Food Processors and Mixers

About Food Processors and Mixers

Kitchen appliances are an integral part of every home, along with the ultimate staples like skillets and casserole pans. 

While the essential tools make cooking possible, small kitchen appliances make life easier. Good tools matter as much as good recipes, and investing in the right machines can significantly upgrade the game. 

Food processors save virtually endless hours of chopping and slicing, while mixers turn the ingredients into side dishes and creams in a matter of minutes. 

Applications: Mixers VS Food Processors 

Whisking and Kneading

Some of the most frequent kitchen tasks require a good electric mixer with a proper whisk and a deep bowl. A hand mixer can do the job well; however, a stand mixer is a more convenient solution for the most work-intensive actions.

Kneading dough needs a machine with high output power, which is not found in all food processors. While they can jump in as a support in case of need, their capacity is often too small to provide fast and satisfactory results. 

Cutting, Chopping, Grating

This is the job of a food processor. Most food choppers come with a variety of additions, including grating and cutting discs. Extra features are also available, such as vegetable thinners and french fries patterns. 

A good food processor will have no trouble processing dried fruits, nuts, hard cheeses, or chocolate. However, its functionality depends on the quality of attachments and the sharpness of the supplied blades, particularly when dealing with tough ingredients such as nuts, or very soft ones, such as cheese. 

Some kitchen mixers feature chopper attachments, but the results depend on the motor power, quality of the extensions, and sharpness of their blades. 

Mashing

Making delicate sauces, mayonnaise, cream soups, dips, or mashed potatoes are fitting jobs for a kitchen mixer, especially if it comes with a blender attachment. A food processor can come in handy for thicker blends such as pesto, cheese spreads, or pastes.

Smoothies and Sorbets

A mixer with a blender attachment can replace an actual blender in several tasks. The same applies to food processors, which can easily handle nut or ice crushing.

Mincing 

Food mixers with meat grinder attachments can mince fresh and cooked meat for various uses. A food processor typically features enough power and good blades but lacks volume capacity for the job. 

Types of Food Processors

Compact/Mini nad Small Food Processors

The portable size of these appliances is convenient but also limiting in functions. They are suitable for chopping onions, nuts, mixing spices, or making sauces and spreading in small amounts. These models typically feature no slicing or shredding additions or cutting discs. 

Hand Food Processors

Manual food processors replace the cutting boards in processing small volumes of food. They are affordable, easy to store and operate, and require no power outlet. 

Grinders

Grinders are available in both electric and manual versions equipped with a variety of discs for fine to coarse grinding. 

Batch Bowl Food Processors

Batch bowl models, like their name, say, design great for processing small to medium-size batches. Their functions include slicing, chopping, shredding, grating, pureeing, and whipping, and pureeing. Dicing and cutting to a specific measure are typically not possible. 

Most bowls are made of plastic, although stainless steel versions are also available. Rotating multiple bowls can affect efficiency and save time during food preparation. 

Continuous Feed Food Processors

Processing lots of ingredients requires either a substantial capacity or a feeding solution. Continuous feed processors are ideal for heavy-duty tasks, also suitable for precise dicing. Feeding new food units through a chute or hopper doesn't require pausing or turning the device off, saving a lot of time on the way. 

Combination Food Processors

Combination models come with the advantage of having both a batch bowl and a continuous feed head. It allows versatility of use, in line with the need of the moment. The machine's overall functionality depends on the additional equipment and extra features. 

Buffalo Choppers

Buffalo choppers are designed for processing heavy or dense items like carrots, cabbage, or meats. Their durable construction features heavy-duty knives and large bowls. 

Food Processor Discs and Blades

• Smooth blades: clean cuts and chopping
• Serrated blades: chopping, pureeing
• Perforated blades: mixing liquids and sauces
• Slicing discs: making thin slices
• Julienne discs: slicing long sticks
• Grating / Shredding discs: powdering 
• Brunoise discs: dicing small pieces 
• Whipping discs: processing creams
• Gaufrette / Waffle discs: Cross-cuts
• Dicing kits: precise dicing in various dimensions 
• Crimping discs: rippled cuts
• French fry kits: potato cutting

Types of Kitchen Mixers

Hand Mixers

Hand mixers are the most common, portable and lightweight type of kitchen mixers. They allow movement for more convenient use, The size and style of a mixing bowl can also be chosen according to the need. Portable mixers can be easily put away after use and stored in a cabinet or large drawer.

Stand Mixers

A stand mixer usually holds a permanent place on the countertop, together with its matching mixing bowl. Stand mixers are typically packed with powerful motors and are available in several styles.

• Tilt-head stand mixers: This style of the stand mixer is designed to tilt the motorhead, to make the bowl and beater more accessible.  
• Mini tilt-head stand mixers: This portable version is perfect for small apartments, compact and equipped with a suitable, yet strong motor.
• Bowl-lift stand mixers: Designed for mixing large quantities of food, these models offer firm stability and high power. Rather than tilting back, these mixers change positions with the help of a small lever. 

Mixer Attachments

• Paddle/Flat beater: Cake mixer attachment for making batter and cookie dough, also suitable for mashing potatoes.
• Whisks: Also called a wire whip, it's ideal for whipping creams, frostings and meringues, or preparing omelettes. 
• Dough hook: Attachments used for kneading bread or doughs feature a specific spiral or "C" shape. Prepared dough is then ready for the oven or a bread maker. 

Things to Consider Before Buying

Mixers

• Speed: Hand mixers offer an average of nine-speed settings, while stand models go up to 16. Some designs offer a "soft" or "slow start" feature for advanced users. 
• Power: The power range is between 175 and 1000-watts. 
• Stability and Comfort: Stand mixers are constructed to be heavy for added stability. Handheld models should be sufficiently lightweight to hold for 5 or 10 minutes without causing fatigue. Handles pointing toward the front of the mixer are generally more comfortable to grip, while a swivel cord allows more free movement. 

Food Processors

• Motor: Higher horsepower allows more heavy-duty use. Lower horsepower is suitable for small batches of prep work.
• Noise levels: On average, these appliances' loudness ranges between 68 and 90dB. Some models are designed specifically for quiet use, and their noise levels are slightly lower.  

If you need assistance to find the right food processors and mixers for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.