On The Hob

Food processors come in all shapes and sizes and it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for you.  Here we discuss the features to look for when choosing a food processor.

What is a Food processor?

A food processor is a electrical appliance used to make repetitive food preparation tasks easy.  A key feature of food processors is that they have interchangeable blades so that one processor can have many functions.

What can a Food Processor do?

Different food processors will have different blades and functions, which may include

• Slicing / Chopping Vegetables
• Grinding – Eg Nuts and Spices
• Shredding / Grating
• Puréeing
• Mixing and kneading Doughs

How to choose

When shopping for a food processor consider the following.

• Size - Make sure the food processor is the right size for your uses, ideally you want the capacity to take all of your food in one go.
• Attachments - Does the model have the attachments that you need?
• Washing options - Are the parts dishwasher safe for easy cleaning?
• Power – The power of the machines is measured in wattage.  Obviously the more powerful the easier it will cope with more strenuous tasks, however as power increases so does price.  Also look out for induction motors, these directly drive blades (no gears or belts) so are much hard wearing and often come with extended guarantees.
• Speed Controls - Does the processor has variable speeds or a pulse function.
• Warranty - How long is the machine guaranteed for?

What are the options

So you’ve decided what features you’re looking for in a food processor, here’s several food processors with different features which we feel are worth consideration.

Kenwood Compact FP116 Food Processor

Kenwood Compact FP116 Food Processor. The Kenwood Processor FP116 is a good entry level affordable processor.  It only has a 0.8 litre capacity so is more suited for smaller portions but for the price has many attachments which include – Shredder, Juicer, Stainless Steel Blades, Whisk.  The motor is only 300Watts.  Click here for more information and to buy the Compact FP116

Kenwood FP580 Food Processor

Kenwood FP580 Food Processor – This is a more versatile machine than the FP116 as you can change out the bowl for a liquidiser, great for soups and smoothies.  This machine has a 500 watt motor and a 2.9 litre bowl.

Features include

Click here for more information and to buy the FP580

Magimix 5200 Food Processor

Magimix 5200 Food processor – Magimix are makers of quality food processors, if you are going to use a food processor regularly I would always recommend a magimix.  The have a range of processors, which differ in size.  The 5200 is their largest with a 3.7 litre capacity.  The Motor is a 1100 watt induction motor which directly drives the blade.  The Machine has a 3 year guarantee and the motor is guaranteed for 12 years.

Features include

De’Longhi has been a high profile Italian brand for more than 100 years, providing high quality, efficient, innovative and stylish products. Instantly recognisable, De’Longhi possesses a unique design quality that, when combined with De’Longhi’s technical expertise, creates products that truly stand alone.

De'Longhi Icona KBO3001.B Jug Kettle

Their new Icona Range is no exception to this.  The Icona Range comprises of Jug Kettles and toasters in a range of stunning colours.

The Kettle - The Kettle is a 3KW cordless kettle with a 1.7 litre capacity.  The Element is concealed allowing easy cleaning and rapid boiling, for when you can’t wait for a cup of tea.  Click here to shop the De’longhi  Icona Range

De'Longhi Icona CTO4003.R Toaster

The toaster has a retro design in the same colours as the Kettle.  Although a 4 slice toaster the slots can be operated in twos either to save energy or to brown the toast to different degrees.  It has all the features you would expect to find on a toaster – Reheat, Hi Rise and frozen.  It also has a slide out crumb tray for easy cleaning.  Click here to shop the Delonghi Icona Range

Michael Graves’ classic Alessi kettle first came to the boil in 1985 and features a stainless steel body with a bird shaped whistle at the end of the spout.  Its timeless design looks just as good in your kitchen now as it did 23 years ago. Suitable for gas, electric or ceramic hobs.

Michael Graves Alessi Kettle 9093 with Bird Whistle

Michael Graves’ highly personal and easy to recognise, formal style blends influences from various sources: the european tradition, art deco, american pop, with flashes of pre-colombian culture.

Height: 24.5cms

Diameter: 22.0cms.

Capacity: 2.0 litres

Polished steel with heat resistant PA handle

Click here to buy the 9093 Alessi Kettle with Bird Whistle