Best Nut Choppers of 2020: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

Food Chopper

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Chopped nuts are ingredients that you can use in so many dishes, whether savory or sweet.

Thus, it is essential to have the best nut chopper in your kitchen arsenal.

With so many options available in the market today, we found five products and reviewed them.

We also included a buyer's guide and answered common questions about nut choppers to help you find the perfect product for your needs.

Comparison Chart

Mueller Ultra Heavy Duty Chopper

KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper

Prepworks by Progressive Nut Chopper

Cuisinart CH-4BK Food Chopper

Best Nut Chopper Reviews

1. Mueller Austria Ultra Chef Food Chopper

The Mueller brand has been around for many decades and is a popular option for many homeowners.

It is geared towards home chefs who want to make life easier while preparing delicious and healthy food.

It focuses on providing quality products with BPA-free and food-grade options.

Although it is easy to find the company's products in retail stores, much of its sales are completed online through its website and third-party e-commerce sites.

Product Highlights

The Mueller Austria Ultra Chef Food Chopper can chop almost everything thanks to its chopping blades made of surgical stainless steel.

They won't rust or bend with time and ensures you chop items quickly and evenly.

With this product, the handle, pouring spout, and base are all anti-skid, making it safer to use when you’re in a rush.

It can hold approximately five cups of food, plus the oversized crank is safe and durable.

Additionally, you can control it and get the results you desire most.

The Mueller Austria Ultra Chef Food Chopper is an all-in-one option, so it isn’t just a chopper.

It’s a superb kitchen tool that can separate egg whites from the yolks and more.

Though it is manual, it is still convenient and safe to use.

What We Like

We were impressed most with the versatility of the Mueller Austria Ultra Chef Food Chopper. You can slice vegetables and chop herbs, nuts, salsa, and more.

It’s also possible to whip up eggs to make omelets, shred some cheese, and turn potatoes into hashbrown shreds.

We also liked that you can get whatever consistency you desire with the manual operation.

What We Don’t Like

Though the Mueller Austria Ultra Chef Food Chopper is quite the machine, you can's store it easily.

You cannot remove the handle, which sits high above the actual device.

You would need to have plenty of cabinet space or leave it on the counter.

PROS

  • Quiet and manual
  • Easy to chop veggies and nuts
  • Control size of foods
  • BPA-free
  • Multipurpose

CONS

  • Hard to store
  • Requires some experimentation to get the right consistency
  • No blade size options

2. KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper

The KitchenAid brand has been around since 1919 and started with stand mixers, but it quickly branched out to other kitchen appliances to beat the competition.

Now, it is one of the most popular brands on the market and can be found all over the world.

You can get these products in almost any store you prefer.

However, many people still enjoy buying them online, so third-party sales make up most of its revenue.

Product Highlights

With the KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper, you can pick from 17 different colors.

That way, you can get a quality appliance and match it to your current home’s décor.

Most people focus primarily on its ability to chop foods of various thicknesses and firmnesses. You get a 3.5-cup blow, which has a locking blade.

The handle and pour spout of the KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper also lock into place and make it easy to serve whatever you make.

The bowl, blade, and lid are dishwasher-safe, so they're easy and quick to clean.

There is a drizzle basin included, which allows you to create dressings and sauces with ease. Just incorporate your liquid ingredients even while you process it all.

With two different speeds and a pulse option, you can create fine or coarse chopping results with the KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper.

That means you can make creamy hummus, a smooth sauce, or chunky dip.

Its stainless-steel blade is designed not to rust. You’ve also got a BPA-free bowl, so you don’t have to worry about chemicals leaching into the food.

What We Like

We like that the KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper is electrical because it is easier to use. There’s less elbow grease needed, but you still get quality results.

What We Don’t Like

While the KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper is small and makes it easier to store, we weren’t impressed with the bowl.

Its upright position makes it hard to get all the food chopped to the right consistency. Still, if you’re crushing nuts, it will get the job done.

You also need to consider the noise level and ensure that it is suitable for your home.

PROS

  • Locking handle and blade
  • Removable, dishwasher-safe parts
  • Two different speeds
  • BPA-free
  • Easy to store and use
  • Multiple color choices

CONS

  • Inaccurate cup measurement
  • Lid locking mechanism a challenge to use
  • Instructions hard to understand

3. Black+Decker 1.5 Cup Electric Food Chopper

Black+Decker is another popular brand that has been around for many decades.

It started as a machine shop in Baltimore but now focuses on providing a variety of products to its customers.

It values quality, value, and ingenuity, and its reputation stands on it.

You can find this brand of products in a variety of retail locations, but it also sells its wares on third-party e-commerce websites.

Product Highlights

This electric food chopper has been improved, so the assembly is easier for you.

There is also a one-touch feature, plus it is easy to chop whatever you need with its pulse control.

With its 1.5-cup capacity, people call it a mini-chopper, and the cord attached is quite short.

That means it is so compact that you should be able to find a place to plug it in. Plus, you can plug it into any standard outlet.

You will also find that all of the removable parts of the Black+Decker 1.5 Cup Electric Food Chopper are dishwasher-safe.

The blades are stainless steel, so they stay sharp no matter how many times you use it. You get long-lasting performance from such a small appliance.

It only comes in one color (black), but this fits in with many home décor options.

What We Like

We were quite impressed with the stay-sharp blades of the Black+Decker 1.5 Cup Electric Food Chopper. Since it is a bi-level blade, it will stay sharp as you use it.

Therefore, you won't need to sharpen the blades or worry about its performance lagging with time.

What We Don’t Like

With the one-touch feature of the Black+Decker 1.5 Cup Electric Food Chopper, there should be a locking mechanism.

That is because if you set the lid on gently, it could activate the motor before you are ready.

Thus, make sure that every ingredient is inside the container before placing the top on the machine.

Also, ensure that you hold the lid down so that it cannot fly off the device.

PROS

  • Easy to prepare a lot of food items
  • Easy to clean
  • Great for kitchens without a lot of space
  • Long-lasting blades
  • Two-year warranty

CONS

  • Sensitive one-touch feature
  • Holes at the top; liquid spits out
  • Might not be strong enough for nuts

4. Progressive International Prepworks Nut Chopper

The Prepworks brand is part of Progressive International. For more than 40 years, it has been the company’s mission to provide innovative gadgets and kitchen tools.

It’s possible to buy this nut chopper from an international distributor, but most people use third-party e-commerce websites.

Meaning, you can easily find the product you like and have it shipped directly to your home.

Product Highlights

The Prepworks Nut Chopper is just that: a nut chopper. It is manually operated and features a top where you put the nuts or food that you need to chop.

To use it, you need to turn a hand-crank, and then the chopped food falls into the container at the bottom.

The Prepworks Nut Chopper works well for chopping seeds and nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, and walnuts.

Its patented design ensures you can choose between a coarse or fine chop with the elliptical shape.

Plus, the container has marked measurements for you to know how many cups you’ve got or still need.

It’s stylish and has the best functionality. You get a no-nonsense appearance that’s easy to use.

What We Like

We were impressed with the Prepworks Nut Chopper's ability to finely or coarsely chop the nuts, depending on your choice.

Many manual-style choppers only allow you to choose one option. With this one, you will see more uniform pieces.

What We Don’t Like

With the Prepworks Nut Chopper being made of plastic, it is hard to tell just how durable it is. Likewise, the bottom container is glass.

There is metal for the crank and blades, but we worry about how long it could last with a lot of use.

PROS

  • Handles all types of nuts
  • Strong crank handle for more leverage
  • Easy to grip while cranking
  • Easy to store
  • Marked measurements

CONS

  • Durability concerns
  • Challenging to clean

5. Cuisinart CH-4BK Four-Cup Chopper and Grinder

The Cuisinart brand has been around for many decades. It was started in 1971 and has been making food processors since 1973.

From that time, it has focused on innovations and technological advancements to provide home chefs with the tools they need.

You can find the brand’s products in a variety of retail locations, but it’s often best to shop online to get the one you want most.

Third-party e-commerce sites are usually the go-to for many busy homeowners.

Product Highlights

If you want something that chops and grinds, the Cuisinart CH-4BK has what you need.

It’s a larger product and can hold four cups of whatever you need to chop or grind.

The Cuisinart CH-4BK Four-Cup Chopper and Grinder's control panel is also simple to use and features a touch-pad.

You also get the SmartPower blade, which is auto-reversing, so it goes backward and forward as needed.

The blade is also sharp and blunt at the same time, so you will get everything you require.

There is also a BladeLock system, which helps to keep the blade stay in place. You know you’re going to be safe while using it.

The appliance's parts are also dishwasher-safe, which makes clean-up a breeze.

Though you probably won't buy it for this reason alone, you also get an instruction booklet and spatula.

That allows you to clean off the sides so that every ingredient gets chopped and ground to your preferences.

What We Like

We liked that the Cuisinart CH-4BK Four-Cup Chopper and Grinder is electrical and easy to use.

All you’ve really got to do is situate the bowl on the base and lock it in. Then, just add what you require, put the lid on, and ensure that it’s locked, and turn it on.

We also love that with the Cuisinart CH-4BK Four-Cup Chopper and Grinder, you’ve got a variety of settings to choose so that you get the chop you desire.

What We Don’t Like

If you plan to add liquid to your concoction, please note that the fluids can go higher than the Cuisinart CH-4BK Chopper and Grinder's blade.

Thus, it might not mix in well with the chopped items. There have also been issues with leaking.

PROS

  • Holds four cups of food
  • BladeLock system for safety
  • Auto-reversing blades as needed
  • Easy to use and clean

CONS

  • Somewhat large
  • Only two buttons (grind and chop)

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to buying a nut chopper, you need to focus on the size, design, and materials used throughout.

It is the best way to ensure durability. Remember, it’s tough to crush up nuts, so you need a product that helps you achieve your goals.

To help you decide better, let's look at these important features in more detail.

1. Design

You’ve got to think about the overall design of the nut chopper.

Manual versions often have a crank to the side or on the top.

Consider how much space you would need to use the chopper, as well.

If the crank is at the top, you can reach it comfortably and use it for extended periods.

Side cranks are often better, but they can still require a lot of work to use them.

Electrical versions are often designed better, but make sure that the lid fits properly so that it doesn’t come off or activate the motor accidentally.

Generally, you want a wide base with a non-slip grip to ensure that the appliance doesn’t move around while you’re trying to use it.

2. Size

The size of your nut chopper is essential. You’ve got to make sure it holds the amount of nuts you require.

Of course, capacity isn’t the same as size. For example, the appliance could be quite large, but it only holds about two to three cups of nuts.

If you plan to chop more than that, it’s ideal to choose a product that can hold four to five cups.

However, if you regularly use the chopper for cookies and other things where you want to add nuts, you shouldn’t need that much space.

Often, electrical versions have higher capacities but are quite loud.

You can find manual choppers, and they can still hold up to three cups of chopped nuts.

Size-wise, though, you’ve also got to consider how big the appliance is.

If it doesn’t easily sit on the countertop or in a cabinet, storage might be a significant issue for you.

3. Blade Material

When choosing a nut chopper, you want one with a durable blade.

Most manufacturers use stainless steel. It can cut through nuts and won't get rust spots with time and proper maintenance.

Otherwise, you run the risk of getting rust into your nuts.

4. Durability

Clearly, you want to find a durable nut chopper. To do that, you’ve got to look at various factors.

If the blade is stainless steel, it will last a while, but you’ve also got to consider the materials used for the handle (if applicable) and the bowl or container.

Often, containers are made of glass or durable plastic, so make sure they are BPA-free.

Handles are generally made of strong plastic material. There may be metal somewhere in the construction, too.

That will ensure it works properly for many years to come.

FAQs

1. What Is the Best Way to Chop Nuts?

Many people find that it’s best to use a large chef’s knife if you only need to chop up a few nuts.

When the task at hand gets larger, though, a nut chopper might be the best choice.

You can get even results if you know how to do it properly and understand how to use it.

It’s also possible to use a blender, but this is likely going to pulverize the nuts.

If you’re looking to make nut butter, this might be ideal. Otherwise, you’ve got to watch the chopping progress very carefully to ensure that it is the consistency you desire.

2. Can You Use a Food Chopper as a Blender?

The answer is both yes and no. Generally, you can use a blender in place of a food chopper, but it’s harder to use a food chopper as a blender. You may not get even results.

For example, the blender is usually used for liquids to create smoothies, but a food processor can slice vegetables, chop, and mix the dough.

Depending on the task at hand, you can use a food chopper to blend things. Still, there could be chunks of nuts and other ingredients.

You can pick those out or continue using the food chopper and trying to break up the larger pieces. It can be more time-consuming and use more electricity.

3. Can I Chop Nuts in a Blender?

You can use a blender to chop nuts. Just make sure you’re only doing so in small batches to watch the consistency you get.

The goal here is to pulse the machine, which means turn it on and off quickly.

Most blenders and food processors offer this function, so you can press one button without fail.

If yours doesn’t, though, you can still quickly turn the appliance on and off to pulse.

It’s going to take multiple passes so that the nuts are the right size.

This is a quick way to do the work, but you may get uneven results.

If you need a fine chop for your nuts, it’s often best to use a nut chopper or knife.

4. How Can I Crush Nuts Without a Food Processor?

If you don’t have a food processor or any appliances, you can still crush nuts.

To do so, you would need a knife to chop them. Then, you can put the chopped nuts in a plastic zip bag or between parchment paper.

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush them up.

5. How Do You Grind Nuts Into Butter?

You can use a food processor or blender to make any kind of nut butter.

To do that, you would need to pulse the nuts to break them down.

Continue pulsing or turn it on fine chop until the nuts are creamy and like butter.

You don’t require any oil or water, but you can add oil to make it smooth and spread.

People often feel that adding other ingredients takes away from the smoothness of the butter, but this is a matter of preference.

Please note that it can take up to 12 minutes to get the consistency you desire.

If you want the butter to be chunky, don’t grind it until completely smooth.

Alternatively, you can chop up a few nuts and mix them into the butter after making it.

Final Verdict

If you want a product designed specifically for chopping nuts, your best bet is the Prepworks Nut Chopper. It’s simple to use and can chop finely or coarsely, depending on your needs.

On the other hand, if you want a product that can do more than just chop nuts, the best nut chopper could be the Mueller Ultra-Heavy-Duty Chopper.

We find that the manual work you do will help you find the right consistency for the task at hand.

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