What is a Food Processor?

A food processor is a kitchen appliance that can perform a number of functions, including blending, shredding, grinding and chopping. This saves the user a considerable amount of time compared to carrying out these tasks by hand. Food processors come in two types – electric (motor driven) models, and manual devices.

How does a Food Processor differ from a Blender?

Though food processors are similar to blenders in a number of ways, food processors have more uses. Not only can they blend and liquefy food, they also come with a number of attachments to perform other tasks. These include blades for chopping and slicing vegetables, grating cheese, pureeing, mixing and kneading dough and grinding nuts, plus other uses, depending on which blades are included in a particular model.

The other main difference between a food processor and a blender is the size of the removable mixing bowl. They are usually shorter and wider than those of a blender. This is more suitable for the type of foods which would be put in a food processor, which would typically contain less liquid. A food processor is capable of blending dry ingredients together, without the need for any liquid to help move the blades through the food particles.

What to look for when purchasing a Food Processor

The first thing to consider when looking at purchasing a food processor is how often you will use it, and what ingredients you will be putting in it. If you plan to simply make a fruit smoothie every now and then, then a basic, low-power model would do the job fine for you. In fact, you may even be better off purchasing a smoothie maker or blender.

However, if you will be using it every day and plan to use it for heavier, ‘dry' foods – such as bread dough – then you should buy a higher powered model. The way to compare the power is to look at the wattage – the higher the number, the more powerful the motor.

You should also consider the size of the mixing bowl. If you plan to make large amounts of cookie dough you will need a larger mixing bowl than if you just want to chop a couple of vegetables. If you have limited space in your kitchen you may be better with a smaller model.

You should also look at the number and type of attachments that come with the machine. Do you need attachments for grinding nuts and grating cheese? Or is a standing chopping blade enough for you?

Other factors to take in to consideration when choosing a food processor are the amount of noise that the machine makes when being used, and, of course, the price. By understanding your requirements and reading reviews online you can select the perfect food processor for your needs.



Source by Andrew Emerson