Food Processor Buying Guide
from Overstock.comWith so many kitchen gadgets for your home, choosing the right kitchen appliance can be frustrating. Do you need special appliances like food processors? Won't a blender work for the other and vice versa? Which one do you buy? These questions fill your mind and stop your online shopping for the small appliances you want. Let this food processor buying guide help you with how to buy a food processor and learn why you should have a food processor in your kitchen.
Food processors
Although food processors are larger than blenders, they can also handle harder jobs and larger quantities, making them an indispensable kitchen appliance. Where a blender's biggest job and a test of its worth is crushing ice, a food processor is put to the test with its numerous food preparation applications. Leave ice crushing to blenders--although food processors can do that, too!
In the kitchen
If you are a serious cook, or you want to be, investing in a food processor is a great idea. Although it will probably be one of the more expensive small appliances in your kitchen, it will pull its weight.
When online shopping for a food processor, here are a few things to consider:
Capacity is measured in cups and range from 4 to 16 cups, with some mini food processors ranging 2 to 3 cups. Large capacity food processors are sized perfectly for larger groups. The smaller capacity food chopper, around 7 cups, works well with one to three people. Decide which capacity size will suit your needs best. Having a mini food chopper as well as a larger food processor will come in handy for cooks.Power is measured in watts and ranges from 500 to 1200 watts. (Mini food choppers are about 240 watts.) The greater the food processor power, the better the performance is overall and the greater the expense.
A safety lock is included with most food processors. Indeed, the appliance may not work unless the lid is locked, preventing any kind of accident.
Choose a food processor that will be easy for you to use and with attachments that fit together easily.
Why would I need a mini food processor?
Mini food choppers are great for many different foods and tasks. Chop nuts or other allergy prone foods separate from other foods; if there are allergies, keeping those foods separate during preparation then adding them after to individual plates or bowls will make your meals more versatile.
One of the best things about a mini food processor is that it is small. If you only need to chop a small amount of something (garlic, herbs, nuts, onions, crackers, fruits) a mini food chopper is the perfect size, and you won't have to clean a large bowl and blade or knife and cutting board.
Can I make bread dough in a food processor?
Yes, and you certainly should! Making bread dough in a food processor is a snap with the dough blade. The power of the food processor makes kneading dough much easier, and quick breads, sweet breads and yeast cakes are made much faster in your food processor.
Space-saving appliances
If counter space is a concern, then there are many solutions in the home store. Opt for a blender/food processor combo or check out our kitchen carts and islands. The value of kitchen storage is great, and maximizing your kitchen space is the best way to make it work for you.
Kitchen upgrades
Impress your family and guests with your skills. Now that you have a new food processor, upgrade the rest of your kitchen. New cookware and dinnerware from Overstock.com will be the perfect compliment to everything you can create with your food processor. If you're feeling inspired, then check out our kitchen décor as well as new flatware and table linens. You'll soon be presenting meals with class and style.