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

The Le Creuset Kone Kettle is a stylish, enamelled steel, stove top kettle. With matt black phenolic trim and a decal on the base. Suitable for all heat sources including ceramic and induction hobs and Aga.

Le Creuset Kone Kettle with Whistle

Product Details

It can be difficult to know what makes a saucepan better than others, what you should look for and the difference in price.  Never fear though as help is at hand.  We’ve put together our own On The Hob Saucepan Buying Guide to explain the key things you need to know when looking for a new saucepan range, something which can be both a product which will last for years and a long term investment.

What do you need?

The first question will be what do you need?  There are so many different types of saucepans and cookware on the market and one size doesn’t fit all.  Good starting points are

• Do you need dishwasher safe pans?
• Are they suitable for your hob?  Eg Induction and Gas hobs may have cookware which is better suited, equally some will also be suitable for oven use
• How do you like to cook, which pans are best for you?

What type of hob do you have?

The hob you use will affect your choice of cookware.  Here are the key things you need to know.

• Solid Fuel Hobs – Eg Rayburns and Agas.  These hobs will produce intense heat and the pans must be capable of withstanding it.
• Gas hobs – Any type of Saucepan is suitable for a gas hob.  just be wary of the handle – do not let the gas flame near it as it may be to hot to pick up.
• Induction Hobs – Induction hobs work by the transfer of heat magnetically from the induction coil.  Pans will state whether they are suitable for this type of hob, they must be magnetic – eg Cast Iron.  Aluminium and Copper are not suitable.
• Ceramic Hobs – Any pan can be used but they must be lifted and not slid as sliding may damage the ceramic plates.  With this in mind consider weight, cast iron pans may not be suitable.
• Halogen Hobs – Similar to ceramic except thick saucepans should be used as they may be subject to intense bursts of heat.
• Electrical Radiant Spiral Hobs – All types of Cookware can be used on Radiant Spiral Hobs
• Solid Hotplate Hobs – As these hobs are a solid plate it is best to use a flat based Pan for the most even heat coverage.

That describes the type of Hobs now on to the types of Cookware.

Stainless Steel Pans -  Stainless Steel pans can come in a variety of metal combinations, so be sure to check the quality – 18/10 (18% Chromium 10% Nickel) is considered high quality.  Stainless Steel Pans can be highly polished, Scratch and dent resistant, suitable for induction hobs (as a general rule but always check the product details), usually dishwasher safe.  Also many stainless steel ranges come with non stick coatings.

Aluminium Pans - Aluminum Pans can be coated or uncoated.  Aluminium is an inexpensive lightware marterial which heats quickly.  Coated pans will have an enamel coating to make them easy to clean and hard wearing.  Many Aluminium pans have non stick coatings.

Hard Anodised Pans – These Aluminum pans have been through a chemical process to make them smooth and non porous.  They are resistent to scratches and peeling, stronger than stainless steel with great durability and heat distribution.

Cast Iron Cookware – Cast Iron pans are heavy as they have thick walls.  As such they retain heat well.  A popular brand of Cast Iron cookware is Le Creuset.  Usually Dishwasher safe

Buy Online

Amazon – Click to buy Saucepans from Amazon

John Lewis – Click to buy Saucepans from John Lewis

Heals – Click to buy Saucepans from Heals

These are the key points to bear in mind when buying Saucepans.  Do you have any favourites?  Leave a comment with your views.