The main food processor blades are the S-blade (standard chopping blade) for chopping, pureeing and dough, the slicing disc for even slices, the shredding disc for grating cheese and shredding vegetables, and the dough blade for kneading. Some processors add a dicing kit, a julienne disc and an adjustable slicing disc. Knowing which blade does what is the key to using a food processor well.
Use the S-blade for chopping, pureeing and dough; the slicing disc for slices; the shredding disc for shreds and grating; and the dough blade for kneading. Extra discs add dicing, julienne and adjustable slicing.
Short Answer
The S-blade chops and purees; the slicing disc slices; the shredding disc shreds and grates; the dough blade kneads. Match the blade to the task and you get the right result every time.
Food Processor Blades and What They Do
| Blade / disc | Use |
|---|---|
| S-blade (standard) | Chopping, pureeing, dips, dough |
| Slicing disc | Even slices of vegetables and fruit |
| Shredding disc | Shredding vegetables, grating cheese |
| Dough blade (plastic) | Kneading bread and pizza dough |
| Julienne disc | Matchstick cuts |
| Adjustable slicing disc | Variable thickness slices |
| Dicing kit | Diced cubes (on some models) |
Key Takeaway: The S-blade only chops; the discs do the slicing and shredding. If your food processor came with only the S-blade, add discs to unlock its real versatility.
The S-Blade (Standard Chopping Blade)
The S-shaped metal blade sits at the bottom of the bowl and chops, purees and mixes. Use it for onions, herbs, nuts, dips, sauces and, with care, dough. It is the most-used blade.
Slicing and Shredding Discs
Discs sit at the top of the bowl, and food is pushed through the feed tube onto them. The slicing disc makes even slices; the shredding disc shreds vegetables and grates cheese. Adjustable slicing discs let you set the thickness. See how to shred vegetables.
The Dough Blade
The plastic dough blade has short, blunt arms that fold and knead dough without over-cutting it. If your model lacks one, the S-blade still kneads dough well. See can a food processor knead dough.
Which Blades Do You Need?
For most cooks, the S-blade plus a slicing and a shredding disc cover the essentials. Add a dough blade if you bake, and a dicing or julienne kit only if you will use them. See our best food processors for models with good disc sets.
Safety Notes
- Handle all blades and discs by the central hub, not the edge.
- Lock the bowl and lid before running.
- Use the food pusher in the feed tube.
- Store blades and discs safely, away from loose hands.
FAQ
What is the S-blade in a food processor for?
The S-blade chops, purees and mixes, handling onions, herbs, nuts, dips, sauces and dough. It is the standard, most-used blade.
What is the difference between slicing and shredding discs?
The slicing disc makes even slices, while the shredding disc shreds vegetables and grates cheese. Food is pushed through the feed tube onto the disc.
Do you need a dough blade?
A dough blade helps knead dough gently, but the standard S-blade also kneads dough well. It is a nice extra rather than essential.
Bottom Line
The S-blade chops and purees, the slicing and shredding discs handle vegetables and cheese, and the dough blade kneads. Match the blade to the task to get the most from your food processor. To choose a model with a good blade set, see our best food processors guide.
