Top-Rated Food Processors for Making Pies

Making the perfect pie can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to achieving that ideal, flaky crust. However, a good food processor can simplify the process, speeding up preparation while ensuring consistent results. From mixing pie dough to cutting butter and even slicing fruits for fillings, the right food processor can make pie making both easy and efficient.

In this guide, we'll explore the best food processors for making pies, highlighting the features that matter most for pie crusts, fillings, and other components. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, a quality food processor can make all the difference in achieving a perfect pie every time.

Key Features for Making Pies

1. Powerful Motor for Mixing Dough

Pie dough requires just the right amount of blending. Overworking the dough can lead to tough crusts, while under-mixing can result in uneven textures. A food processor with a strong motor (at least 600 watts) will make quick work of mixing the dough without overworking it. The motor should be able to easily cut in butter or shortening and pulse the mixture into a flaky consistency.

2. Pulse Function

The pulse feature is invaluable when making pie dough. It allows you to control the consistency by pulsing ingredients in short bursts. This prevents overmixing and ensures the dough maintains its flakiness, which is key to making a tender pie crust. The pulse function also helps when you are blending pie filling ingredients and want more control over the texture.

3. Large, Durable Bowl

A large bowl (at least 9 to 12 cups) is essential for mixing pie dough, especially if you're making a double crust or baking in larger quantities. A durable bowl that is easy to handle is also critical when you are processing sticky dough or large batches of pie filling. Look for bowls made of high-quality plastic or stainless steel that can withstand the pressure of mixing and kneading.

4. Sharp, Sturdy Blade

A sharp blade is necessary for cutting cold butter or fat into the pie dough, as it creates the flakes that give the crust its texture. The food processor should come with a dedicated dough blade to knead the dough and other sharp attachments that can chop or slice ingredients for the filling. Many top-rated food processors also offer a wide variety of discs for slicing fruits or vegetables with precision.

5. Slicing and Shredding Discs for Fillings

Once your pie crust is ready, it's time to think about the filling. If you're using fresh fruits like apples, berries, or peaches, a slicing disc is an excellent feature to look for. It helps you achieve uniform slices, which makes your filling look beautiful and cook evenly. Shredding discs are helpful when preparing grated ingredients like cheese or coconut for a more savory pie.

6. Ease of Cleaning

When working with pie dough, cleanup can get messy. A food processor with removable, dishwasher-safe parts makes cleanup easier, saving you time and effort. Make sure the processor's bowl, lid, and blade can be easily removed and cleaned thoroughly. Stainless steel blades, in particular, are often easier to clean than plastic alternatives.

7. Quiet Operation

Though not as critical as some other features, a quieter motor can improve the baking experience, especially if you plan to use the food processor frequently. No one likes loud kitchen appliances that disrupt the peace, so consider a food processor with noise reduction technology if you plan to use it in a quieter setting.

Top-Rated Food Processors for Making Pies

1. Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Making Pies:

The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY is known for its large capacity and powerful motor, making it perfect for making pie dough in large batches. Its 14-cup bowl can accommodate a lot of dough and filling ingredients, and its sharp, stainless steel blades are excellent for achieving a flaky crust.

Key Features:

• 720-Watt Motor: Strong enough to handle dense pie dough and evenly mix ingredients.
• 14-Cup Capacity: Large enough for big batches of pie dough or filling.
• Stainless Steel Dough Blade: Designed specifically for mixing pie dough without overworking it.
• Multiple Attachments: Includes slicing and shredding discs, making it easy to prepare fruit or vegetables for your pie fillings.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Easy to clean after use.

Pros:

• Large Bowl: Great for preparing big batches, especially for double crust pies.
• High Power: Capable of quickly mixing thick dough or chopping ingredients.
• Versatile Attachments: Perfect for a variety of tasks in pie-making, from dough to filling prep.

Cons:

• Bulky: The large size may take up considerable counter space.
• Higher Price Point: It is pricier compared to smaller models, but the quality justifies the cost.

Ideal For:

• Serious bakers or those who need a high-capacity machine to tackle larger baking projects.

2. Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Making Pies:

The Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef offers precision and power, essential for creating flawless pie dough. Its multiple attachments, including a dough blade and a powerful motor, allow you to process pie ingredients efficiently.

Key Features:

• 1200-Watt Motor: The most powerful motor in the market, ensuring smooth operation even with dense pie dough.
• 16-Cup Capacity: Extra-large bowl for large batches.
• Precision Slicing Disc: Ideal for slicing fruit for fillings with uniform thickness.
• Multiple Attachments: Includes a dough blade and various slicing, chopping, and shredding discs.
• Adjustable Slicing: Offers control over the thickness of ingredients.

Pros:

• Top-Tier Power: Handles thick pie dough and fruit fillings with ease.
• Large Capacity: Perfect for preparing large pie recipes.
• Precision: The adjustable slicing disc gives you control over how thick or thin your pie ingredients are.

Cons:

• Pricey: It's on the expensive side compared to other models.
• Size: It's large and may take up significant space on your counter.

Ideal For:

• Professional or advanced bakers looking for precision and power in their pie-making process.

3. KitchenAid KFP1133OB 11-Cup Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Making Pies:

The KitchenAid KFP1133OB strikes a good balance between price and performance, offering an 11-cup bowl perfect for making pies at home. Its efficient motor and dough blade are excellent for creating a tender, flaky crust.

Key Features:

• 300-Watt Motor: Sufficient for most home pie-making needs.
• 11-Cup Capacity: A perfect size for most home bakers.
• Dough Blade: Helps make light work of pie dough.
• Versatile Attachments: Includes various blades and discs for chopping, slicing, and grating ingredients.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Convenient for cleanup.

Pros:

• Moderately Priced: Offers a great balance of price and performance.
• Compact: Takes up less counter space than larger models.
• Versatile: Can tackle multiple tasks in pie-making, from dough to filling preparation.

Cons:

• Lower Power: The motor may struggle with particularly dense or tough pie doughs.
• Smaller Bowl: May not be ideal for large-scale pie-making.

Ideal For:

• Home bakers who want a dependable, moderately-priced food processor for making pies.

4. Hamilton Beach 70730 10-Cup Food Processor

Why It's Ideal for Making Pies:

The Hamilton Beach 70730 is a great budget-friendly option for those who want a functional food processor without breaking the bank. It's perfect for smaller pie-making tasks or home bakers who need something simple.

Key Features:

• 450-Watt Motor: Sufficient for light tasks such as mixing pie dough.
• 10-Cup Capacity: Perfect for smaller pie-making projects.
• Reversible Slicing and Shredding Discs: Useful for preparing fruits or vegetables for fillings.
• Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Easy to clean after use.

Pros:

• Affordable: Great option for beginners or casual bakers.
• Compact Size: Doesn't take up too much space on the counter.
• Simple Design: Easy to use for basic pie-making tasks.

Cons:

• Limited Power: May not be as effective with dense dough or heavy mixing tasks.
• Smaller Capacity: Ideal for small pie batches, but not for large projects.

Ideal For:

• Beginners or casual bakers who need a reliable, affordable food processor for occasional pie-making.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food processor for making pies depends on your baking needs, budget, and preferences. For those who bake in large quantities, a powerful food processor like the Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef or the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY offers excellent performance. However, if you are just starting out or prefer a more affordable option, the KitchenAid KFP1133OB or Hamilton Beach 70730 can still provide great results for your pies.