Every connoisseur of delicious homemade sauces, pastries and salads understands very well how much time and energy a culinary specialist has to spend to prepare them. Most of the work can be shifted to modern household appliances. It is not worth buying separate devices for different types of tasks today. You can immediately raise money and purchase a combine with a number of functions that can replace a mixer, meat grinder, blender, juicer and even a vegetable cutter.
If you are interested in this solution, then it will be important to learn how to choose a food processor for your home. This device should be understood as a device in which engineers have placed several devices at the same time.
As part of our article, you can find out what nuances you should pay attention to, what technical characteristics are presented in modern devices, which options are useful and why.
Content
List of food processor manufacturers: the best firms on the market
The universal technique is not perfect in everything. She has a flaw. This is due to the fact that such devices are weaker in terms of reliability and power quality. Despite this fact, among the manufacturers of food processors there are manufacturers who have repeatedly proved that these words do not apply to their products.
Today, you can really find powerful combines that are distinguished by reliable and functional features. They can be found within famous brands: Philips, Bosch, Clatronic, Kenwood, Moulinex.
And now it is recommended to dwell on the question of which device is better to choose, so that later it does not bring disappointment.
The principle of operation and design of a modern food processor
Choosing the best food processor, and therefore it is important to pay attention to these particular aspects. The basis of any device is the body part. Inside it, manufacturers hide the motor and filling. It is these elements that govern the work as a whole. They set the speed of rotation of the drive shafts, eliminating overheating of the engine. In some modern models, the filling also tracks how quickly the programs will be executed.
Those housewives who use the devices personally know very well that they can change in terms of control. These can be buttons, rotary knobs, and a sensor. But in fact, this is only a base that allows you to realize the capabilities of the combine. For a number of modern models, such options are truly limitless. The main role belongs to the attachments, which are presented in the device package.
Here it is worth noting that the manufacturer supplies graters, shredders, which can vary in size and shape. There will be presses, juicers, emulsifiers that allow you to beat and knead the dough.There are also blender knives, spice grinders, coffee, meat grinders and other details.
In order to carry out the main operations, it is customary to equip combines with separate types of containers. These can be open bowls, glasses of choppers, shakers, receiving trays, etc. Recently, kitchen machines with built-in scales have begun to appear more and more in stores. It can also be a mini-cooker with an induction device that helps to cook and heat food.
The devices have rotating and movable elements. They are installed in the area of the output shafts. They are presented both in single and multiple copies. This fact will largely depend on the type of construction you have chosen. In the first case, it is necessary to alternately fasten containers of different types to the rod, which is the only one in the device. Thus, you can only cook 1 dish at a time.
In cases where there are 2-3 shafts on the body, and even the possibility of simultaneous switching on, the processing speed of products will be increased several times. A delicious dinner can be prepared in a couple of minutes.
Food processors: assortment variety
Universal devices
These are multifunctional devices, which are represented by a large type of attachments. Due to them, you can quickly prepare different dishes. Those. any recipes, both salad and homemade cakes, will be able to cook.
To date, such models are made on the basis of planetary mixers. The possibilities will be much expanded due to a number of additional level shafts, containers that are intended for grinding products.
Benefits
- excellent indicators of a power reserve;
- speed modes;
- the presence of separate drives;
- universal properties;
- robust housing design features;
- containers with a spacious content, due to which the portions will be large, they will be enough for all family members.
disadvantages
- the price of such a combine is at a high limit;
- the design is bulky, which is inconvenient, because you need to find a place to store the combine when not in use.
Combine shredders
Models include devices with a meat grinder and blender, as well as all kinds of electric shredders. These devices can be supplemented with attachments that help to prepare juices, fresh fruits based on berries. Unlike a number of universal devices, it is not cups that can be replaced, but blades and grates. This is due to the fact that the option of such devices is to chop and cut products.
Benefits
- compactness in comparison with multifunctional devices;
- indicators of power properties are above average;
- the choice of cutting nozzles is large;
- affordable option.
disadvantages
- limited options.
Hand harvesters
These are very simple devices that are multifunctional due to the use of various types of attachments. There are standard grater discs equipped with blades that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They make it possible to cut food into strips, cubes, bars, slices and more. The handle must be unscrewed by yourself.
Benefits
- indications of autonomy;
- compactness in size;
- modest weight;
- easy to use devices;
- control over the process by the user.
disadvantages
- the complexity of grinding some types of products;
- bowl volume up to 2 liters.
Mini harvesters
These are models that have a single drive design. The specialization is narrow. Often, there are several graters, shredders, as well as a shaker that will allow you to prepare delicious cocktails, a press for juices.
Power indicators are small. There are devices that do not consume more than 200 watts. They are designed to function with juicy and soft fruits. But there are also advanced-type units that do not give more than 400-600W.
Benefits
- compact size and easy storage;
- devices can provide for the use of simple dishes, which are familiar in the kitchen;
- there is a pulse mode and 2-3 speeds to cook dishes, the consistency of which will be different;
- affordable options.
disadvantages
- weak power indicators;
- only 1 drive, which forces you to constantly change the bowls;
- the average volume is 1.5 liters, which is a small indicator.
Which food processor to choose: the main features
Power indicators
This criterion will make it possible to understand how well the harvester will cope with the assigned tasks. If you need to grind and puree products that have undergone preliminary cooking, then 200-300W will be quite enough. To twist raw meat, you need 600W, and for kneading dough - 800-1000W.
Power ratings are highest in machines with a multifunctional type. They were discussed a little higher. Since these are all-in-one machines, they need to work with different kinds of products. Due to this, the harvester must have 1-1.2 kW. This will allow him to grind ice, coffee, and make breading from breadcrumbs. He will even be able to eliminate sinewy pieces of meat.
When choosing a harvester, pay attention to how many speeds are present in the device. All operations with different products need modes. For example, mixing, chopping, beating. If you like to eat a variety of foods, then take those models that have speeds of at least 5-6 pieces.
Case features
An equally important criterion is the material of the case. Generally, the most reliable options are made of steel. These can be coatings with polymer or stainless steel spraying. Plastic is also present, but it's better not to take into account such options. This is most likely a cheap offer, and the brand is not very common on the market.
Against the backdrop of these events, a number of popular companies are ready to offer excellent options that are made of plastic. Only this is durable and hard ABS, which does not differ in the presence of backlash and does not "play", no matter how heavy the device is.
Loading containers and bowls of the combine
The bowl of the harvester plays an important role. The finished portion will depend on its capacity. If your family has a lot of eaters, then choose combines with large loading capacities. The best solution would be to use a combine with other types of dishes that are present in the kitchen.
Look at what materials the bowls are made of. It can be plastic, metal, or glass.
Today the most budgetary option on the market is plastic bowls. The solution is really not expensive, and the harvester will be much lighter in weight. These containers are durable. But keep in mind that over time, the plastic can become covered with small scratches, which will become darker from the juice of the products. You won't be able to wash the glass, no matter how hard you try.
Speaking of metal bowls, it should be noted that these are durable and hygienic solutions. They are not without drawbacks. The thing is that it is difficult to control the cooking process with their help. For this reason, stainless steel options are most often used for a large bowl, but other containers are made of plastic or glass.
And the last option is a glass bowl. This solution allows you to combine hygiene and color fastness due to the juices from the products. Also, the bowl is resistant to acids and alkalis. It should be noted that the material is expensive and has fragile properties. If you break the glass, then there will be a serious problem, since it is quite difficult to find such a cup even from advanced brands in the line.
Separate mechanisms of the combine
Please note that if you want to buy separate blenders, mixers, shredders, it is important to take note of important properties. We will not dwell on this moment for a long time, we will outline the most important thing.
Blender type
If you prefer submersible options, then most often, they are presented in the form of a shaker glass with legs that are located below. The glass option is more useful for chopping dense foods, and is also appropriate for raw vegetables and pâtés.
Speaking of stationary solutions, it is necessary to indicate that these are options for working with liquids, for example, smoothies, puree soup, cocktails. But keep in mind that there is a pulse mode, they can cope with crushing nuts, ice.
The principle of functioning of the meat grinder
If the choice fell on a budget model, then most often meat grinders have a shock effect. They don't have many options, as the meat breaks up into a paste, losing its juice. As a result, the dish will be dry, tasteless, and even difficult to chew.
You need to cook minced meat correctly using a screw device. But when looking for a combine, you need to be careful. The power of the device should not be lower than 0.8 kW. Otherwise, the purchase will not be able to justify itself in the future.
In order for the meat grinder to be a strong link in the device, it must have a reverse, protection against overloading the engine itself. It will also be useful for those purposes when cartilage or a hard piece of meat gets caught, but this will not affect the operation of the device as a whole.
Juicer
Such a device is found in many combines. But keep in mind that the juicer also has a number of its features. Some growers prefer to use a simple citrus press, which in many cases is of no use. There are also those brands that install a juicer with a centrifugal type, as well as a filter that removes oil cake, seeds. This is the type that will allow you to process fruits that have dense flesh.
Price question: how much does a good food processor cost on the market?
This is an equally important aspect when choosing a device. If your choice fell on universal entry-level models, then they can be purchased for 6-8 thousand rubles. But the best options were in the 15-40 thousand range. For the rest, you should rely on financial capabilities. The price ceiling will vary in the region of 80-120 thousand rubles.
If you need a device that is sharpened for grinding food, then it will cost around 3-15,000 rubles.
But more compact models, differing in mini-size, are 2 times cheaper than shredders. If you want to opt for the manual option, it is quite inexpensive. It costs around 800-1500 rubles.
TOP best food processors
Here is a ranking of the best household food processors in 2020. Each model was able to establish itself on the market as the most practical, high quality, durable and functional.
Kenwood KHH 326WH
This is a multifunctional device that has a built-in meat grinder. The power figures are impressive. They are equal to 1000 watts. The bowl is equal to 4.3 liters, it is made by the manufacturer on the basis of quality metal. The equipment is also presented with a glass blender bowl. The set contains 10 pieces of attachments. The speeds are regulated fairly smoothly. The device has a special protection that prevents overheating.
Benefits
- power indicators are high;
- metal bowl;
- there is a planetary mixer option;
- available impulsive mode.
disadvantages
- lack of speeds - 5 levels;
- there is no grinding attachment, which is considered the basis for many devices of this type.
Bosch MCM 64051
A device with a juicer, both universal type and citrus press. Power ratings are 1200 watts. There are a large number of attachments. The bowl is designed for a volume of 3.9 liters, and there is also a blender, which is made on the basis of plastic.
The manufacturer has made the body quite compact. There are legs with suction cups, which have a rubberized base. The model contains special holders that are designed for all types of accessories.
Benefits
- smooth speed regulation between 6 levels;
- pulse mode available;
- equipped with overheating protection;
- Includes a compartment for the power cord.
disadvantages
- no medium grater;
- makes a loud noise during operation.
Clatronic KM 3647
A food processor that will appeal to baking lovers. It has a special attachment for planetary kneading. The complete set is also represented by special professional attachments. Works at 1000W.The model has an additional 3 attachments. The bowl is designed for 5 liters, it is made on the basis of stainless material.
Benefits
- protective cover against splashes;
- the bowl is very large in volume;
- there is a pulse mode;
- speeds 8.
disadvantages
- no shredders, the set of nozzles is minimal;
- no blender available.
Philips HR7761
The device has a 2.2 liter bowl. There is also a blender, its bowl is designed for 1.2 liters. The package contains 10 attachments. The device allows you to make straws, chop food, prepare smoothies, cream, minced meat for cutlets and has a number of other useful options. Each knife is made with the patented Power Chop technology.
Benefits
- the case is compact;
- multifunctionality;
- reasonable price.
disadvantages
- 2 speed modes.
