If you’ve searched for food processors lately, there’s a good chance that your head is spinning, and you’re not sure what to do next. The number of options available can be dizzying if you don’t know what you want before going in – and even more so if you don’t have any background knowledge!
Do not worry, though. This brief guide has some useful tips from pros: the people who use these devices every day. After reading this, you will be more confident in deciding the best food processor.
Know what you need from a food processor
A food processor can help you save time in making meals by chopping up all the ingredients quickly, so you do not have to spend hours doing it yourself! They are commonly used to make the dough, process vegetables, and fruits for juices or sauces, as well as mix other types of foods such as rice and beans before cooking them. Food processors are also known as countertop appliances, as they sit on top of your countertop. A food processor is used for chopping and shredding vegetables and other foods, which means it’s mainly used by people who like to cook. However, there are other uses for a food processor such as making baby food, puréeing fruits, and blending juice.
Check the versatility of the product
A food processor should be able to do lots of things such as slice, shred, chop and mix ingredients. These functions can save you time on chopping up vegetables and fruits, as well as making dough for cooking certain foods such as pizza or pasta. If you love baking, look for a food processor with an egg whip attachment available! If you want to make healthy homemade recipes, a food processor blender combo could be right for you. It comes with a bowl and a blade, used for grating, slicing, chopping, and puréeing food. It is best to read the product reviews of the best food processor blender combo so that you can get the best product for your intended cooking purpose. Also, consider checking out what other attachments come with a food processor you are planning to buy. Cuisinart is known for having really good attachments that can do a variety of things such as slicing and shredding vegetables, making dough, grinding meats, and even kneading bread!
Look for sturdy construction
Metal blades are important. They last longer than plastic ones, don’t dull as quickly, and can handle certain jobs better than plastic (like chopping up ice). Look for models with metal gears, especially if you plan on using them very often or have an interest in making dough. A good food processor should have both a durable or sturdy base and covers, so it can last you for many years to come. If the base is not stable, the food processor may move around when you are processing ingredients, which can damage the blades or even cause injury. All parts of a food processor are dishwasher safe except for the motorized blade attachment, so make sure to take good care of it! The plastic components of a food processor do not retain heat, therefore they cannot be used as oven-safe cookware. As for where to purchase your new kitchen appliance, I would recommend checking out Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart or Target if you are looking to buy one in your neighborhood.
Look for adjustable slicing thickness
Not every job needs a super-thin slice of food – sometimes an inch or two is all that’s needed. Adjustable slicing thicknesses allow the operator to choose the right setting for a given task without having to empty out the device and swap blades.
Does it have a reliable brand?
This doesn’t mean that a brand name is always better – some companies have been known to put out duds from time to time – but it’s definitely a plus. Look up reviews and see what other people are saying about the product, as well as its intended tasks and capabilities. If you know someone who has a food processor that they’ve been using for a long time, ask them how they like it and what uses they have found for it.
If you’re not sure whether or not you need a device with all of the bells and whistles, think back on recipes that you’ve made recently – odds are good that there’s something in here that can help.
Can it process thick ingredients?
If you’re looking forward to making baby food, hummus, or dips, then you’ll need something with some power. Some of the most popular models on the market are able to handle thick ingredients like these without leaving chunks behind. Look for something that has a wide base and can process contents vertically.
Check the warranty
Always check the warranty on a new kitchen appliance you intend to purchase, as this will guarantee that your product will be replaced if it is broken within the course of time you have agreed upon with the seller. This can save you money from having to buy another product! Also check if the parts are covered under the warranty before buying anything so that if they wear down or break during normal use, you will not have to pay for repairs. A good warranty should last you a couple of years, so that’s why it is important to check if all parts are under warranty before buying anything.
Check if it is dishwasher-safe
When purchasing your new countertop appliance, make sure it has dishwasher-safe parts, especially if you like to use your dishwasher, as it can save time on cleaning up. Also, consider checking out what other gadgets come with it, depending on your needs. Food processors will typically come with a blade attachment for chopping and mixing ingredients, as well as different types of discs such as slicers and shredders, depending on the type that you purchase. Some may even include an egg whip attachment or dough attachments, which can be really handy in certain situations!
The best advice is to be prepared before you start shopping, so that you’ll know what to look for and won’t get pushed around by salespeople. When buying a food processor, take into consideration what you will be using it for and whether or not it will help save you time in your everyday life. Also, consider checking out the warranty and dishwasher safe parts of the appliance before making your purchase. With some of the pro-tips shared here, you are sure to buy yourself a good countertop appliance!