A food processor is a universal household appliance designed for processing food products: chopping, chopping, mixing, cutting, squeezing juices. Modern food processors equipped with electronically controlled are called processors.
Such a device performs the functions of household kitchen appliances– meat grinders, graters, blenders, juicers, vegetable cutters.
Types
According to the type of device, combines are divided into:
- Compact devices, simple in design and functionality - shredders.
- Food processors with a minimum number of basic operations and standard attachments - vegetable cutter, grater, meat grinder. If the package includes a blender, such devices have two electric drive sockets.
- Universal processors with electronic control, many functions and attachments (from ten to twenty).
The universal food processor has a bowl made of durable glass, plastic or stainless steel with a capacity of two to six liters. Removable bowls of various sizes are convenient for storage and care; they can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, or when stored in the refrigerator.
A standard food processor is equipped with a set of attachments: a disk-grater, an emulsifier, a stainless steel knife, a spatula or a hook for kneading dough. Combines with advanced functions are equipped with many additional attachments, such as a juicer, meat grinder, graters and knives of various configurations to perform a variety of cooking tasks.
Advantages of a multifunctional kitchen processor:
- Ability to process large quantities of products at varying speeds.
- Spacious bowl.
- High power.
- Complete with replaceable attachments, which are also purchased separately from the device.
- Availability of electric motor fuses against breakdown and overheating (depending on the combine model).
- Easy to care for. All components of the device are removable, easy to disassemble and wash in the dishwasher. A special container is provided for storing attachments, which is included with the kitchen processor.
- There is no need to select special dishes; a set of bowls is supplied as a set and is available for purchase separately.
Flaws:
- Large dimensions requiring large storage space.
- Risk of motor overheating during continuous operation.
- High price
- Lack of mobility
The functionality of the device directly depends on the number and types of attachments included.
- Electric– is a device consisting of one working bowl with a volume of 0.2 to 1.5 liters and an electric drive. Inside the bowl there are knives inserted, including one universal one, included in the kit, and other options for attachments.
- Mechanical (manual). Such grinders are the easiest to use and inexpensive, but are not capable of processing some of the products, unlike electric ones.
A kitchen food chopper performs two or three functions; the package usually includes a whipping device, a knife and several graters. Used for chopping vegetables, herbs, cheese, meat, and other products. Used for making sauces, purees, baby food and diet food.
Principle of operation: The products are placed in the bowl and covered with a lid. By pressing the lid or button, a rotating blade is activated, which crushes them into required sizes. The higher the power of the device, the more efficient the processing.
For hard products, a disc grater is used; for whipping, a separate attachment is used. If the lid is not closed, the locking system is activated and the device stops functioning.
Advantages:
- Easy storage and saving kitchen space thanks to its compact size.
- Price.
- Simple operating principle.
- Possibility of use outdoors.
- The components (with the exception of the motor) are washed in the dishwasher.
- Security of the device thanks to the locking system.
- Suitable for daily use and for processing small volumes of products.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for processing large quantities of products.
- Productivity is lower than that of universal combines.
- Low power.
- Using the device, you cannot cut vegetables, cheese or meat into plates and even, identical parts, or process large pieces of food.
- Not suitable for grinding coffee, nuts, grinding cereals or kneading thick dough.
- Small number of operating speeds.
The meat grinder in the device is used to prepare classic minced meat from minced meat, similar to a traditional auger grinder. Complete with additional perforation grids and knives.
Unlike a knife, a meat grinder helps to achieve the desired consistency of minced meat of any density, with veins and cartilage. When small bone particles get into the auger mechanism, the meat grinder stops.
Advantages of food processors with a meat grinder:
- The meat grinder allows you to prepare classic minced meat without large pieces or pasty mass. When using a specific grid or knife shape, the density of the raw material and the shape of the portions are adjusted.
- A model with a meat grinder included is cheaper than a stationary electric meat grinder.
- Can be equipped with an additional nozzle for squeezing juice.
Disadvantages of food processors with a meat grinder:
- Equipping it with a meat grinder leads to an increase in the overall cost of the unit.
- Additional weight to the structure.
- If you want to purchase a model with a juicer and a meat grinder at the same time, you may have to choose between them due to the high cost of the combine.
- Insufficient power of the meat grinder in the food processor compared to a stationary one.
Equipment for food processors with meat grinder:
- Perforated gratings with a diameter of 3 to 8 mm for preparing minced meat of the desired consistency. Grids with holes of small diameter (3 mm) are used in the preparation of pates and fillings for appetizers; grids with medium diameter (4.5 - 5 mm) are used for minced beef and chicken.
Grids with perforations with a diameter of 8 mm are suitable for preparing minced pork, stuffing dishes, crushing dried fruits and hard cheeses.
The number of grilles in the set varies from one to three pieces. In addition, there are modeling nozzles for minced meat, with the help of which it is distributed into uniform portions for cutlets.
- Sausage accessories– used for filling casings and preparing frankfurters, small sausages, and sausages.
- Kebe attachment– used for making hollow products for subsequent stuffing, as well as a variety of national dishes.
- Vegetable cutter– helps to cut vegetables into uniform round or square shapes.
- Citrus press.
- Press for squeezing juice from berries.
- Attachment for making shaped cookies and other baked goods.
- Dough racks, allowing you to prepare homemade noodles, pasta and spaghetti.
- Special equipment for chopping tomatoes and preparations tomato juice, pasta, sauce. Some models are equipped with the function of filtering seeds from the bulk of tomato juice.
- Graters with different-sized perforations for chopping vegetables.
A kitchen processor with an additional juicer function may include two interchangeable types: a citrus press and centrifugal juicer for vegetables and fruits, or one of them.
The press is a ribbed rotating bowl, when pressed against it, juice flows out of the citrus into a collection container. The second type extracts juice by very quickly rotating a cylinder-shaped sieve, during which the juice is thrown into a special container and the waste is retained on the grid.
Comparison of citrus press and juicer:
- Unlike a universal juicer, the press is not used for preparing fresh juice from hard fruits.
- A centrifugal juicer is equipped with a filter that separates the juice from seeds and peel particles.
- The versatility of the juicer compared to a citrus press allows you not to be limited to a narrow type of product.
- The capacity of the press is on average 1 liter, in contrast to a centrifugal juicer.
Some models with a meat grinder can simultaneously include the additional function of a juicer, provided that an additional attachment for squeezing juice is used in it. Devices with a juicer are additionally equipped with a press for squeezing juice from berries. The amount of juice squeezed depends on the volume of the appliance bowl.
Minus– compared to a stationary juicer, it produces more waste and a maximum of 50% juice at the exit.
Models with a blender are used (a tall jug with curved legs at the bottom) or with a special attachment for puree.
To prepare thin fruit and vegetable purees, pureed soup, gazpacho, baby food purees, a processor with a blender is used, which works effectively with soft and liquid products.
To prepare mashed potatoes, a special press is used (also known as “maxi-press”). The different diameters of the holes in it help to regulate the degree of thickness of the puree.
It is not recommended to use a blender to mash potatoes as it may result in a sticky, starchy mess. The puree press is also suitable for any cooked vegetables and soft, seedless fruits. It squeezes out the liquid so the puree is thicker than using a blender.
They differ from ordinary choppers in their greater functionality and number of attachments, as well as the presence of a neck for adding products to the bowl without opening the lid. This type of device is suitable for grinding hard and processing soft products, chopping, cutting into strips, cubes, grinding coffee and cereals.
Designed for processing a large number of products, except for making cocktails. The emulsifier attachment whips cream and cream. The pulse mode splits ice at high speed without heating.
Pros:
- In addition to the existing functionality, it is used for preparing thick sauces, airy purees without gluten, and eliminates excess liquid during food processing.
- one electric drive, so the unit has less weight and dimensions than the model with a blender.
Minuses:
- there is no possibility of preparing cocktails, liquid dishes such as cream soup, sauces for dressing salads.
- When making puree in a device without a blender by stirring, the result is a thick and dry consistency.
With the help of slicing discs, processed products of various shapes and sizes are obtained for salads, first courses, and chopping fruits.
Equipped with accessories:
- Circular knife with diagonal slots. Used for chopping cabbage and salads, for cutting slices into the correct configuration. The height of the slots on the disk determines the thickness of the slices. The kit includes: one double-sided nozzle with blades, height-adjustable, or several disks.
- Disc for cutting potatoes - fries. A device for cutting long thin slices for even deep-frying of potatoes.
- Disc for cutting food into cubes for vegetables, cheese, meat and other products, suitable for cutting salad ingredients.
- Disc for cutting vegetables and fruits into strips. A disk with small holes, one double-sided, or three disks with blades varying in height to form straws of the required size.
- Dual-function slicing disc: one side chops vegetables into slices, the other grinds them. Perforations in such discs vary from small to large sizes.
- Double-sided slicing disc. It is a grater with small, medium and large perforations on the top and bottom sides.
- Disc – grater for making pureed vegetables. The holes on it are smaller in diameter and arranged in more frequent rows compared to the grater in the previous paragraph.
- Disc - grater for grinding chocolate and hard cheeses.
The knives and slicing discs are made of stainless steel and can be safely washed in the dishwasher.
Functions that are included in the device package:
- Device for making ice cream. Before starting cooking, place in freezer for one day to reach operating temperature. After the specified time has passed, the necessary ingredients are added to the processor container and the ice cream preparation mode starts.
- Coffee grinder– attachment for grinding coffee beans.
- Mini mill for grinding small portions of spices, herbs, garlic, onions, nuts. It is used when it is necessary to grind a small amount of products and the use of a bowl with a volume of more than one liter is irrational.
- Hook attachment for kneading thick dough, which does not leave traces of flour and dough on the walls of the bowl of the electrical appliance.
- To prepare a dough with a liquid consistency, omelette or whipped cream, use an emulsifier attachment or whisks.
A food processor is a valuable assistant for a chef. It will make cooking easier festive table, will save time on daily routine tasks, and will help with household preparations. Read to choose the right one food processor with meat grinder, rating best models. We have selected for you 7 functional devices with good reviews owners and affordable.
TOP 7 best food processors by price and quality
Each of these models has proven itself well among Internet users. Everyone has a row general functions– mixer, blender, meat grinder. Each has additional features– be it a paste maker or a citrus press. Read the most interesting things about each model and choose the best one for yourself.
Multifunctional kitchen machine He can do a lot of things: make minced meat, knead dough, chop, rub, beat, chop. There is a blender for grinding, the glass is made of plastic. The main bowl of the food processor is also plastic, allowing you to knead up to 2 kg of dough. There are 2 attachments for this: a hook for steep, a special whisk for liquid. Another round whisk beats the cream and egg whites. The whisks and hook work according to the planetary principle, that is, they rotate in a spiral, which allows you to mix all the ingredients better. The kit also includes 3 discs for various types shredders and graters, as well as a holder for accessories. Additionally, you can buy other attachments, such as a citrus press.
Through the lid you can add products directly during mixing. The combine operates at 4 speeds. The safety system includes the most important things - a bowl locking mechanism, rubberized legs and overload protection. The motor automatically switches off when there is danger of overheating. All removable attachments can be washed in the dishwasher, which will appeal to every housewife.
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to clean.
- Low price.
- Disc holder included.
- Low power (600 W).
- “Weak” meat grinder.
A kitchen processor with a powerful motor will replace several appliances at once - a mixer, a meat grinder, a blender. The main bowl is made of stainless steel, not transparent, but durable. It comes with a whisk for beating products, a dough hook, and a mixing attachment. The blender bowl is made of glass - it will not be scratched over time, you can observe the mixing process. The meat grinder comes with 3 types of grates, which allows you to prepare minced meat of different consistencies. The pusher makes storing food convenient and safe.
There are 6 operating speeds for different products. There is a turbo mode - maximum quick cooking. Rubberized feet protect the device from slipping. The combine looks beautiful - small size, modern design, chrome parts, steel bowl. The low noise level will not wake up your family even in the early morning, and the combine cover will protect the walls from splashes and save you from unnecessary work.
- Low noise level.
- Capacious steel bowl.
- Glass blender bowl.
- 3 attachments for meat grinder.
- Stylish design.
- No overload protection.
An inexpensive food processor with a meat grinder that can also be used as a blender, mixer or pasta maker. Like the previous model, the main bowl here is made of stainless steel, and the blender bowl is made of impact-resistant glass. The meat grinder has 3 attachments for minced meat of different consistencies, as well as for sausages and kebbe. As a pasta maker, the unit can make 4 types of pasta: vermicelli, spaghetti, rigatoni, fettuccine. A planetary mixer will prepare a thin or stiff dough using a specially shaped whisk or hook. A regular whisk will mix the ingredients.
The powerful motor is protected from overheating. If you lift the hinged lid, the lock is activated and the device will not turn on. Rubberized feet securely fix the kitchen processor on the work surface. The combine operates at 6 speeds, including turbo mode. You can add additional ingredients to the main bowl through the window in the lid. The lid itself is transparent - it is convenient to control the process.
The combine looks very interesting - the bright red body is combined with stainless steel and chrome. Such a device will become not only an assistant in the kitchen, but also its decoration.
- A large number of attachments.
- Overheat protection.
- Bright design.
- Pulse mode.
- Heavy weight (7.7 kg).
A multifunctional food processor that will replace a meat grinder, mixer, shredder, and blender. The meat grinder is equipped with 2 attachments for minced meat and another one for preparing sausages. The planetary mixer includes a dough hook, a mixing attachment and a ball whisk. The bowl is made of stainless steel; the transparent lid has a window for adding ingredients. There is a separate plastic bowl and 4 grater discs for shredding. The blender glass is also made of plastic, there is a lid with a window for adding products.
The device operates in 7 speed modes, the pulse turbo mode produces maximum power. Overheating protection blocks operation in case of increased danger. The auto shut-off function works after 15 minutes of continuous operation. If the device is not assembled correctly, it will not turn on. The legs are rubberized for stability and smooth out vibration. The design is calm and pleasant, suitable for any interior.
- Auto power off.
- Attachments for grater and shredder.
- Quality materials.
- Easy to use.
- There is a minimum load level.
- Plastic blender jar.
An excellent food processor that replaces 4 devices: mixer, meat grinder, grater, blender. For an additional fee, the functionality can be expanded, for example, with attachments for pasta or a juicer. A plastic blender glass with a measuring scale and a window for adding products. There are 3 attachments for cutting vegetables, only these are not disks, as in the previous model, but cone-shaped drums.
The mixer comes with 3 attachments: a spiral for stiff dough, a whisk for liquid dough and an extended whisk for whipping Flex Whisk, which lifts ingredients from the bottom even with a small load. 8 speeds with pulse mode handle any job well. The combine is protected from overheating and accidental activation. There is a removable cover that protects against splashes.
Moulinex QA51AD Masterchef Gourmet
- The extended whisk whisks even just one egg white.
- Possibility to purchase additional accessories.
- Splash protection.
- Good grater.
- Strong vibration at high speed.
The kitchen machine works as a meat grinder, mixer, blender, grater, juicer and citrus press. The mixer bowl is made of stainless steel and equipped with 3 attachments (ball whisk, K-shaped whisk, hook). The planetary operating principle is used. The blender jug is glass, does not absorb odors and is not scratched. The set includes 3 discs for grating and chopping vegetables, as well as a citrus press.
The combine turns off if there is a risk of overheating, as well as when the lid is open. The casing protects against splashes and the window with a pusher makes loading food safe and easy. 5 rotation speeds and turbo mode allow you to comfortably perform any work. The legs securely fix the kitchen machine on the work surface. All removable elements are dishwasher safe. The body is made in white and looks elegant.
- Juicer and citrus press included.
- Can be washed in the dishwasher.
- Build quality.
- The juicer does not eject the pulp.
According to owner reviews, this is one of the best food processors with a meat grinder for the home. It can perform most kitchen jobs and is the leader in our ranking in terms of versatility. The planetary mixer includes a stainless steel bowl and 3 whisks of different shapes. There is a blender with a plastic glass. A citrus press is provided. The chopper includes 3 discs for shredding and grating, as well as a dicing attachment. Cutting your favorite salad is now easy.
Operates at 7 speeds with turbo mode, protected from overheating. The security system blocks switching on if the device is not assembled correctly. The transparent lid with a pusher protects against splashes. The attachments are dishwasher safe. The set includes a case-bag for storing items. The legs have suction cups – the food processor stands firmly on the work surface. The body is white and silver, looks laconic and beautiful.
- Cutting into cubes.
- Case included.
- High quality plastic.
- Multifunctionality.
- Noisy.
- No automatic cord winder.
comparison table
To compare all the food processors from the rating, we have compiled a table in which we indicate the main specifications and the average price of each model.
| Model | Power, W | Bowl capacity, l | Blender | Number of nozzles | Average price, rub |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | 3,9 | 1 l. | 8 | 10 100 | |
| 1300 | 6,5 | 1.5 l. | 3 | 11 700 | |
| 1200 | 5 | 13 | 11 400 | ||
| 1000 | 4,5 | 1.25 l. | 10 | 16 500 | |
| Moulinex QA51AD Masterchef Gourmet | 1100 | 4,6 | 1.5 l. | 6 | 20 530 |
| 1000 | 4,3 | 10 | 36 860 | ||
| 900 | 3,9 | 1,25 | 10 | 21 110 |
What to look for when choosing a combine harvester?
For selection good combine Spend a little time and study the main characteristics of the device.
- Power. An important indicator on which the speed of processing products and the operating time of the machine without interruption depend. It is better to take a device with a small reserve, because constantly working at the limit of its capabilities is harmful for the motor - it will quickly fail. This indicator could be:
- 300-600 W – small-sized devices with a small bowl volume.
- 600-1500 W is enough power to cook food for an average family.
- 1500-2000 W – processor for professional use.
- Bowl. It is worth looking at its size, the material from which it is made and the correspondence to the power volume. The optimal size for a family of 3-5 people is considered to be a 2-4 liter bowl. More suitable for home cooking or preparing a holiday table. It is worth considering that with a large volume there is a minimum allowable amount of products. If you load less than this, the products will simply “smear” on the walls. Plastic vessels are lightweight and do not break. Stainless steel is stronger and more durable.
- Speed of work. The more speed modes, the easier it is to process products of different consistency. It is desirable that the speed be regulated by smooth switching - this will extend the life of the motor. It’s good if the device is equipped with overload protection and turns off automatically if there is a risk of overheating.
- Nozzles Selected according to needs. The main functions that all devices have are a mixer with the ability to knead dough, a meat grinder, and a blender. This set can be complemented by a shredder, dicing machine, juicer, pasta maker, French fries cutter and much more. Some models can be supplemented with attachments for an additional fee - this is convenient.
- Additional functions. For example, a storage case or a splash guard will be a plus, all other things being equal.
How to use it correctly?
To extend the life of your food processor, you need to follow a number of simple rules.
- Read the instructions carefully. After studying the manual, you will learn about all the capabilities of a particular model, even if you missed something at first. On the other hand, you will learn about the prohibitions and will not harm the equipment.
- Assemble the machine, install the necessary attachments. In most cases, you will hear a characteristic click when the part snaps into place. Don't try too hard - the machine is made for people. If something doesn't stick easily, you're doing something wrong. Use attachments only for their intended purpose and those suitable for the specific model. You should not make or “customize” them yourself.
- Do not overload the device. If the combine is not protected from overheating, pause approximately every 5 minutes of continuous operation.
- After work, all removable parts should be rinsed thoroughly, and the combine body should be wiped with a damp cloth. If the removable elements can be washed in the “dishwasher” - great, use this opportunity. If on dishwasher prohibition - do not take risks, elements may become deformed under the influence of high temperatures.
Treat your equipment carefully and with care, and it will serve you well. for a long time.
There are more and more supporters of purchasing a food processor that can replace the bulk of kitchen appliances. In order for the chosen model to truly become a “lifesaver” that reduces cooking time, you should approach its purchase consciously and thoughtfully.
Criteria for choosing a food processor
- Power directly affects the number of possibilities provided in the food processor. If you need a multifunctional unit, its power should be from 800 to 1000 W.
- Number of speed modes makes it possible to choose the most the best way processing products in a combine. For a shredder, 1-2 speeds will be enough, while more complex models should be equipped with a function for selecting the desired operating speed.
- Harvester equipment consists, as a rule, of a certain number of nozzles. The more there are, the more multifunctional the device is considered. Do not forget that for many models the necessary attachments can be purchased additionally without overpaying initially for unnecessary features.
- Additional functions(pulse mode, switching lock) will significantly improve the usability of the combine, although they are not considered a priority when choosing.
What not to choose
To ensure that the food processor does not subsequently end up uselessly pushed into the very depths of the shelf, you should decide in advance what specific help you expect from it. When choosing, try not to forget the simple rules that will help you avoid wasting money.
- In conditions small kitchen refuse a combine that is not equipped with a special container for storing attachments, otherwise they will require emptying extra space an already tiny room.
- It is advisable not to purchase devices that do not have the possibility of additional configuration. In addition, if any attachment breaks, you will not be able to replace the failed part.
- For an average family of 3-4 people, a working bowl with a volume of 1.5-2 liters is sufficient; it is simply unreasonable to overpay for a larger capacity.
- If you are purchasing a plastic food processor, its yellowish tint or obvious synthetic “aroma” should prompt you to abandon this purchase and continue choosing a better model.
Which brand of food processor is better?
Leaders among manufacturers kitchen appliances - Bosch, Philips, Moulinex And Kenwood. Food processors of these brands are of high quality and have a wide range of functions. Food processors are also good value for money Gorenje. In the premium segment, the company's food processors are interesting KitchenAid. If you plan to use your food processor occasionally (for example, for summer preparations and New Year's salads), you may want to pay attention to inexpensive models. The Chinese company is leading in the budget segment Kitfort.
Food processor. Multifunctional device capable of performing a wide range of tasks technological operations. The basis for them is usually a planetary mixer, to which you can connect many different attachments (blender, food processor, meat grinder. Thanks to this, the average food processor can: chop meat, grind puree and pate, squeeze juice, peel and chop vegetables, knead dough , whip cream, etc. When choosing a food processor, you should pay attention to the equipment.The list of functional capabilities of the device will depend on the number of attachments.
- Kitchen machine. Universal devices, which in most cases are a combination of a blender and a food processor. However, the range of functionality of the equipment directly depends on the number and variety of included attachments. As a rule, a kitchen machine performs the following operations: chopping meat and fish products, squeezing juice, peeling vegetables, grinding spices, etc., but is practically not used for kneading dough.
- Planetary mixer. The device looks like a stationary mixer, but due to the planetary operating system and higher engine power, it is more effective for mixing, whipping cream and kneading dough. For some planetary mixers, it is possible to buy and install additional accessories (blender, food processor, etc.), in which case the devices... o will turn into a food processor.
Planetary mixing
The combine supports planetary mixing mode. With this mixing, the working tool (whisk, spatula, etc.) not only rotates around its axis, but also moves around the center of the bowl. This ensures the most uniform mixing, not only in the center, but also along the edges of the container, and also speeds up the process. On the other hand, this function complicates the mechanism of the combine and requires a large bowl (at least 5 liters); all this has a corresponding impact on the price and dimensions of the device. Without exception, all planetary mixers and many models of food processors have this capability.
Bowl capacity
The nominal volume of the food bowl provided in the food processor. Most often, the working volume is indicated - that is, the maximum amount of product that the device can be guaranteed to handle “in one go.”
It is worth considering that a large capacity affects the size and weight of the unit, and also requires a more powerful engine - which, in turn, affects energy consumption and price. So when choosing a bowl based on capacity, you should not chase the maximum capacity, but take into account the planned volume of work.
Grinding bowl capacity
The capacity of the blender bowl determines how much consistency the device can prepare in one go. The average blender has a capacity of 1.5 liters, which is quite optimal for preparing drinks and other concoctions for three people.
Blender capacity
The volume of the blender jug (see Blender) that comes with the food processor. Typically it is about one and a half liters; For big family it makes sense to select a larger volume (about 2 liters), and if the blender is rarely needed and for small quantities product, 1 liter will be enough.
Power
Rated power of the food processor. Most of this power comes from the engine - the rest of the unit consumes very little energy. The greater the power, the higher, as a rule, the productivity of the unit and the less time it spends on processing products.
Note that optimal value power directly depends on the volume of the bowl (see the corresponding paragraph): for example, for a 1.5 kg bowl, at least 300 W is desirable, for a two-kilogram bowl - 400 W, for a three-kilogram bowl - at least 700 W. And with the same bowl capacity, a more powerful unit will be more productive, it will work faster and cope better with high loads(for example, full load). On the other hand, increasing power has a corresponding impact on energy consumption and price.
Max. rotation speed
Maximum speed of rotation of the working attachment of the combine. The higher the rotation speed, the more solid products can be processed in the combine, and the shorter (in some cases) the time it takes to complete the desired procedure.
Number of speeds
The number of fixed speeds of rotation of the nozzles provided in the design of the combine. The more there are, the more accurately you can select the required speed for each specific operating mode. It is worth noting that some devices do not have fixed speeds - the adjustment is carried out smoothly (see Stepless speed controller)
Smooth speed control
A regulator that allows you to smoothly change the speed of rotation of the combine engine - for more precise adjustment of the speed and setting the optimal mode for different products. When adjusting the speed in steps, a situation may arise where a higher speed value is already too high, but a lower speed value is not yet enough. Smooth adjustment allows you to avoid such situations.
Pulse mode
The ability to operate the combine in pulse mode, when the motor does not rotate constantly, but intermittently. This mode is especially useful when processing particularly hard products, such as frozen fruits and vegetables: it provides efficiency while at the same time reducing the load on the engine.
Turbo mode
Turbo mode allows you to significantly increase the rotation speed of the combine disks for a short time. This can be useful when working with hard foods, such as making crushed ice or chopping vegetables. It is also useful when there are “congestions” in work - a short-term acceleration of the knife will help to cope with them. It is worth considering that the turbo mode is a kind of “emergency measure” and not a standard mode, since the combine engine in this mode operates under significant loads. Therefore, you can turn it on only for a short time - otherwise there is a risk of damage to the device. The specific features of turbo modes differ from model to model and are usually indicated in the instruction manual.
Timer
The timer allows you to set the time during which the device will perform a particular function; After the specified period of time, the device will automatically turn off. A food processor with a timer eliminates the need to monitor the operating time of the appliance and manually turn it off.
Double boiler
The possibility of using a food processor as a steamer - for preparing steamed dishes. This method of cooking is considered healthier than classic cooking; it allows you to preserve maximum vitamins and nutrients in products. Among other things, steaming is often used in the preparation of baby food, and some food processors with this function are initially designed specifically for cooking for children.
Kitchen scales
The food processor has a built-in kitchen scale. Typically, the load cell is built into the platform on which the bowl is mounted; this allows you to determine the weight of loaded products directly during the cooking process. Of course, you can put other containers on such scales, not just the “native” combine bowl.
Nozzles
Main bowl. An open container designed for kneading dough, whipping cream and mixing masses. The main bowl is included with almost all food processors. Can be made from various materials: plastic, glass, metal, etc.
- Blender. IN in this case It is a bowl narrowed downwards, at the bottom of which there is a bladed knife. This device is suitable for both mixing liquids into a homogeneous mass (for example, for making cocktails or batter), and for grinding some solid foods (for example, fruits and vegetables) into a homogeneous puree. The blender is usually installed instead of the main bowl, but there are devices that allow you to use two bowls at the same time.
- Food processor. A special container for chopping, which is equipped with either a knife for chopping food, or discs for chopping, cutting, French fries. Allows you to cut salads, shred cabbage and perform a number of other operations depending on the included attachments.
- End-to-end food processor. Special attachment for installing cutting discs. This accessory allows you to quickly chop vegetables or shred cabbage. Moreover, the finished product goes into the main bowl (or any other of your kitchen equipment) - there is no separate bowl like in a classic food processor.
- Meat grinder. Opportunity used... Use the device as a meat grinder - for preparing minced meat, grinding fruits and vegetables. Such attachments are often not inferior in capabilities to meat grinders made in the form of separate devices.
Vegetable cutter. Special attachment for slicing vegetables, fruits and mushrooms. Depending on the type, it allows you to cut products: into cubes, slices, bars, etc. Can be equipped with its own container for collecting cuttings.
- Mill (for coffee). A small container at the bottom of which there is a blade knife driven by a combine motor. Designed for grinding small portions of food (for example, spices, nuts, garlic, etc.) in cases where it does not make sense to use the main bowl of the processor for these purposes.
Centrifugal juicer. Universal juicer for obtaining fruit, vegetable and berry juices. Not suitable for citrus fruits (see Citrus juicer). It is worth considering that food processor juicers are usually less productive than juicers in the form of separate devices, and therefore are poorly suited for preparing large quantities of juice.
- Citrus juicer. It is a rotating ledge with a ribbed surface. To obtain juice, you need to manually place half of the fruit on it, pulp side down, and press firmly. Due to this procedure, the juice from the pulp is squeezed into a bowl located below, and the peel remains intact.
Accessories
- Whisk for whipping. As the name suggests, this attachment is designed for beating and mixing “light” liquids (batter, mayonnaise, eggs, etc.). Most often it is a whisk, similar to that used in mixers (although there are other options). Sometimes there may be two such corollas.
- Hook for kneading dough. Attachment for kneading thick dough. It has special form, thanks to which the dough is evenly mixed, and no unused ingredients remain on the walls of the bowl.
- Double kneading hook. The double hook allows you to significantly increase the efficiency of kneading thick dough. The second hook is used to prevent the dough from sticking to the bowl and to mix more thoroughly. Depending on the model, the double hook can be implemented either in the form of one solid attachment or an attachment consisting of parts (two single hooks for kneading dough), which can be used independently of each other.
- Mixing spatula (bitter). A mixing spatula is used when preparing light dough, confectionery mixtures, and all kinds of pastes. You can use bitters to simply mix various ingredients. It can be made of metal or plastic, as well as with additional rubber seal to prevent product sticking in the bowl.
- ... /pr-39069/">Disc for minced meat. Traditional meat grinder grid. The minced meat disc may have different size cells, from 3 to 8 mm, which has a direct impact on the consistency of the prepared minced meat. As a rule, a standard meat grinder set includes three discs: for the small fraction (cells about 3 mm), for the medium fraction (about 5 mm) and for the large fraction (about 8 mm). Less commonly, but on the market, there are also discs with smaller cell sizes (1 mm or less), these are used for preparing pate.
- Kebbe attachment. Kebbe is a dish of Arabic cuisine, which is a hollow sausage made of minced meat, which is filled with lump meat, vegetables and other products. After this, the kebbes are fried like cutlets or baked in the oven. The kebbe attachment itself is fixed on the spout of the meat grinder, instead of a pressure ring for the grid, and allows you to quickly and easily form hollow sausages from minced meat.
- Attachment for homemade sausages. It is a thin-walled tube with a diameter of up to 20-30 mm and a length of 50 to 100 mm. The nozzle is installed on the “spout” of the meat grinder, instead of a pressure ring for the minced meat/pate grid, and the edge of the casing of the future sausage is placed on the other end of the product. Thus, the attachment allows you to form homemade sausages, which are subsequently fried or baked in the oven.
Chopper knife. The model comes with a knife for a food processor, which allows you to cut salads, shred cabbage and perform a number of other operations.
- Disc for shredding/slicing. A disk with special slots that act as knives when rotating. Allows you to quickly and evenly cut fruits and vegetables into thin slices, especially useful for cutting large quantities of food. - For cutting into cubes. Attachment for cutting fruits and vegetables into small cubes. Useful primarily for preparing salads.
- Disc for French fries. To make French fries, potatoes need to be cut in a special way - into long thin strips. It is for this kind of cutting that the special disk that comes with some food processors is designed.
- For potato pancakes (deruns). Draniki, or potato pancakes, are pancakes made from mashed potatoes. The attachment for preparing them is usually a kind of “spiky” grater, which allows you to finish raw potatoes to the desired consistency. It can also be used for other purposes (for example, making applesauce).
- Disc for preparing sauces. A specialized attachment that allows you to puree semi-finished products and prepare thick, homogeneous mixtures such as sauces, creams, etc. It is a disk with special guides on the surface.
Main bowl material
The bowls of modern food processors can be made of plastic, glass or metal.
Plastic bowls are the most common due to their low cost and durability. They are lightweight, resistant to falls and can withstand quite heavy loads, and can be either transparent or opaque. The disadvantage of plastic is its increased tendency to scratch.
Glass bowls are scratch-resistant and, thanks to their transparency, allow you to observe the process of food processing. However, glass is a fragile material, and such bowls are very sensitive to falls, shocks and impacts.
Metal (usually stainless steel) is the most durable and durable material. However, it is not transparent, in addition, a metal bowl usually has a significant impact on the cost of the device.
Blender bowl material
- Plastic blenders are the most common due to their low cost and durability. However, the material itself has a number of important advantages. So, it is easy to clean and dries quickly, has a good margin of safety, thanks to which plastic bowls can easily withstand falling from small height(up to 1-1.5 m). Additionally, plastic bowls have a minimal cost. The list of shortcomings includes the susceptibility to the rapid appearance of scratches and abrasions on the surface of the bowl.
- Glass blenders are scratch-resistant, and thanks to their transparency, they allow you to observe the process of processing products. An important advantage of glass is its absolute chemical neutrality to food products and liquids. This material does not absorb odors, it can be washed in the dishwasher, the working surfaces of the bowl are practically not subject to scratches and abrasions. Thus, glass bowls do not lose their original presentation over time. Disadvantages include fragility - glass does not withstand falls even from a small height. Additionally, glass bowls are quite expensive.
Metal (most often stainless steel) is the most durable and durable material. However, it is not transparent, and a metal blender usually has a significant impact on the cost of the device. Metal bowls are ideal for crushing ice and crushing nuts... . Such models are not afraid of falls from heights and rough handling; they can be easily washed in the dishwasher.
Housing material
The main material used for the unit body.
- Plastic. The main advantage of plastic is its relatively low cost. In addition, this material can have almost any color, including quite bright ones. In terms of strength and reliability, plastic is inferior to metal, but this difference does not play a special role when normal use, it becomes noticeable only in various emergency situations (falls, overheating, etc.). Also, plastic cases are scratched relatively easily, but this point mainly affects the appearance of the unit and does not affect the functionality. In light of all this, plastic is the most popular material for the housings of modern food processors.
- Metal. Metal cases are distinguished by their solid appearance and high strength. On the other side, this material It costs significantly more than plastic, and therefore is less common - mainly in mid- and top-class food processors.
Display
The presence of a display on the control panel makes operation of the device simpler and more visual. As a rule, basic information about the operating modes used is displayed on the screen, and the display is also used to configure equipment parameters.
Compartment/stand for attachments
The presence in the device body of a separate compartment for replaceable nozzles, or a device for storing them directly in the working bowl of the device. Such food processors are more convenient to store, because... less cumbersome, take up less space, in addition, the risk of losing any attachment is reduced.
Cord compartment
A special compartment in the device body for storing the power cord. Often such compartments are also equipped with devices for uniform winding of the wire, which prevents kinks and possible fractures. The cord compartment is especially useful if the food processor is used relatively rarely and sits idle outside the kitchen for a long time.
Which ones technical devices was not invented for the kitchen. Mixers, meat grinders, blenders, bread ovens, steamers and multicookers!
And that's not yet full list all those new products that were invented to facilitate the activities of modern housewives. To be honest, most of them are used several times in total, and then gather dust on the shelves. If you want to buy a truly useful and versatile device that can replace a whole list of technical devices, you need to purchase a food processor.
Food processor, what kind of device?
A food processor is a mechanism controlled through a combination of buttons with a working bowl and a set of attachments that perform their specific functions.
Description and definition
At the moment, this device is an indispensable item, because makes your work easier and speeds up the cooking process. It will be an excellent assistant in both professional and amateur kitchens.
IN modern world Store shelves are filled with different versions, which are endowed with certain options and functions, different power, attachments, speed and even design.
In addition, the set offers various attachments, the more of which, the more work the combine can do.
Attention! The quality and number of processed products at one time depends on the size and power. Therefore, when choosing a food processor, it is recommended to decide how many family members you will cook for. For everyday use, a not very massive bowl size is suitable.
What functions does a food processor have?
All options and functions of the combine are evaluated by attachments. Such an average device is able to cut, chop, mince, mix and even knead without much difficulty. At the same time, a variety of graters of various sizes and juicers are built into it. If you buy a whisk for the combine, it will also take on the functions of whipping, easily replacing the average mixer.
In most cases, a food processor is equipped with a meat grinder, which makes it possible to use it for preparing minced meat or cutlets. Also modern mechanisms have high operating power comparable to the average electronic meat grinder, therefore, the food processor can easily replace this very useful product.
Important! Inexpensive versions have several speed modes 2-3, and expensive ones from 5 to 7 or more. Speeds are required for certain types of work; mixing requires low speeds, while beating and chopping requires high speeds.
What can you cook with a food processor?
With the help of such a multifunctional unit, you can prepare salads, sauces, dough products, minced meat, stuffing, breading, decor, cream soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream, and also use it as a grater.
What can you grind in a food processor?
The standard set of attachments includes a knife for chopping and slicing food, a disk attachment with a diagonal slot for shredding and a grater. Some mechanisms may have additional attachments.
Reference! For example, a mill will help grind food (nuts, herbs, cheese) in small portions.
What does a food processor consist of?
All these mechanisms are based on a housing, the material for which is plastic or stainless steel.
The technical device contains: an electric motor, a gearbox, a speed switch button, an on/off button, a drive belt, a drive shaft roller, a drive shaft, a bowl, a cover, and an emergency switch.
Conclusion
So, as it turns out, food processors are quite convenient mechanisms that have found wide use for their versatility, since they can replace several appliances at the same time. We can also talk about significant savings, since the price of one combine is much lower than all those products whose place it can easily take.
In any case, you need to choose food processors from popular and proven companies, this is the key to their long and successful service.
Happy shopping!
