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

What is a blender?

A blender (also known as a liquidiser) is a really versatile kitchen appliance with a number of uses including to make soups, puree vegetables, crush ice as just a few examples.

There’s much more to buying a blender than you might think.  Here’s what you should think of when you’re shopping.

Glass or Plastic

The blender’s jug can come in glass or plastic.

Plastic is lighter than glass, less breakable (if you drop it) but it could start to scratch and discolour over time.  Plastic can also absorb flavours and start to smell over time.  Also not all plastic jugs will be dishwasher safe.

Glass jugs are heavier but this helps with the blenders stability.  Glass is stronger and heat resistant so will be dishwasher safe and better for blending anything hot like soups.  Glass is the better choice but tends to be more expensive.

Power (Wattage)

Power can be very important, if you are looking to crush ice or blend other tough vegetables you will need a high powered blender.  Generally over 350 watts is suitable for ice crushing.

Blending Modes

Check what modes the blender has.  Some will have variable speeds allowing you better control.  Also a Pulse mode is important to look out for which gives quick pulses of power, perfect for crushing ice or to give you greater control.

Capacity

The question here is what will you use the blender for, if it is just to make yourself healthy drinks you may not be worried about the size of the jug.  If however you want to be able to blend a soup for 3-4 people you will want to ensure you have a large capacity Jug.

Design / Special Features

There are various special features that individual blenders may have.  These could be really useful for your individual needs so look out for.

Lids which have a removable middle to allow you to add extra foods while blending.

A tap (these blenders are often known as smoothie makers) to release the drink directly into a glass.  (These can be harder to clean)

Cleaning options – Are they dishwasher safe, can you unscrew the blades to clean them separately from the jug?

Warranties

Does the manufacturer offer an extended warranty?  You could be surprised some offer as much as a 10 year guarantee.

So what should I buy

Hopefully you should have an idea now what features to look out for to find the blender that is perfect for your uses.

Here are some suggestions to help.

Kenwood BL440 Blender

The Kenwood BL440 is a good inexpensive entry level blender.  It is plastic construction but has a large 1.5 litre jug and a smaller spice miller attachment.  Though it is entry level and has very mixed customer reviews on Amazon.  Click here to read more and buy

Marco Pierre White by Russell Hobbs 14331 Blender

The Marco Pierre White blender is designed by Russell Hobbs as part of the Marco Pierre White range.  A step up from the Kenwood it has a Glass jug and a design which could look good left out on your counter.  Click here for more information and to buy

Kenwood kMix BLX510 Blender

The kMix is is Kenwoods latest range of quality kitchen tools.  Made from a strong aluminium construction and available in a variety of appealing colours.  Click here for more information and to buy

KitchenAid Artisan KSB52BNK Blender

We’ve said you should get the blender which best suits your uses, but if you can its very nice to own the best!  We believe we’ve saved the best until last!  The Kitchenaid Artisan blender.  Available in several colours.  It is a heavy duty construction with a metal base and Strong glass jug, but still looks great.  Even better KitchenAid guarantee their blenders for three years.  Click here to find out more and buy.