A food processor is one of those kitchen appliances that can save you lots of time, energy and hassle. If you love cooking but dislike preparing food, a food processor is your perfect kitchen accomplice. With a food processor, you can cut vegetables, slice meat, knead dough, grind nuts and spices, make puree and do many other tasks with ease.
Nevertheless, choosing a kitchen food processor that works for you can be tricky, considering the numerous brands, models and features available on the market.
In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to choose a kitchen food processor, and list several popular global brands that you can trust.
Tip #1: Determine your needs
Before you start looking for a kitchen food processor, you need to figure out what you’ll be using it for. Do you want to chop fruits and vegetables for salads? Make smoothies, sauces or dips? Grind herbs and spices for seasoning?
Knead dough for bread or pastry? Shred meat for burgers or sandwiches? Different food processors have different features and power, which affect their ability to perform certain tasks. Therefore, if you want to maximize the efficiency and longevity of your kitchen food processor, you should pick one that suits your needs, and not just go for the latest or most expensive model.
Tip #2: Look for power and capacity
Generally, the more powerful a kitchen food processor is, the better it performs. Depending on your needs, you may choose a food processor with a power range of 400 to 1500 watts. For example, if you want to blend frozen fruits or nuts, you should opt for a higher-powered model, while if you only need to chop vegetables or make sauces, a mid-range power might suffice. In addition to power, you should also consider the capacity of the food processor.
Depending on the size of your family, how often you cook, and how much food you usually process, you may choose a food processor with a capacity of 4 to 16 cups. Keep in mind that a larger capacity also means a larger size and weight of the food processor, so you should have enough space in your kitchen to store and use it comfortably.
Tip #3: Check for attachments and accessories
Most food processors come with a variety of attachments and accessories that enhance their versatility and functionality. Some common attachments are chopping and slicing blades, mixing and pureeing blades, shredding and grating discs, dough hooks and beaters, citrus juicers, and mini bowls for small quantities. Depending on your needs and preferences, you should choose a food processor that includes the attachments and accessories that you will use most often.
If you plan to make a lot of dough, for example, you should choose a food processor that has sturdy dough hooks or kneading blades, while if you want to make citrus juices, you should choose a food processor that has a dedicated juicing attachment. Moreover, you should check if the attachments and accessories are dishwasher-safe or need to be washed by hand.
Tip #4: Consider the brand and price
When it comes to kitchen appliances, brand and price are often indicators of quality and reliability. While there are many unknown or cheap brands that offer food processors, it’s safer to go for brands that have a good reputation and have been around for some time.
In addition, more expensive food processors usually have better materials, workmanship, technology and functions, which means that they can last longer and perform better than cheaper ones. However, you should also take into account your budget and priorities. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t need many fancy features, you can choose a basic model from a trusted brand. On the other hand, if you’re a professional cook or a serious foodie, you may want to invest in a high-end model that comes with advanced features and extends warranty.