Choosing the Right Food Processor for Your Culinary Needs
by Guest Post 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...
94900 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...
74292 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...
71742 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...
52733 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...
30574 Views
Latest Articles
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
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
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Keep The Office Clean: How to Keep Your Workspace Tidy
Keeping a tidy workplace is the key to succeeding and being organized. Trying to keep your office clean will help you work more efficiently, remain...
Do You Need a New Roof? Twelve Warning Signs
As any homeowner knows (and cringes whenever they think about it), the roof of their home is far from permanent. Although it's generally made of...
Top Stainless Steel Appliances for Your Kitchen
We cannot stress enough the importance of a well-designed and equipped kitchen. When it comes to updating one room in the house, the kitchen is the...
Wallpaper Hanging Tips
Rarely walls and corners are straight, so it is best not to rely on the lines of the walls as guides when you are hanging paper. Simple tips like...
Reasons to Invest In Front Loading Washers
You have probably seen front load washers before or at least heard of them and the processes that they can perform. They are the hottest washing...