8 Best Food Processors for Kneading Dough (November 2026)

The best food processors for kneading dough include the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor for large dough batches, the Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor (BFP810) for high-volume baking, and the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor (KFP1318) for tidy accessory storage.

On this page (7 sections)

1. How we chose food processors for kneading dough
2. The best food processors for dough, by use
3. What matters when choosing a food processor for dough?
4. How should you set up and use a processor for dough?
5. What mistakes can make food processor dough harder?
6. How do you clean and store a food processor after dough?
7. Which food processor for dough should you choose?

The best food processor for dough for most large batches is the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup, which has a 14-cup bowl and a chopping/mixing blade for a stated kneading use. For a dedicated dough blade in the largest bowl, consider the Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup; for preset dough mixing, choose the Ninja PrecisionPro.

A food processor can handle some doughs, but the right choice depends on batch size, the attachment and the controls you prefer. This roundup compares 8 models by bowl capacity, dough tool, controls and practical setup features.

If dough is the main reason you want a processor, choose a model that identifies dough as a use or includes a dough blade, then check its manual for recipe limits. For a closer look at the method, read our guide to using a food processor to make dough.

If you bake pies more often than bread, our food processor size guide for pie crust covers how capacity affects that choice.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for large dough batches

   Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for high-volume baking

   Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor (BFP810)

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for tidy accessory storage

   KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor (KFP1318)

   9.0/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Ninja PrecisionPro 9-Cup Food Processor and Dough Mixer (BZ601)

   Best for preset dough control
   Check it
5. 5

   Ninja Professional Plus 9-Cup Food Processor (BN601)

   Best for simple dough presets
   Check it
6. 6

   Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor

   Best for everyday baking
   Check it
7. 7

   Breville Sous Chef 9 Cup Food Processor (BFP610)

   Best for compact accessory storage
   Check it
8. 8

   GE 12-Cup Food Processor

   Best for flexible attachments
   Check it

How we chose food processors for kneading dough

The best food processors for kneading dough make the dough use clear and provide a bowl size that fits the way you bake. We compared the stated uses, included attachments, controls, capacity and storage or cleanup features.

A dough blade is a useful point of comparison because it gives you a dedicated attachment for mixing. It is not the only suitable setup: Cuisinart identifies kneading as a recommended use for its 14-cup processor, which includes a chopping/mixing blade.

We also looked at whether the controls give you a preset or a manual option. Both Ninja picks include a dough program, while the PrecisionPro also specifies manual speed settings; the GE has high, low and pulse controls.

Capacity matters in context. A larger bowl gives you more room for a larger overall prep job.

The cup number alone does not tell you the recipe limit for dough, so check the model manual and use recipes suited to the appliance.

Storage and non-dough tasks can affect which machine makes sense in your kitchen. The KitchenAid and Breville Sous Chef 9 store accessories in or with the bowl, while the GE includes a mini bowl for smaller prep.

The picks also include tools for slicing, shredding, chopping or pureeing, so consider how often you will use those functions.

The best food processors for dough, by use

The Cuisinart 14-cup processor is the leading pick for a large bowl and a stated kneading use. The other models suit different needs, including a dedicated dough blade, preset controls, stored accessories or a bowl sized for smaller batches.

1

Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor: Best for large dough batches

9.3/10Our score

• 14-cup bowl
• 720-watt motor
• Chopping/mixing blade
• Kneading is a stated use

The large bowl and included chopping/mixing blade suit cooks who want to process dough alongside other meal prep. Kneading is one of the stated uses.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 14-cup bowl
• Kneading is a stated use
• On and off/pulse controls

Cons

• Slicing and shredding blades are not adjustable
• One listed speed

The Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor is the strongest fit here for cooks who make larger batches and want one machine for dough and everyday prep. Kneading is a stated use, and the included chopping/mixing blade is the attachment identified for that work.

Its controls are straightforward: on and off/pulse buttons let you run the machine continuously or pulse as your recipe directs. The 14-cup bowl also leaves room for other tasks, such as chopping, pureeing and processing larger quantities of ingredients.

The extra-large feed tube is useful for regular prep with whole or large ingredients. A 4 mm slicing disc and medium shredding disc broaden its kitchen use, though those discs are not adjustable.

Choose this model if you value bowl capacity and a direct kneading use more than a dedicated dough attachment. Skip it if you mainly make small batches or specifically want a dough blade; the 9-cup Breville and Ninja models are more compact options with that attachment.

2

Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor (BFP810): Best for high-volume baking

9.2/10Our score

• 16-cup bowl
• Dough blade included
• 1450-watt motor
• 3-in-1 feed chute

A 16-cup bowl and dedicated dough blade give this model room for large kitchen jobs. Its other included blades and discs support slicing, shredding and mincing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 16-cup bowl
• Dedicated dough blade
• Storage container for attachments and cleaning utensils

Cons

• One listed speed
• 17.7 in tall

The Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor (BFP810) suits high-volume cooks who want the largest bowl in this group and a dedicated dough blade. Its 16-cup capacity also works for cooks who expect to use a processor for several kinds of larger prep.

The broad accessory set includes a micro-serrated S-blade, dough blade, mini bowl and blade, adjustable slicer, reversible shredding disc and French fry disc. A 3-in-1 feed chute ranges from 1.7 to 5.5 in, which can reduce the amount of cutting needed before processing other ingredients.

Breville describes a 1450-watt induction motor and offers a 30-year motor warranty. A storage container holds the attachments and cleaning utensils, and the parts are dishwasher safe.

Choose this model if you regularly make large batches and want a range of attachments in one processor. Skip it if your counter or cupboard cannot accommodate a 17.7 in tall unit, or if a 9-cup bowl would cover your normal baking.

3

KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor (KFP1318): Best for tidy accessory storage

9.0/10Our score

• 13-cup bowl
• Dough blade included
• In-bowl storage caddy
• 3-in-1 feed tube

This processor includes a dough blade and stores blades and discs in a caddy inside its bowl. It can knead and mix dough as well as handle everyday slicing and chopping.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Dedicated dough blade
• Accessories store in the bowl
• Three listed speeds

Cons

• 17.44 in tall
• Some parts call for hand washing

The KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor (KFP1318) fits a baker who wants a dough blade and an organized place for accessories. Its in-bowl storage caddy keeps the blades and discs together when they are not in use.

It has three listed speeds and a 3-in-1 feed tube for ingredients of different shapes and sizes. KitchenAid identifies kneading and mixing dough among its uses, alongside chopping, slicing, shredding and pureeing.

The adjustable slicing disc changes thickness from thick to thin. Its work bowl uses a twist-free, one-click assembly, and the care instructions include dishwasher-safe and hand-wash parts.

Choose it if accessory storage and adjustable slicing matter as much as dough prep. Skip it if you want a more compact machine or prefer not to check which parts need hand washing; the Breville Sous Chef 9 has a smaller bowl and a storage caddy.

4

Ninja PrecisionPro 9-Cup Food Processor and Dough Mixer (BZ601): Best for preset dough control

8.8/10Our score

• 9-cup bowl
• 1000-peak-watt motor
• Auto-iQ dough program
• Dedicated dough blade

The dedicated dough blade and Auto-iQ dough program suit cooks who want a preset option in a smaller bowl. The processor also has manual speed settings.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Dough-specific preset
• Dedicated dough blade
• Dishwasher-safe removable parts

Cons

• Smaller bowl than the large-batch picks
• Four Auto-iQ programs

The Ninja PrecisionPro 9-Cup Food Processor and Dough Mixer (BZ601) is a strong fit for a baker who wants a dough preset with the option to adjust manually. It combines an Auto-iQ dough program with manual speed settings.

The dedicated dough blade is accompanied by a chopping blade and a reversible slicing/shredding disc. The processor also has preset programs for chopping, slicing, shredding and pureeing, making it useful for meal prep beyond baking.

Its 9-cup bowl makes more sense for regular small-to-medium prep than for the largest batches in this roundup. Removable parts are dishwasher safe, which can simplify cleanup after mixing.

Choose it if a dough preset and manual control both appeal to you. Skip it if your typical recipe needs more room than a 9-cup bowl offers; consider the larger Cuisinart or Breville instead.

For a broader comparison, see our Ninja food processor guide.

5

Ninja Professional Plus 9-Cup Food Processor (BN601): Best for simple dough presets

8.7/10Our score

• 9-cup bowl
• 1000-peak-watt motor
• Auto-iQ dough program
• Dough blade included

This 9-cup Ninja includes a dough blade and preset program for mixing dough. It also chops, slices and purees, making it useful beyond baking.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Dough program included
• Dishwasher-safe removable parts
• 9-cup bowl

Cons

• Smaller capacity than the large-batch models
• Preset controls offer less direct choice than manual settings

The Ninja Professional Plus 9-Cup Food Processor (BN601) suits cooks who want a dedicated dough blade and a preset dough program in a compact bowl size. Its four Auto-iQ programs also cover chopping, slicing and pureeing.

The 9-cup bowl is smaller than the large-batch Cuisinart and Breville models, but it can be a practical fit when you usually process less at once. The removable parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, and the included attachments cover common chopping and slicing jobs.

The BN601 and PrecisionPro both have a 9-cup bowl and dough preset. Choose the Professional Plus for a direct preset approach; the PrecisionPro is the more flexible choice if you want manual speed settings as well.

Pick this one if the preset controls and size align with your recipes. Skip it if you want to control the process with manual settings or regularly prepare very large batches.

Our guide to choosing a food processor size can help you compare bowl capacity with your usual cooking.

6

Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor: Best for everyday baking

8.6/10Our score

• 11-cup bowl
• Processes dough
• Slicing and shredding discs
• Large feed tube

The 11-cup bowl handles dough along with everyday prep, while its large feed tube and included discs support slicing and shredding. A dedicated dough blade is not specified.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 11-cup bowl
• Dough is a stated use
• Includes slicing and shredding discs

Cons

• Dedicated dough blade is not specified
• One listed speed

The Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor is a sensible mid-size choice for everyday cooks who want a processor that handles dough and regular prep. Cuisinart describes dough processing as one of its uses, and the large feed tube accommodates a range of ingredients.

The included components include a steel blade, three slicing and shredding discs and a spatula. The 11-cup capacity sits between the larger 14- and 16-cup machines and the 9-cup choices.

A dedicated dough blade is not specified, so this model is less direct for buyers who want a separate attachment for that job. It has one listed speed, which keeps the control setup simple but offers less choice than models with several speeds.

Choose it if you want a middle-sized processor and its stated dough use suits your recipes. Skip it if a dedicated dough blade or a dough preset is a priority; the KitchenAid and Ninja picks provide those features.

7

Breville Sous Chef 9 Cup Food Processor (BFP610): Best for compact accessory storage

8.5/10Our score

• 9-cup bowl
• Dough blade included
• Integrated storage caddy
• 4.7 in feed chute

The smaller Sous Chef includes a dough blade and a caddy that fits its attachments in the bowl. Its 9-cup capacity suits smaller prep runs than the 16-cup model.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Dedicated dough blade
• Attachments store in the bowl
• 9-cup capacity

Cons

• One listed speed
• Smaller bowl than the large-batch picks

The Breville Sous Chef 9 Cup Food Processor (BFP610) is for cooks who want a smaller bowl, dough blade and a built-in place to store its accessories. The caddy holds the dough blade, S-blade, reversible shredder and adjustable slicer inside the bowl.

Its 4.7 in feed chute accommodates a range of ingredient sizes for non-dough prep. The adjustable slicer has 15 levels, and the reversible shredder offers coarse and fine options.

Breville describes a brushless induction motor and a 30-year motor warranty. Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid parts support cleanup, while the 9-cup capacity keeps this model below the 16-cup Sous Chef in scale.

Choose it if you want the Breville accessory set and organized storage in a smaller processor. Skip it if you need a dough preset; its listed controls do not specify one.

The Ninja PrecisionPro offers a preset and manual speed settings in the same 9-cup range.

8

GE 12-Cup Food Processor: Best for flexible attachments

7.8/10Our score

• 12-cup bowl
• Dough blade included
• Three listed speeds
• Nine accessories

The GE combines a 12-cup bowl and dough blade with three speeds and several other attachments. Its included mini bowl also helps when you switch from dough to smaller prep.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Dedicated dough blade
• Three listed speeds
• Includes mini chopping bowl

Cons

• 550-watt motor
• No dough-specific preset is specified

The GE 12-Cup Food Processor suits a cook who wants a dough blade, three speed options and several attachments for other kitchen jobs. Its capacity is between the 9-cup Ninja and Breville models and the 13- to 16-cup choices.

High, low and pulse controls give you a manual way to manage processing. The nine accessories include a dough blade, grating disc, French fry disc, emulsifier disc, mini S-blade, fine and medium shredding/slicing discs, mini chopping bowl and spatula.

The mini bowl is useful when you switch from dough to small jobs such as chopping herbs or nuts. GE also describes dishwasher-safe bowl and accessories, cord storage and suction cup feet.

Choose it if attachment variety and three controls matter to you. Skip it if you want an automatic dough program, which is not specified, or if you would rather use a machine with a dough preset such as either Ninja pick.

What matters when choosing a food processor for dough?

The best food processor for dough should match your usual batch, attachment preference and control style. Decide those first, then compare secondary features such as storage, cleanup and the machine’s other kitchen uses.

How much bowl capacity do you need for dough?

Choose capacity based on the size of your usual batch, not simply the biggest number available. The processors here range from 9 to 16 cups, but bowl capacity alone does not tell you how much flour or dough a particular recipe can handle.

A processor bowl needs room for ingredients to move as the machine runs. Follow the appliance manual and recipe guidance for batch limits, especially when you are adapting a recipe written for a stand mixer or hand mixing.

If you often make dough and also chop, shred or slice ingredients for family meals, a larger processor may earn its counter space. If you make small batches, a 9-cup model may be easier to fit into your routine.

For pie crust, our guide to food processor size for pie crust explains what to consider.

Does a dedicated dough blade matter?

A dedicated dough blade gives you a specific attachment for mixing dough, and most of the picks here include one. The Cuisinart 14-cup model takes a different approach: it includes a chopping/mixing blade and identifies kneading as a recommended use.

The Cuisinart 11-cup model is described as processing dough, but its included components do not specify a dough blade. If having a separate attachment is important to you, compare the KitchenAid, Ninja, Breville and GE options.

Do not choose by blade name alone. Confirm that the instructions for your model and your recipe agree on the attachment and process to use.

Are preset dough programs useful?

A dough preset can simplify operation by giving you a one-touch option for the task. Both Ninja 9-cup models include Auto-iQ programs for dough, while the PrecisionPro also specifies manual speed settings.

A preset does not replace the recipe or model instructions. Check the batch guidance before starting, and stop when the recipe calls for it rather than assuming a preset suits every dough.

If you prefer to decide when to pulse or run the machine, manual controls may suit you better. The GE has high, low and pulse options, and the Cuisinart 14-cup model has on and off/pulse buttons.

When is a stand mixer a better fit?

A stand mixer may suit you better if your bread routine relies on a dough hook, repeated mixing or a method written specifically for a stand mixer. A food processor can handle some doughs, but its bowl, blade and operating method differ.

Consider your usual recipes and what else you want the appliance to do. Food processors in this roundup also chop, slice, shred and puree, while a stand mixer may be a more natural fit when baking is the main job.

Our food processor vs stand mixer comparison explains the tradeoffs.

How should you set up and use a processor for dough?

Set up the processor with the attachment and batch size specified in its manual. A stable, correctly assembled bowl and lid help the machine run as intended, and measured ingredients make it easier to follow the recipe.

Before adding ingredients, place the processor on a steady surface and fit the work bowl, selected blade and lid in the required order. Many models include safety features that prevent operation unless parts are assembled correctly, so do not force a lid or attachment that does not fit.

Measure the recipe ingredients before starting. Add them in the order the recipe gives.

Use the manual to confirm whether the dough blade or another attachment is appropriate. A dedicated dough blade is included with the KitchenAid, both Ninja models, both Breville models and GE; the Cuisinart 14-cup model identifies kneading as a use for its chopping/mixing blade.

Use the recipe’s directions for pulsing or continuous processing. If the dough looks uneven, pause and follow the recipe’s guidance before adding more liquid or flour; changing the ratio without a reason can alter the result.

Stay within the processor’s stated batch limits and do not assume the bowl’s cup capacity equals a dough capacity. For recipe-specific steps, read our guide to using a food processor to make dough.

What mistakes can make food processor dough harder?

The most common avoidable mistake is asking a processor to handle more dough than its manual allows. An oversized batch can leave too little room for ingredients to move and makes it harder to follow the appliance’s intended process.

Another mistake is choosing the wrong attachment or assuming every machine uses the same one. Some models include a dough blade, while the Cuisinart 14-cup has a chopping/mixing blade and a stated kneading use.

Check your model’s manual rather than transferring instructions from another processor.

Do not treat a preset as a universal recipe. Ninja’s Auto-iQ dough program is a useful control option, but recipe quantities and methods still matter.

Use the appliance directions that match your model and stop if the machine’s instructions call for a rest or a pause.

Finally, avoid running the processor longer than the recipe or manual recommends. Dough is not the same as chopping vegetables, so use the instructions for the attachment and recipe in front of you.

How do you clean and store a food processor after dough?

Clean the bowl and attachment soon after use, following the care instructions for your model. Dough can cling around blades and the lid, so remove the attachment carefully and rinse or wash the parts as directed.

Several picks have dishwasher-safe removable parts, including the Ninja models and the Breville Sous Chef 16. KitchenAid’s care information includes both dishwasher-safe and hand-wash parts, so check each component before cleaning.

KitchenAid describes a quick bowl-cleaning method using warm water and 1–2 drops of dish soap. Follow its instructions for that model, and keep fingers away from sharp blades while washing or handling them.

Dry the parts before putting them away. If accessory storage is a priority, the KitchenAid caddy fits inside its bowl, and the Breville Sous Chef 9 stores its attachments in a caddy inside the bowl.

The larger Breville Sous Chef 16 includes a separate storage container.

Which food processor for dough should you choose?

Choose the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup if you want a large bowl and a stated kneading use with a chopping/mixing blade. Pick the Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup if you make larger batches and want a dedicated dough blade, or the KitchenAid 13-Cup if its in-bowl accessory storage fits your kitchen.

For a 9-cup processor with a dough preset, choose the Ninja PrecisionPro if manual speed settings matter or the Professional Plus if preset operation is enough. Choose the Breville Sous Chef 9 for a dedicated dough blade and in-bowl storage, the Cuisinart 11-Cup for a mid-size everyday processor, or the GE 12-Cup for three speeds and a broad attachment set.

Before buying, check the manual for your typical recipe and confirm the appliance’s batch guidance. For more context on the method, read can you use a food processor to make dough?, then compare the best large food processors if capacity is your deciding factor.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for large dough batches

   Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for high-volume baking

   Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup Food Processor (BFP810)

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for tidy accessory storage

   KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor (KFP1318)

   9.0/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Can a food processor knead dough?

Yes. A food processor with a dough blade or a stated dough-kneading use can mix some doughs.

Follow the recipe and the appliance instructions, and avoid filling the bowl beyond its capacity.

See our guide to using a food processor to make dough for practical considerations.

Is a dough blade better than a regular blade?

A dedicated dough blade gives you a tool designed for mixing dough, and several picks here include one. Some processors identify a chopping or mixing blade for kneading instead.

Check the manual for your recipe and model before choosing an attachment.

What size food processor is good for dough?

Choose bowl capacity around the batch size you make, while leaving room for ingredients to move. This roundup ranges from 9 to 16 cups, with larger bowls suited to bigger prep jobs.

For pie crust, see our food processor size guide for pie dough.

Can a food processor replace a stand mixer for bread?

A food processor can mix some doughs, but it does not work the same way as a stand mixer. Match the appliance to your recipes, batch size and preferred method.

Our food processor vs stand mixer comparison explains the tradeoffs.