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

Vintage kitchenware is very on trend at the moment, particularly creamy light colours.  Many of the major kitchen brands have jumped onto this trend which means you don’t have to compromise on quality to make your kitchen looking great.  John Lewis have featured cream kitchen electricals in their latest home brochure.  Below we have featured some of the key lines which will make your kitchen stand out!

Dualit 72402 Kettle in Cream

It has a concealed element for easy cleaning, twin water indicator gauge so you’ll always know when a trip to the tap is required – which thanks to the hinged lid won’t prove too much of a chore. The washable limescale filter ensures debris-free beverages. For left- or right-hand use. Dualit’s retro-look stainless-steel kettle is cordless and sits firmly on its electric base.  Click here to buy the Dualit 72402 Kettle from John Lewis

Magimix Le Duo XL Juice Extractor, 14251, Cream

The Magimix Le Duo XL juice extractor and citrus press, pours delicious, nutritious fresh fruit and vegetable juices straight into your glass. The Le Duo XL has an extra large feed tube, which will take whole or large pieces of fruit. It has a large free flow spout and ‘feeder’ hopper for small fruit and vegetables. There’s also a citrus press attachment for thicker juices, purees and preparing baby’s first food. Cleaning your Magimix juicer is easy too, as all parts, other than the motor, are dishwasher-safe. With shaped spatula for easy pulp removal, small and large cones, and full colour instruction and recipe book.  Click here to buy the Magimix Le Duo from John Lewis

Kenwood kMix HM792 Hand Mixer, Almond

With 400 watts of power packed into its curved almond and grey body, the Kenwood kMix Hand Mixer certainly cuts a dash around the kitchen – and the mixing bowl.Perfect for smaller mixing tasks such as whisking, there are 5 speeds and a rubber grip handle so you’re always in control. A compact grey base acts as a stand for the hand mixer and a storage area for the stainless steel whisks and dough hooks, when not in use. And thanks to the integral cord wrap, you won’t see any untidy cable either. Click here to buy the Kenwood KMiz HM792 from John Lewis

Dualit Espressivo 84202 Coffee Machine, Cream

Coffee enthusiasts will love the Dualit Espressivo 84202 coffee machine. It’s designed with every element crafted to deliver the ultimate coffee; from a smooth espresso to a dense velvety latté.Ready to go in less than 40 seconds, it’s packed with user-friendly features, such as the 15-bar pump delivering the ideal pressure for the perfect ‘crema’, and the Thermobloc water heating system providing hot water and steam instantly.

Even the steaming and milk-frother is easy to use, making perfect foam for your cappuccino every time with the minimum of fuss. The water tank is removable for convenience, while a useful accessory holder keeps your ESE pods and froth nozzle to hand.  With a 3 year guarantee.  Click here to buy the Dualit Espressivo from John Lewis

Kenwood kMix BLX52 Blender, Almond

Combining good looks with simple, yet powerful controls, the Kenwood kMix BLX52 blender will make a chic addition to any kitchen.The kMix comprises a 1L calibrated glass goblet, stainless steel blades and metal body, with a profiled pouring spout and ergonomic handle. The goblet also drops onto the base unit, making it easy to align before blending begins. Its 4 pre-set programmes also make the most of its 800W motor, so you don’t need to guess which speed to use, whether you’re making soup or crushing ice for a cocktail.

Keeping your kMix blender in tip-top condition’s easy as well: the blades, goblet and base can all be dismantled for easy cleaning.  Click here to buy the Kenwood kMix from John Lewis

Kitchenaid is a USA brand which specialises in the manufacture of small kitchen electricals.  Their products are known for there quality workmanship and long life.  They won’t just work well in your kitchen.  They’ll also look good.  Each of their products is available in a range of stunning colours.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

The Kitchenaid Artisan Stand mixer is a solid metal mixer with a 300 watt direct drive motor.  A direct drive motor means that it is quieter than a standard mixer as their are less moving parts than a normal “belt / gearbox motor” .  It also means it is more reliable and longer lasting.  The 5 quart bowl has been ergonomically designed with a easy to hold handle.  The mixer itself has a tilt back head allowing full access to the bowl and easy changing of attachments.  Kitchenaid mixers are assembled by hand to give you a quality product and peace of mind.

The classic design is by Egmont Arens and dates back to 1937 and forms part of Kitchenaid’s Artisan collection.  The products in this collection have a stylish retro look with solid knobs and buttons, and smooth curves.

The mixer includes

and is available in the following colours – Click on the colour to find out more and purchase

• Red
• Cream
• Black
• Pearl Metallic
• Brushed Nickel
• White
• Blue
• Apple Green
• Yellow
• Boysenberry
• Pink

But that’s not all!  A Kitchenaid Artisan mixer isn’t just a mixer!  You can also purchase optional attachments to extend versatility of the machine into other areas.

KitchenAid Mixer Attachment Pack. Grinder/ Mincer, Slicer/ Shredder, Fruit & Vegetable Strainer

The Kitchenaid mixer pack aims to make your life easier by grinding, mincing, slicing, shredding and straining for you.  Click here for more information and to buy.

Here’s a short video showing the strainer in use.

Click here for more information and to buy.

KitchenAid KPRA pasta attachment

The Kitchenaid pasta attachment set contains three attachments so that you can roll and cut perfect pasta.  The roller attachment allows you to roll pasta up to 140mm wide.  This would be perfect for lasange, there are also two cutters which cut at different widths for either tagitelle or linguine.  Click here for more information and to buy the Pasta attachment set.

The following video from KitchenAid shows how to use your KitchenAid mixer and pasta attachments to make great pasta.

Click here for more information and to buy the Pasta attachment

A raviolli atttachment is also available here

KitchenAid JE citrus juicer

The KitchenAid Juicer attachment helps you get the most out of your citrus fruits.  Complete with strainer to catch the excess pulp and seeds.  Click here to find out more and buy the Juicer attachment

This video shows the KitchenAid juicer attachment in action.

Click here to find out more and buy the Juicer attachment

KitchenAid SSA sausage stuffer

Have you ever wanted to make your own sausages?  Perhaps create your own inventive flavours.  With the KitchenAid sausage stuffer it’s easy.  Click here to find out more and buy the Kitchenaid sausage stuffer.

If you’ve bought a Kitchenaid mixer the opportunities are endless leave a comment and let us know what you like best about your’s or any tips and tricks to share with our readers.

Culinare continues to bring innovative and useful kitchen gadgets to the market and the One Touch is no exception. Recognising the need for a simple but essential can opener Culinare introduces the revolutionary electric One Touch can opener which does exactly what is says; opens cans effortlessly with one touch!

Culinare One Touch Automatic Can Opener

The One Touch is the latest must have gadget for anyone who appreciates cleanliness and efficiency in the kitchen. Not to mention a great gift for those who prefer to make everyday tasks, such as can opening that little bit easier.
Every household needs a reliable can-opener, why not make it Culinare’s One Touch automatic can opener, a must have product.

So what makes the One Touch so special…..

Battery operated with batteries already included so it is ready for immediate use.

Simply place the One Touch on top of the can, press the button and watch it automatically rotate around the rim of the can; easily removing the lid.

• Easiest can opener to use ever!
• Ergonomic, clean and fast.
• Hands free.
• Opens most cans.
• Indispensable tool for those with limited hand mobility.
• A handy magnet in the base will lift the lid off the can for easy, clean and safe disposal.
• With One Touch it may not be possible to open cans with heavy seams, rimless or odd shapes. One Touch will open cans with diameters of 67mm to 100mm inclusive.

The One Touch is the latest must have gadget for anyone who appreciates cleanliness and efficiency in the kitchen. Not to mention a great gift for those who prefer to make everyday tasks, such as can opening that little bit easier.

Click to shop for the Culinare One Touch Automatic Can Opener

For a second opinion heres a great independent video review and demonstration of the One Touch Automatic Can opener.