A food processor is an indispensable kitchen appliance for anyone serious about cooking. From chopping vegetables and shredding cheese to making smooth purees and kneading dough, its versatility is unmatched. However, food processors are also known for taking up valuable counter space and can be a pain to clean. For owners of a Vitamix blender, the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment offers a space-saving solution, utilizing the powerful motor base you already own. But does this attachment live up to the Vitamix name and perform as well as a dedicated food processor? We put it to the test.
Priced around $250, the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment promises to extend the functionality of your Vitamix Ascent A-series blenders and Venturist V1200, transforming it into a multi-functional kitchen workhorse. We were eager to see if it could truly replace a standalone food processor or if it was just a convenient but less effective add-on. We conducted a series of tests, evaluating its performance in various common food processing tasks.
Putting the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment to the Test
To thoroughly assess the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment, we performed a range of tests to mimic typical food processing tasks in a home kitchen. These tests were designed to evaluate its ability to emulsify, slice, shred, process dough, and puree, as well as its ease of use and cleaning.
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Mayonnaise Test: Mayonnaise is notoriously tricky for food processors due to the need for slow, steady emulsification. We tested the attachment’s ability to create a stable emulsion.
Slicing Test: Using the included slicing disk, we evaluated the uniformity and consistency of potato slices.
Shredding Test: We shredded beets to assess the shredding disk performance and also checked for staining of the container after prolonged contact with beets.
Dough Test: Pie dough requires precise pulsing to avoid overworking the gluten. We tested the attachment’s responsiveness and pulse control while making an all-butter pie crust.
Hummus Test: A smooth hummus is a benchmark for pureeing capability. We assessed the texture and smoothness of hummus made in the Vitamix food processor attachment.
Cleaning Test: Ease of cleaning is a crucial factor for any kitchen appliance. We hand-washed all components after each test to evaluate cleaning convenience.
Key Findings: Performance and Usability Insights
After conducting these tests, we gained valuable insights into the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment’s strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what we learned:
Blender Base Integration: Seamless and Effective
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The Vitamix Food Processor Attachment is designed to work exclusively with Vitamix Ascent series and Venturist V1200 blender bases. The “self-detect” feature intelligently recognizes the attachment, limiting the blender base functions to on, off, and pulse, which are the necessary controls for food processing. Our tests using the A3500 blender base demonstrated a smooth and efficient integration. If you are already comfortable using your Vitamix Ascent series blender, you’ll find the food processor attachment equally intuitive.
However, this reliance on a separate blender base is a double-edged sword. If you already own a compatible Vitamix blender, the attachment is a cost-effective way to add food processing capabilities to your kitchen. But, if you don’t, the combined cost of a Vitamix blender and the food processor attachment can be significantly higher than purchasing a dedicated high-quality food processor like the Magimix 14-Cup Food Processor or the Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor. The financial sense hinges on whether you are already part of the Vitamix ecosystem.
Emulsification Excellence: Surprising Mayonnaise Success
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Food processors often struggle with creating well-emulsified mayonnaise due to their powerful motors blending too quickly, leading to separation. However, the Vitamix food processor attachment defied expectations and produced excellent mayonnaise. Using the feed tube pusher with its built-in drizzle hole for slow oil addition, we achieved a stable and creamy emulsion, even with a recipe containing four egg yolks, which is highly susceptible to splitting. This impressive emulsification performance makes it a reliable tool for homemade mayonnaise and other emulsions.
Disk Performance: Efficient Slicing and Shredding
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Assembling the slicing and shredding disks was straightforward, simply replacing the multi-use blade. The disks performed admirably, slicing potatoes and shredding beets effectively. We noted a couple of minor points: the feed tube, while larger than some competitors, required trimming larger potatoes and halving beets. Additionally, during slicing, some paper-thin slices appeared towards the end, indicating slight inconsistency in slice thickness. While not a major flaw, it’s a detail worth noting. Shredding beets resulted in a few leftover chunks on top of the shredding disk.
Responsiveness: A Minor Lag in Pulsing
During pie dough preparation, we observed that the blade continued to spin for a rotation or two after releasing the pulse button. While this didn’t negatively impact the dough quality in our test, a more responsive food processor blade would stop almost instantaneously. This slight lag in responsiveness might be a consideration for tasks requiring very precise pulsing control, especially for experienced bakers.
Ease of Setup and Cleaning: User-Friendly Design
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True to Vitamix’s design philosophy, setting up the food processor attachment on the blender base is effortless – simply place it onto the prongs. Assembly of the food processor itself is also generally easy, although locking and unlocking the lid presented minor challenges. The lid uses snap-on tabs instead of a sliding lock, which occasionally led to accidentally lifting the entire unit off the base. On the positive side, cleaning was surprisingly easy, and the attachment resisted staining even after processing beets, which is a significant advantage.
Final Verdict: A Solid Attachment for Vitamix Owners
The Vitamix 12-Cup Food Processor Attachment is a worthwhile addition for owners of Vitamix Ascent series or Venturist blenders who want to expand their kitchen capabilities without investing in a separate, bulky food processor. It performs well in most common food processing tasks, especially excelling at emulsifying mayonnaise. Its space-saving design is ideal for smaller kitchens.
However, if you frequently make pie or bread dough or require ultra-responsive pulsing, a dedicated, high-end food processor might offer slightly better performance. Ultimately, the value proposition of the Vitamix Food Processor Attachment is strongest for those already invested in the Vitamix ecosystem and seeking a convenient and capable food processing solution.
Key Specifications:
- Material: BPA-free Eastman Tritan
- Weight: 8.2 lbs (excluding blender base)
- Capacity: 12 cups
- Included: Food processor attachment, self-detect base, multi-use blade, five disks, and disk storage case.
- Care: Dishwasher-safe (excluding base)
- Warranty: 3 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vitamix food processor attachment dishwasher safe?
Yes, the Vitamix food processor attachment, except for the self-detect base, is dishwasher safe, making cleanup convenient.
Which Vitamix blenders are compatible with the food processor attachment?
The Vitamix food processor attachment is compatible with all Vitamix Ascent series blender bases and the Vitamix Venturist V1200 blender. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with these models.
Is the Vitamix food processor attachment worth the investment?
For Vitamix Ascent or Venturist blender owners who need a food processor and want to save space and money compared to buying a standalone unit, the Vitamix food processor attachment is a worthwhile investment. It offers good performance for most tasks, although dedicated food processors might offer slightly more responsiveness for certain techniques.
Blender vs. Food Processor: Which is better?
Blenders and food processors are designed for different tasks. Blenders excel at creating smooth purees and liquids due to their tall, vortex-creating jars, ideal for smoothies and soups. Food processors are better suited for chopping, slicing, shredding, and dough making due to their wider bowls and different blade designs. Each has its own strengths and optimal applications in the kitchen.
Why Trust Our Expertise?
- Grace Kelly is a seasoned editor at Serious Eats with extensive experience in reviewing kitchen equipment since 2022.
- Previously, Grace was an assistant editor at America’s Test Kitchen, further honing her expertise in culinary equipment testing and evaluation.
- For this review, Grace conducted rigorous testing of the Vitamix food processor attachment, comparing its performance against established benchmarks and competitor products to provide you with a comprehensive and reliable assessment.
Read our comprehensive review of Vitamix blenders to find the best model for your needs.
