Ultimate Guide to Food Processors

A food processor is a kitchen appliance that can do various food preparation tasks, from chopping and slicing to shredding and kneading. Owning a food processor can save you time and energy in the kitchen, and it can also help you create healthy and delicious meals. 

making pesto in a food processor

What to Look for in a Food Processor

1. Size and capacity

If you are dealing with large amounts of ingredients, opt for a food processor with a larger bowl; this could save time by not having to constantly refill while processing. Ideally, look for one that is at least 12-14 cup capacity in both standard and mini versions, so it can accommodate different sizes of tasks. When choosing a size, consider how much chopping or slicing you plan on doing daily. If you plan on using it more than once every other week, it is worth investing in the best quality device that meets your needs.

2. Power

A powerful motor ensures that food can be quickly and efficiently processed, breaking down tough ingredients into small pieces. Depending on your needs, look for something between 750-1200 watts to make short work of bulking up batches of food. Make sure to check if the machine has an adjustable speed control so you can tailor it to each recipe for better control.

3. Control settings

Different processors may offer different levels of precision and versatility in their settings, ranging from the number of speed settings to the ability to pulse and chop. Make sure the processor offers enough control to meet your culinary needs while still being easy enough to use without becoming frustrated. Also, look for a machine that has blades that can be easily removed and cleaned so you don’t have to agonize over cleaning a tricky component.

4. Other attachments

Some key attachments to look out for include a dough blade, adjustable slicing disc, grating disc and a feed tube. The feed tube can be particularly useful when it comes to chopping vegetables as you can add them through the tube instead of having to use the pulse button all the time. With these attachments, you can create either coarse or fine textures more easily than with just the basic blade that comes with most processors.

5. Safety locks

Safety and convenience are both important components of any kitchen appliance, and a reliable locking system can help ensure that the device won’t be damaged and that the user won’t get injured when it is in use. Generally, the manual will explain how to properly use the lock and what kind of maintenance needs to be done. 

In addition, make sure you’re familiar with safety protocols for food preparation and storage such as cleaning surfaces regularly and handling raw ingredients safely.

parsley and breadcrumbs in a food processor

Different Types of Food Processors

There are a variety of different food processors on the market today, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of processors:

  • General Food Processors: General food processors are typically more expensive than blenders, but they offer more features than blenders. These machines can be used for a variety of tasks, including chopping, grinding, mixing, and blending. Some general food processors also have temperature controls and timers that make them ideal for quickly processing large quantities of food.
  • Blender Machines: Blender machines are cheaper than general food processors and tend to have fewer features. However, they are more versatile because they can be used for a wide range of tasks, including blending, crushing ice cream or fruit smoothies, making soups or soup bases, or even turning mashed potatoes into gravy. They also come in a variety of sizes and prices to fit any budget.
  • Chopper Machines: Chopper machines are useful for cutting up large quantities of food quickly. They work best if you need to chop items that don’t require much finesse (such as celery), but they may not be suitable for fine chopping or slicing.

food processor in countertop

Food processors also vary in build, such as:

  • Handheld Food Processors – These processors are perfect if you only need to do one task at a time. They usually have limited processing capabilities, but they’re easy to use and small enough to take up minimal counter space. If you just need a basic processor, a handheld model is probably your best bet.
  • Standalone Food Processors – Standalone processors come with more processing abilities than handheld models and generally require less assembly than other types of processors. They tend to be bigger and more expensive than handheld models, but they make it easier to deal with large batches or multiple tasks at once. If space is not an issue and you have the money available, a standalone food processor may be the perfect choice for you.
  • Countertop Food Processors – Countertop food processors are typically larger than standalone models and include more features (such as slicing). They can be a bit harder to clean than standalone processors, but they offer great flexibility in terms of processing options and design choices. If size isn’t an issue or you want the ultimate in convenience, a countertop processor may be the right choice for you.

Benefits of Owning a Food Processor

A food processor is one of the best investments you can make in your kitchen. Here are just some of the benefits:

  • Save time in the kitchen – It can chop vegetables quickly and easily. Plus, many processors come with multiple slicing options so that everything from carrots to tomatoes can be chopped into uniform pieces.
  • Create healthy meals – Processed foods are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain and health problems down the line. But with a food processor, it’s easy to transform unhealthy ingredients into nutritious dishes. For example, shredded cheese and roasted tomatoes make an amazing Caesar salad dressing.

In summary

If you are short on time or just don’t enjoy cooking, a food processor can be a valuable addition to your kitchen. With its many different uses, a food processor can help you create healthy and delicious meals in no time.