Food Processor Vs. Mixer Grinder-Which One should I Buy?

Food Processor Vs Mixer Grinder, are the two the same? Not exactly. But the two are often spelt out in the same breath. In fact, ‘Mixer’ and ‘Grinder’ are two separate machines altogether. Interesting, isn’t it? Little did we know that each of these machines has a very specific function, to be more precise. If understood in a better manner, utilizing them for specific applications will offer excellent results. So let us explore further.

FOOD PROCESSOR VS MIXER GRINDER

It was the love of a man for his wife that led to the invention of the revolutionary Grinder machine. This was by the Indian inventor by the name S.P Mathur who worked as an Engineer at Seimens. When his wife could not ‘grind’ the classic Indian Garaam Masalaa in her existing Mixer machine, Mathur decided to step-in. As the machine’s motor broke down, the wife challenged her ‘engineer’ husband to repair it. Thus, the legendary ‘Sumeet’ was born. This was a common fixture at all Indian homes and became an instant hit. The machine successfully replaced the traditional ‘mortar’ and Pestle action required for grinding whole spices. For the unknown, the right kind of spices is vital for any Indian cooking. Getting the right powdered or coarse form is very much important for various Indian cuisine preparations. Thus, S.P Mathur became the ‘man of the moment’ and was a favourite among the Indian housewives for the obvious reasons. The year is 1963.

Elsewhere halfway across the world, a man by the name of Rufus Eastman invented the Mixer machine. However, this was almost a century earlier, in the year 1885, when the Hobart Manufacturing machine was founded. This machine was used for the mincing of meat and was also known as the ‘meat grinder.’

A typical Mixer-Grinder is a hybrid of both the above versions and is designed to the break-down heavier load. The machine is perfect for various food preparations and spices. It allows for various liquid, semi-liquid, and solid ingredient pounding. Today, a Mixer-Grinder is vital in all homes and is a permanent fixture in all kitchens.

The History Of The Food Processor

A French man named Pierre Verdon wanted to cut down the time taken by the catering companies in food preparation. He observed that it was a Herculean task to accomplish all the shredding, chopping, and peeling of ingredients for final cooking. This was when he came up with a simple solution of an arrangement comprised of a bowl with revolving blades fixed at the bottom. The design was an instant hit, and in no time, it formed the blueprint for the future food processor models. Finally, in the year 1960, the product was marketed under the name of Robot Coupe, and the company was a raging success. This led to further innovation of better designs that launched the Magimix processor in the year 1974. The machine was patented and was a model number 1800. However, the first domestic food processor was established by Carl Sontheimer and was a direct influence of the Robot Coupe in the year 1973.

What is Food Processor?

food processor bg

A food Processor is a sophisticated machine that is powered by an induction motor. This turns the Shaft within a bowl and is attached with blades. The entire operation is carried out at the base of the machine, and the ingredients are ‘processed’ accordingly. The various attachments and disks are fixed at the top of the bowl, along with a lid that has a ‘feeding tube.’ The various ingredients are shoved down the feeding tube with the help of a ‘Pusher.’ The modern Food Processor comprises ‘safety’ attachments that allow food processing with caution.

Advantages

    • Cuts downtime taken for cutting, chopping, and shredding of various ingredients.
    • Is a perfect kitchen partner that can accomplish multiple functions like shredding, kneading, and blending.
    • A food processor can function as a Mixer-grinder.
    • Is a compact machine that can multi-task.
    • Allows one to experiment with various recipes and preparations.
    • Saves time, energy, and efforts.

Disadvantages

    • Is an elaborate design and occupies space.
    • Is an expensive machine.
    • Requires a few attempts to get acquainted with the working.

What is Mixer-Grinder?

Mixer Grinder

This machine converts electrical energy into mechanical energy with the help of a motor. The arrangement comprises a Coil that is placed between the magnetic fields. As the electric current flows in the coils, a magnetic force causes the ‘rotation’ motion of the coil. This further causes the blades to rotate,’ thus, mixing and grinding the ingredients in the process.

Advantages

    • Is action specific for heavier ingredients?
    • Offers ‘pounding’ action of traditional methods.
    • Is easy to handle.
    • Is affordable.
    • Can be used by beginners.
    • Is easy on maintenance.
    • Is of compact design.

Disadvantages

    • Is noisy.
    • The blade arrangement caused the food to get stuck within. thus making it dangerous to remove with naked hands.

Difference Between A Food Processor And Mixer-Grinder

What is the difference between a food processor and a mixer grinder? Well, plenty. Let us tabulate a few important one’s:

FOOD PROCESSOR

MIXER GRINDER

Has far many attachments

Comprises of fewer attachments

Occupies more space in comparison

Is compact and occupies less space

Is multi-functional and can perform various functions like kneading, slicing, blending, chopping

Is action-specific and can only grind and mix food ingredients.

Is more expensive

Is less expensive

Can function as a Mixer-Grinder

Cannot function as a Food Processor

Is less noisy

Is often too noisy

The cleaning process can be elaborate and time taking

The cleaning process is usually simpler

Power Range: 650W- 1000 W

Power Range: 500W- 750 W

Price Range: INR 3000- INR 100000

Price Range: INR 800- 50000

The Conclusion

Food Processor Vs Mixer Grinder is an age-old debate. But with a few clarifications, you can easily make the right choices: 

ON A BUDGET: If you have just moved-in and are still settling down, a Mixer Grinder is perfect for you. Not only is it affordable, but also compact. One can easily follow basic instructions and get started with basic food preparations. 

WHEN LUXURY IS AN OPTION: If you have the money, then the food processor is the perfect choice for you. This is an ideal kitchen partner that offers a helping hand to a housewife. It accomplishes most food preparation tasks like mixing, grinding, blending, kneading, slicing, chopping, grating, juicing, and more. Go for this if you have the money to invest and save time. 

Liked our content? Share it with Your Friends.