When it comes to cooking, a food processor can be a game-changer. It can save you time and effort in the kitchen by chopping, shredding, pureeing and making dough in seconds.
However, with so many models and brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
In this guide, we will discuss the key factors to consider when buying a food processor.
From capacity and power to blade quality and additional attachments, we will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision and find the perfect food processor for your needs.
Whether you’re a professional chef or a newbie, this guide will help you find the best food processor for your kitchen.
Here’s what you should look for when buying a food processor:
Power: Motor
The power or motor of a food processor is one of the parts to look out for in the device.
The power determines to a large extent the amount of blending or slicing it can get done at a time. The motor is characterized in “hp” which is short for horsepower.
The higher the horsepower, the larger the capacity of the motor, hence the more chores it can handle.
The influence of the horsepower is usually evident at the base of the food processor, making it heavier in weight like the ones we have discussed in our list of the best food processor for vegans.
The solid base also gives them good balance while in use.
Bowl: Capacity
The bowl of a food processor determines how much ingredients or food it can accommodate for slicing.
The bowl comes in different liters, and they vary depending on the brand of the food processor.
Knowing the amount of food processing your device will be carrying out frequently will help you know the precise bowl your processor should have.
A larger bowl means you can work in larger batches, but it might not be necessary if you would be processing smaller quantities of food frequently.
Most food processor bowls are manufactured with poly carbonate plastic which is highly durable.
NOTE: Consider the size of your household and how much food you will be processing at one time.
Blades: Quality
The blades of a food processor are also determinants of the work the food processor can do as they carry out the primary slicing.
Most standard food processors usually have blades that can be changed and used when needed.
There are different blades sizes, the large blades are for slicing in bigger chunks, while the smaller blades are for finer cutting, and there are still other blade sizes which you can buy along with your processor for other types of slicing that can come in handy when the need arises.
A significant advantage is that the blades of food processors can be sharpened when they get blunt, so you need not get worried over that.
Speed Settings
Consider a food processor that has a variety of speed settings, including low, medium, and high. This will give you more control over the consistency of your food.
Different speed settings allow you to adjust the speed of the blades, which can affect the texture of your food.
For example:
A lower speed setting might be better for chopping vegetables, while a higher speed setting might be better for pureeing fruits.
Having a variety of speed settings also allows you to achieve the desired texture and consistency for different types of food preparation such as a chunky salsa, smooth hummus, or a fine puree.
Therefore, considering speed settings when buying a food processor can give you more control over your food preparation and making it a more versatile tool in your kitchen.
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Accessories:
There are so many accessories that can be acquired along with a food processor, whatever function you think you need your processor to perform, there is an accessory that can get it done for you with ease.
There are hoppers, blending jugs, bowls and much more. One of the most common accessories is the extra blades which also come in various sizes and have different serrations on them.
If you are doing a lot of baking, then you can get a dough blade along with your processor.
Ease of cleaning
Look for a food processor that has dishwasher-safe parts and easy-to-clean nooks and crannies. This can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
This is important if you plan to use your food processor frequently and want to avoid the hassle of spending a lot of time cleaning it.
An easy to clean food processor will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and food debris, which can be harmful to your health. And can prevent harbor smells and stains, making it less pleasant to use.
It can also maintain its good condition for a longer time and avoid rusting, discoloration and other issues.
This will help you save money in the long run, by not having to replace the food processor as often.
Brand Reputation And Warranty
Look for a well-known brand with a good reputation for quality and consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
This is important because it can help ensure that you are getting a product that is well-made and reliable.
These brands have a proven track record of producing high-quality products that stand the test of time, so you can have confidence in your purchase.
A well-known brand may have better customer service and be more responsive to addressing any issues you may have with your food processor.
A good warranty can provide peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong with your food processor, the manufacturer will either repair or replace it.
A long-term warranty can also indicate that the manufacturer has confidence in the quality of their product.
Just make sure to read the terms and conditions of the warranty before making your purchase, to ensure that it covers the parts and service you need.
Storage: Space
A food processor comes with lots of parts that are dissembled when it gets to the time for washing.
Adding that with all the extra accessories of the processor gives you a lot of bits and pieces which should not be left lying around for your safety and the durability of the processor.
You also do not want to spend your valuable cooking time searching for one missing part or the other.
To avoid this, an extra storage compartment should be available for your food processor.
This storage compartment can either is within the food processor, where the parts can be kept inside the food processor itself when you are done using it, or it can be stored in a separate place.
Summary:
A food processor is an integral part of our modern day to day livelihood.
It can slice through even the thickest ingredient or fruits, giving you your desired result in less than half the time it would have taken if you had used a knife or a grater.
People who prefer to make their own healthier food instead of going for a store-bought product can easily take advantage of a food processor.
So investing in a top grade food processor is definitely a plus for you and your family.
