KitchenAid Artisan vs Kenwood Multipro Excel - food processor head-to-head

Okay, okay, we admit the boxing analogies are a bit over the top, but we are comparing two of the best food processors out there, so we took it and ran with it. 

It goes without saying that, as top-of-the-range models, both of these gadgets can do the basics required of a food processor: chop, grate, crush, slice, grind and mix, saving oodles of time and giving consistent results, but what is it that sets them apart from the myriad of other models out there?

First off, let’s clear up which two models we’ll be looking at, as there are several in each of the KitchenAid and Kenwood stables, and it’s important to compare like with like. We’re looking at KitchenAid’s Artisan 5KFP1644 (from £389) and the Kenwood FPM910 Multipro Excel (from £387.99).

There’s no denying that these food processors aren’t cheap, but when you consider that they are several gadgets in one – meaning you don’t need to buy separate kitchen kit such as mixers, citrus juicers and graters – they’re actually great value for money all wrapped up in one neat package. If, however, you can’t quite stretch to spending north of £375, check out our mid-range food processor side-by-side, Bosch MultiTalent 3 vs Tefal Double Force Pro.

What are the similarities between these food processors?

As well as the array of different blades that perform different cutting functions in different thicknesses, both of these models come with a citrus press, a mini bowl and chopping blade, a French fry cutting disc, a whisk tool and a kneading paddle. Both have extra-roomy 4-litre bowls, wide-feed chutes and dishwasher-safe parts too.

And the differences?

Kenwood Multipro advantages

• One major area in which these two food processors differ, is in their ability to blend. The Kenwood can, as it includes a heat-resistant glass blending jug; the KitchenAid cannot. 
• The Kenwood also has a funky crinkle-cut blade attachment - for making potatoes and vegetables that little bit more exciting (if you’re into that sort of thing), built-in electronic scales, and has more speed settings (eight, plus a pulse function, compared to the KitchenAid’s two plus pulse function). 
• Power is on the Kenwood Multipro’s side too – 1300W versus the KitchenAid Artisan’s 650W.

KitchenAid Artisan advantages

All is not lost for the Artisan: 

• It’s made using KitchenAid’s signature die-cast aluminium body, so it’s sturdier than an oak tree in a gale-force wind.
• The KitchenAid Artisan comes in four colours (the Kenwood comes in silver, and that’s your lot), has three different-sized bowls rather than the two of the Kenwood model, and a silicone seal to stop spillages.
• The Artisan food processor is bigger at H45.7 x W55.8 x D36.6cm yet, at 14.66kg, it’s almost 5kg lighter than the Kenwood model’s 21.09kg. Generally speaking, though, both are big enough and heavy enough that you’d want to keep them out on the kitchen worktop rather than mess about lifting them in and out of a cupboard every time you want to use them.

And the winner is…

We expected this to be a much closer contest but, with its extra blender gadget and built-in scales (these makes so much sense and makes us wonder why more food processors don’t have this super-handy extra), this is a resounding win for the Kenwood FPM910 Multipro Excel. If this were a boxing match, the Multipro Excel would have knocked out the KitchenAid Artisan in round nine.