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

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.

Joseph Joseph ever conscious of the space restrictions imposed by modern urban living, masters of form and function they have focused their design talents on food preparation. Specialising in contemporary kitchenware, the company is now internationally recognised for producing some of the most stylish and technically innovative products on the market.

Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour

The Joseph Joseph 8 Piece Bowl with Food Preparation Set Multi Coloured is a must have in every kitchen.

The ultimate collection of practical kitchenware, includes all the everyday essentials, from non-slip mixing bowls to juicer and measuring cups, all of which nest together, therefore commandeering minimal space.

Features

• Nest is a range of mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Small mixing bowl
• A sieve
• A colander and a large mixing bowl
• All sit neatly together as one unit.Made of ABS plastc
• The sieve is the only item that is not dishwasher safe, all other items are
• 32.5x26cmx13.5cm

Click here to buy Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour

Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour

Click here to buy Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour