Food Processor vs Blender: Which One is Right for You?
Introduction
When it comes to kitchen appliances, it can be difficult to choose between a food processor and a blender. Both of these appliances can perform similar tasks, but they also have distinct differences that make each of them unique. If you’re trying to decide between a food processor and a blender, this article will help you understand the pros and cons of each and help you make the best decision for your needs.
Food Processors
Food processors are small, versatile appliances that are great for a variety of kitchen tasks. The blades can dice ingredients, create a chunky dip or puree, and some models even come with plastic blades for kneading dough. Food processors come in a range of prices, from around $20-$50 for mini models or basic full-size models to roughly $200-$300 for top-end options.
Food Processor Pros
Food Processor Cons
Best Food Processors
Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor
– This powerful 1,000 watt food processor has standard blades and kneading blades, plus a reversible disc for slicing and shredding. Sold by Amazon.
Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor
– With its three cup capacity, this mini food processor is perfect for smaller tasks, like chopping onions or garlic, but it’s not as versatile as larger models. Sold by Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Braun FP3020 12 Cup Food Processor
– This high-end food processor comes with a total of seven blades/discs, plus a citrus press and a mini chopper attachment. Sold by Amazon.
Blenders
Blenders are primarily used to blend ingredients into a liquid or fine puree. They are not as versatile as food processors, but they can produce smooth results that are difficult to achieve with other methods. Blenders come in a range of types, including personal blenders and immersion blenders, but countertop blenders are still the most popular choice. Prices range from $10 for a basic immersion blender to $500 for a top-of-the-range high-speed blender.
Blender Pros
Blender Cons
Best Blenders
Ninja BL610 Professional Countertop Blender
– An excellent mid-range countertop blender that’s powerful enough for most tasks, including crushing ice. It’s extremely simple to use with touchpad operation. Sold by Amazon.
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
– One of the biggest names in high-speed blenders, Vitamix produces exceptional appliances that make light work of even the toughest blending tasks and give perfectly smooth results. This model is simple to use with 10 speed settings. Sold by Amazon and Bed Bath and Beyond.
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender
– Sometimes all you need is a compact, highly portable blender such as an immersion blender. This model has all the quality you’d expect from KitchenAid with a metal stick, which is better than plastic when blending hot soups. Sold by Amazon.
Should You Get a Food Processor or a Blender?
Both food processors and blenders are extremely handy in the kitchen, so many cooks choose to own both appliances. If your budget is a concern, consider buying a two-in-one appliance with interchangeable blender jugs and food processor bowls on the same base unit. Alternatively, you can buy a cheap immersion blender and a more expensive food processor or a high-end blender and an affordable mini food processor.
It’s easier to manually take care of the tasks that a food processor can complete, such as shredding and dicing, compared to the tasks a blender can carry out, such as making perfectly smooth soups and smoothies. If you’re only going to buy one appliance or the other, it makes sense to buy a blender and just keep dicing and shredding by hand.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between a food processor and a blender?
A food processor is a small, versatile appliance that can perform a wide range of kitchen tasks, such as dicing ingredients, making dough, and pureeing foods. A blender, on the other hand, is primarily used to blend ingredients into a liquid or fine puree. While both appliances can perform similar tasks, they have distinct differences that make each of them unique.
2. Can a blender do everything that a food processor can do?
No, a blender cannot do everything that a food processor can do. While a blender is great at blending liquids, it’s not as effective at tasks such as shredding and dicing that a food processor can perform. Additionally, blenders are not as versatile as food processors and are primarily used to blend ingredients into a liquid or fine puree.
3. What should I consider when choosing between a food processor and a blender?
When choosing between a food processor and a blender, you should consider what tasks you need to perform in the kitchen. If you need to shred, dice, or make dough, a food processor is a better option. If you primarily need to blend liquids, a blender is the better choice. Additionally, consider the amount of counter space you have and how easy each appliance is to
