This guide outlines the pros and cons of a food processor vs blender, and what each can – and can’t – do.
Food processor vs blender: overview
Home chefs often face a dilemma: a food processor vs blender – which one is better to choose for their needs?
Blenders are compact, but the choice of options for such devices is limited. Food processors replace several appliances, but take up more space. The cost of each technology also varies. In order to understand which device will handle the tasks, the characteristics of a food processor vs blender and the abilities of each type of device must be taken into account.
Characteristics of a food processor vs blender
Food processors can easily slice fruits and vegetables. With their help, you can grind very hard coffee beans, squeeze juice, cut products for salads and other dishes.
Depending on the model, the number of interchangeable nozzles and options can vary greatly. The more functions a device has, the more expensive it is. It is very difficult for housewives who plan to cook food in large quantities or learn all the basics of the culinary business without such a culinary machine.
Thanks to the special shape of the self-sharpening knives, the universal unit can also crush or cut solid products.
The food processors are equipped with removable containers made of plastic, glass and metal (stainless steel). The most durable and strongest are metal containers.
Culinary appliances are intended to prepare large portions of semi-finished products (dough, minced meat) or finished products (creams, sauces, cocktails, fruit drinks). In household appliances, the volume of the bowls fluctuates between 1.5 and 5.5 liters.
Blenders come in a range of different compactness, can perform a limited number of operations – basically beat and crush. Culinary appliances are available in two versions: benchtop and hand blender.
Some models are equipped with a whisk in addition to a removable nozzle with knives. The kit can contain additional containers and mini jugs or glasses.
Food processor vs blender: what can each do?
Blender abilities
A blender may offer you a lot of delight if you know how to use it properly and how many delicious smoothies you can prepare with it. Here are several compelling reasons to invest in a blender.
Make Smoothies
Smoothies are drinks made by mixing fruits and vegetables together. A liquid foundation, such as fruit juice or dairy products like milk, or yogurt is common in smoothies. Fruits and vegetables are common ingredients for delicious smoothie recipes that you can try. It is very important for your health that you consume fruits regularly.
One to two or three cups each day can lower blood pressure, lower the risk of diabetes, and lessen the risk of cardiovascular and stroke. Fiber-rich foods not only fill you full faster and keep you satisfied for longer, but they also keep some of the calories in your food from being absorbed by your body. Fiber is a food source for the healthy microorganisms that make up your microbiome, and they thrive on it.
Your gut bacteria will suck up fiber that has fermented in your gastrointestinal tract. They create short-chain fatty acids, which have a variety of health benefits, including decreasing systemic inflammation, which has been related to obesity and nearly every major chronic health issue.
It’s Easier To Make Dressings
The greatest dressings are made in a blender. They usually only have a few ingredients and come together quickly. Salads aren’t the only thing they’re good for. These dressings may be spooned into tacos, put inside spring rolls, smeared on sandwiches, and used on grain bowls. You know exactly what goes into them and you can customize them to your preference.
A high-powered blender will provide a silky, emulsified texture, but any blender will suffice. Don’t be afraid of hollandaise sauce. It’s one of those dishes that, once you figure out how to make it (it just takes two minutes in the blender), you’ll want to throw a brunch to show off your new ability.
This may be the queen of blender dressings. Carrots, turmeric, coconut milk, ginger, and sesame combine in this bright dish. There are also a lot of shallots present. Everything from green salads to grain salads can benefit from this dressing. It’s also delicious over vegetables, whether they’re simmered, steamed, or sautéed.
You Can Make Purees
The majority of people think of pureed food when they think of homemade baby and toddler food. However, there are a variety of reasons why you would want to purée other food with your blender. Although pureeing food in a blender is a simple process, there are several factors to consider before doing it, including the age of the person who will be doing it and the flavors they dislike.
Although baby food is the most frequent puree in most houses, you are likely to have at least one additional puree on hand. Making puree at home might also be a cost-effective option. Ingredients are inexpensive. It takes very little effort to operate your blender.
Food processor abilities
The basic versions of food processors usually have four functions: grating, chopping, slicing and blending. A more expensive version is more complete: in addition to fulfilling these four functions, it unites multiple utensils into one: juicer, which allows you to get more juice and less bagasse; whisk, for heavy pasta; and emulsifier, perfect accessory for snow whites and sauces.
These different accessories are ideal for handling food in your own home the way you prefer, in order to maintain all the nutrients and proteins of each of them.
There are many preparation options to make with the processor: sauces, pasta, vegetables, chopping fruits, grating cheeses, grinding grains and much more. Get to know each of the seven functions below:
Beat function: prepares various types of pasta, from light to heavy, such as cakes and breads;
Grating function: grate all types of food, from vegetables to cheese;
Cutting function: blade for cutting vegetables, fruits, legumes and other types of food;
Chopping function: chops all kinds of vegetables and fruits;
Blender function: ideal for the preparation of juices, vitamins, creams, pasta and sauces;
Juicer function: prepare lemon and orange juices;
Emulsifier function: makes it clear in snow, whipped cream, sauces and souffles.
Food processor vs blender: summary
Hopefully, we were able to present all the pros and cons you need to know and the different functions of a food processor vs blender.