Food Processor Power
Power is an important consideration when shopping for a food processor. A powerful motor will help you get consistent results time after time. You will get even, uniform slicing and chopping. You will be able to make nut butters with ease without worry of motor strain. Bread dough is effortlessly kneaded in minutes. Pasta dough comes together quickly and painlessly. Caesar dressing or mayonnaise can be emulsified without fear of separation. You can easily see why adequate power is imperative when buying a new food processor.
Wattage and Power Efficiency
Many consumers are obsessed with wattage and think watts are synonymous with power. In general, more watts will contribute to a more powerful appliance capable of performing kitchen tasks with ease. However, it is also important to appreciate the role efficiency plays when considering overall power available. A motor may use a lot of watts simply because it is not energy-efficient, leaving you with an appliance that wastes a lot of electricity without providing the power you seek.
Motor Types
Consider the type of motor used in any type of small appliance you are considering purchasing. There are two main types of food processor motors: direct driven and belt driven. In a belt driven food processor the motor is located to the side of the work bowl and connected by a belt. In a direct driven food processor the work bowl sits on top of the motor. This leads to a more efficient transfer of power. As a result a direct driven 500 watt motor will usually outperform a belt driven 500 watt motor.
Variations Within Motor Type
There are certainly many differences within the two main motor categories. One example; the Viking Food Processor has a unique 625 watt direct drive induction motor. While other models offer more wattage, in an induction motor alternating current (AC) voltages are induced by the magnetic and rotating field of the stator in the circuit. An induction motor is constructed with elements of steel, aluminum and copper. While this makes them more expensive than universal motors, it also increases their quality, durability and efficiency. The Viking likely has the most pronounced difference when it comes to motor type variation, but a myriad of other variables are present among the top brands.
Sorting Through The Information
So how are you supposed to sort through all of this? It is difficult to know how well powered a machine will be by simply reading the stats provided by the maker. That's where consumer reviews become incredibly useful. Through honest, unbiased customer reviews you can gauge the efficiency and durability of an appliance. People who have actually used the product can tell you if the motor struggles on certain tasks. You'll find out if the machine you are considering makes a chunky mush out of veggies when attempting to chop them. This type of specific product information will provide insight you won't find anywhere else. Check out a detailed Food Processor Buying Guide as well as thousands of reviews by visiting Food Processor Reviews.
