The KitchenAid FGA and the newer FGA2 are both capable 9-cup food processors, but they differ primarily in power, features, and price. The FGA is the dependable workhorse for everyday kitchen tasks, while the FGA2 is an upgraded model with a more powerful motor, additional speed options, and enhanced components for more demanding users.
Here’s a clear look at what each KitchenAid food processor offers to help you decide which one belongs on your countertop.
KitchenAid FGA Food Processor
The KitchenAid FGA is a reliable, straightforward food processor designed for home cooks who need solid performance for daily prep work. It handles classic tasks like chopping, slicing, and shredding with ease, featuring simple controls that get the job done without any unnecessary complexity. It’s a popular choice for its balance of brand reputation, practical functionality, and affordability.
- What it is: A mid-range 9-cup food processor for everyday chopping, slicing, and pureeing.
- Key features: 9-cup work bowl, 2-speed settings plus a pulse function, a reversible stainless-steel disc for slicing and shredding, and a multipurpose chopping blade.
- Price: Around $150–$180
- Dimensions: Approximately 8.5" W x 7" H x 5" D, offering a compact footprint.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable plastic base, high-quality BPA-free work bowl, and stainless steel blades. Most parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Style: Classic KitchenAid aesthetic that complements other appliances from the brand.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Simple two-speed operation is very user-friendly. Compact and easy to store. Reliable performance for most daily kitchen needs.
- Cons: Lacks the motor power for very tough ingredients or large batches of dough. Limited to two speeds, offering less control. Fewer included accessories compared to upgraded models.
This model is a fantastic choice for home cooks who need a dependable appliance for routine food prep and prioritize simplicity and value over advanced features.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/food-processors/p.fga.html
KitchenAid FGA2 Food Processor
The KitchenAid FGA2 is the direct upgrade to the FGA, designed for cooking enthusiasts and frequent users who need more power and precision. It builds on the original’s foundation with an enhanced motor, more speed settings, and improved blade designs. This makes it better equipped to handle tough ingredients, thick doughs, and more specialized tasks with greater efficiency.
- What it is: An upgraded 9-cup food processor with more power and refined features for demanding home chefs.
- Key features: 9-cup work bowl, multiple speed settings for added control, a more powerful motor to process tough ingredients consistently, and improved blade/disc designs for precise results.
- Price: Approximately $180–$220
- Dimensions: Similar in size to the FGA, making it suitable for most countertops.
- Materials/Construction: Built with high-quality plastics and durable stainless steel blades, featuring more robust internal components for a longer lifespan under heavy use.
- Style: A slightly more refined and contemporary take on the classic KitchenAid design, with a more intuitive control interface.
- Pros: More powerful motor handles thick doughs and dense vegetables smoothly. Additional speeds provide greater control over texture. Improved components are designed for better durability. More versatile for advanced cooking tasks.
- Cons: Higher price point. The extra power and features may be unnecessary for casual cooks. Slightly more complex controls compared to the base model.
The FGA2 suits avid cooks who frequently process large batches, work with challenging ingredients, and will benefit from the added power and versatility it offers.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/food-processors/p.fga2.html
KitchenAid FGA vs. FGA2 Comparison
Features & Functionality
This is where the two models diverge most. The KitchenAid FGA keeps it simple with two speeds (High and Low) and a pulse button, covering the basics of food processing perfectly. In contrast, the FGA2 typically includes more speed options, providing finer control to avoid over-processing delicate ingredients or to power through tougher ones. The FGA2’s main advantage is its stronger motor, which kneads dough, shreds hard cheese, and purees nut butters with noticeably less strain than the original FGA.
The FGA2 also tends to have improved blades and discs that deliver more consistent cuts, and it may come with additional accessories like a dough blade or julienne disc, making it a more versatile machine out of the box.
Dimensions & Capacity
Both the FGA and FGA2 feature a 9-cup work bowl, which is a versatile size suitable for most family-sized recipes, from making salsa and chopping vegetables to mixing small batches of dough. Their overall footprints are very similar, meaning neither one has a significant advantage in terms of counter space or storage. Both are compact enough to fit comfortably in a standard kitchen cabinet or on the countertop without being disruptive.
Materials & Quality
Both food processors are built with the quality expected from KitchenAid, featuring sturdy plastic bodies and sharp stainless steel blades. The components that come into contact with food, like the work bowl and attachments, are durable and dishwasher-safe on both models. However, the internal construction is where the FGA2 pulls ahead. Its motor and components are designed to withstand more frequent and intensive use, suggesting better long-term durability for home chefs who use their food processor several times a week.
Price & Value
On price, the FGA is the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers, typically costing $30-$40 less than the updated FGA2. It offers fantastic value for anyone needing a reliable, no-frills machine for everyday tasks. The FGA2 justifies its higher price with tangible performance upgrades. If you find yourself frequently wishing your current processor had more power or you plan to make things like bread dough or nut butters, the extra investment in the FGA2 offers superior long-term value through its enhanced versatility and durability.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both units are excellent choices within their intended user groups, but they serve different needs and culinary ambitions.
Choose the FGA if:
- You primarily need a food processor for basic tasks like chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, or making small batches of hummus.
- You are a more casual cook and won't be using it multiple times every week.
- Your budget is a primary concern, and you want great performance without paying for extra features you won't use.
- You value simplicity and prefer straightforward, easy-to-use controls.
Choose the FGA2 if:
- You're an enthusiastic home chef who frequently processes tough or dense ingredients.
- You want more precise control over texture and consistency with multiple speed settings.
- You plan to make bread dough, nut butters, or other heavy-duty recipes regularly.
- You're willing to invest a little more for a more powerful motor and better long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the KitchenAid FGA and FGA2?
The main difference is performance. The FGA2 has a stronger motor, more speed settings, and improved components, making it better equipped to handle tough jobs like kneading dough or processing dense ingredients. The FGA is a more basic, but still very capable, model designed for everyday prep work.
Is the KitchenAid FGA2 worth the extra money?
If you're a frequent cook or plan on tackling demanding recipes, yes. The enhanced power and versatility of the FGA2 prevent motor strain and provide better results, making the price difference a worthwhile investment. For casual users, the FGA is more than sufficient and a better value.
Which model is better for making dough?
The FGA2 is significantly better for making dough. Its more powerful motor can handle the resistance of kneading dense bread or pizza dough without bogging down, a task that can strain the motor of the standard FGA and other less powerful processors.
What is the bowl capacity for the FGA and FGA2?
Both models come with a 9-cup capacity work bowl, which is a practical size for everyday recipes and feeding a small family. It is large enough for most standard prep jobs.
Are the parts for the FGA and FGA2 dishwasher safe?
Yes, for both models, the work bowl, lid, and attachments (blades and discs) are generally top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and convenient.
Is one model significantly louder than the other?
Both food processors produce a moderate amount of noise, which is typical for appliances with high-powered motors. Their noise levels are comparable, with no significant difference between the two during normal operation.
Can the standard KitchenAid FGA handle hard ingredients like nuts or hard cheeses?
Yes, the FGA can chop nuts and shred hard cheeses. However, the FGA2 performs these tasks more efficiently and with less effort, particularly when processing larger quantities.
Are the attachments interchangeable between the FGA and FGA2?
While some attachments might appear similar, it is not guaranteed they are interchangeable due to subtle design updates in the FGA2. It is always best to check the manufacturer’s documentation or accessory compatibility charts to ensure a specific blade or disc will fit your model perfectly.
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