excellent small appliances, but they are built for slightly different users and kitchen routines.
Choose the 3.5 Cup Chopper if:
- You have a very small kitchen with limited counter and storage space.
- You primarily cook for one or two people.
- Your main needs are chopping small items like herbs, garlic, and nuts, or making single-portion sauces.
- Budget is a primary concern, and you want the most affordable option.
Choose the 5 Cup Chopper if:
- You often meal prep or cook for a small family (2-3 people).
- You want the versatility to whisk ingredients for homemade dressings, whipped cream, or dips.
- You have a bit more storage space and value the convenience of a larger capacity.
- You see the value in spending slightly more for a more capable and multi-functional appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the KitchenAid 3.5 and 5 Cup choppers?
The two main differences are capacity and features. The 5 Cup model holds 1.5 more cups of ingredients and comes with a whisking accessory for whipping and emulsifying, which the 3.5 cup model does not have.
Is the 5 Cup chopper worth the extra money?
For most people, yes. The slight price increase gets you significantly more capacity and the added versatility of the whisk, which broadens the range of recipes you can make. If you plan to use it more than just occasionally, the 5 Cup version offers a much better value.
Which chopper is better for a small kitchen?
The 3.5 Cup Chopper is the better choice for very tight spaces. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it easier to store in a cabinet or tuck away in a corner of your countertop.
Can both models make sauces and dressings?
Yes, both choppers are great for making sauces, dressings, and dips. Both models feature a drizzle basin in the lid that allows you to slowly add liquid ingredients like oil while the machine is running, which is perfect for creating emulsifications like vinaigrettes.
Are the attachments and bowls dishwasher safe?
Yes, for both the 3.5 Cup and 5 Cup models, the work bowl, lid, and stainless steel blade are all top-rack dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick and easy.
How powerful are the motors?
Both choppers have motors powerful enough for their intended tasks, such as chopping nuts, cooked vegetables, and herbs. While KitchenAid doesn't always specify wattage, they are designed to be efficient for small-batch processing. They aren't meant for heavy-duty tasks like kneading dough or grinding tough spices.
Can these choppers crush ice?
No, these food choppers are not designed to crush ice. Doing so could damage the blade and strain the motor. For crushing ice, a dedicated blender with an ice-crush setting is recommended.
What is the warranty on these products?
Both the 3.5 Cup and 5 Cup food choppers typically come with KitchenAid's standard 1-Year Hassle-Free Replacement Warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
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