We all know food processors can pretty much do anything and everything – from slicing, dicing, chopping and shredding to grating, zesting, pureeing, mixing and more.
So when it comes to purchasing a food processor, there’s a massive range of brands and models out there, all doing roughly the same things.
However, some of them do it much better than others. But like most things, you get what you pay for. So let’s look at what to look for when buying a food processor.
Food processor or blender or both
If you just want a food processor and nothing more. Then that’s all you need to buy. Magi The mix 5200 XL food processor, for example, comes with all the bells and whistles and a commercial-grade motor that can knead the sturdiest of doughs, finely slice meats, and take the arm work out of whipping the fluffiest meringues.
But what if you wanted a blender as well? You might consider a combination food processor and blender. Just be aware these appliances are bigger, heavier and harder to store. If you’ve got the space, go for it. Otherwise, we recommend owning two devices separately.
Mini food processors
If you don’t need all the grunt of a big processor, there are some great mini food processors like the Kitchenaid Mini Chopper, in white, ready to be pulled out of the cupboard at a moment’s notice.
Being smaller, however, means they don’t come with all the blades that the big boys do, which may limit your shredding and slicing capabilities.
Key features to look for in a food processor
When shopping for a food processor, keep an eye out for the following key features and weigh them up against comparable models before you buy.
Bowl size
The size of the food processor bowl varies from brand to brand and model to model. Think about what you’ll be using your food processor for and the number of ingredients you’ll be processing.
Slicing/grating blades
Many food processors come with attachments that can slice or grate to various thicknesses, from fine or julienne slicing blades to thick slices. Always check to ensure a food processor comes with the specific blades and attachments you’ll need in the kitchen.
Dough blade
A handy attachment if you like making bread. But if you’re not a bread baking kind of person, this attachment won’t be a deal-breaker.
Blender attachment
If you already have a blender, it’s not a big deal. But if you don’t and think a blender will come in handy in the kitchen, then why not!
Pulse function
A pulse function is convenient for those short sharp bursts of power. It’s a handy feature for distributing ingredients more evenly and consistently, especially when blending smaller amounts.
Storage
Some food processors come with separate boxes or internal drawers to store the blades and attachments. These are a great idea as food processor blades are sharper than kitchen knives. So if you have little ones, it’s kind of a must-have feature. The Magimix 3200 Food Processor at Minimax comes with a great storage box and a fantastic range of blades and accessories.
Double feed chute
An excellent idea for when you’re adding smaller quantities into the processor. It’s really the standard chute with a mini chute within it. It’s also great for better control when slicing or shredding.
Beater and whisk attachments
If you’re a cake and desserts kind of cook, these are really handy for beating egg whites or whipping cream.
You’ll find a fabulous range of quality food processors at Minimax. Visit us in-store or shop with us online for free domestic shipping on orders over $99.
