Electric blenders or food processors are essential kitchen appliances that help make kitchen duties easier.
They are awesome for preparing large batches of ingredients in a very short time. However, because of how similar they are used, some people believe that both appliances are one and the same.
We will discuss the key differences between electric blenders and food processors in this article and point out some of their major benefits.
Electric Blenders and Food Processors: Pros & Cons
Having an electric blender and a food processor at home helps make food preparation way more convenient.
But before you go ahead and purchase one or both of these appliances, it is necessary to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
Electric Blender Pros
- Their operation is simple and straightforward.
- They have high durability and are versatile with liquid.
- You can use them to chop or grind ingredients.
- Different speed levels.
- Low-priced and affordable.
Electric Blender Cons
- It is harder to take out chopped food.
- When used over a period, it tends to overheat.
- It emits a loud noise when operational.
- The base of the blender is weak.
Basically, electric blenders are preferred more than anything else by mostly specialists like pastry chefs and bakers.
These days, you can find them in most households as they’re more easily accessible, compact, and functional. Also, they can be used rather quickly with less hassle. It helps in speeding up several preparation tasks, making the job of cooking faster and more efficient.
Foor Processor Pros
- It is a powerful multi-purpose appliance with different blades.
- Can be used for various types of food.
- Ideal when cooking a large amount of food.
- Blades are made from safe material.
Food Processor Cons
- It is a rather bulky and large appliance.
- It cannot work with liquids.
- Food processors tend to use massive amounts of electricity.
- Like blenders, they also produce a loud noise while in use.
Using a food processor allows you to do kitchen tasks like mincing, kneading, chopping, etc. more conveniently.
How Electric Blenders & Food Processors Work
Generally, electric blenders are more commonly used by most households and professional chefs because of their handy functions.
Also, commonly referred to as mixer grinders, they can come in the form of juicers or standard blenders. Typically, new blenders come with three jars and they all serve specific purposes.
The obvious largest jar is used for the batter grinder. The second jar (the medium one), is specifically used in making purees or pastes while the smallest one is used for chutneys.
However, juicer mixer grinders usually combine a normal mixer along with an extra juicer jar. Nevertheless, they can be used for mixing, kneading, or whisking any of your recipe ingredients.
The key to a blender’s function is its fixed blade which rotates at different speeds. Blenders of 500 – 1000 watts come with motor speed powerful enough to slice any spice.
But this power still pales in comparison to the food processor which can be used for several purposes including slicing, chopping, shredding, or even butter kneading.
With a food processor, you can switch between different blades depending on the task that needs to be done.
In addition, you can whip up smoothies and soups using its blender attachment which comes as an accessory that offers an impressive number of features.
Furthermore, the appliance’s motor power is higher than that of the electric blender. It is usually in the range of 600 – 1000 watts.
The motor power is also much higher than the mixer grinder at the range of 600 – 1000 watts.
Major Differences Between Electric Blenders and Food Processors
Blenders and food processors are highly advanced kitchen appliances, however, they still differ in certain key aspects.
Electric blenders or mixer grinders are more popular than food processors because of their simple function and affordability.
In many homes, they are mainly used for common tasks such as grinding spices.
In terms of functionality, they also differ. Electric blenders do a great job of grinding, mixing, powderizing food items, and making batter or puree.
If the blender comes with an extra juicer jar, you can also use it to make tasty fruit and vegetable juices.
Food processors, on the other hand, are mostly used to shred, chop, slice, and grate any type of ingredients.
Certain processors can even be used to make smoothies, however, they will depend on having an extra blender attachment.
As a result of their differences in function, both appliances are far from physical similarities. For instance, when you take a look at a blender, you’ll see it has a hopper that lets you put food in it.
This food is then sliced into smaller pieces by a line of blades until it becomes grounded with a fine texture.
However, the food processor comes equipped with multiple blades for different tasks. A standard processor has three blade types in the unit; rotating blade, pump-based blade, and stationary blades.
Also, the functionality of the food processor differs from the blender. For instance, you’ll need to direct the food to its stationary blade for it to cut straight away and drop into the container.
You will need to activate the crank to trigger the rotating blade for the container to turn in this mode. In addition, you will also need to continuously repeat lifting and press the pump on the food when the pump blade is in use.
Generally, food processors come with several accessories mostly in terms of multiple blades and cutters. Thus, it may be quite challenging for people who are using the appliance for the first time.
This is contrary to the electric blender whose set only comes with a couple of jars, most of which are lighter and easier to use.
Due to how simple it is to utilize the blender, it is also more convenient when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the appliance compared to the food processor.
The food processor’s heavy weight and additional accessories make it a tad harder and longer to clean the appliance.
Also, the material used in creating both machines differ despite the fact that both the food processor and the electric blender’s body consist of mainly plastic.
Food Processor or Electric Blender: Which One Should You Go For?
One thing that both the blender and the food processor have in common is that they do help in preparing ingredients for cooking. This is why it is forgivable when many folks mix up one for the other.
However, can an electric blender be used as a food processor or can one use a blender in place of a food processor?
The answer isn’t quite simple as you might think as both kitchen appliances handle specific tasks and processes when preparing meals.
For this reason, you must consider your cooking method and recipe basis before making the decision to buy one or the other.
If you enjoy cooking a wide variety of dishes from many cuisines, creating cooking recipes, and experimenting with spices, then the food processor is the one you should go for. The appliance will help in saving you a huge amount of time and effort when making meals.
However, if you’re more committed to simple household cooking or you prefer a kitchen appliance that is easier to understand and use, then the electric blender is just right for you. You can browse a collection of high-quality electric blenders and other kitchen appliances here.
Final Thoughts
Food processors and electric blenders are important appliances in our kitchens when it comes to ingredients preparation.
In truth, they may be similar in how they are used, however, their functions are surprisingly different. Thus, knowing what differentiates one from the other can immensely help in choosing the one most suitable for your cooking.
