The standard KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor and its "Plus" counterpart share the same iconic design and reliable brand heritage, but their core differences come down to power, included attachments, and price. The Plus model is a more powerful, versatile unit with a wider array of accessories designed for serious home chefs, while the standard version is an excellent and more affordable choice for everyday meal prep.
Here's a detailed look at both KitchenAid models to help you decide which one belongs on your countertop.
KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor
The standard KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor is the workhorse option for most small to medium-sized households. It's an easy-to-use, reliable appliance that handles essential tasks like chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, and mixing sauces without fuss. Its sleek design and compact footprint make it ideal for casual cooks who prioritize straightforward performance and easy storage.
- What it is: A mid-sized food processor designed for everyday kitchen prep tasks with simple controls and a 9-cup capacity.
- Key features: Twist-free, one-click bowl assembly and latched lid. Two speeds plus a pulse setting. Comes with essential accessories, including a multi-purpose blade and a medium reversible slicing/shredding disc.
- Price: Typically ranges from $150 to $200.
- Style: Features KitchenAid's classic retro-inspired aesthetic in a range of colors. Its compact and streamlined design fits well on most kitchen counters.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable plastic base, a BPA-free work bowl, and sharp stainless steel blades. Motors typically fall in the 540-600 watt range.
- Pros: Easy to assemble and clean. Compact footprint is great for smaller kitchens. More affordable price point. Handles all basic food prep tasks effectively.
- Cons: Less powerful motor may struggle with thick doughs or very dense foods. Comes with fewer attachments than the Plus model. Not ideal for large-batch or very intensive cooking projects.
This model is perfect for home cooks who need a dependable and stylish food processor for daily meal prep and don't require specialized attachments.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/collection/9-cup-food-processor-kfp0918
KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus
The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus is designed for the enthusiast home chef who demands more power and versatility. It takes the solid foundation of the standard model and upgrades it with a more powerful motor and a wider range of accessories, allowing for more complex tasks like dicing vegetables, kneading dough, and creating various slice thicknesses.
- What it is: An enhanced 9-cup food processor with a stronger motor and additional attachments for advanced food preparation.
- Key features: More powerful motor (often 720-950 watts). Includes all the standard accessories plus a thick slicing disc, a dough blade, and sometimes a dicing kit. May include an accessories storage caddy.
- Price: Generally priced between $200 and $250.
- Style: Maintains the iconic KitchenAid look, sometimes with a slightly more robust base to accommodate the more powerful motor.
- Materials/Construction: Similar high-quality BPA-free plastic bowl and stainless steel blades, often paired with a sturdier base and potential motor overload protection for longevity.
- Pros: More powerful motor handles tough ingredients and dough with ease. Increased versatility with more included attachments. Offers better long-term value for frequent cooks. Often comes with a storage solution for all the parts.
- Cons: Higher price point. Additional accessories require more storage space. May be more than what a casual cook needs.
The Plus model is built for those who use a food processor frequently for diverse and demanding recipes, from bread-making to extensive batch prepping.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/collection/9-cup-food-processor-plus-kfp0919
KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor vs. Plus Comparison
Performance & Power
The most significant difference between these two food processors is the motor. The standard model's 540-600 watt motor is perfectly capable for everyday tasks like chopping onions, shredding carrots, or making salsa. However, it can feel underpowered when processing thick bread dough or grinding very hard nuts and cheeses.
The KitchenAid 9 Cup Plus, with its 720-950 watt motor, powers through those demanding jobs without straining. It kneads dough more efficiently and processes dense ingredients faster and more uniformly. If your cooking involves bread making or heavy-duty food prep, the extra power of the Plus model is a clear advantage that ensures consistent results and better longevity for the appliance.
Features & Attachments
While both bases are compatible with a range of attachments, the key difference lies in what comes in the box. The standard 9 Cup processor includes the essentials: a multi-purpose "S" blade for chopping and pureeing, and a reversible disc for medium slicing and shredding. This is sufficient for the majority of common recipes.
The Plus model expands on this by adding a dough blade specifically for kneading, and at least one other slicing disc (often for thick slices). Some "Plus" bundles even include a dicing kit, which cubes vegetables perfectly in seconds. While you can often buy these attachments separately for the standard model, the Plus offers better value by bundling them together.
Price & Value
The standard KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor presents excellent value for someone needing a reliable, no-frills machine. At $150-$200, it's a solid investment that delivers on the brand's promise of quality for core functions. There's no need to pay for features or attachments you won't use.
With a price tag of $200-$250, the Plus model commands a premium, but its value proposition is clear for the right user. The cost covers the more powerful motor and several additional accessories that would cost significantly more if purchased separately. For frequent or adventurous cooks, the upfront investment pays off in expanded capabilities and durability.
Who Each One Works Best For
Choosing between these two models comes down to your cooking habits. The standard 9 Cup Food Processor is an ideal match for individuals or small families who cook regularly but stick to basics. It streamlines daily meal prep, looks great on the counter, and offers the reliability KitchenAid is known for without overwhelming you with parts.
The 9 Cup Food Processor Plus is designed for the serious home chef. If you frequently bake bread, prepare large multi-component meals, or love to batch-prep ingredients for the week, the extra power and versatility are indispensable. It removes preparation barriers and allows you to experiment with a wider range of recipes, making it a true centerpiece of a busy kitchen.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both food processors are great choices, but they cater to different users with different needs and budgets.
Choose the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor if:
- You're a casual cook who needs a reliable machine for daily chopping, shredding, and mixing.
- You have limited kitchen or storage space.
- You are budget-conscious and don't need specialized attachments.
- Your primary tasks include making sauces, chopping vegetables, and grating cheese.
Choose the KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus if:
- You are a passionate home chef who loves to tackle complex recipes.
- You plan to make bread dough, nut butters, or other heavy mixtures frequently.
- You want the versatility of multiple slicing thicknesses and special functions like dicing.
- You see the higher price as an investment in a durable, multi-purpose kitchen tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 9 Cup and Plus?
The main differences are power, attachments, and price. The Plus model has a more powerful motor to handle tougher ingredients and comes with more attachments (like a dough blade and extra discs), but it costs more than the standard model.
Which model is better for making dough?
The KitchenAid 9 Cup Food Processor Plus is far better for making dough. Its stronger motor can knead tough bread or pizza dough without straining, and it comes with a dedicated dough blade for optimal results.
Is the 9-cup size big enough for a family?
Yes, a 9-cup capacity is excellent for a small to medium-sized family of 2-4 people. It's spacious enough to prepare ingredients for most weeknight meals, make a full batch of salsa, or shred a large block of cheese.
Are KitchenAid food processors hard to clean?
No, they are designed for easy cleanup. The work bowl, lid, and accessories are all top-rack dishwasher-safe. The base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
How does the wattage difference actually affect performance?
Higher wattage translates to more torque and motor strength. This means the Plus model will chop dense vegetables like sweet potatoes more quickly and uniformly, mix thick batters without slowing down, and process large batches without the risk of overheating the motor.
Can you buy extra attachments for the standard model later?
Yes, KitchenAid typically sells additional discs and accessories separately. However, buying them individually often costs more than purchasing the Plus model bundle, which offers better value upfront.
Does the "Plus" model take up more counter space?
The base itself usually has a similar footprint to the standard model. However, the Plus comes with more attachments, so you will need slightly more cabinet or drawer space to store all the extra accessories.
Is KitchenAid a good brand for food processors?
Absolutely. KitchenAid has a long-standing reputation for building durable, high-performance kitchen appliances. Their food processors are known for their reliability, powerful motors, and user-friendly designs, making them a trusted choice for home cooks.
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