Choosing the Right Food Processor for Your Culinary Needs
by Guest on Sep 2, 2010
For any home cook enthusiast, there are a number of essential appliances which will be found either in their kitchen already, or on their wish list. One of these is a food processor. Food processors are an important part of everyday chefs because they offer a wide range of culinary uses from mixing dough to slicing tomatoes and lettuce. Finding the right processor depends on your needs. Here are a few factors to consider when determining which one is right for you.
Size:
To start, consider the size. These appliances are offered in miniature sizes, called "mini food processors", to large 11 and 14 cup sizes. Mini processors can generally hold up to 4 cups of food. These smaller sizes are good for chopping, dicing or slicing small quantities such as for pesto or salsa. You can use these to chop herbs, cheeses, vegetables, and even fruit as well.
Larger processors are also used for these purposes, but can also include additional features such as dough mixing feature. These food processors will come with a "dough blade" included. The type of dough created depends on the ingredients which are used. You can make pizza dough, cookie dough, or bread dough. These dough mixers should come with a manual containing a list of recipes. They will also give you tips on how to best use the appliance for the type of dough you are wanting to create.
Despite the general size of the mixer/processor, consider the literal dimensions of the appliance. If you plan on keeping it on your counter, but under a cabinet, make sure it will actually fit.
Purpose:
Not all dough or food processors come shipped with the same parts. Many times it depends on the actual purpose of the appliance. If you are looking for an appliance to do mostly dicing and slicing, then make sure it includes a slicing disc and shredding disc at a minimum. Some models come with a reversible slicing and shredding disc which produces a finer shredding result.
If however, you are more concerned with mixing batches of dough, you will want to ensure there is a dough blade included. Not all models have a dough setting, but some manufacturers such as Cuisinart, have a special patented dough blade technology that they claim produces an even dough consistency. However, to the average home cook, other models with a generic dough blade or mixing feature will probably suit them just as well. In addition to the dough blade, look to see if there is an egg whip accessory that is often used in a number of baking recipes.
If dough making is not important then look for models which do not have the dough setting. Often, the dough setting can be a feature that causes the purchase price to be higher due to the added value.
Warranty:
As with any home purchase, consider the warranty. Some companies offer a generous warranty with your purchase, while others not so much. When looking at the warranty, ask the following questions:
- What parts are covered under a full warranty?
- What parts are only covered under the first year?
- Do you have to pay the shipping for replacement parts?
- Is there an (800) number with helpful service?
- What is their return policy?
- Do you pay for the return shipment and how long do you have for a full refund?
These are just some considerations to think through when looking for a food processor or a dough mixer for your kitchen. Looking at all the various styles and models can quickly become overwhelming. By breaking down the process into the aforementioned categories, you will more easily be able to recognize which models will or will not suit your own purposes.
If you are still unsure, you can always visit the company's website and download a copy of that particular model's manual. Read through the manual as this can help you become familiar with the practical applications and usage instructions prior to making such an important purchase.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
74061 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
67744 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
63662 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
43690 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27129 Views
Latest Articles
Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...
on Mar 22, 2023
What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House
Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...
on Feb 13, 2023
Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation
Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...
on Feb 12, 2023
Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems
In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...
on Feb 2, 2023
What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof
Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...
on Feb 1, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Real Estate Investment for the Next Generation
on Oct 18, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Investing in real estate is something that people have been doing for a long time. Most people invest in a home, so they can stay at the home. This...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 195
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
New Roofing Recommendations for Your Roof and Roofers
As we move further into technology improving our lives, we also see technology improving home remodeling and renovations. With regards to roofing,...
Go for a Green Garage
When considering a new garage, many aspects must be evaluated: cost, material, functionality and even environmental impact. You can check out a few...
Commercial Property DIY: Three Jobs You Should Never Try Yourself
There are some DIY projects that most people can do in their own home, and these can be tackled by anybody with little knowledge and the correct...
The Most Common Repairs of Tiny House Living
Tiny house living isn’t always as relaxing and stress-free as it is made out to be. There will undoubtedly be things that break,...
Garden Rooms for All Personal Styles
The truth is that the best possible garden rooms out there appear after really careful consideration and planning. It is not at all easy to make...