The Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor is a compact, budget-friendly kitchen tool designed to simplify food prep tasks like chopping, dicing, mincing, and pureeing. With a 3-cup capacity and a 350-watt motor, it promises to handle a variety of ingredients—from onions and nuts to herbs and baby food—while maintaining an affordable price point of $21.13. After evaluating its design, functionality, and overall value, here’s a comprehensive look at what this mini chopper brings to the table.
Design and Features
This chopper sports a sleek, black, lightweight design that’s both practical and unobtrusive, making it ideal for small kitchens or those who prefer minimal countertop clutter. The patented Stack & Press mechanism is a standout feature: simply stack the lid onto the bowl and press down to chop, releasing to stop—no twist-locking required. This intuitive operation is paired with a 3-cup BPA-free bowl, stainless steel blades, and a built-in oil dispenser on the lid for emulsifying dressings or sauces. The cord wraps neatly underneath for storage, and the bowl, lid, and blades are dishwasher-safe, enhancing its ease of use and cleanup.
Hamilton Beach 72850 Processor Electric
Performance
Powered by a 350-watt motor, this mini food processor delivers impressive chopping power for its size. It excels at processing small batches of ingredients, such as onions, garlic, nuts, and herbs, with sharp stainless steel blades that provide consistent results. The pulse-action control (via pressing the lid) allows for precision—quick taps yield coarse chops, while longer presses can achieve a fine mince or even a smooth puree. Users have reported success with tougher items like ginger and carrots, though fibrous or very hard ingredients may require pre-cutting into smaller pieces for optimal results. The oil dispenser is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to drizzle in liquids while blending hummus or dressings.
At 3 cups, the capacity strikes a balance between everyday utility and space efficiency. It’s perfect for single servings, small families, or prepping components like salsa or pesto, but it’s not suited for large-scale tasks. The lack of multiple speed settings keeps things simple but limits versatility compared to pricier models.
Usability
The simplicity of the Stack & Press design is a major plus—there’s no learning curve, and assembly is a breeze. It’s especially handy for those with limited hand strength (e.g., arthritis sufferers), as it eliminates the need for manual chopping or complex locking mechanisms. Cleaning is equally straightforward, with dishwasher-safe parts saving time, though hand-washing is also quick due to the minimal components. The cord, while short (a frequent user critique), tucks away neatly, reducing countertop mess.
Value for Money
At $21.13, this chopper offers exceptional value. It’s a fraction of the cost of larger food processors (which often exceed $50-$100) while delivering reliable performance for small tasks. Its durability is notable, with many users reporting years of consistent use, making it a worthwhile investment for budget-conscious cooks who don’t need a full-sized appliance.
Pros
- Affordable Price: At $21.13, it’s an excellent deal for a powered kitchen tool with this level of functionality.
- Ease of Use: The Stack & Press design is intuitive and requires minimal effort—no twisting or complicated setup.
- Compact Size: Perfect for small kitchens, with a 3-cup capacity that’s ideal for everyday tasks without taking up much space.
- Powerful Motor: The 350-watt motor handles a variety of ingredients efficiently, from soft herbs to tougher nuts.
- Versatility: Chops, minces, purees, and emulsifies, with an oil dispenser adding convenience for dressings and dips.
- Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup, and the design minimizes food traps.
- Durable Blades: Stainless steel blades stay sharp and perform reliably over time.
- Cord Storage: Keeps countertops tidy with a hideaway cord feature.
Cons
- Short Cord: The cord length (often cited as under 2 feet) can be limiting unless used near an outlet, though it’s a minor trade-off for storage convenience.
- Single Speed: Lacks adjustable speeds, relying solely on pulse control, which may not suit users needing finer control over texture.
- Small Capacity: The 3-cup bowl is great for small batches but inadequate for larger recipes or meal prepping for multiple people.
- Not Ideal for Very Tough Ingredients: While it handles most foods well, extremely hard or fibrous items (e.g., large chunks of raw sweet potato) may strain the motor or require pre-cutting.
- Noise Level: Like most small choppers, it’s fairly loud during operation, though this is typical for the category.
- No Additional Attachments: Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t come with extra blades or accessories for shredding or slicing.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper & Mini Food Processor (72850) is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking an affordable, no-fuss kitchen helper. Priced at just $21.13, it punches above its weight with a powerful motor, sharp blades, and a user-friendly design that simplifies food prep. It’s perfect for small households, singles, or anyone who frequently chops small quantities of ingredients—think diced onions for a quick stir-fry, minced garlic for a sauce, or pureed baby food. While it won’t replace a full-sized food processor for big jobs, its compact footprint, ease of use, and low cost make it a standout in the budget category.
If you’re looking for a reliable, space-saving tool to streamline daily cooking without breaking the bank, this chopper is a steal. Just be mindful of its limitations—keep batches small and don’t expect it to tackle industrial-scale tasks. For its price and purpose, it earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.