A food processor is a small appliance that can modify the structure of the food. It is not a robot for cooking, but to transform the ingredients you use, it can cut, beat, knead, crush, laminate, grate or slice, for example.
You indeed have alternatives in the kitchen to do everything mentioned, but such an appliance allows you to simplify the processes. The process is faster and has a more aesthetic result. It is usually effortless to use and, from now on, will become your essential helper in the kitchen.
In the following sections, you will discover everything you need to know about food processors. This way, you can make the best decision.
How is the food processor?
In most houses, you will find a blender. It is an appliance capable of beating or mixing fruits or vegetables. Purees, creams, smoothies or juices can be prepared with it. In recent times, kitchen robots have also been incorporated into homes. They are used for cooking and perform countless functions. A food processor simplifies most preparations for cooking. Cut vegetables, chop nuts, make a sauce, puree or smoothie, assemble clear, knead and in general everything a blender or cooking robot does, but without cooking. You can also prepare some dishes that do not need heat.
Why have a food processor?
- Many reasons can lead you to have a food processor, but these are the most common: Space. The houses are getting smaller and smaller, making it unworkable to have endless appliances. With a food processor, you can have “all in one”. In the end, when you have stored in a closet, many appliances end up not using any.
- Time. If you spend little time at home, you’ll even have less time to cook. That’s why it’s critical not to have to invest it in chopping onions, chopping garlic or slitting potatoes. With a food processor, you can optimize your time cooking, avoiding having to do many functions manually.
- Cleaning. With a food processor, it gets much less dirty. Besides, the appliance itself is cleaned easily. In most cases, you will be able to insert its different elements into the dishwasher.
- Experience. Not everyone has much experience in the kitchen. You don’t need to be a great chef with a processor to make exquisite dishes with a great presentation. This device simplifies all preparation to the maximum.
Are you saving in the kitchen with a food processor?
Another advantage of a processor is that it allows you to take advantage of certain foods by giving them a new use. You can also prepare some dishes at home to help you save money. In this table, we show you.
IngredientsResult
Dry bread Breadcrumbs
Grain cereals Cereal flour
Frozen fruit Ice cream or sorbet
Leftover meat Meat mince
Dry cheese Shredded cheese
Meat or fish Burgers
Cooked chickpeas Humus
What features should the food processor have?
The table below shows you another interesting aspect that you should consider when purchasing your food processor. We mean the characteristics you should meet.
Benefits to be taken into account.
Glass capacity Number of family members
Power Use to be given
Design Aesthetics and size
Security Complying with current regulations
Accessories He must have everything you’re going to need.
Functionality Simplicity in use
Price The best value for money
Later in the purchase guide, we’ll delve into these aspects to help you make the final decision.
What can be done with a food processor?
- We have already shown you different uses that you can give to your food processor. Now you’ll know how you’re going to get the real out of it. Although we mention the same idea again, we review its main uses: its functions depend on the specific model you have acquired. Crush. Depending on the model, it will have more or less power, but the truth is that any processor will crush most of the food. It would help if you kept in mind that it has the main glass and additional ones that give it extra uses.
- Emulsify. Some models allow you to emulsify. A function that you’ll get a lot out of when making sauces, mayonnaise or a gazpacho.
- It stings. You can chop meat or fish to make a hamburger. You can also shred nuts for a cake or frozen fruit to make a hake. It’s just a few ideas.
- Beat. You can beat eggs, ride whites to the point of snow or make delicious smoothies. All effortlessly and unspotted as much as if you did it by hand or with a traditional blender.
- Grate. You no longer need to hand grate cheese or carrots; you can easily do it with this appliance.
- Laminate. You can laminate different kinds of food without you, “or your fingers,” being in any danger.
- Knead. With its kneading option, you can prepare dishes such as pizzas, empanadas, quiches and other similar ones. You will do it effortlessly and with exceptional results.
- Squeeze. Many food processors have accessories to be able to squeeze different citrus fruits. You’ll take much more advantage of each piece than if you did it manually, not to mention saving time and strength.
- Liquefy. Following the line of the previous point, with its accessory to liquefy, you will be able to prepare exquisite – and healthy – fruit and vegetable juices.
Jamie OliverChef and culinary arts expert
“I use my food processor every day. This stings like a ninja and allows me to do any kitchen task faster, whether it’s cutting into slices, cutting into strips or mixing. It can even be used to make ice cream quickly. It is a quick and ideal utensil for the kitchen.”
What is the origin of the food processor?
As with a large part of inventions, the idea arises from necessity. It originated from a catering company salesman, Pierre Verdun, who observed the time people wasted cutting, chopping, beating or mixing ingredients. Especially in the big restaurants, where cooks and their assistants had to prepare food for hundreds of people every day. With this thought in mind, the executive worked until he manufactured a device called Robot-Coupe. It became a success in the neighbouring country in the 1960s.
In light of this first processor, other models emerged. Besides, they went from being designed only for professional use to getting to the houses. It evolved, giving way to the food processor we are talking about and more complex ones. There are no more excuses: the appliances facilitate the elaboration of exquisite dishes; it is the perfect opportunity for kitchen enthusiasts to launch the stoves.
What are the benefits of food processors?
We schematically show you the main advantages and disadvantages that food processors have:
Advantages
- Help you save time
- They allow you higher quality elaborations.
- They help you optimize your kitchen space.
Disadvantages
- Not all processors offer the same functions
Food Processor Buying Guide
we showed you what to keep in mind when buying a food processor. Now it’s time to see all those points in more detail:
Vessel capacity
You must take into account the capacity of the model glass you are buying. Your choice will depend on different factors, one of which is the number of family members.
You may also use it for professional purposes, such as catering, restaurant, or cooking school. In these cases, you need to look for as much capacity as possible.
Power
The more power the device has, the better it will do its job. It would help if you were at least 600 W. Keep in mind that the slower you will perform your function, the lower your power. If you bought a time-saving machine, don’t forget this point.
Remember that a low-power processor can end up overheating, and this can be dangerous.
Design
In the market, you will find different models. It is true that when making your final decision, aesthetics can be important, especially if it is going to be in sight. But it will be even more so its size so that it can be stored without problems.
In some cases, the machine itself incorporates a drawer to store its accessories. If you bet on such a model, storage will be easier. Also, look at the quality of the materials. A low-quality product will last less time and, in the long run, will always be a problem.
Security
A food processor has high cutting power. It has different, very sharp blades. Check that the device complies with all current legal regulations. It would help if you incorporated safety measures that prevent blades from being accessed while it is in use.
Accessories
You may think that the more accessories it includes, the better. But you should also think that the more elements it has, the more expensive it will be, or at least that would be normal. Make sure you have those items you’re really going to need.
Functionality
It would help if you studied what can be done with the food processor and how easy it is to do so. If it has many functions but it is difficult to use, it will be forgotten in a closet. Ensure that the most commonly used functions: start, stop and change speed, are very accessible.
Price
There are very inexpensive and more expensive food processors. The most important thing is that you take into account the value of money. If it’s too cheap, you have to wonder if it’s going to be really useful. On the contrary, if it is costly, you will have to check that it is worth the price you pay.
One way to calculate the price is by taking into account the brand, its performance, the quality of the components, and the number of accessories.
Summary
A food processor is a tool that can help you make cooking easier, faster and easier. It allows you to prepare all kinds of elaborations; you can also create new dishes or finish old ones.
You’ll be able to take better advantage of food and get better presentations. A food processor replaces almost every little appliance you have in your kitchen. This way, you save money, but above all, space.
In the market, you will find different models and prices. You must analyze its main features to make a good purchase. Don’t forget all the recommendations you’ve discovered in this article; they will help you find the best food processor for you.
