The KitchenAid KP26 (full-size food processor) and KL26 (mini food processor) are designed for very different kitchen tasks, differing primarily in capacity, power, and functionality. The KP26 is a large, powerful workhorse with attachments for slicing, shredding, and kneading, while the KL26 is a compact and affordable appliance perfect for quick, small jobs like chopping herbs or making dressings.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid food processor for your style of cooking.
KitchenAid KP26 Food Processor
The KP26 is a versatile, high-performance food processor built to handle demanding prep work for large meals. With a big capacity bowl and a powerful motor, it serves as a central appliance for a family of entertainers or home cooks, capable of everything from kneading dough to shredding cheese in large quantities.
- What it is: A large-capacity, full-featured food processor designed for meal prep and batch cooking.
- Key features: Large 14-cup bowl, powerful motor, multiple speeds plus a pulse setting, includes attachments like slicing/shredding discs and a dough blade.
- Price: $200 – $250
- Dimensions: Approximately 9" x 7" x 15"
- Materials/Construction: Durable plastic housing with a heavy, stable base and high-quality stainless steel blades and discs designed for frequent use.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and professional aesthetic that aligns with other KitchenAid appliances, available in classic colors like black, red, and silver.
- Pros: Powerful enough for tough tasks like kneading bread dough, highly versatile with included attachments for slicing and shredding, large capacity is ideal for families and batch cooking, and its heavy base provides excellent stability.
- Cons: High price point, its large size takes up significant counter and storage space, and it can be overkill for very small chopping tasks.
The KP26 is built for the home cook who sees their food processor as a primary kitchen tool and needs the power and capacity for robust, frequent meal prep.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/food-processors/full-size/
KitchenAid KL26 Mini Food Processor
The KitchenAid KL26 is a compact and efficient mini food processor intended for everyday small-scale jobs. Its lightweight design and small footprint make it perfect for quick tasks like chopping garlic, making a single serving of pesto, or blending a small batch of sauce without hauling out a large appliance.
- What it is: A small, 3.5-cup "mini" food chopper for quick, everyday prep work.
- Key features: Compact 3.5-cup bowl with handle, multiple speeds plus a pulse function for precise control, stainless steel chopping blade.
- Price: $50 – $80
- Dimensions: Roughly 7" x 4" x 8"
- Materials/Construction: Compact plastic housing with a sturdy base and stainless steel blades, built for light to moderate use.
- Style: A minimalist, space-saving design offered in colors that match the larger KitchenAid product family.
- Pros: Very affordable, its compact size is easy to store in any kitchen, simple, user-friendly operation, and ideal for small quantities that would get lost in a large bowl.
- Cons: Low capacity limits it to small tasks, it lacks accessories for slicing or shredding, and the motor is not powerful enough for heavy jobs like dough.
The KL26 is perfect for individuals, small families, or anyone who wants a convenient tool for minor but tedious prep tasks without sacrificing storage space.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/food-processors/mini/
KitchenAid KP26 vs. KL26 Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most obvious difference lies in their size. The KP26 boasts a substantial 14-cup capacity bowl, making it suitable for preparing family-sized meals, shredding entire blocks of cheese, or mixing large batches of ingredients. This comes with a larger footprint that demands dedicated counter or cabinet space.
In contrast, the KL26 features a tiny 3.5-cup bowl. This capacity is ideal for chopping a single onion, mincing a few cloves of garlic, or making a small serving of dip quickly. Its compact vertical design means it can be stashed away easily in a drawer or tight cabinet, making it ideal for smaller kitchens.
Features & Versatility
Versatility is the key differentiator here. The KP26 isn't just a chopper - it's a multi-function prep station. It typically comes with separate discs for slicing vegetables to a uniform thickness and shredding cheese or carrots in seconds. A dedicated dough blade also gives it the power to knead small batches of bread dough. This range of functions makes it a true kitchen workhorse.
The KL26 has one primary job: chopping and pureeing small amounts. While it does this job very well with its sharp blade and pulse function for control, it cannot perform the specialized tasks of the KP26. You cannot use it to slice a cucumber or shred a block of parmesan - its function is simple and focused.
Materials & Construction
Both food processors are built with KitchenAid's reputation for quality in mind, but for different scales of use. The KP26 has a heavy motor and a wide, weighty base designed for stability when processing heavy loads. Its components feel substantial and are engineered to withstand frequent, high-intensity use.
The KL26 is much lighter, both in weight and build. The housing is still sturdy, but the motor and overall construction are meant for short bursts of light work. Both feature durable stainless steel blades, but the KP26 is clearly the more robustly built of the two.
Price & Value
The price difference is significant. The KP26, at $200-$250, represents a serious investment in your kitchen setup. The value comes from its ability to replace several other gadgets and shave off considerable meal prep time, especially for people who often cook large batches. If your recipes frequently require extensive slicing and shredding, it more than justifies its cost.
At $50-$80, the KL26 offers incredible value for its targeted purpose. Its value is sheer convenience for someone who hates having to do small prep chores every day. Having it on hand can make it a purchase that's easily worthwhile.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both appliances serve their purpose excellently, but they're built for cooks with very different needs.
Choose the KP26 if:
- You regularly cook for four or more people or do weekly batch cooking.
- Your recipes often call for shredded cheese, uniformly sliced vegetables, or kneaded dough.
- You have adequate counter and storage space for a large appliance.
- You view a food processor as a primary kitchen tool and are willing to invest in power and versatility.
Choose the KL26 if:
- You primarily cook for one or two people and have simpler needs.
- You just want a tool to handle small, tedious chopping tasks like herbs, nuts, and aromatic vegetables.
- You have limited kitchen space and need an appliance you can easily store.
- You are on a tight budget and looking for a small, dependable food prep aid at a very affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KP26 and KL26 food processors?
The biggest differences are capacity, function, and price. The KP26 is a large (14-cup), versatile, full-size processor that can chop, slice, shred, and knead. The KL26 is a small (3.5-cup), entry-level-cost mini food chopper intended solely for small chopping and pureeing tasks.
Can the KL26 mini food processor knead dough?
No, the KL26 does not have the motor power or the specialized dough blade required for kneading. You will need the KP26 for this task, which includes the necessary dough blade.
Which is better for making sauces like pesto or hummus?
Both can make sauces, but the volume is key. The KL26 is perfect for a single serving or small personal batch of pesto. For family-sized batches or large servings, the KP26 is the better choice.
Are the parts dishwasher safe for both models?
Yes, both models typically feature bowls, lids, and blades that are designed to be dishwasher safe, making clean-up easy and convenient.
How much counter space does the KP26 take up?
The KP26 base is approximately 9 inches deep and 7 inches wide, with a total height of nearly 15 inches. It requires a fair amount of counter or cabinet space.
Is the KP26 worth the higher price?
For cooks who regularly prepare homemade bread, sliced vegetables, or shredded cheese, the KP26's versatility justifies its higher cost. It's an investment that pays off by replacing multiple kitchen tools with one powerful appliance.
Can the KP26 slice and shred?
Yes, the KP26 includes slicer and shredder discs as part of its features, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Which KitchenAid food processor is best for a beginner?
The KL26 Mini Food Processor is an excellent place to start for beginners. Its simplicity and affordability make it a perfect entry point into your kitchen gadget collection.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
