Food processor Vs Blender? Which one is it going to be? Cooking is an art, but it is also tiresome. Food preparation is not just about stirring-up the edibles into a dish. It requires long hours spend chopping, shredding, kneading, juicing, and more. This is where the major part of the time, energy, and money is invested. Not until lately, a back kitchen is a place where an army of ‘cooks’ poured-in their sweat and labour into chopping and peeling of tons of food materials. But, the advancement of technology has led to the invention of various kitchen-gadgets and electronic tools. This includes the ‘Smart Fridge,’ Digital Kettle, Connected Coffee maker, Egg Minder, Waffle maker, and more. While these might be some of the latest in the offerings, but the Food processors and Blenders remain the all-time favourite.
The earliest known food-processor dates back to 1946 when a German Company named Electrostar. This was a basic blender that comprised more than one attachable accessories used for various functions. Later in the year 1960, the ‘StarMix MX3 food processor’ was introduced by an inventor by the name Albrecht Von Goertz. This was an instant hit, as it helped bring down the workload considerably. However, it was the global success of Robot-Coupe in the year later 1960s by Pierre Verdun. This was a simple ‘Bowl-like’ arrangement that includes a revolving blade. Soon this was marketed as the commercial Robot-Coupe’s Magimix Food processor from France to the UK in the year 1974. This was the historic Model 1800, which laid the foundation for all the future food processors. It was later that Kenwood Limited launched the ‘processor de-luxe’ in the year 1979. So, between Food Processor Vs. Blender, the confusion can be resolved. For this, we need to understand the difference between the two:
What is Food Processor?
A food processor is an electric kitchen tool that is used to perform various food preparation functions. This includes mincing, slicing, chopping, grating, and blending the ingredients. This tool has been proved to be indispensable, as it does numerous tasks in a matter of minutes. The container size included in a food processor ranges from 2 to 14. The various parts of a food processor include:
- Food feeder tubes
- Large processor bowls
- Disk blades
- A dough blade
- Grater disks
- The main motor body
Functions Of Food Processor
The various functions that a food processor can perform are:
- The various functions that a food processor can perform are:
- Chopping: Garlic, nuts, herbs, Olives, Vegetables
- Grating: Carrots, Chocolate, Cheese
- Slicing: Cabbage, Onions, Potatoes,
- Mixing/Blending: Pizza dough, Hummus, Mayonnaise, and more
Advantages of Food Processor
- It is hugely helpful, and this is one such kitchen appliance that does the task for you. If you need a certain ‘shape’ and size of a cutting type, you will be offered the same. The various attachments, extensions, and blades are designed to help you with the exact requirement.Performs multiple functions like chopping, slicing, grating, blending, and kneading
- Can perform all the functions in a matter of minutes
- Is an excellent advantage if you are a beginner cook and require the precise preparation of various ingredients
- Is a great help when you have a large meal to prepare for many guests
- Offers a compact meal preparation option, sans the mess.
- Is an excellent option if you are prone to accidents.
Disadvantages of Food Processor
- Is not exactly an excellent option for dealing with liquid ingredients.
- Too many parts. This is one of the major downers when dealing with the food processor, and there are just too many parts and attachments to deal with. This can get too overwhelming for some users, especially those that believe in minimalism.
- Not a wise choice when you have a limited space
- These are expensive. After all, it is a sophisticated appliance, hence carrying a heavy price tag. When planning on purchasing a food processor, one needs to be able to ‘shell out’ big bucks.
- It needs to get used to. This essentially means that one cannot just push a button and have the processor work for them. It does require understanding a bit about the attachments and the blades offered and what they are meant for. This could take days to completely understand the finer details of the appliance.
What is Blender?
A Blender is a kitchen tool that is used to prepare sauces, dips, soups, desserts, and beverages. These comprise various blade types, sizes according to the functions. This is a great kitchen appliance that can be used to mix liquids, make a paste, grind ingredients into a smooth batter and make juices. This is a handy gadget that can be easily used in all space sizes and is usually compact in its design.
Functions Of Blender
The Blender can be used for:
- For Sauces and Dips: Mayonnaise, Hummus, Spreads, Salsa.
- Nuts: To prepare the nut batter at home
- Purees: Soups and Baby food
- Meat: to grind the meat into mince or as required
- Cereals and Crumbs: Can prepare bread crumbs, fluor
- Batter: For pancakes,
- Sugar: to make powdered sugar
- Beverages: Frozen drinks, Blended drinks, Smoothies, and more.
- For Sauces and Dips: Mayonnaise, Hummus, Spreads, Salsa.
Advantages
- Is a great option when you need a quick whip and grind
- Is compact and can be placed anywhere
- Are available in both Glass made and Plastic made
- The Power consumed is within 100-Watts to 500 Watts
- Are more economical and functional, making it a perfect choice for most homes
- One can opt for more powerful models as well that are capable of performing more complicated functions as well.
- It does not matter what blender type and brand you opt for; they are all just as effective. One can easily prepare Puree, sauces, and smoothies normally.
Disadvantages of Blender
- Does not perform all the functions
- Is limited only to certain food ingredient types
- Leakage is reported as it deals with liquids
- Not for solids and hard foods
- These can get noisy.
- Sometimes, specific models are tough to clean.
Difference Between Food Processor and Blender
What is the difference between Food Processor and Blender? Let us take a look at the differences according to the recipe type:
FOOD PREPARATION | BLENDER | FOOD PROCESSOR |
Smoothies | Yes | Yes |
Soups/Purees | Yes | Yes |
Butters | No | Yes |
Dips | Not Ideal | Yes |
Chopping | No | Yes |
Cheese Shredding | No | Yes |
Bake Preparations | Not Ideal | Yes |
Functional Difference Between Blender and Food Processor
BLENDERS | FOOD PROCESSORS |
Is compact | Comprises of numerous parts |
Can be adjusted into most spaces | Requires large space in the home/kitchen |
Performs only a few basic mixing and grinding | Performs various functions including mixing and grinding |
Number of Parts: 2-4 | Number of parts: 5- 100 |
Capacity: 8 ounces- 80 ounces | Capacity: 3-4 cup to 14-20 cups |
Power: 500 W | Power: 400 Watts- 750 Watts |
Is cheaper in comparison | Is expensive |
Food Processor Vs Blender-FAQs
If you have the budget, it is always simpler to opt for the food processor, as it is also capable of blending.
Yes. The food processor comprises the blender attachment as well.
Practically everything, including blending as well. The food processor can mix, grind, blend, chop, cut, grate, and knead various ingredients.
The Conclusion- Which one is better?
So, which is better when it comes to Food Processor Vs. Blender? Let us find out.
WHEN ON A BUDGET
If you are on a budget and have limited space, it is recommended to go for a basic blender. This makes it easier for the user to perform basic meal preparations on a budget. You will also be able to save space, electricity bills, and money on the purchase.
WHEN YOU CAN SPEND
If you have money and can spend all the way through, go for the food processor. This makes it easier to perform all the basic meal preparations and more. The food processor is a helping hand that ensures you get the precise size, shape, and ‘food-prep for a certain recipe. If you are one of those people who likes to ‘meal-prepare’ on a weekly or monthly basis, a food processor is a god-send. You can cut and chop the vegetables and fruits as per your liking and store them as required in the refrigerator.