What Is A Food Processor?

In case you haven’t caught up to speed yet, let me explain in simple terms what is a food processor.

Food processors are exceptionally popular kitchen appliances. They are a worthy addition to your wonderful and magical kitchen and can be used in a variety of ways. 

The main benefits of owning and using a food processor are being able to create delicious soups, puree baby food, make fresh garden salads and homemade salad dressings, pie crusts and the list goes on.  There’s so much more to this extraordinary kitchen buddy than meets the eye.

A great food processor can replace a lot of the tools in your kitchen’s pantry.  However, if you choose the wrong one, then it won’t be as much fun to use and it could prevent you from having that stellar evening you were looking forward to having.

How Does a Food Processor Work?

A food processor is basically an electric chopper that grates and slices food.  Thank goodness for the interchangeable blades that do all of the work.  The food processor is similar to a blender in various ways, but they are two different counter appliances.

One primary difference is that a food processor uses interchangeable blades and disks rather than fixed blades and its bowls are wider and shorter than that of a blender.

Additionally, a small amount of liquid is needed in the operation of a food processor.  In the case of a blender, a larger amount is necessary to allow the solid foods to be tossed around the blade.

Primary Functions

Food processors normally come with optional attachments in which to perform a range of tasks.  One of the best things about having this gadget is that only takes a few minutes with the right food processor to prepare your food.  Its key functions include:

  • Mixing and kneading bread dough for mouthwatering sandwiches and pizza
  • Whipping up tasty dips and salad dressings
  • Slicing fresh vegetables for beautiful and nutritious salads
  • Grating blocks of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses for lip-smacking nachos
  • Grinding crackers or bread crumbs for your famous disappearing meatloaf
  • Purees to make perfect organic baby foods

Design and Operation

A food processor’s motor is located at the base of the unit.  It is what turns a vertical shaft and a plastic bowl that fits around the shaft.

The cutting blades, on the other hand, are attached to the motor so when the motor starts, the blades usually revolve and cut the ingredients in the bowl. You can also attach the shredding or slicing disks, depending on what food you want to prepare.

The bowl is normally fitted with an airtight lid that prevents spills. 

The processor also has a wide mouth feeder tube so you can add ingredients while you’re pureeing, chopping, mincing, or grinding.  This would explain what is a food processor.  Nonetheless, keep reading to find out how to choose the best processor.

Choosing a Food Processor

Of course, your budget should be your first consideration when choosing a food processor, however, there are other factors you should inquire about:

  • Essential features such as a safety locking mechanism
  • Size and use of the processor
  • Bowl capacity – cooking for a large number of people requires a processor with a maximum capacity
  • Speed controls – there are two levels of speed (On and Pulse), but some processors offer additional speeds or buttons
  • Size of the feeder tube

Conclusion

What is a food processor if it’s not the greatest thing since sliced bread? And to ensure your food processor lasts longer, you should take special care of it.

Wash the bowls and blades thoroughly after each use to get rid of the residue that’s left behind.  You’d be surprised what can wind up in between the tiny grooves that can actually make your processor stop working. 

Who needs that?  After cleaning the bowls, make sure they are dry to prevent the motor from being affected by moisture before storing.

Jennifer Dumas

My name is Jennifer! Welcome to Dinners and Dreams. My goal here is to encourage you to try out recipes you never thought you could make at home. Furthermore, I also review products that I have used in the past or currently using to make every day buying decisions easier and to ensure you get the best value for your money.

1 thought on “What Is A Food Processor?”

  1. I had heard of food processors, but didn’t know what they did. I thought it was interesting that they are kind of like blenders. I thought it was cool that you can knead bread with it. That’s definitely more useful than a blender!

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