Making your own baby food is a cost-effective and easy way to give your baby delicious homemade food from the start! In our buying guide, you will find our recommendations for the best baby food makers, nutritional tips when using a baby food maker, frequently asked questions, and how to store baby food.
Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
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Baby Food Makers
Feeding your baby can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Just when it seems like you’ve got the bottle or breastfeeding figured out, you realize it’s time to start offering your little one their first bites of real food. Which might get you thinking…should I invest in a baby food maker?
First of all, modern baby food makers have come a long way from the very first models. Most brands come with multiple functions all in one machine, which saves you time in the kitchen. Second, baby food makers can definitely save you money. While store-bought baby food can be great at times, the cost adds up. Making your little one’s meals with a baby food maker allows you to make larger quantities and a variety of foods easily.
Third, using a baby food maker gives you peace of mind, because you know exactly what ingredients are going into your baby’s food. You can even introduce your baby to the same flavors and foods that the whole family is eating. And finally, baby food makers can make more than just baby food. Use it to chop and prep vegetables, make dips, or reheat chilled foods.
Reasons To Love Baby Food Makers
- Saves money – the cost of store bought baby food jars and pouches adds up quickly, but a baby food maker gives you large quantities of homemade baby food at a fraction of the price!
- Saves time – many baby food makers have multiple functions (steam, cook, blend, reheat, defrost) all in one, which means less pots, pans, and bowls to wash!
- Provides quality and healthy food for baby – you get to control the ingredients for baby’s very first foods
- Ability to customize – you can get creative and make delicious combinations of purees or pureed table food that family eats. No more bland baby food!
- Can be used to make a variety of foods for the whole family – steam veggies, rice, pasta or make applesauce, mashed potatoes or soup. Baby food makers are actually very versatile!
Best Baby Food Makers
- BEABA Babycook Neo
- Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker
- NutriBullet Complete Baby Food Making System
- QOOC 4-in-1 Mini Baby Food Maker
- Sage Spoonfuls Baby Food Maker and Storage Set
- Cuisinart Mini Prep Food Processor
- BabyMoov Duo Baby Food Maker 6 in 1
- BEABA Babycook Duo 4 in 1 Baby Food Maker
Nutritional Tips Using a Baby Food Maker
- Using frozen foods is totally fine- some (like blueberries) can be even more nutritious than the fresh.
- Try to combine iron rich foods with vitamin C rich foods for maximum iron absorption.
- No need to add salt or sugar but don’t be afraid to add other spices for a variety of flavors.
- Honey and cow’s milk should be avoided until one year.
- You can use fresh breast milk or formula to puree foods for added nutrients.
- Wash and peel produce and remove seeds/pits before cooking.
- Make sure the texture and temperature are appropriate for baby before serving to avoid choking risk or burning baby’s mouth.
- Make sure to clean all parts of the baby food maker that come in contact with food thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store Baby Food
After making baby food, you’ll need to freeze it, as baby food does not last in the fridge for more than 2-3 days. Frozen purees should last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- After making your puree, let it cool until just warm.
- Spoon the puree into your choice of baby food storage container.
- Cover your container with a lid or plastic wrap, and place in the freezer.
- Let the puree freeze completely before you crack the purees out of the tray and place the cubes into plastic freezer zip-lock or stasher bag. If using jars, the frozen purees would stay in the jars.
- Label each bag or jar with the name of the puree and date you made it.
Addiontional Tools Needed
- WEESPROUT Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray – great 10 sectioned baby food tray that holds 1.5oz each, but has a 1 oz fill line for smaller portions. Is made out of premium food-grade silicone and has a plastic lid for easy stacking. These trays or worth their price and I would advise that you get a couple of their fun color trays so you can easily stock up on your homemade baby food.
- WEESPROUT Glass Baby Food Storage Containers – I absolutely love these jars! You get 12 colorful glass jars that hold 4oz each. Great for storing baby food purees as well as yogurts, overnight oats, chia seed pudding for toddlers and kids. While the price is a little high, you will get many years worth out of these jars. Well worth the investment for me.
- OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers – a great smaller set that contains 4 – 4oz PVC, BPA, and phthalate-free jars and a storage tray. A great space-saver system that helps keep your jars of baby purees organized and tidy. Plus, you can easily stack more trays on top of each other if you need a bigger freezer stash.
- Stasher Bags – these silicone reusable bags can hold your frozen cubes of baby food purees.
- ZipLock Bags – another option for storing your frozen purees in.
- Highchair
- GOOtensils
- Bowl or sectioned plate
- Bib with catch pocket
- Reusable pouches
Want to learn more about how to store and thaw baby food? Then read my guide on Best Baby Food Storage Containers (plus, 6 Tips on Thawing and Freezing).
BEABA Babycook Neo
Key Features
This unique baby food maker is the only one with a glass bowl, if you are looking to avoid plastic products. Four settings allow you to steam, cook, blend, reheat or defrost all in one appliance.
- Environmentally friendly glass bowl & a stainless steel steam basket
- Easily accessible reservoir
- Unique blend feature controls the consistency
- Patented steam cooking system
- 5.2 cup dishwasher safe bowl
- BPA, Lead & Phthalate free
Why our Experts Love It
The patented steam cooking system turns off automatically, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking your baby’s food. In addition, the steam system uses 50% less energy and water while making 33% more food.
Pros + Cons
Pros
- Four cooking settings in one appliance
- The reservoir has large opening for easy cleaning
- Larger cooking capacity
- Dishwasher safe
- The blade is safely designed to be removed with a single touchpoint
Cons
- More expensive compared to other brands
- Plastic lid and handle can get very hot to the touch after cooking
- The white color option may stain easier
Parents Review
Overall this blender is well worth is cost and the money saved on buying baby food is certainly regained! The glass option was also a great upgrade as we try to avoid using plastic, especially at high temperatures!
Jennell
Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker
Key Features
This compact baby food maker automatically steams and blends in 1 easy step. You can make up to 3 cups of homemade baby food in the same bowl with the push of a button.
- Viper blade blends food to the perfect precision
- Steam tank is fully accessible for easy cleaning and water tank is removable
- Bowl and blade are dishwasher-safe
- It comes with three reusable feeding and storage pouches, and an easy-to-use funnel
Why Our Experts Love It
Baby Brezza makes an intuitive baby food maker that is easy to use and clean. We love the LCD control panel and the variety of recipes and tips for cooking that are included.
Pros + Cons
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
- Suction cups on the bottom help it stick to the counter
- Dishwasher safe bowl and blade
- BPA free
Cons
- Lid gets very hot if using the steam option
- Holds less food than some brands
Parents Review
I was so intimidated to make my own baby food but this product makes it so easy! I’m happy saving money and my baby is happier to try purées that aren’t typically available in stores. He’s a huge fan of Brussel sprouts and blueberries!
Arielle
NutriBullet Complete Baby Food Making System
Key Features
This adorably designed baby food maker allows you to prepare, store and freeze food quickly. The NutriBullet comes with perfectly sized storage cups and a tip-proof tray to keep food organized.
- Includes 6 storage cups with date ring lids, storage tray, silicone freezer tray with lid and recipe book
- Batch bowl and cups are made of non-toxic, BPA-free, super-durable plastic
- Dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup
Why our Experts Love It
The NutriBullet’s cute design and variety of accessories make it a fun and affordable way to make nutritious baby food. It’s an affordable baby food maker for the functions it provides.
Pros + Cons
Pros
- One of the most affordable baby food makers on the market
- Dishwasher safe
- Made of BPA-free plastic
- Comes with storage cups, tray and recipe book
Cons
- Functions include blending and making purees, so you will need to pre-cook most foods before blending
- Holds 32 ounces, which is less than some baby food makers
Parents Review
I love this to make my baby’s food! It’s super cute and it works! I love the little containers that comes with it to make for easy storage! Buy it!
Gwynita
QOOC 4-in-1 Mini Baby Food Maker
Key Features
This mini baby food maker packs a punch with four powerful functions in one compact appliance. You can steam, blend, reheat and defrost healthy homemade baby food in just 15 minutes.
- Made from safe materials – BPA, lead and phthalate free
- Shatterproof and compact design
- Innovative one-handed controls
- All components are dishwasher safe
Why our Experts Love It
We love the prep blade, because it makes it fast and easy to quickly chop and puree a variety of foods with the press of a button. This little, but mighty baby food maker gets the job done!
Pros + Cons
Pros
- Includes 4 cooking functions in one
- BPA, lead and phthalate free
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that the connection for the blade and bowl is fragile
- Holds less food than some brands
Parents Review
I love this food processor so much. I have made various baby food with vegetables, fruits and meats and my baby really enjoy them a lot. Additionally, I can also use this item for adult food such as soup. Super easy to use, easy to clean and no need large space. What I spent for this is totally worthy!! Oh, it says ‘mini’, but you can make reasonable portion of baby food for more than three days.
Crystal Kim
Sage Spoonfuls Baby Food Maker and Storage Set
Key Features
This complete baby food system set includes a 2-in-1 immersion blender and food processor, steamer basket, glass baby food jars, and storage containers. It comes with an erasable marker to make it easy to write down the date and contents of the baby food jars, and measurement marks make for easy portion control.
- Baby food maker attachments, steamer basket, and glass jars are all top-rack dishwasher-safe
- Comes with two different blades to blend foods of all types with ease
- Glass jars have a food-grade silicone O-ring in the lids that provide an airtight, leakproof seal to keep food fresh in the fridge, freezer, or on-the-go
- BPA, Phthalate, Lead, and PVC free
Why our Experts Love It
We love the Safe Spoonfuls Baby Food Maker and Storage Set because it has the functionality of being a hand blender AND a regular blender. Its quiet design and variety of accessories make it a worthwhile investment.
Pros + Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Options to blend with immersion blender or food processor depending on needs
- Includes glass food jars and storage containers
- Mixing blades made from durable stainless steel
- Most parts are dishwasher safe
Cons
- Electric blender wand is hand-wash only
- Functions include blending and making purees, so you will need to pre-cook most foods before blending
Parents Review
I LOVE THIS!! We made 10 different baby food purées today and this got them to the perfect consistency. It works with all types of fruits and veggies! If you’re thinking of making your own baby foods, this is the perfect tool for you! Works better than a normal blender.
Kimberly
Cuisinart Mini Prep Food Processor
Key Features
This mini food processor is a solid alternative to the bigger and fancier baby food makers. A 3-cup plastic work bowl with a handle and stainless steel blade gets the job done easily and quickly.
- Chops and grinds with patented reversible stainless-steel blade
- Simple push-button control panel with two powerful processing options
- Dishwasher-safe bowl and lid for quick cleanup; spatula included
Why our Experts Love It
We love the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Food Processor because of its ability to quickly handle small batches of food and its versatility in the kitchen. The compact design is easy to store on the counter or in a cabinet.
Pros + Cons
Pros
- Very affordable
- Touchpad controls are easy to use and clean
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- BPA Free
- Compact design
- Can be used for a variety of food prep
Cons
- Not as quiet as traditional baby food makers
- Cannot make larger batches of purees due to smaller size
- Does not have an option to steam or cook raw foods
Parents Review
Great little machine that chops or purees so quickly. Very easy to clean with the blade that lifts out without getting your fingers near it. I got this because it has a glass bowl and my others were plastic and they ended up with scratches.
Jan
Double Baby Food Makers
What’s the difference between a typical baby food maker and a double baby food maker? Double (aka ‘Duo’) baby food makers are known for their larger capacity and multifunctional design that allows you to make up to one week’s worth (or more!) of fresh and nutritious food in minutes. Double baby food makers have the ability to simultaneously steam and blend food, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
BEABA Babycook Duo 4 in 1 Baby Food Maker
Key Features
The BEABA Babycook Duo 4 in 1 comes with two large graduated bowls, so you can make two big batches of different foods at the same time (holds over 9 cups total!). Its efficient design allows you to steam cook on one side while you puree on the other side.
- 4-in-1 baby food maker steams, blends, defrosts and reheats food
- 9.4 cup capacity with two 4.7-cup bowls
- Patented steam heating system with stainless steel water reservoir
- Spatula, mixing lid/smoothie filter, and recipe booklet included
Why our Experts Love It
We love the BEABA Babycook Duo for its ability to prepare double the food at once and save time in the kitchen. It steams and blends foods perfectly.
Pros + Cons
Pros
- Four cooking settings all in one appliance
- Removable cord for easy storage
- Auto switch-off and beeps when done
- One-handed operation
- Double safety lock on bowl
- BPA, Lead and Phthalate free
Cons
- More expensive compared to other brands
- Compared to the other BEABA product on our list, this one does not have glass bowls
Parents Review
Holy grail of cooking healthy baby food and snacks for the whole family. This does it all. When baby’s appetite grows, you’ll be happy you got this model. It saves you time on cooking a variety of meals.
Lisa T.
BabyMoov Duo Baby Food Maker 6 in 1 Food
Key Features
This incredibly versatile baby food maker is an all-in-one design that cooks, blends, warms and defrosts food, AND can be used as a bottle warmer and sterilizer. Its large capacity saves time by making up to 9 cups of food at once.
- Includes 2 steamer baskets
- 3 speed blender is easily programmable for various cook times
- LCD display is fully programmable with audio alerts
- Comes with a spatula and 100+ free recipes to guide you though baby’s first meals!
Why our Experts Love It
We love the BabyMoov Duo Baby Food Maker for its multifunctional design and its 3 different blender settings, so we can get perfectly consistent purees in minutes. It’s a space saving machine that is sure to have plenty of longevity in your kitchen.
Pros + Cons
Pros
- 6-in-1 functions reduce need for separate appliances and saves space
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA, lead and phthalate free
Cons
- More expensive compared to other brands
- Steamer and blender containers are made of plastic, not glass
Parents Review
Honestly hands down a greatly made product. With my first son I always had trouble prepping his food to make purée. Now as I make food for my second kid, babymoov has make it incredibly easy. Steam food with their guide is quick. You really set it and forget it. And when you are ready, you transfer it over to the blender and purée. The fact that it’s all in one compact system declutters my counter. I love that I can steam two items at once and cook rice at the same time. I no longer have multiple pots running all at once. It’s been amazing and highly suggest families to get one. Buy it early on to really make good use of the functionality.
Jaclyn Dinh
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