This appliance is one of the most popular among household appliances because of its wide functionality. The functions of the food processor are enough to prepare various dishes for the whole family. Usually there is a bowl with a chopper, a vegetable cutter, nozzles that simplify cooking. What functions the food processor performs and how to choose it is described in the article.
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Conventionally, devices are divided into 2 types:
- Compact.
- Multipurpose.
The first type has low cost, small dimensions and narrow functionality. The volume of the bowl is not more than 2 liters, but the device takes up little space. The power of such equipment is 700 W, there are few speeds, usually 2-3. The functions of a food processor include chopping, grating or chopping vegetables and fruits. You can also knead the dough. For many housewives this is enough.
There are many options in multifunctional appliances. It includes both basic andadditional functions. For example, some devices allow you to create cubes. A food processor with this type of function is able to help in the preparation of salads, first and second courses. Due to the large number of works, high power is 700-1500 watts. There may be several modes of operation speeds. Naturally, the price of such equipment is higher.
Size and multi-purpose instruments are valued for incorporating the functions of multiple devices. They also have a large bowl volume (up to 3 liters) compared to a small device. Which version of the device is better to buy? It is necessary to take into account both the financial side of the issue and the purpose of the device.
Technical parameters
How to choose the right device so that there is no disappointment? To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the equipment. The harvester is presented as a small device with an electric motor and a control panel. It can have 1 or 2 bowls, as well as a set of attachments.
Technical aspects are systematized according to the main criteria:
- power, number of revolutions, performance;
- bowl volume;
- ease of management and maintenance.
Power and speed
When choosing an appliance, power is the most important indicator. In order not to pay for extra watts, you need to know what power consumption means and what is high and what is low.
Power is measured in watts (W). The higher the indicator, the higher the electricity consumption. Meaningsets the performance of the equipment, the speed of work, the endurance of the motor. Although some sellers advise buying models with a power reserve, when the equipment is working at its limit, the mechanism can wear out quickly, and the risk of overheating and overloading the main components increases.
For a compact device, 400 W will be enough, and for a multi-purpose device - 600 W or more. The number of revolutions can be in the range of 20-12000 per minute. Usually, the appliance has a regulator that helps to process food efficiently.
Bowl
A cooking container is made of glass, plastic or metal. The volume is changed in liters and divided into general and useful. The overall indicator is indicated in the passport for the device, which is a little less useful, since even a closed bowl is difficult to fill to the brim.
It will be more convenient if there are divisions and marks on the container, this makes it easier to use. It should be borne in mind that the volume is equal to the volume of liquid components, when loading dry and semi-dry, the weight is set in kg, and here it can be greater than the volume. For example, a 1.5 liter container contains 2.2 kg of semi-dry products.
It is important that the bowl is resistant to acids, and also withstands various temperatures, the optimal performance is in the range from -5 to +80 degrees. Glass and plastic are considered fragile materials, but are cheaper. If you bought a large machine with different functions, then you need an additional small capacity to cook small portions.
Ergonomics and maintenance
Necessarypay attention not only to the functions of food processors, but also to the ease of operation. During cooking, you can get used to the different order of buttons and knobs. Producers offer:
- Mechanical control. It is presented in the form of keys or rotary knobs. This option is cheaper, breaks less often, is considered to be resistant to overheating, and repairs will be affordable.
- The touchpad, which is complemented by a display, is a modern option. It has an attractive appearance, but electronics always increase the price.
Still sold "processors" - devices with electronic control. The functions of food processors of this type are also diverse. The devices automatically determine and set the speed during cutting or whipping products. The speed of rotation of the nozzles is also supported. Electronics also monitors safety, with an overload, the equipment is turned off, which protects against breakage.
Maintaining cleanliness is an important operating parameter. All working parts of the equipment should be washed before and after each use. If you do not want to do this all the time, you should choose a food processor that can be washed in the dishwasher.
Main Functions
What are the functions of a food processor? What can be cooked? Almost all devices, both budget and elite, have universal functions. This applies to:
- grater-disc;
- emulsifier nozzles;
- shovels/hook for kneading dough;
- knife with 2 blades.
The disc grater performs shredding and chopping of various products. The level of grinding is determined by the size of the holes. Nozzles with wide slots are used for slicing.
Emulsifier attachment (metal whisk) whips or mixes batter and homemade sauces such as mayonnaise. Compared to a conventional mixer, the food processor has a lid to prevent liquid and dry food from splashing.
With a spatula or a hook, even tough dough is kneaded qualitatively, in which no lumps remain. The nozzle can be straight or curved, in both cases the result will be a perfectly mixed dough.
Additional features
There may be other functions of the food processor. What can be cooked will depend on them. Multifunctional cutlery includes several different attachments for more culinary and slicing options:
- cubes;
- straws;
- figures;
- blocks.
The food processor with dicing function allows you to prepare salads, first and second vegetable and meat dishes. Nozzles-graters are also different, they differ in the diameter of the holes. There is a cheese drum attachment that cuts the product into even and thin slices.
The function of cutting ingredients is presented in the form of a nozzle, including 1 or 2 blades. The result is small pieces of irregular shape, such as minced meat.
A food processor with a meat grinder function will help you cook meat andminced fish. It also grinds hard foods, such as nuts. The meat grinder in the combine is similar in capabilities to a standard meat grinder, but may have a smaller diameter. Different disks with small or large holes are purchased for it.
There are ice cream machines for making homemade ice cream or sorbet. The maxi-press option is popular, which allows you to puree vegetables or sums of berries. The level of grinding of various components depends on the size of the grate, and the press squeezes out excess juice. Among the additional features, a mill is distinguished, which quickly and evenly grinds coffee, cereals.
Drinks
There are 3 functions to create drinks in combines:
- The centrifuge juicer will help you quickly complete your task. The speed is almost the same as a standard juicer.
- Citrus press allows you to make juice from oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits at high speed. The procedure is automated, up to 1 liter of fresh juice is prepared in 1 minute.
- Blender or shaker that mixes cocktails.
The blender in the combine will help you mix drinks, grind ice, vegetables, fruits. And juicers are rarely used.
Safety
To prevent injury, the device has a lockout function if the nozzles are not installed correctly. The device will not work until they are properly installed. The overload function protects the device from overheating. This option is rarely found in low-cost instruments, usuallyit is in powerful harvesters.
Quality fixation of the device is provided with rubber feet. During the processing of food, the motor operates at high speeds, which creates a constant vibration. On expensive devices, there are usually powerful motors, good balancing. Thanks to a reliable support, the risk of injury or damage to the device is eliminated. If you take into account all the above parameters, you will be able to choose a quality device. And the best models of harvesters are presented below.
Bosch MCM 64085
The equipment is designed for home use. The combine is ideal for kneading, mixing, whipping, cutting, chopping food of any hardness. The body and bowl are made of hygienic food-grade plastic that can withstand high temperatures - up to 180 degrees.
This is a 1.2W food processor with shredding function. Built-in 1 speed, there is a button that is responsible for the number of revolutions. The device is equipped with a pulse mode, which facilitates the work with solid products. The functions of the Bosch food processor are varied. The kit includes a nozzle for whipping, mixing the dough, a chopping knife, a disk for cooking french fries, a disk for slicing and shredding. The device has small dimensions - 300 x 430 x 250 mm.
The functions of the Bosch food processor allow you to prepare dough for baking various products, salads, first and second courses. From the dignity of the device allocate:
- high power;
- good assembly;
- many baits;
- cut into cubes;
- regulatorspeed.
This is a food processor with dicing function. But the slicing discs are unbalanced, which can damage the bowl. Discs clog quickly and need to be cleaned frequently.
Kenwood KM 287
The harvester has a simple assembly, so it is reliable and durable. It has small dimensions. The number of revolutions is regulated by an electronic system. The capacity for grinding products is made of stainless steel, its volume is 4.5 liters.
The case of the device is made of plastic, there is no backlash. The power is 900 watts. The kit includes 3 bowl attachments - a standard whisk for stiff dough and a k-shaped attachment for stirring. There is also a metal grinder. The volume of the blender includes 1.5 liters. There is a juicer and a citrus press.
The device has suction cups that prevent slipping on the table. All functions work reliably. The device looks attractive. Of the minuses, not very high-quality mixing of steep dough is distinguished. Some of the vegetables remain intact.
Tefal QB508GB1
The device has a high-performance blender, which has an attractive appearance and good functionality. The body and bowl are made of stainless steel, the blender has a plastic container.
The power is 900 W, the unit has 6 speed modes, switching between them is carried out smoothly. There is a pulse and turbo mode. Kit includes attachments for beating, kneading dough and chopping.
Moulinex QA50AD
The device has a whisk for whipping, a nozzle for mixing,dough hook, 2 pushers and a meat grinder. There is also a vegetable cutter with 3 grates - a large grater, a small grater, a shredder. The bowl is made of stainless steel, its volume is 4.6 liters. There is a cover for protection against splashes. The motor power is 900W, which is enough for cooking on a daily basis.
The device has 6 speeds, pulsating mode. Whipping attachment made of stainless steel with double wire. The meat grinder block will help not only grind meat, but also cut vegetables. But it is important to consider that the engine power is not large, so the products are laid in small volumes. The combine does not emit extraneous sounds during operation.
Thus, cooking will be much easier if there is such a technique at home. The food processor you choose should suit your personal needs. Then he will be a great helper in the kitchen.
