subject: The Best Food Processor Product Features [print this page] A food processor is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that is designed to quickly and easily perform repetitive food preparation tasks like chopping, slicing, shredding, grinding, and pureeing. A food processor can be used to prepare almost any type of food. Importantly, a food processor can be a valuable time saving resource for any cook and eliminate stress that would otherwise be put on hands, wrists and forearms from repetitive cutting tasks.
A high quality food processor should be able to easily handle the basic processing chores including grating, slicing, chopping, pureeing, and kneading dough. There are several brands, sizes and prices available for different food processors. Prices typically range from about $40 up to about $300. How to choose? What food processor product features should be considered? The key features to consider when buying a food processor are attachments or accessories, bowl size, capacity, power and safety locks.
Attachments - Attachments include various chopping and mixing blades and shredding and slicing discs that slide over the shaft that connects to the food processor's motor. Other accessories can include whiskers or beaters. More expensive food processors generally offer more attachments. Initially, it is probably best to make sure you buy a unit that includes several discs and blades for the basic chopping and slicing functions. You can always purchase other accessories later, if desired. Consider your likely processing uses before you purchase additional attachments.
Bowl size - Sizes typically range from 2 to 16 cups. Bowls are usually either made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel bowls will cost more but be more durable and thus last longer. A food processor that contains more than 1 bowl size is valuable when processing different foods.
Capacity - The size of any food processor is measured in cups. Typical sizes range from 2 up to 13 cups with some models reaching 16. Bigger capacity units are excellent for food preparation for large dinner parties. Smaller models store easily, are less expensive, take less time to clean, but obviously constrain your ability to prepare for larger meals or parties. Many cooks like to display their unit on kitchen counters, so consider size and appearance.
Power - Food processors usually list their power ratings in watts. A watt is a measure of energy power. Sometimes horsepower is also listed. One horsepower is equal to about 746 watts. Higher watts improves the processor's blade speed, thus, more power equals faster and better results. More watts or power also obviously means a higher price.
Safety Locks - A food processor's blades and discs are extremely sharp and can be dangerous with unsafe use. Consider models with good safety locks that will not allow the machine to start unless the lid is properly locked.
