If only we could have one gadget for all our cooking needs, then we would never have to go through an article like this ever again! Sadly that’s not the case. Even the most heavy duty blenders cannot slice and chop like a food processor. So, if you can invest in one amazing kitchen gadget, it’s important to know how blenders and food processors are different and how each can help you out in a different way.
What Is A Food Processor?
A food processor tends to come in 4 parts – the base, the plastic body, the lid, and multiple blades. You get multiple options like kneading, chopping, slicing, and dicing in a food processor. Since the processor works with dry ingredients it needs a larger work surface and is short and wide. While both a blender and a food processor can create a puree or chop vegetables, a food processor does it much more evenly.
What Can You Make In A Food Processor?
So, what is a food processor used for? A food processor speeds up the entire cooking process, everything from kneading a quick dough to chopping, slicing, and dicing becomes a breeze with it by your side. If you keep the blades clean and well, a good food processor will last you for years.
What Is A Blender?
A blender on the other hand is excellent for liquids like soups and smoothies. It has a tall plastic container, made to store liquids without any spillage. While sometimes a blender can come with a tamper – the long and narrow utensil used to push ingredients into the blades for a smoother drink, most blenders come mostly in 2 parts – a plastic container with nonadjustable blades and a lid. Some blenders come with a blender tamper. So, What is a blender tamper? It is a long narrow equipment used to push ingredients into the blade to get a smoother juice/smoothie.
What Can You Make In A Blender?
A blender has tall walls and blades at a diagonal that create a vortex for fruits and vegetables, pulling them in and turning them into a pulp. The tall walls hold the liquid together and because the blades are fixed to the bottom of the container, it provides no room for spillage.
Its mechanism is perfect for smoothies, shakes, sauces, juices, soups, and purees that you want to use as an ingredient for a recipe.
What’s The Difference Between A Food Processor And A Blender?
Food processor vs blender – how are they different from each other? While they both might look like a container with blades on the bottom, the blade position, design, and shape of the container make a massive difference in the outcome.
Here’s how they are different:
1. Blades
Yes, it’s the blades that set these 2 products apart. Blenders have a fixed blade. The number of blades and their angling increase the versatility of the product. For instance, heavy duty blenders may have 4 blades pointed at an inward angle. This allows the blender to crush fruits, and ice and even turn vegetables into soup.
Portable blenders, on the other hand, may have lesser functionality because they cannot have more than 2 blades. And unfortunately, you cannot switch the blades of a portable blender to make it more powerful.
2. Jar Size
Another differentiating feature is the product jar. Since blenders are used for liquids the jar is taller and processors are used for kneading, chopping, and slicing, which is why it requires a larger work space; hence a shorter wider jar.
Similarities Between A Food Processor And A Blender
Although they both have lids, a container, and blades, they are more different than they are the same.
Can You Use A Food Processor In Place Of A Blender And Vice Versa?
Sometimes blenders and food processors can step in for each other, however, it is always best to use them for what they are designed for. Here are some items and functions that both of them can do:
Chopping: Both blenders and food processors can chop vegetables but with blenders, you need to be careful not to overdo it to protect the vegetable from bruising. Food processors can chop, slice, and dice vegetables much more evenly.
Purees and Salsas: While both benders and food processors can make purees and salsas, food processors just make it smoother. Purees and salsas are the perfect ‘in-betweens’ of a solid and a liquid and hence we don’t have to worry about anything spilling out of the food processor.
Dough making: Every food processor can knead a dough but only high-quality blenders can knead some types of dough. Additionally, you cannot expect an even finish from a blender like how you can from a food processor.
Thick Smoothies: A food processor can make a decent smoothie as long as it is thick enough to not spill out, but a blender just makes it smoother and better.
| Tasks | Blender | Food Processor |
| Smoothies | ✔ | |
| Purees and Salsas | ✔ | |
| Doughs | ✔ | |
| Chopping, Slicing and Dicing | ✔ | |
| Soups | ✔ | |
| Crushing Ice | ✔ | |
| Juices | ✔ | |
| Dips | ✔ |
Which Is More Expensive: A Food Processor or a Blender?
A food processor is more expensive than a blender and with good reason. It has more functionalities than a blender and those who own blenders and food processors say they use their food processor more often than their blender.
We think that a food processor is well worth the price, and if you are looking for a full-time kitchen helper, you should go for a food processor, however, if you are great at slicing, chopping kneading and just need something to smash up your meal ingredients or make an amazing smoothie from time to time, go for a blender. After all, the price will not matter if you don’t put the product to use.
Here are some blenders and food processors that we think are worth looking into:
Shop For Blenders
1. WantJoin Professional Blender
Are you looking for a multi-featured powerhouse that can work completely on its own? Look no further, this WantJoin Professional Blender might be the perfect addition to your kitchen. Its blades are so powerful, it can blend fish into a pulp. Additionally, the safety feature allows you to set a timer and let the machine do its thing. Customers say this is a great way to escape the noise, which, I think is acceptable for a motor so strong.
Since the motor is stronger than the average blender, it can make soups without any damage. This blender is perfect for those who want to use it often and for a wide range of functions – it does everything from crushing ice to making soups with ease.
2. Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action
Do you love your smoothies? Then you will love this Hamilton Beach powerhouse. This is the ultimate blender for smoothies and shakes. The spout on the top makes for easy pouring without any spillage.
This is one of the few blenders with removable blades and all of its three parts – the lid, the jar, and the blades – are dishwasher safe. So with this machine, you can rest assured that cleaning will always be a breeze.
3. Ninja BL610 Professional Blender
This Ninja Professional blender is a little powerhouse to have in your kitchen. The blades can crush ice with ease and the difference in temperatures does not harm the motor. As a 72oz pitcher, this one is perfect when you have guests over for your world-class smoothies and refreshments.
Also, it does help that the machine and all its parts are dishwasher safe so say goodbye to going elbow-deep in this mess!
Shop For Food Processors
1. Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper
The simple press-and-release technology makes the food processor easy to use, and safe. It does not have a complicated twist and lock mechanism that subjects devices to wear and tear. This food processor can chop, slice, dice, and puree about 3 cups of ingredients every day, making it the perfect companion for everyday use.
With a 350-watt motor, this food processor is very versatile and can work through most textures of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, bringing it to the consistency that you desire.
2. Proctor Silex Durable Mini Food Processor
Although slightly smaller than the Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper, this product is as versatile and durable. You can use it for salsas, pureeing baby food, sauces and so much more. Additionally, the processor has a chopper speed control which you can use to pulse your food to the desired consistency.
Its small size has its advantages. For starters, storing it away in the corner and forgetting all about it is easy.
3. Cuisinart Food Processor
If you’re looking for something lightweight and durable, this food processor might be the perfect fit for you. It provides maximum control so you can chop and dice with ease and since the product is reasonably small, it can be your daily handy prep machine that you can use and store aside.
It is also dishwasher safe, so use it how many times you like in a day, without worrying about cleaning it.
Conclusion
We hope this article gave you some clarity on what is a blender, what is a food processor and which one you should buy next. While the food processor is more versatile than the blender, you should get something that matches your unique needs.
All the best with your next kitchen machine, we hope you select the powerhouse that you deserve!
