No matter if you are learning to cook or have a short time preparing your meals or want to tinker with different flavors in the kitchen, you will find the food processor very useful.
These food processors are available in all shapes and sizes with a range of different functions. You can use them to chop anything from nuts to vegetables or even prepare a slew of different sauces for vinaigrettes, nut butter, and so much more.
As there are so many different models, choosing the best food processor can become technically very difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Therefore, we have developed this guide for you in hoping you make a well-informed decision.
Buying Guide
Maybe you are looking to upgrade from your previous model, or perhaps you are looking to use it for the first time. The goal here is to narrow your options down to make your buying decision less complicated.
Here are some of the features you need to consider.
Capacity
The equation is relatively simple here. With a bigger-sized processor, you can put in more foods at a time.
For small tasks like chopping, pureeing baby food, or making hummus, we recommend 2-4 cup models.
A food processor with 8 cups is a medium size machine. As a beginner, you can use it for pastry dough cuts; it is hard to make bread in a medium-size machine.
We recommend a bigger machine with 10-12 cups for a large household. But with a larger size, you will need ample space in your kitchen.
Various cooking tasks
You will also have to consider the type of cooking tasks that you will perform with your processors. These units are suitable for chopping or even pureeing different things, and you won’t have to use your hands for these tasks.
Some models even allow you to grate your food items and spiralize your veggies. You can also use it to blend wet and artery food items like tomatoes for pizza sauce and eggs to make mayonnaise. It can also help you in making pizza doughs.
Price
As with many modern-day appliances, there are different options available. If you don’t have any budget issues, you can put your money on a high-end food process that comes with all the features you can use later on.
If you are short on budget, you can go for basic models as well. But the thing is that there are different options available according to your budget.
Blade performance
One of the most important components of a food processor is its blade. They need to cut fast and even. Moreover, they also need to slice, dice, process, mince, and grate if you look for these features.
Different speeds
Another exceptional feature that you need to go for is the different speed options available in a processor. With various speeds, you will get the results as quickly as possible. If you want your processor to be versatile, you need to go for multiple speeds.
Feeding mechanism
Most of the food processors come with a lid along with a bowl on the top. This is where you can add foods, and you can chop, slice, dice, grind, mince, make a puree, or anything you want.
Some of them also come with long feed tubes of different sizes. You will also find another mechanism for adding the liquids integrated into the same opening on the top.
Safety and stability
Quality processors come with strong motors and have a robust design. They have substantial bases to keep them in place while the processor is working. Some of them come with suction cups to keep the unit in place. Many of them feature a lift to keep the contents within the container. You can again go for the processors that come with sealed bowls and gaskets.
User-friendliness
One of the essential features you can consider when looking for food processors is their user-friendliness. With simple controls and an easy-to-understand working process, you can get acquainted with your food processor in no time. You will also find working with your unit relatively easy to incorporate into your daily use.
Motor strength
You also need to consider the strength of the motor inside the model you are considering. The number of wattages is a good spec that you should consider to measure the model’s overall power you are looking to buy.
High wattage means high power, and the unit can handle a variety of foods as well. Low wattage generally is not right in the long run. But units with high wattage are experienced as well. With high wattage, your food processor will continue to perform for a long time.
Additional accessories
Standard models come with a slicing disc, chopping blade, grating disc, and dough blade. You need to look for the models that come with a variety of accessories. The most common one of them is the available blades. Quality models come with different blades to fulfill different requirements.
For instance, there are different blades for slicing, dicing, mincing, and other cutting techniques. Some models come with various cleaning accessories. However, some come with different jars and beakers and even a smooth glass.
Conclusion
You’ll find different types of food processors on the market. For simplifying your buying decision, you need to focus on your own needs and preferences. There are various features that you must consider.
Size and chopping power are the most important features to consider. With a bigger size, you will see a jump in the unit’s adage and overall capacity. Whereas a power unit can chop and slice the ingredients precisely.
If you are looking to try out a range of different recipes with your processor, you need to go for a bigger unit. Better wattage and more powerful blades come with bigger units. Your processor can process a range of different food items with better blades. Also, consider the add-ons that come with these processors because they make it easier for you to get the most out of your processor.