The KitchenAid KFC3516CU Mini Food Chopper (also called Mini Food Chopper 830ml in the UK) is the smallest appliance in KitchenAid’s food processing range. Its small footprint makes a lot of sense, especially if you only want to chop, mix, or pure small quantities. This means you’d not fully utilize a full-sized food processor, which would otherwise cost more or take up a lot of space on the countertop.
Compared to a full-sized food chopper, this Mini Food Chopper costs a lot less, is small in size, and has straightforward features designed for home users who need a practical tool for chopping, mixing, and pureeing in small batches. Here is how this small gadget compares to the more popular food choppers in the market.
Design
The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper stands out for its minimalist design and compact size. Measuring approximately 5.6 x 7 x 8.7 inches and weighing just 2.6 pounds, it is light and easy to move around. Its small footprint means it doesn’t take up much counter or storage space, making it perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even RVs.
The 3.5-cup bowl capacity is ideal for small meal prep tasks. It’s well-suited for chopping vegetables, preparing dips and sauces, and making small quantities of baby food. The bowl is made from durable, BPA-free plastic, ensuring safety and longevity. The inclusion of a pour spout simplifies the transfer of liquids, adding to its overall convenience.
In addition to the compact design, the KitchenAid Mini Food Chopper is available in various colors – our review model is the KitchenAid KFC3516CU (Contour Silver color), but you have a choice of classic shades like white, black, and red, as well as trendier options such as pastel pink and aqua sky. The variety allows you the flexibility to match your Mini Chopper with the existing décor. The sleek finish and rounded edges give it a modern look that blends seamlessly into most kitchens.
Features
The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper offers two speed settings (low and high) along with a pulse option. This range of controls allows users to achieve the desired consistency, whether they’re chopping onions for salsa, pureeing fruits for smoothies, or emulsifying dressing ingredients.
It has a multipurpose stainless-steel blade that’s highly efficient and sharp, capable of handling a variety of tasks. From chopping vegetables to mixing soft dough, the blade maintains its edge over time. The stainless-steel material ensures durability and resistance to rust, making it a long-lasting component.
The standout feature here is the food chopper’s portability. The lightweight build makes it easy to move around the kitchen or store when not in use. It’s particularly appealing to those who value simplicity and efficiency in a compact appliance.
Also, it’s very easy to assemble and take apart when not in use. Both the lid and the bowl snap into place effortlessly, and the operation requires minimal effort—a bonus for users with busy schedules or limited technical knowledge.
Performance
The KitchenAid KFC3516CU excels at basic food preparation tasks. Whether you need to finely chop garlic, onions, and herbs or prepare small batches of dips, like guacamole and hummus, it delivers consistent and reliable results. The two-speed and pulse settings allow precise control over texture, from coarse to finely chopped or blended.
Its ability to puree ingredients is a bonus for making baby food, sauces, or even blending softer ingredients like cooked vegetables. For small-batch baking, it can mix ingredients like softened butter and sugar or blend wet ingredients for pancakes or muffins.
While it handles most soft and medium-firm ingredients effortlessly, it struggles with harder items, such as raw nuts or hard cheeses, unless these are cut into smaller pieces or processed in smaller batches. For heavy-duty tasks, a larger or more powerful processor may be necessary.
For cleaning and maintenance, the dishwasher-safe components significantly simplify cleaning, but it’s also easy to hand wash for quick reusability. Periodically, the blade and motor base should be wiped down to remove any lingering residue. To prolong the blade’s sharpness, avoid processing very hard ingredients or ensure these are pre-cut into smaller portions.
Finally, the food chopper operates more quietly than many of its larger counterparts. While not completely silent, the noise is less intrusive – much quieter than, let’s say, the Vitamix 5200 blender, making it a better choice for shared living spaces or those with young children.
Comparison with Other Kitchen Appliances
Versus Full-Sized Food Processors
Full-sized food processors like the Cuisinart 14BCNY food processor are designed for larger batches and tougher tasks, such as kneading dough or shredding hard vegetables. They offer more power and functionality but require significantly more space and come at a higher price point. The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper, by contrast, is ideal for smaller, simpler tasks and is easier to store and maintain.
Versus Handheld Choppers
Handheld choppers such as the Fullstar Vegetable Chopper are even more compact and don’t require electricity but often lack the power and precision of electric options. The KitchenAid’s motorized operation and multiple speeds offer superior control and consistency.
Versus Immersion Blenders
While immersion blenders like the Cuisinart CSB-179 Smart Stick excel at blending liquids directly in bowls or pots, they cannot chop or process solid ingredients effectively. The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper complements immersion blenders by filling the gap for chopping and small-batch processing tasks.
KitchenAid KFC3516CU Review | Verdict
The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516CU) is a well-designed, user-friendly, and reliable kitchen appliance. Its compact size and straightforward functionality make it an excellent choice for small households, occasional cooks, or anyone looking for a quick and easy way to handle everyday food preparation tasks. While it has some limitations—notably its small capacity and challenges with hard ingredients—its affordability and efficiency more than make up for these drawbacks.
If you prioritize simplicity, portability, and convenience over high-capacity or heavy-duty functionality, the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516CU) is an excellent addition to your kitchen countertop.
Recommended Configuration
KitchenAid KFC3516CU 3.5 Cup Food Chopper, Contour Silver
$44.95 in stock
The Review
KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516CU) is a well-designed, user-friendly, and reliable kitchen appliance. Its compact size and straightforward functionality make it an excellent choice for small households and occasional cooks.
PROS
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable blades
- Dishwasher safe
CONS
- Only 3.5-cup capacity
- Struggles with hard ingredients
Review Breakdown
-
RS SCORE
