How to Choose a Food Processor

Food processors are one of those handy devices that can save you a heap of time in the kitchen but they are not for everyone. Some people just don’t see the need as they can do the job a lot quicker with a good knife and a cutting board.

To really get good value from a food processor I think you need to be either a really keen cook or cook for a large number of people…or both. Otherwise you may find that you are spending more time lugging the food processor out of the cupboard, setting it up and cleaning it than you would actually using it.

What to look for when buying a food processor

1. Determine the capacity you will need. For the average home cook a 6 to 10 cup capacity would be adequate. You can purchase smaller mini processors for smaller jobs and if you are really keen you can buy professional models of up to 20 cups capacity.

2. Are the parts dishwasher safe? Most are these days but it is something you need to consider.

3. Consider the amount of storage space you have. Food processors are generally big and bulky so will take up some space in your cupboard and on your kitchen bench.

4. Look for a food processor with as higher wattage as possible, preferably at least 600-700w. The higher the watts the more powerful the machine will be.

5. Food processors usually come with a variety of blades to perform the basic functions. However, there is inevitably a multitude of additional attachments that you can purchase separately to make your life a whole lot easier.

6. Ensure the processor has a pulse function. This allows more control and provides short bursts of power. It is useful when you only want to process a food quite coarsely.

7. Ensure the processor has a safety lock feature which prevents the processor from starting if the lid isn’t on correctly. This helps to prevent food from splattering around the room.

Other things to consider

• Do you want to make juice in your processor? Then ensure it has a juicing function or that you can purchase an extra juicer attachment if required.
• Does the processor have a warranty?
• Do you need a blender? - Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your food processor will do the same job as a blender. A blender works extremely well with liquids whilst a food processor works extremely well with solids. If you put liquids in a food processor then depending on the make and model you may find liquids leaking out of the bottom or through the lid. Some food processors have a separate blender incorporated into it or an attachment so ensure this is the case if you really want have the function of a blender.

Our Recommendation

•  We recommend the Cuisinart DLC10 10s Pro Classic 7 Cup Food Processor. You might also like to read our review for this food processor.

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