Are you contemplating a Vitamix Blender vs. Cuisinart Food Processor? Both are great! Which one can’t I live without?
Preparing healthy, homemade meals for your family is a lot of work. I wish I could tell you that there was some secret to making it as easy as getting take-out, but there really isn’t. Thankfully, there are kitchen appliances that can make the hard work much, much easier. What would we do without modern technology?!
The two kitchen appliances that I can’t imagine trying to live this clean-eating life without are my Vitamix blender and Cuisinart food processor
. I use one of them everyday, and some days I use them both. They are both powerful, amazing kitchen tools that can do so much.
But what if I could only have ONE of them?
I get this question a lot from people who are just starting out on their healthy, clean-eating journey. They want to start cooking more meals at home, eating more healthy, whole foods, but they are overwhelmed by the amount of time and work it takes. They also feel limited when they see recipes that call for a “powerful blender” or a food processor. If you don’t have at least one of these appliances, you are either limiting the foods you can make, or really adding to the amount of work it takes to prepare the foods you want to eat.
Most people who are starting out on a clean-eating journey are ready to make an investment in their health, but buying both of these appliances at one time is not realistic for most people. (I got both my Vitamix blender and Cuisinart food processor at separate times, as gifts, by the way.)
So if I had to choose JUST ONE, my Vita-Mix blender or my Cuisinart Food Processor, which would it be?
Before I answer that, let me give you a quick review on both my Vitamix blender
and Cuisinart food processor. 
I’ll let you know what I like about each, what I use them for, and then at the end I’ll tell you which one I’d pick if I could only pick one. (Go ahead, scroll down and see if you can’t wait!)
What I Love About My Vitamix Blender
There are two main blenders on the market that compete at the same price level ($400+), the Vitamix and the Blendtec. Before I tell you what I love about my Vitamix, let me tell you why I chose it over the Blendtec. Both are powerful, professional blenders and everyone I know who owns one or the other is happy.
For me, it came down to one basic thing: the analog control dial and a basic on/off switch. Blendtec has a digital touch screen. Digital things break sooner. I have heard of Vitamixes that have lasted 20+ years and have been passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. I wanted a blender that would last forever, and that’s why I chose Vitamix.
So what do I use it for and why do I love it so much?
The Vitamix is truly a professional grade blender. If you go into the kitchen of your favorite restaurant, you’ll likely find a Vitamix blender making that smooth puree you keep going back for. This machine will pulverize just about anything you put into it. I also love how easy it is to clean. I put a little dish soap and water inside, turn it on, and it cleans itself!
Here are the main things I use my Vitamix blender for:
- Smoothies. If you don’t have a professional blender, imagine a smoothie with no pulp, no seeds, no fiber, just perfectly smooth. It completely breaks down the greens you put into it, which means more nutrients are being released. Smoothies are what I use the Vitamix for on a daily basis. (Check out all my smoothie recipes here.)
- Condiments. I blend sauces, dips, and dressings in my Vitamix.
- Blender Muffins.
- Homemade Almond Milk.
- Soups. Imagine having a whole bunch of leftover roasted vegetables. Now imagine putting them into the Vitamix, turning it on, and blending those vegetables until they are hot and your soup is ready. Yes, you can blend soup and the blender actually will heat the soup for you so you don’t even have to put it on the stove. For real!
- Grind coffee beans. I have the dry container, which I use to grind whole coffee beans. You can also grind grains into flour, which I should do more.
- Make baby food. Okay, I’m not doing this one anymore. But when I was making baby food, I loved the smooth results from the Vitamix best.
What I Love About my Cuisinart Food Processor
I registered for my food processor when I was getting married without knowing just how valuable of a kitchen tool it was. I’m so glad I did because my Cuisinart food processor makes my life in the kitchen much easier. I have the big guy, the 14-cup version, and I use it all the time.
Here are the main things I use my Cuisinart food processor for:
- Making homemade energy bars/balls. (Like these high-protein energy balls, these Chocolate Bliss Balls, and these Pumpkin Spice Energy Bars, just to name a few.) You can make these in the Vitamix, but I dislike how so much of the mixture gets stuck under the blades and also find it more difficult to control how blended it gets.
- Chopping Vegetables/nuts/etc. It can chop vegetables or nuts quickly and without much effort. Love it. The Vitamix can also chop vegetables, in a sense, but I find the results much easier to control in the food processor.
- Slicing Vegetables. This is something the Vitamix definitely can’t do. The Cuisinart food processor has a slicing blade attachment that slices vegetables for you. If you need a whole bunch of potatoes, carrots, or whatever else sliced, it gets the job done in less than a minute. I love the slicing feature!
- Shredding vegetables or cheese. The Cuisinart food processor also has a shredding attachment which makes shredding vegetables or cheese a breeze. I use this when I make my Vegan Zucchini Muffins or Zucchini Chocolate Bread and my Veggie Pancakes. I also use it to shred block cheese as I find shredding my own cheese not only saves me money, but yields much better results in most recipes. I also avoid unwanted added ingredients most store-bought shredded cheeses have.
- Homemade sunflower seed butter. Again, this is something you can also use the Vitamix for, but I find it easier in the food processor.
- Making homemade bread crumbs.
- Making pie and bread dough.
- Making frosting.
- Making homemade crackers.
The Cuisinart food processor is not as easy to clean as the Vitamix blender. You have to hand wash it and there are parts to take apart. I don’t find it to be a huge deal though, and it’s most definitely worth the time saved in food preparation.
Who wins? The Vitamix blender or Cuisinart food processor?
I love having both of these appliances in my kitchen. They are both out on my counter and get used daily. If I had to choose just one, however, it would be:
CUISINART FOOD PROCESSOR!!
I would miss my Vitamix, for sure, but I’d probably pick up a Magic Bullet
or Ninja Blender
for my smoothies and use my food processor for everything else.
If you are on a journey to better eating, know that there are tools out there to help make the transition to preparing real foods in your kitchen easier! I hope this post helps you see how much either the Vitamix blender or Cuisinart food processor can help save you time and energy.
Do you have one or both of these appliances in your kitchen? Which do you think is indispensable? Do you agree with my choice? Weigh in in the comments!
Please note that this is not a sponsored post. I’m reviewing these products because I’ve used them and loved them in my kitchen for years. Links, however, are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase one of these products through my Amazon link, I will receive a percentage of the sale for referring you. Thank you for helping make Happy Healthy Mama possible!
Hi….. I’ve had a Cuisinart food processor since 1990….. works perfectly. I don’t use it every day but, I have even made banana bread in it.
I have used this blender and it’s an awesome blending machine I have ever used! 🙂
Hi! I’ve been enjoying your recipes for years – thank you! I have a question regarding this post. I have a vitamix blender already (although it is an old, refurbished one..). I need a good food processor and see the one you use that you posted is no longer available per Amazon. Since some time has passed since this post, I am wondering if there is a 2-in-1 unit you would recommend.? Is there a unit that can blend like a vitamix but also have the dough blade option / wattage needed for energy balls. Please let us know! Thank you and many blessings!
Hello, thank you for your site. I found so much useful information here. I also agree with the information that Vitamix is a great blender.
You don’t even need to have a food processor in your kitchen. I also choose because you can have one in the kitchen.
How to be without a freshly made smoothie.
And I always worry when I need to add ice. Will the ice damage the blender?
Thanks for sharing this awesome and informative review. The blending food always good for health and easily digest. please make a blog post to clean the blender after food process. Your explanation is great & awesome. To add a video it is not a more popularity?
Hello…
I have a Cuisinart food processor (elemental 13 cup) and I was wondering if your Cuisinart makes almond milk as well as your Vitamix? Is your cuisinart also die-cast? What is it that you think your Cuisinart doesn’t do as well as the Vitamix Thanks so much for your post.
No, I don’t think the food processor makes almond milk as well as the blender. I’m sure it would work, but the blender is just better at smooth blending like that. The blender is better at making smoothies and soups.
Hey… I think somebody stole your article. Just thought I’d let you know. I googled “vitamix or food processor smoothies” and the “asharpblend” result is eerily close to yours… Theirs (written by “Daniel”) is supposedly from December 2016, so yours seems to have come first. At the risk of seeming like a spammer, the website is https://asharpblend.com/vitamix-food-processor/
Not sure what you can do about it, but I was irritated on your behalf. Thanks for the article, by the way.
Thanks so much for letting me know! That really stinks. 🙁
This was very helpful for me. I’m not sure if you’re still reading comments. I got a Vitamix for my birthday in June 2017. I use it everyday at least once but mostly for smoothies. I need to make it a point to use it more often and I think I’ll start with some soups this week.
I just got an 8 cup Cuisinart food processor for Christmas. I’ve been wanting a food processor for a while but wasn’t sure if it’s worth my cabinet space which I am definitely running out of. After reading this article I think I’ll keep both but wondering if the 8th cup is big enough. As I mentioned space is an issue. It’s just my husband and I for the most part and he doesn’t eat real clean but he will eat salads and tacos and things. Will I be happy with just the 8-cup?
I appreciate your suggestions for how you use both. I will be implementing over the next few weeks to get more used to them and make it more of a habit.
For just the two of you, I think the 8 cup will be good! If you even want to use it for a larger batch of something, you can always do it in 2 batches. 🙂 I’m glad this helped you!
Thanks for this! My Hamilton Beach food processor’s bowl cracked when I was using it yesterday, so I was looking to replace it and the general consensus from my friends is that Cuisinart is the go-to for food processors. But I’ve always wanted a Vitamix, so I was wondering what the two were like in comparison. It looks like Cusinart is what I’ll be going with, although I may still save up for a refurbished Vitamix. Thank you! 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m glad this helped you. 🙂
Karmin`s blender is my preference 😉
I finally had to toss my smoothie blender (first the plastic container base got stuck so it wouldn’t separate for cleaning and then soapy water got in the handle which could get into container). I have a small Cuisinart food processor and cannot even think about a $600 blender. Trying to figure out if the Cuisinart can serve as a blender for smoothies and such things. If not, looking at sub-$50 blender or 1500 watt mega Nutriblender combo at Costco for about $140 on sale. It claims to be a food processor, blender, smoothie maker, etc.. Help please! Thanks!
I would go with the Nutriblender option. The food processor isn’t the best for smoothies, but I’m sure it could work. I have a friend who has the Nutriblender and is very happy with it.
Can you tell me the exact model/sz of the blender and processor you have? I know vitamix & Cuisinart but what cup sz & models please.
I have the Vitamix 5200 brushed stainless steel shown here: http://amzn.to/29coLTk I have two container sizes, the 32 ounce and the 64 ounce. I also have a 32 ounce dry container. I use the 32 ounce wet container most often. I received the other two as gifts, though, and am glad I have them.
For the food processor, I have the 14-cup Elite Collection shown here: http://amzn.to/299pGmA
I hope that helps! 🙂
I have both but I’d go for my Vitamix Blender. I’m more of a smoothie enthusiast and I cannot survive a day without my freshly blended fruit or vegetable shake.
If asked to choose between the two, I’d rather opt for the Vitamix blender because it can do the things that the Cuisinart food processor. But that is, if I need to choose just one. Good thing, I have both, though!
Thanks so much for this article! Wasn’t sure I’d find anything that could answer my question!… Your article helped me, and even though I own a Blendtec blender, I am going forth with my Cuisinart food processor purchase due to some of the kitchen tasks I need to do – which you also explained! Thank you !!
I’m glad this helped! 🙂
Thank you so much for providing this information. I am on the clean eating journey and I know I need to purchase one of these appliances, but just wasn’t sure which one, now I know. Thank you again!!
You’re welcome! 🙂
I think I’m with you. I LOVE my vitamix and use it all the time, BUT I’ve had my food processor for 11 years now and I couldn’t live without that little appliance, where as I just got the Vitamix less than a year ago. Great review!
Question – when you shred the blocks of cheese do you shred the whole thing and just bag leftovers or shred just what you need? I find myself buying shredded on occasion for those quick cheese eggs or Mexican recipes just for convenience. I much prefer the taste though in block cheese that’s shredded.
I usually shred a little more than I need for the recipe so I always have some on hand. I end up buying the shredded sometimes, too, but I’m always happier when I take the time to shred my own!
Whenever I make almost anything I tend to make large batches. I use my food processor Cuisinart for 30 years, now Breville large-capacity) with the chopping blade to create large batches of an almost powdery blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese. I don’t use much shredded cheese, But if I was making it, I would make a large batch. I haven’t found much difference between the quality and taste of the shredded cheese I buy in 2-pound bags or shredded cheese, So when I do use it I tend to buy the bags.
i have a Nutribullet and it serves me well for my smoothies, green juices and almond milk to name, I bought it because the Vitamix was a little out of my price range. However I would like to make more pastes and drizzle sause but the Nurtibullet needs liquid in it. I found your information on the. It’s mix versus the Cuisinart very useful and as I have a Magimix I think I will try that for drier sauces etc and it also has a grater blade which I’m going to try out, I must have had my Magimix over 20 years and it is still going strong. So thanks for your article. Happy Healthy Living regards Rosemary
20 years! That’s wonderful!
I use my Ninja blender every day. My Cuisinart is a smaller size. Maybe if it was larger I would use it more often? I just happen to have a family that loves smoothies!
I think the bigger size makes it much more versatile!