Food processor: how to choose for home use

A food processor is a universal assistant for the housewife. With its help, cooking will not only speed up, but also turn into a pleasant and easy ceremony. Before choosing a device for processing products, you need to connect all the possibilities and needs. Having such a “friend” in the kitchen, you can easily chop vegetables, prepare drinks, chop minced meat and perform other tasks.

Design

Harvesters are classified as small household appliances; they can be compact or multifunctional. These devices differ in design, but the main parts are the same for all types:

1. Motor.
2. Bowl for food.
3. Set of nozzles.
4. Control.

The parts of the devices are made of different materials and differ in weight, but the purpose and design remain identical. Thanks to the action of the motor, food ingredients are processed. The shaft on which the attachments are attached is brought out. The knives are placed at the bottom of the bowl or in the lid of the device.The performance of a combine is determined by the power and engine speed.

Characteristics of food processors

Models of food processors differ from each other in weight, size, and source material. Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

Functional

The kits contain at least 5 different attachments, which determine the number of possible functions of the device. The main attachments include:

1. The shredder and grater grind food.
2. The press squeezes juice from citrus fruits.
3. Press for making puree.
4. Juicer.
5. Meat grinder.
6. Impeller knife for chopping.
7. Whisk for whipping.
8. Hooks for kneading dough.

Each model has a different number of such items. The more attachments in the set, the more efficient the machine and the more expensive it is in price.

Control

Kitchen appliances work on the same principle, although differences may occur due to different designs and speeds. To perform functions, energy is required, so the devices operate from an electric current network and are controlled by buttons. Some more complex models have a speed controller.

The panel contains buttons for selecting temperature, time and speed. Information about operating modes appears on the screen.

The most convenient thing is electronic control, developed for models with processors, where the parameters are selected independently. Having loaded the products into a special container, the corresponding button starts the engine, after which they fall into the bowl. There, using special knives, the processed products are brought to the desired state.

Bowl material

Plastic, metal or glass is the material for making the bowl. In more universal models, the bowls are made of impact-resistant raw materials, in which case the container will withstand the high temperatures of a microwave oven or dishwasher.

Plastic bowls are lightweight and easy to clean, but are of lower quality compared to other products.

Heat-resistant glass containers are environmentally friendly, but require caution. They are difficult to break, but easy to chip or damage.

Metal for a bowl is the most practical, but expensive. A steel bowl does not react with food and does not break. Convenient when working with heated products, for chilled workpieces. This type of cookware is used by professional chefs.

Bowl volume

The capacity of the container affects the performance of the machine. Working utensils for kitchen devices are produced in volumes from 1 liter to 7. When selecting the size of the bowl, you must be guided by the following rules:

1. Do not take a large container if you are cooking in small portions. If you select a larger bowl without the need, the food processor will process the food unevenly and splatter the contents. There is an optimal ratio of container volume and combine power of 200:1. The useful volume of dishes is always less than indicated in the instructions.
2. You need to choose dishes according to the power. The greater the power, the larger the bowl should be.
3. One container contains different amounts of bulk and liquid products.

It is convenient to have several bowls of different sizes, then when preparing a certain number of dishes you can use the appropriate container.

Power

The most important parameter when choosing any kitchen appliances is power. This indicator depends on the capabilities of the device; most often its value ranges from 550 to 1000W. A combine with high power processes more products in a certain time.When purchasing a device for a professional kitchen, this is an important condition. You should not buy a combine with low power, explaining this by saving energy. The costs of working with it will be the same.

Models with a power of 300-400W are called low-power; they whip liquids, knead loose dough, and grind soft foods. The load in this case is insignificant.

Medium-power devices (up to 800W) can process hard root vegetables, knead stiff dough, crush nuts, and crush ice. In such models, a protective function is installed in the engine, which automatically turns off the device if it overheats. It is precisely these devices that are suitable for housewives, as they are multifunctional and durable.

The most powerful models belong to professional equipment. They are not afraid of long and intense loads. Their cost is quite high, but if they are used in restaurants and bakeries, then it is justified.

Rotational speed

The number of speeds depends on the specific features of the models - the more modes, the wider the range of possibilities for determining the settings for processing the corresponding products. This affects the number of dishes prepared using the device. The higher the rotation speed, the easier it is to maintain the required cooking mode. At high speed you can grind solid products, at low speed you can beat liquids. The device has several speeds, in some models their value reaches 15, but practice shows that from 3 to 5 modes are usually used.

Modes

The kitchen machine has 3 operating modes designed for processing hard and soft ingredients.

1. The pulse mode is ensured by rotating the engine not constantly, but intermittently.This increases the efficiency of the device, reduces the load on the motor. But it can be used when working with solid ingredients, frozen fruits or vegetables.
2. Turbo mode increases the speed of rotation of the device disks for a short time. This is used when processing solid products. This is not a normal mode for the device, since the motor receives heavy loads, which can disable the device.
3. Planetary mixing mode ensures the movement of the working tool, whisk or spatula, around the center of the bowl and its axis, which allows for uniform mixing and speeds up the process itself. But this mode requires a large bowl, at least 5 liters in capacity, which affects the dimensions and price of the model.

Compactness

Before purchasing a food processor, any housewife should think about what kind of device she needs, evaluate the free space in the kitchen. If you plan to use it for several operations, cutting, chopping, whipping or mixing, then you should choose a compact device. The power of such devices is 400-700 W, and the bowl is 1.5-2.5 liters. In small kitchens, it is recommended to limit yourself to a compact model that performs only those functions that are more in demand. The compactness of the machine depends on the way it stores its additional attachments. Models that have space for such storage are larger. Compact models do not have such compartments, and accessories are stored in separate containers or bags. The average weight of such devices is 4-6 kg. If the housewife often uses the device, it is better to buy a lightweight device so that it is not difficult to put it away in a cupboard or on a shelf.This increases the efficiency of the device and reduces the load on the motor. But it can be used when working with solid ingredients, frozen fruits or vegetables.

Turbo mode increases the rotation speed of the device's disks for a short time. This is used when processing solid products. This is not a normal operating mode for the device, as the motor receives heavy loads, which can damage the device.

The planetary mixing mode ensures the movement of the working tool, whisk or paddle, around the center of the bowl and its axis, which makes it possible to mix evenly and speeds up the process itself. But this mode requires a large bowl with a capacity of at least 5 liters, which affects the size and price of the model.

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Compactness

Before purchasing a food processor, any housewife should think about what kind of machine she needs and evaluate the free space in the kitchen. If you plan to use it for several operations, such as slicing, chopping, whipping or stirring, then you should choose a compact device. The power of such devices is 400-700 W, and the bowl is 1.5-2.5 liters. In small kitchens, it is recommended to limit yourself to a compact model that performs only those functions that are most in demand.

The compactness of the machine depends on the method of storing its additional attachments. Models with space for such storage are larger. Compact models do not have such compartments, and accessories are stored in separate containers or bags. The average weight of such devices is 4-6 kg. If the housewife often uses the device, then it is better to buy a lightweight device so that it is not difficult to put it away in a closet or on a shelf.But if there is a permanent place for a food processor in the kitchen, then the weight in this situation is not important.

• Safety
• When using a food processor, you must follow all safety rules. Its operation is only possible if the bowl, lid and attachments are installed correctly. This protects your hands from damage from knives, and the walls from contamination from splashes. Most models are equipped with an overheating protection system. This device is protected from damage by a function that blocks the engine if the knife hits a hard object.
• To ensure the stability of the food processor on the kitchen surface, rubber pads or legs are attached to the base.
• Additional features
• In addition to the main characteristics, modern combine harvester models have additional features:

the presence of a splash cover makes it possible to maintain cleanliness when working with flour or liquid ingredients;

some models have a niche for storing attachments, others have a special bag where accessories are stored;

mechanical and electronic overload protection. The mechanical one is based on the installation between the motor and the clutch attachment, which breaks due to overloads, but saves the rest of the mechanism. Electronic - consists of using a fuse. It is reusable, unlike the first one;

some models have built-in scales that show the net weight of the product being processed;

The self-cleaning function is used to clean the appliance.

Types of food processors

Universal

Kitchen machines of this type have a removable bowl, a full set of basic attachments, and in devices with advanced functions - and additional ones. The more attachments, the more capabilities the device has. Such food processors combine many functions - cutting, kneading, whipping and others.

With a meat grinder

Almost every food processor can grind meat. But devices with a screw meat grinder built into the body stand out in a separate row. When using such a model, the meat retains its structure, cartilage, veins and fat are ground. When choosing this type of equipment, you need to pay attention to the high power of the engine, the speed of rotation and the presence of three speed switching modes. 6 good inexpensive chainsaws for home use - rating

For dough

When choosing food processors with the main function of kneading dough, you need to choose devices with a power of at least 800 W, with a large bowl and two modes.

With dicing

The home appliance market has seen devices with original attachments that can be used to cut food in any way - cubes, circles or sticks.

With a blender

A blender is an indispensable thing in the kitchen, but if it is built into a food processor, then you can easily and quickly prepare cocktails and desserts in it. In such machines, food is chopped, dough is kneaded, cream is whipped. Models differ in power, functions, materials, and bowl volume.

With a grater

Food processors with a grater are distinguished by high quality, reliability and modern design.After studying the list of the best household appliances for the kitchen, taking into account personal preferences, evaluating the capabilities of each type of device, you can choose the most suitable option for yourself.

Universal

Kitchen machines of this type have a removable bowl, a full set of basic attachments, and in devices with advanced functions - additional ones. The more attachments, the more possibilities the device has. Such combines combine many functions - cutting, kneading, whipping and others.

With meat grinder

Almost every food processor can grind meat. But devices with a screw meat grinder built into the body stand out in a separate row. When using this model, the meat retains its structure, cartilage, veins and fat are ground. When choosing this type of equipment, you need to pay attention to the high engine power, speed and the presence of three speed switching modes.

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For the test

If you prefer food processors with the main function of kneading dough, you must choose devices with a power of at least 800 W, with a large bowl and two modes.

• Diced
• Devices with original attachments have appeared on the household appliances market, with the help of which food can be cut in any way - into cubes, circles or sticks.
• With blender
• A blender is an indispensable thing in the kitchen, but if it is built into a food processor, then you can easily and quickly prepare cocktails and desserts.In such machines, food is crushed, dough is kneaded, and cream is whipped. Models differ in power, functions, materials, and bowl volume.
• With a grater
• Grater combines are distinguished by high quality, reliability and modern design. Having a grater with different knives will allow you to prepare delicious dishes.
• With juicer
• To obtain juice, the device requires a high rotation speed, so when choosing a model, pay attention to this parameter. The optimal speed is from 8000 to 12000. The higher the speed, the more expensive the device. For combines with the main function of a juicer, the bowl should be made of glass so that other materials do not react with the acid. The engine power in this case can be 500-600 W.
• With potato peeling function
• Quite rarely, the set of attachments includes an attachment for peeling potatoes. It is universal and suitable for all types of combines. They partially fulfill their task; sometimes you have to clean the root crop.
• Mini models

Hand harvesters

Hand-held devices, despite their simplicity, are also considered combines. However, their functions are only related to the number of attachments included with them. These are graters with knives of different shapes that cut food into cubes, strips, and slices. You just have to turn the handle yourself. On the one hand, the device is economical, it does not work from the mains, but on the other hand, you have to make an effort when processing hard vegetables. Additional attachments and discsEach device is not equipped with all possible accessories, and therefore the combine performs some functions. The presence of additional attachments will help to carry out a more complete list of operations.

1. All models have vegetable cutting discs, whisks, mixing attachments and hooks for kneading dough, and a blender. A pastor cutter or dough roller is equipped for rarer specimens. Specific attachments for kitchen machines can be purchased additionally.
2. a variety of shaped patterns are used for baking cookies;
3. a grater for shavings, sprinkling and breading, in addition to its main purpose, grinds crackers, nuts, chocolate;
4. roll out the dough using rollers and prepare the noodles;
5. templates are used to prepare pasta;

Thick liquids are mixed until smooth using the emulsifier attachment;

the mill grinds flour;

using an ice cream maker you can prepare a delicious treat;

a coffee grinder is used for grinding coffee beans, preparing powdered sugar, various spices and seasonings;

• the shaker is used for mixing products and making cocktails;
• The slicer is used for cutting various products into thin slices;
• The French fry cutting disc is used to prepare long, thin slices for frying in oil.
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• Selection rules

The choice of household appliances, first of all, depends on the preferences of the housewife. If she already has a separate electric meat grinder, juicer or

bread machine

• , then it is enough to buy a version of the device for cutting and mixing products. It is very convenient, small-sized and easy to operate. If the housewife cooks a lot and wants more functionality, then she needs to choose a stronger machine. But the main points that you need to pay attention to when choosing a food processor:
• Power depending on the volume of the bowl.
• Speed ​​adjustment, number of modes.
• The dimensions of the technical device, which determine the availability of free space in the kitchen.
• Varieties of attachments, basic and additional.

Brand selection.

Popular models of food processors

• Among the most popular models of household appliances, there are those that are most loved by people.Harvesters from popular global brands are in demand in the household market.
• Philips
• The Dutch company Philips was created at the end of the 19th century by the Philips brothers as a factory for the production of electric lamps. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, the brand gained fame, and the company received a proud additional word in its name - “royal”. The combines from this company are incredibly easy to use. With their help you can prepare a lot of delicious and healthy dishes.
• Philips HR7778;
• Philips HR7761/00;

Philips HR7605/10;

Philips HR7762/90;

• Philips HR7774 BL.
• Moulinex
• The founders of this brand, the French Jean Mantele and Le Monnier, opened the first workshop for the production of equipment in 1922, but only 10 years later the first vegetable grinder was manufactured. Since 2001, this brand has belonged to Groupe SEB. The distinctive features of this manufacturer’s product are ease of use. The process of using Moulinex devices is reminiscent of a fun and exciting game.
• Moulinex QA217132;
• Moulinex DJ9058;

Moulinex QA503DB1;

Moulinex FP 3181.

• Redmond
• A Russian trademark, which belongs to Tekhnopoisk LLC, and produces household appliances. The history of the brand began in 2006 with the filing of an application for company registration. Food processors from this manufacturer resemble a blender with numerous attachments, allowing you to perform a variety of operations.
• Redmond RFP-3950 gray;
• Redmond RFP-3909 black;
• Redmond RFP-CB3910;

Redmond RFP-3902;

Redmond RFP-3907.

• Braun
• In 1921, the German Max Braun opened a store in Frankfurt am Main to sell radios. By 1990, Braun had taken a leading position in the production of household appliances.Food processors of this brand have two types of juicers, and the equipment manufacturer has added a cleaning brush and spatula to the kit. The machine is equipped with a program; you just need to put in the products, and the combine itself determines the necessary parameters for a given process.
• Braun FP 5150 White;
• Braun FX 3030 Tribute;
• Braun FP 5150 Black;

Braun FP 5160 Black;

Braun FP 5160 White.

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• Vitek
• This Russian brand was formed in 2000 by Golder Electronics, a company engaged in the production of household and other appliances. 95% of products are produced in China, the rest in Turkey. Modern design, functionality and affordable price are the main advantages of this brand. The long-term use of the device is influenced by the quality material from which the main spare parts are made.
• Vitek VT-1618;
• Vitek VT-1606;

Vitek VT-1603;

Vitek VT-1604;

Vitek VT-1616 SR Assistant PRO.

• Sinbo
• Sinbo is owned by the Turkish company Deima, and is one of the top three manufacturers of household appliances in Turkey. Kitchen processors are of high quality and affordable prices. The units of this brand are multifunctional and therefore indispensable in the kitchen. On the household appliances market today there are branded models that have won the hearts of housewives with their advantages.
• Sinbo SHB 3081;
• Sinbo SHB 3111;
• Sinbo SHB 3070;

Sinbo SMX 2738;

Sinbo SHB 3081.

• Tefal
• This company was founded in 1956 by the Frenchman Marc Gregoire. In 1968, it was acquired by the international brand Groupe SEB, which produces household appliances and tableware. The first Tefal food processor appeared in 1999.It uses high technology and innovative solutions in the production of household kitchen appliances.
• Tefal Masterchef Compact QB207;
• Tefal L Masterchef Gourmet+ QB612;
• Tefal QB 207138;

Tefal QB612D38;