The KitchenAid KFC3516CU 3.5 Cup Food Chopper in Contour Silver is a small, stylish kitchen tool. It’s great for chopping, blending, and pureeing small batches. But is it the best mini food processor for 2025? Is it worth your money? This review covers its features, pros, cons, and how it compares to other food processors.
What Is the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper?
The KitchenAid KFC3516CU is a compact food chopper for small tasks. It’s perfect for one or two people or small kitchens. You can chop veggies, blend sauces, or make baby food. It’s easy to use and looks good on your counter.
Key Features
- Size: 3.5-cup bowl, BPA-free.
- Speeds: Two speeds (chop, puree) with pulse.
- Design: Small (8.7″ tall, 5.6″ wide), 2.7 lbs, with cord wrap.
- Parts: Stainless steel blade, dishwasher-safe bowl and lid.
- Drizzle Basin: Add liquids for sauces or dressings.
- Colors: Contour Silver, Empire Red, Matte Black, and more.
- Price: $41.99-$64.99, often on sale.
Read User Manual
Why Get a Mini Food Chopper?
A mini chopper like the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup is great for:
- Chopping onions, garlic, or herbs.
- Making salsa, hummus, or pesto.
- Pureeing baby food or dips.
- Small kitchens with little space.
It’s not for big families or heavy tasks like dough.
How Does It Perform?
The KitchenAid KFC3516CU is a top pick (4.6/5 on Amazon, 4.8/5 on KitchenAid’s site). Here’s why it shines and where it falls short.
Pros
- Versatile: Chops veggies, blends smooth dips, or purees sauces.
- Easy to Use: One-touch button for quick prep.
- Small Size: Fits tiny kitchens and stores easily.
- Durable: Many users say it lasts years.
- Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe parts.
Cons
- Lid: Tricky to lock or remove at first.
- Noise: Loud when running.
- Small Bowl: Not for big recipes.
- Not Heavy-Duty: Can’t handle dough or tough foods.
KitchenAid Chopper vs. Food Processor
How does the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Chopper compare to a bigger food processor, like the KitchenAid 7-Cup model?
Feature | 3.5 Cup Chopper | 7-Cup Food Processor |
Size | 3.5 cups | 7 cups |
Price | $41.99-$64.99 | $99.99-$129.99 |
Weight | 2.7 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
Tasks | Chop, puree, pulse | Chop, slice, shred, knead |
Best For | Small tasks, small kitchens | Big recipes, versatile tasks |
Choose the Chopper If
- You cook for 1-2 people.
- You want a cheap, small tool.
- You need quick prep for dips or veggies.
Choose a Food Processor If
- You cook for a big family.
- You need to slice, shred, or knead dough.
- You want more power and options.
Is the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Chopper Worth It?
The KitchenAid KFC3516CU is a great buy for small kitchens. Here’s why:
Why Buy It
- Cheap: Costs $41.99-$64.99, often on sale.
- Powerful: Handles small tasks well.
- Small: Perfect for tight spaces.
- Stylish: Looks great in many colors.
- Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe parts.
Why Skip It
- Small Size: Too small for big families.
- Lid Issues: Takes practice to use.
- Noisy: Louder than some expect.
If you cook small meals and want a simple tool, it’s worth it. For big tasks, get a larger food processor.
Best Mini Food Processor 2025
Is the KitchenAid KFC3516CU the best mini food processor for 2025? Here’s how it compares:
Model | KitchenAid KFC3516CU | Cuisinart Mini-Prep | Ninja Chopper |
Size | 3.5 cups | 4 cups | 3 cups |
Price | $41.99-$64.99 | $39.95-$49.99 | ~$49.99 |
Speeds | 2 (chop, puree) | 2 (chop, grind) | 1 (pulse) |
Drizzle Basin | Yes | No | Yes (pour spout) |
Best For | Style, versatility | Budget, bigger size | Liquids, portability |
The KitchenAid wins for style and ease of use. Cuisinart is cheaper with a bigger bowl. Ninja is great for liquids like smoothies.
What Users Say
Users love the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Chopper for
- Power: Chops nuts and blends dips well.
- Look: Stylish and small.
- Cleaning: The Dishwasher makes it easy.
- Longevity: Lasts years for many.
Some dislike
- Lid: Hard to use at first.
- Noise: Too loud for some.
- Size: Too small for big recipes.
Tips for Using KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
- Learn the Lid: Watch a quick video to lock it right.
- Pulse Smart: Short pulses control texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep batches small.
- Clean Fast: Rinse parts before food dries.
- Try Recipes:
- Salsa: Pulse tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Hummus: Blend chickpeas, tahini, and oil.
- Nut Butter: Process nuts with oil slowly.
Where to Buy
Find the KitchenAid KFC3516CU at:
- KitchenAid: $64.99, free shipping.
- Amazon: $49.99-$64.99, Prime deals.
- Walmart: ~$54.99, pickup available.
- Target: ~$59.99, RedCard savings.
- Kitchen Clique: ~$41.99 on sale.
Look for deals during Black Friday or Prime Day. Check for a 1-year warranty.
Final Thoughts
The KitchenAid KFC3516CU 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is a top pick for small kitchens. It’s affordable, stylish, and great for quick tasks like chopping veggies or blending dips. It’s not for big families or heavy jobs. If you want a small, reliable chopper, it’s a great choice for 2025.

My name is Yeasin Sorker. I have 10 years of experience in cooking and working in various aspects of the kitchen. I studied at Beacon Academy Bangladesh and am now working with them as well. I love discovering, experimenting, and sharing new cooking recipes. Through my website “Mr Kitchen Adviser“, I share my cooking experiences, recipes, and kitchen tips so that everyone can learn from them and make their cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.