A good food processor can make everyday cooking feel a little less like a chore. Chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, preparing sauces, and mixing dough are all useful kitchen tasks, but doing them by hand can take more time than expected. The right appliance can bring several of those jobs together in one place.
The Ninja Professional XL Food Processor NF701 is designed for home cooks who want more capacity and versatility than a compact food chopper can provide. It features a 12-cup processing bowl, an XL feed chute, multiple blade and disc attachments, and four preset Auto-iQ programs for common food-preparation tasks.
However, a large bowl and an impressive power figure do not automatically make a food processor the right choice for every kitchen. Counter space, cleaning, accessory availability, and the types of recipes you regularly prepare all deserve consideration.
In this Ninja NF701 food processor review, we’ll look at its documented features, practical uses, independent test findings, limitations, and how it compares with two alternatives from Cuisinart and KitchenAid. The goal is to help you decide whether this full-size processor fits your cooking routine.
Check the Ninja Professional XL NF701 on Amazon
Table of Contents
Ninja NF701 Food Processor Review: What Is the Ninja Professional XL NF701?
The Ninja NF701 is a full-size food processor built around a 12-cup Precision Processor bowl. It is designed to handle several types of food preparation, including chopping, pureeing, slicing, shredding, and mixing dough.
One of its practical design features is the three-part food pusher. It separates into smaller sections that work with different feed-chute openings, helping guide ingredients of different sizes into the bowl. This can be useful when preparing vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, and potatoes.
The processor combines automatic programs with manual controls. You can select a preset for a particular task or use the Low, High, and Pulse settings when you want more direct control over processing.
Ninja NF701 Specifications at a Glance
Here is an overview of the main specifications and features associated with the NF701 model. Package contents can differ between listings and bundles, so check the exact version before ordering.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ninja |
| Model | NF701 |
| Main processing bowl | 12 cups |
| Power information | Marketed as 1200 Peak Watts; user-guide electrical information should also be checked |
| Voltage and frequency | 120V, 60Hz, according to the user guide |
| Preset programs | Chop, Dough, Puree, and Disc |
| Manual controls | Low, High, and Pulse |
| Feed chute | XL feed chute with a three-part food pusher |
| Disc functions | Adjustable slicing and reversible shredding, depending on the included package |
| Cleaning | Removable components identified as dishwasher-safe in the user guide |
For the latest product details and available models, consult Ninja’s official food processor information. Compare the exact model number and package contents before ordering, as accessories can vary by listing.
A note about wattage: The product is advertised with 1200 Peak Watts, while the NF701 documentation also contains a 1000-watt electrical rating. These figures should not be treated as interchangeable measurements of continuous operating power. When comparing appliances, check the manufacturer’s specifications rather than relying on the largest number in a product title.
The Features That Matter in Everyday Cooking
A 12-Cup Bowl for Larger Preparation Tasks
The 12-cup processing bowl is one of the NF701’s most noticeable features. A larger bowl can be useful when preparing ingredients for family meals, batch cooking, or several recipes at once.
For example, you might chop vegetables for a soup, shred cheese for a casserole, or prepare ingredients for several weekday dinners. Having more room can reduce the need to process everything in multiple small batches.
Still, bowl capacity is not a recommendation to fill the processor to the top with every ingredient. Different foods behave differently during processing, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for filling quantities and preparation methods.
The XL Feed Chute and Three-Part Food Pusher
Preparing ingredients can sometimes take longer than cooking them. Washing, trimming, and cutting vegetables into smaller pieces adds up, especially when preparing a large meal.
The NF701’s feed chute is designed to accommodate different ingredient sizes. Its three-part pusher separates into large, medium, and small sections, helping guide food through the appropriate opening. The smaller opening can be useful for narrower ingredients such as carrots, while the wider openings accommodate items such as cucumbers, zucchini, and potatoes.
This design may reduce some of the cutting and preparation needed before processing. However, ingredients still need to be prepared safely and loaded according to the feed-chute instructions. The large pusher’s maximum-fill marking should not be exceeded.
Auto-iQ Programs for Common Kitchen Tasks
The NF701 includes four Auto-iQ programs: Chop, Dough, Puree, and Disc. These preset programs use timed processing patterns, including pulses and pauses, and stop automatically when the selected program is complete.
- Chop: Uses timed pulses and pauses. The user guide describes different chopping results depending on how many times the program is run.
- Dough: Designed for dough preparations such as pie, pizza, and cookie dough.
- Puree: Intended for smooth sauces, hummus, and similar preparations.
- Disc: Works with compatible slicing or shredding discs to process vegetables, cheese, and potatoes.
For people who prefer straightforward controls, these presets offer a convenient starting point. Manual Low, High, and Pulse controls are also available when more direct control is needed. The user guide notes that Low and High operate for timed periods, while Pulse runs only while the button is pressed.
Adjustable Slicing and Reversible Shredding
Cutting vegetables by hand can be time-consuming when a recipe calls for a large quantity of evenly sliced or shredded ingredients. The NF701’s disc attachments are designed to make those jobs more convenient.
The adjustable slicing disc allows users to select different slice thicknesses, while the reversible shredding disc offers fine and coarse shredding options. These functions can be useful for preparing potatoes, carrots, cabbage, cheese, and other compatible ingredients.
One important buying detail is that Ninja’s documentation identifies some accessories as optional or variable by model. For example, the 4.5-cup nesting work bowl and storage box are not included with every version. Check the exact Amazon listing and its package contents before assuming that every pictured attachment comes in the box.
What Can You Make With the Ninja NF701?
A food processor becomes more valuable when its features connect to the meals you actually prepare. The NF701’s combination of a large bowl, chopping blade, dough blade, and disc attachments gives it several potential uses.
Vegetable Preparation
Chopping onions, preparing vegetables for soup, shredding carrots, and slicing zucchini are examples of tasks that can benefit from a food processor. The NF701’s bowl capacity may be particularly useful when preparing ingredients for a family-sized recipe or several meals in advance.
Homemade Sauces and Dips
The Puree program is designed for preparations such as hummus and sauces. A processor can also help combine ingredients for dips, spreads, and homemade dressings, depending on the recipe and the quantity being prepared. For a simple homemade dressing idea, try our 4-ingredient honey mustard salad dressing, which shows how a few everyday ingredients can come together in the kitchen.
Cheese and Meal Prep Ingredients
Shredding cheese and preparing vegetables in advance can make weekday cooking more manageable. Instead of repeatedly using a hand grater or knife, users can use the appropriate disc attachment for compatible ingredients.
Pizza, Pie, and Cookie Dough
The dedicated dough blade and Dough program give the NF701 a role beyond chopping and slicing. They are intended for dough preparations such as pizza, pie, and cookie dough.
There is an important limitation, though: Ninja’s instructions explain that the appliance is designed to form a dough ball, not to knead continuously. Once the dough ball forms, any additional kneading should be completed by hand on a work surface. The appliance should not be treated as a replacement for a stand mixer designed for extended kneading.
What Do Independent Tests Say About Its Performance?
Product specifications explain what an appliance is designed to do, but independent testing can provide another perspective on how it performs with real ingredients.
Consumer Reports’ published NF701 test results describe very good performance when chopping almonds and onions, slicing celery and mushrooms, and shredding cheddar cheese and carrots.
The same published results describe pureeing peas and carrots as good, while grating Parmesan cheese received a fair performance assessment. The report also notes good performance in its noise test.
These findings suggest that the NF701 has strengths across several everyday preparation tasks. They also show why it is useful to look beyond a product’s headline wattage or bowl capacity. Performance can vary depending on the ingredient and the task.
Consumer Reports’ detailed ratings require membership. This article therefore does not assign an overall test score or claim that the NF701 is the best food processor available. These findings are independent test observations, not hands-on testing by Honey Glow Kitchen.
The Pros and Cons of the Ninja NF701
What Stands Out
- Large processing capacity: The 12-cup bowl is useful for larger preparation tasks and batch cooking.
- Multiple food-preparation functions: Chopping, pureeing, slicing, shredding, and dough preparation are covered by its programs and attachments.
- XL feed chute: The three-part pusher accommodates different ingredient sizes.
- Preset programs: Auto-iQ offers dedicated options for common food-preparation tasks.
- Encouraging independent test findings: Consumer Reports describes very good results in several chopping, slicing, and shredding tests.
- Dishwasher-safe removable components: The user guide identifies removable parts as dishwasher-safe, subject to its cleaning instructions.
What to Consider Before Buying
- It needs counter and storage space: This is a full-size appliance, not a compact mini chopper.
- It may be more than occasional cooks need: Its large bowl and multiple attachments are most useful when you regularly prepare larger quantities or use several functions.
- Accessory availability can vary: Not every accessory shown in general documentation is necessarily included with every version.
- Dough processing has limits: The machine is designed to form a dough ball, not to knead continuously.
- It is not intended to crush ice: The user guide specifically warns against using it for this purpose.
- It has specific electrical requirements: The guide lists 120V and 60Hz, which matters for buyers outside the United States.
Cleaning, Storage, and Counter Space
Food processors can save preparation time, but cleaning and storage are part of the ownership experience. A machine with several attachments needs a place for its bowl, lid, blades, discs, and other components.
The NF701 user guide identifies removable components as dishwasher-safe. Users should separate the parts, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, and handle blade assemblies carefully. The motor base should never be submerged or placed in a dishwasher.
Storage is another consideration. The main processor bowl and its attachments take up space, and the sharp blades and discs need to be stored safely. Some NF701 packages include a storage box, but Ninja’s documentation indicates that this accessory is not included with every model.
Before purchasing, consider where the appliance will live when it is not in use. If your kitchen has limited counter or cabinet space, a smaller processor may be more practical. If you regularly prepare larger quantities, the extra capacity may justify the space.
Ninja NF701 vs. Cuisinart and KitchenAid: How Do They Compare?
The Ninja NF701 is not the only full-size food processor worth considering. Models from Cuisinart and KitchenAid offer different combinations of capacity, controls, and included accessories. Comparing these options can help you decide which design better fits your cooking habits.
Ninja Professional XL NF701
The Ninja NF701 stands out for its four Auto-iQ programs and its combination of a 12-cup processing bowl with a range of blade and disc functions. Depending on the package, it may also include accessories such as a 4.5-cup nesting work bowl and a storage box. These extras should be confirmed on the exact product listing.
This model may be a good fit for home cooks who want preset programs alongside manual controls and expect to use several food-processing functions regularly.
Cuisinart Custom 14 DFP-14BCNY
The Cuisinart Custom 14 offers a 14-cup work bowl and a 720-watt motor. Its design is more straightforward, with a large feed tube, a chopping and mixing blade, a fixed 4mm slicing disc, and a medium shredding disc.
Cuisinart lists a limited three-year warranty for the complete unit and a five-year motor warranty on its US product page. This model may appeal to cooks who prioritize a larger bowl, simple controls, and a clearly specified set of everyday attachments over multiple preset programs.
KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor KFP1318
KitchenAid’s KFP1318 has a 13-cup work bowl and an externally adjustable slicing disc, allowing users to change slice thickness without replacing the disc. The US product page lists a multipurpose blade, adjustable slicing disc, reversible shredding disc, dough blade, and storage caddy among the included accessories.
The in-bowl storage caddy is a useful design feature for kitchens where keeping track of several sharp attachments can be inconvenient. This model may suit cooks who value adjustable slicing and organized accessory storage.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ninja NF701 | Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY | KitchenAid KFP1318 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl capacity | 12 cups | 14 cups | 13 cups |
| Power information | 1200 Peak Watts advertised; check user-guide electrical rating | 720 watts | Check current manufacturer specifications |
| Preset programs | Four Auto-iQ programs | No comparable Auto-iQ presets listed | No comparable Auto-iQ presets listed |
| Slicing | Adjustable slicing disc | Fixed 4mm slicing disc | Externally adjustable slicing disc |
| Shredding | Reversible shredding disc | Medium shredding disc | Reversible shredding disc |
| Storage feature | Storage box on selected packages | No in-bowl storage caddy listed | In-bowl storage caddy |
Comparison note: Specifications are based on the manufacturers’ US product information. Included accessories, product bundles, warranties, and availability may change. Always confirm the exact model and package before purchasing.
Which Food Processor Makes the Most Sense?
- Choose the Ninja NF701 if you want Auto-iQ programs, a large feed chute, and a versatile set of food-processing functions.
- Consider the Cuisinart Custom 14 if a 14-cup bowl, straightforward controls, and its listed warranty are priorities.
- Consider the KitchenAid KFP1318 if adjustable slicing and convenient in-bowl accessory storage matter most to you.
There is no single best choice for every kitchen. The right food processor is the one whose capacity, controls, attachments, and storage requirements match the way you prepare meals.
Who Should Buy the Ninja NF701?
The Ninja NF701 may be worth considering if you regularly prepare meals for a family, cook in batches, or use a food processor for several different tasks. Its large bowl and range of functions are most useful when you will actually use more than one of its capabilities.
It may also appeal to home cooks who frequently shred cheese, slice vegetables, prepare dips, or make dough for recipes such as pizza and cookies. The Auto-iQ programs may be convenient if you prefer preset processing options rather than relying entirely on manual controls.
On the other hand, someone who only needs to chop an onion occasionally may not need a full-size 12-cup appliance. A smaller food processor or mini chopper could be easier to store and simpler for small jobs.
Likewise, anyone who wants a machine primarily for continuous bread kneading or crushing ice should look at appliances specifically designed for those tasks.
Is the Ninja NF701 Food Processor Worth It?
The Ninja Professional XL NF701 has a practical combination of capacity, attachments, and preset programs. Its 12-cup bowl is suited to larger preparation jobs, while the chopping, slicing, shredding, pureeing, and dough functions give it flexibility across different recipes.
Independent test findings provide encouraging evidence for several common tasks, particularly chopping, slicing, and shredding. At the same time, its size, accessory variations, dough-processing limitations, and electrical requirements deserve attention before buying.
Compared with the Cuisinart Custom 14 and KitchenAid KFP1318, the Ninja’s main appeal is its combination of Auto-iQ programs and multiple processing functions. The alternatives may be more attractive if you prefer a larger bowl, a simpler control layout, or a dedicated in-bowl accessory storage system.
Ultimately, the NF701 makes the most sense for someone who will use its versatility regularly and has enough room to store it. If you mainly prepare small quantities, a more compact option may be a better fit.
If its capacity and features match the way you cook, check the current listing, package contents, electrical compatibility, and price before making your decision.
See the Ninja Professional XL NF701 on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Ninja NF701 food processor?
The NF701 has a 12-cup main processing bowl. Some packages or compatible configurations may also include a 4.5-cup nesting work bowl, but Ninja’s documentation indicates that this accessory is not included with every version.
Can the Ninja NF701 make pizza dough?
Yes. The Dough program and dough blade are designed for dough preparations including pizza dough. However, Ninja explains that the appliance is intended to form a dough ball, not to knead continuously. Any additional kneading should be completed by hand.
Is the Ninja NF701 dishwasher-safe?
The user guide identifies removable components as dishwasher-safe. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, handle blade assemblies carefully, and keep the motor base away from water and the dishwasher.
Can the Ninja NF701 crush ice?
No. The user guide specifically states that the food processor is not intended to crush ice. Use an appliance designed for that purpose instead.
Does every Ninja NF701 package include the same accessories?
Not necessarily. Ninja’s documentation indicates that accessories such as the 4.5-cup nesting work bowl and storage box are not included with every version. Check the package contents for the exact listing before purchasing.
What is the difference between 1000 watts and 1200 Peak Watts?
The product is advertised with 1200 Peak Watts, while the NF701 documentation also contains a 1000-watt electrical rating. These figures describe different power information and should not be treated as identical continuous operating ratings. Check the current product documentation when comparing models.
Can I use the Ninja NF701 outside the United States?
The user guide lists 120V and 60Hz. Buyers in countries with different electrical systems should check the manufacturer’s regional compatibility guidance before using the appliance. Do not assume that a simple plug adapter makes it electrically compatible.
Is the Ninja NF701 better than the Cuisinart Custom 14?
They offer different advantages. The Ninja NF701 has Auto-iQ programs and a 12-cup bowl, while the Cuisinart Custom 14 has a 14-cup bowl, a 720-watt motor, and a simpler control design. The better fit depends on the capacity, controls, and features you value most.
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