A food processor is an essential kitchen appliance designed to facilitate repeated simple tasks in the processing of food. There are even some manual instruments also called "rice cookers", but the term nearly always refers to an electrical-motor-powered appliance. These appliances are a must have in any kitchen since they save time and energy by mechanically chopping, mashing, shredding and pulsing ingredients. While these appliances may be operated with one hand, more complicated operations like blending require both hands.
The most common type of food processor in use today is the dough and baking food processor. It has a heavy base with a large mixing bowl. The mixing bowl has a large, heavy base that allows for smooth blending. This heavy base allows for complete blending or mashing of ingredients. Some have a blade that is used to cut through tough ingredients like; crushed tomato, garlic, and breadcrumbs.
The other type of food processor has a small, lightweight bowl with a fine, wide rim. Its blades are not as wide, so it can be used for shredding and chopping as well as blending and kneading. Because it is very light, it is very easy to store and transport. Many smaller models have a storage container located on the bottom. The disk design is also very convenient. A disk can be used as a meat chopper or to shred fine pieces of vegetable.
Another type of popular kitchen appliance is the electric best Food Processor. Unlike the dough and baking food processors, an electric model does not have a heavy base and is designed for tough chopping and blending. The blade is typically wide and thick, similar to a blender. An electric blender has many different speeds, allowing you to blend small amounts of ingredients quickly. Speed options range from low to high.
Lidless food processors have a single blade that rotates, rather than blades that come with the bowl style. As the motor spins, the bowl drops into the motor and the ingredients are cooked evenly. The only drawback is that it is difficult to clean up afterwards. If your motor is noisy while running, or the lid is easily knocked off, this may not be the best choice.
Most all of the blenders in use today will use blades that come on their own. The motor is powered by a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet. Blenders vary in size, but on average you should expect them to be about twice the size of a mixing bowl. Smaller models can be used for fine ground fruits and vegetables, while larger blenders are more appropriate for making bulk foods. Blenders also have a port for spicing and a blade that vary in shape, but will be made of a durable material.
Mini blenders have smaller sized bowls that are great for preparing small amounts of food, such as in salads. These are often used for pureeing items like hummus. To make a puree, all you need to do is add the food processor's bowl to a food processor cup and run the motor on. Pureed vegetables or fruits can also be prepared in mini processors like this, with no pulp to throw out. To make hummus, all you have to do is put a small container of prepared hummus into the processor's bowl and run the motor on. It will quickly puree the vegetables into a smooth paste.
You will find a variety of different blades that can be used to make all of these things. Some are powered by electricity and some are powered by a hand-powered motor. To get the best results, you want to purchase a food processor that has a large, sturdy bowl that is made from a heavy grade steel. This will ensure that the ingredients evenly are mixed and will also ensure that the bowls don't overheat.