How to choose a food processor for the home?

When the multifunctional kitchen appliance appeared on the market, opinions about its necessity were divided. Some believed that this was just an indispensable assistant, others assured him that he was only taking his place. However, modern branded models are so compact and convenient to use that most of them are not averse to having such a unit in their kitchen. How to choose a food processor for the home, so that it becomes a real lifesaver and lasts for many years - read our article.

to contents ↑

Main settings

First of all, you have to decide on the initial parameters and functions of the device - it will be easier to “weed out” inappropriate models.

The weight

The standard weight of the food processor ranges from 3 to 9 kg and depends on the availability of additional functions. There are models that exceed this indicator. But if you do not have a place on which the unit will stand, do not purchase heavy models that constantly have to be rearranged from a shelf to a table.

Bowl - its size and volume:

• The capacity should be resistant to temperature changes (-5 to + 80 ° C) and all kinds of acids.
• It is better to purchase a bowl with handles, which can be removed if necessary. This will facilitate the storage and cleaning process of this item.
• The lid will save you from spraying ingredients during the work process and protect you from getting debris inside. If not, it can be replaced with a regular plate.

Important! The size of the working bowl in each device is individual. The portion weight that can be processed in one cycle depends on it. So, for example, models with large capacities are not able to grind small volumes. However, there is a way out - additionally purchase a small bowl. Often they come complete with a kitchen machine.

The capacity volume is divided into useful and total. The bowl has divisions for measuring products and may be:

• Plastic. This is the easiest and cheapest option that can break or burst.
• From shock-resistant and heat-resistant glass. It allows you to freeze and store food.
• From stainless steel. Lightweight and extremely durable. Used in meat processing.

Power and speed

These figures are significantly different for different models. For example, a compact food processor has a power of 700 watts, one speed mode and few functions.

The performance of the device depends on the number of revolutions and engine power. For simple food processing, 450 watts and 8000 rpm are sufficient. Such a food processor is inexpensive but good. For the preparation of minced meat, a power exceeding 600 watts is required.

Important! Uninterruptedly, any device can work no more than 15 minutes, after which it needs a “respite”.

Nozzles

The choice of nozzles is wide enough. They can be supplied, purchased separately or made to order. Allocate the main types:

• Miller. Nozzle in the form of a grater for shredding products. The degree of grinding depends on the diameter of the holes. The diagonal cut allows you to cut fruits and vegetables into slices.
• Steel blade with a plastic holder that allows chopping of ingredients. Double blade allowed.
• The grater for making salads or slicing potatoes can have different sizes. For example, to make mashed potatoes or dumplings you need a small nozzle, and for fries - a large or medium one.
• Curved hook for kneading dough.He perfectly kneads the dough without leaving lumps.
• Small meat grinder for minced meat. It is used when you need to chop fish, meat or nuts. But if you often and often process these ingredients, it is better to purchase a conventional meat grinder.
• Juicer for citrus or regular fruits.
• For mayonnaise or sauce, a nozzle for whipping cream and protein is used.
• For homemade ice cream, the nozzle is placed in the refrigerator for a day.
• Mill with millstones, which allows you to get flour by grinding cereals. It also allows you to get juice from the seeds of berries.

to contents ↑

Varieties

Before choosing the right model, you need to decide which kitchen machine is better. To do this, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the types of this technique.

Multifunctional

Multifunctional machines have many different functions. It can be a juicer, a blender, a dough mixer, a mill, and a meat processing nozzle. Often these machines are equipped with a volumetric bowl, a speed regulator and have a large power (more than 700 watts). You can buy a harvester without a meat grinder - you need to choose a model for your needs.

Mini harvesters

A distinctive feature of mini-combines is its low power, size and minimum number of functions. Such technology copes with its functions perfectly.

Her bowl has a small volume (up to 2.5 liters). The power of this unit is not more than 650 W, which saves electricity. This is a fairly budget option.

With a meat grinder and a blender

An ideal option for a large family is a combine equipped with a meat grinder and a blender. Thanks to her, you can cook lunch or dinner in a matter of hours and without much hassle. This machine is capable of meatballs, cabbage rolls and other meat dishes.

When choosing, note that:

• The blender can be stationary or submersible, with it you can prepare mashed potatoes, fruit smoothies or cereals.
• The meat grinder included in the kit can be an impactor or auger. The first option cuts meat with knives, depriving it of excess fluid. The second option consists of spiral and screw shafts, grills and a knife.

Diced

This model applies to kitchen appliances that are easy to operate. It has a modern look and many additional nozzles, including with the function of dicing. This allows you to cut beautifully vegetables, fruits and meat.

Important! Some models are even equipped with a nozzle for curly cutting. Sometimes this unit can be supplemented with a blender, meat grinder or juicer.

Hand held

The manual unit is very easy to use and has its own characteristics. For example, it does not depend on electricity and you can take it with you on the road. It is also possible to control the entire procedure for processing products.

With a dough mixer

This option will delight lovers of baking, as it not only creates raw materials for culinary masterpieces, but also has other useful functions, for example, has curly nozzles or a blender. By the way, you can get any dough - yeast, sour cream or kefir, fresh.

to contents ↑

What to look for when choosing?

The market is crowded with models from different manufacturers, so it is not so easy to choose the best food processor. The first question that you should ask yourself is: what is the purpose of this technique?

Do not rush to choose a sophisticated device, with a bunch of nozzles and additional features. Most likely, you will not need all the functions. The majority of opinions boil down to the fact that it is better to purchase several “highly specialized" devices than to have everything in one. It is rare to find a combine with a good meat grinder and juicer.

to contents ↑

Top popular models

Let's try to determine the best food processor - rating, features of the main models will help housewives with the choice of a kitchen assistant.

Bosch

The company presents compact models of a new generation:

• They have a movable bracket that can take on different positions.
• There is a sticker on the instrument panel with icons indicating how to install the bracket correctly and in what mode.
• Many nozzles are available that easily attach to the body.
• Models have an average power (550-600 W).

Bosch MUM 56340:

• The model has 7 speeds, high power 900 W and a bowl capacity of 3.9 liters.
• The operating mode is pulse.
• The set includes 3 discs for slicing and shredding, nozzles for dough and a whisk for whipping.
• The compact kitchen machine has an electric storage compartment.

Important! The disadvantages include loud noise at maximum speeds.

Kenwood

These kitchen machines are multifunctional and have great power (from 800 watts). Quite an expensive option, but it is better to purchase a quality product than to make a purchase more than once.

Kenwood KM 336

The food processor operates at a power of 800 watts, has a stainless steel bowl, rubberized legs, a universal knife. The assortment of nozzles included in the kit is not so large compared to other models.

Philips

These devices are 3 times cheaper than similar Kenwood products. However, in no way inferior to them in functionality.

Philips HR7762

One of the most popular models is the Philips HR7762. This food processor is inexpensive but good. This manufacturer believes that the juicer and meat grinder should be separate items, so it rarely equips its harvesters with these nozzles.

Philips HR 7605

The accurate combine has small power (350 W), 1 high-speed mode. The kit includes a device for making potato pancakes, a disk for shredding, a whisk for whipping.

Important! It is used only for soft products, as a small capacity does not allow to process meat and similar ingredients.

Braun

The main models of this brand are the Braun CombiMax K700 and Braun Multiquick K700. For the price these are quite expensive options, but the demand for them does not suffer from this.

Braun CombiMax K700

The power of this unit is 600 watts. Features include:

• smooth adjustment;
• pulse mode of operation;
• the presence of two juicers;
• nozzles for slicing, beating and kneading dough, as well as a disc for fries, a universal knife.

Moulinex FP 321

Concluding the review of food processors of branded positions, we turn to the budget series. Among this category, Moulinex is suitable for a small family. Its compact models fit well in small apartments.

Features:

• This model is equipped with 2 speeds, a power of 750 watts, a spacious bowl.
• Has 4 options of graters for vegetables, a disk for cutting french fries.

Important! The disadvantages include a short cord, which limits the use of the unit to the location of the outlet.

Output:

• Bosch is the best food processor according to rating.
• In comparison, price-quality leads Philips.
• Kenwood models are great helpers, but quite expensive.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Now you are ready to go shopping, because you can easily choose high-quality home appliances and use it, facilitating the monotonous work of preparing food for cooking.