The KitchenAid KFC3510 and KFC3516 look nearly identical, but the key differences are in features and versatility. The KFC3516 is an upgraded model that includes a whisking accessory and a drizzle basin in the lid for making emulsions, while the older KFC3510 is a more straightforward appliance dedicated only to chopping and pureeing. These feature additions make the KFC3516 more versatile for tasks like whipping cream or making dressings.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right 3.5-cup food chopper from KitchenAid for your countertop.
KitchenAid KFC3510 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
The KitchenAid KFC3510 is a classic, no-frills food chopper that has been a staple in kitchens for years. It excels at its core functions: providing consistent chopping and pureeing in a compact design. It's built for home cooks who need a reliable tool for simple, everyday tasks like mincing garlic, chopping vegetables, or making small batches of hummus without the complexity of a full-sized food processor.
- What it is: A compact 3.5-cup food chopper designed for basic chopping and pureeing tasks.
- Key features: Two-speed operation (Chop and Puree) controlled by a top-mounted button, locking blade, and a handle and pour spout on its work bowl.
- Price: Around $45 - $60, depending on the retailer.
- Dimensions: 8.7" H x 6.9" W x 5.6" D, making it easy to store on the counter or in a cabinet.
- Materials/Construction: Features a BPA-free plastic work bowl and lid, with a stainless steel multi-purpose blade.
- Style: Classic KitchenAid design available in a wide variety of colors to match other appliances. Simple, one-piece top integrates the motor and control button.
- Pros: Very simple to operate and clean. Small footprint is great for small kitchens. Reliable performance for basic prep work. Widely available and often goes on sale.
- Cons: Lacks the functionality and versatility of the newer model. Lid does not have a drizzle basin for adding liquids slowly. Limited to just chopping and pureeing functions.
This chopper is perfect for someone who just needs a dependable tool for the most common food prep tasks without paying for extra features they won't use.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/3-5-cup-food-chopper-kfc3510wh
KitchenAid KFC3516 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
The KitchenAid KFC3516 builds upon the success of its predecessor by adding significant versatility. While it maintains the same 3.5-cup capacity and chopping/pureeing capabilities, it introduces a whisking accessory and a drizzle basin in the lid. This transforms it from a simple chopper into a multi-function prep tool capable of handling delicate tasks like whipping eggs and cream or emulsifying dressings and mayonnaise.
- What it is: An upgraded 3.5-cup food chopper with added whisking and emulsifying capabilities.
- Key features: Includes a whisk accessory in addition to the standard multi-purpose blade. The lid features a drizzle basin for slowly incorporating liquids. Also offers two speeds and pulse operation.
- Price: Around $55 - $70, typically about $10 more than the KFC3510.
- Dimensions: 8.7" H x 6.9" W x 5.6" D, identical footprint to the KFC3510.
- Materials/Construction: BPA-free plastic work bowl and lid, stainless steel blade, and a plastic whisk attachment. Dishwasher-safe components.
- Style: Sleek, modern update on the classic chopper design, with a similar color range. Controls have been slightly refined for easier use.
- Pros: 3-in-1 functionality (chop, puree, whisk) adds incredible value. Drizzle basin is essential for making mayonnaise, vinaigrettes, and other emulsions. Offers more creativity in the kitchen for a small price increase.
- Cons: A bit more expensive than the base model. The whisk accessory is another part to store and keep track of.
The KFC3516 is ideal for the enthusiastic home cook who wants maximum functionality from a compact appliance and enjoys making sauces, dressings, and whipped toppings from scratch.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/3-5-cup-food-chopper-kfc3516wh
KitchenAid KFC3510 vs. KFC3516 Comparison
Features & Versatility
This is the most significant point of comparison. The KFC3510 is a traditional food chopper, limited to two functions: chop and puree. It does them very well but offers no additional utility.
The KFC3516, however, is a much more versatile machine. The included whisk accessory allows you to whip cream, beat egg whites, and stir batters right in the work bowl. Its lid also features a drizzle basin, a small opening that lets you slowly add oil or other liquids while the machine is running - a crucial feature for creating stable emulsions like vinaigrettes or aioli. The KFC3510 lacks this, making it impossible to correctly make those types of recipes.
Design & Ease of Use
Both models share the same compact dimensions and 3.5-cup capacity. They are lightweight, easy to assemble, and have dishwasher-safe bowls, lids, and blades, making cleanup simple. Both operate via a simple button switch on the top handle, which offers Chop and Puree speeds through a selector lever.
The KFC3516 features a slightly refined design with the addition of the drizzle basin on top. While subtle, this change makes it functionally superior for certain recipes. Otherwise, the ergonomics and handling are nearly identical, and both are exceptionally user-friendly right out of the box.
Price & Value
The KFC3510 is consistently the more budget-friendly option, usually costing around $10 less than the KFC3516. If your needs are strictly limited to chopping onions, herbs, and nuts, the KFC3510 offers excellent value and reliable performance for its price.
For a marginal price increase, the KFC3516 provides significantly more value. The ability to whip, whisk, and emulsify replaces the need for a separate hand mixer for some tasks, consolidating your kitchen gear and opening up more culinary possibilities. For anyone who makes their own dressings or desserts, the extra functionality is well worth the small additional cost.
Color Options & Style
KitchenAid is famous for its wide array of color choices, and both models are available in dozens of hues, from bold Empire Red to subtle Almond Cream. You're likely to find a color in either model line that matches your kitchen decor and other KitchenAid appliances. Both choppers boast the iconic, timeless look that the brand is known for, ensuring they look great on any countertop.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both food choppers offer excellent performance in a compact package, but they are tailored to slightly different users.
Choose the KFC3510 if:
- You're on a tighter budget and want to save around $10.
- Your only needs are basic chopping and occasionally pureeing a sauce.
- You prefer the simplest tool possible with no extra accessories to store.
- You already own a hand mixer or stand mixer and don't need whisking capabilities.
Choose the KFC3516 if:
- You want the most versatility and a 3-in-1 appliance (chop, puree, whisk).
- You frequently make your own salad dressings, sauces, mayonnaise, or aioli.
- You would use the whisk attachment for whipping cream or eggs.
- You want the latest model and believe the added features offer great value for a small price difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid KFC3510 and KFC3516?
The primary difference is that the KFC3516 includes a whisking accessory and a drizzle basin in the lid for adding liquids. The KFC3510 is a more basic model that only chops and purees.
Does the KitchenAid KFC3516 come with a whisk attachment?
Yes, the whisking accessory is a key feature of the KFC3516 and one of the main reasons to choose it over the older KFC3510 model.
What is the capacity of these food choppers?
Both the KFC3510 and KFC3516 have a 3.5-cup capacity work bowl, which is ideal for small, everyday kitchen tasks.
Can you make nut butter in these food choppers?
No, these choppers are not designed for the continuous grinding required to make nut butter. Doing so can overheat and damage the motor. For that task, a full-sized food processor or a high-powered blender is recommended.
Are the bowls and blades dishwasher safe?
Yes, for both models, the work bowl, lid, and attachment (blade or whisk) are top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup very easy.
Can I add oil while the chopper is running?
You can only do this properly with the KFC3516, which has a dedicated drizzle basin in its lid designed for this purpose. While you could technically try with the KFC3510, it's messy and inefficient as there is no specific opening.
Which model is better for making vinaigrette?
The KFC3516 is far superior for making vinaigrette because of its drizzle basin, which allows you to slowly emulsify oil into the other ingredients for a creamy, stable dressing.
Are the parts interchangeable between the KFC3510 and KFC3516?
The blades and bowls may look similar, but due to slight design differences, it's not recommended to swap parts between the two models. Always use the parts that came specifically with your chopper.
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