How to Shop for a Food Processor

A food processor can be a very valuable workhorse in the kitchen. It can also be a money saver. Purchasing whole heads of cabbage and whole carrots can be a lot less expensive than buying them already shredded. It's important to know what to look for though. Not all food processors are created equal and some even lack the tools to get most jobs done. Here are some useful tips to remember when shopping for a food processor.

Consider the Bowl Size

For most tasks, a small bowled processor will do just fine. But, when you actually need a big bowl, you really need it. That's why it's essential to buy a food processor that has a large enough bowl. I highly recommend a model with a 14 cup bowl. This large size bowl will allow you to shred large amounts of produce, but will also allow you to make pie crust and puree large batches of soup. If you really want a small bowl, for smaller tasks, look for a food processor that comes with different sized bowls or has an insert for smaller tasks.

Purchase a Model With Several Blades

A shredding and slicing blade will be used most often when using a food processor. Purchasing a model that only comes with this type of blade is a big mistake. A dough blade is what really makes a food processor a workhorse in the kitchen. The dough blade is needed to make pie dough and (if the food processor is strong enough) bread dough. Some models will sell these blades separately, but I recommend buying a model that includes this much needed accessory.

Pick a Powerful Model

A food processor needs to be powerful to make it through hard vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes. Not having enough power will wreck the motor in a short amount of time. A food processor with at least 500 watts is essential, unless you just want to shred lettuce. Some high end models feature motors that are more powerful, but they can be a lot more expensive.

Look for a Large Feeding Shoot

A food processor is worthless if you have to cut food into small pieces to make it fit. Some brands of food processors feature feeding shoots large enough for whole tomatoes. This is an excellent feature if you want a nice sliced tomato that doesn't fall apart. This is also a good idea because blocks of cheese are easier to fit into the shoot.

Read the Reviews

Lastly, the most important thing you need to remember when shopping for a food processor is to read the reviews. A food processor may have all the features listed above and still be a waste of money because of poor craftsmanship. And, don't think that just because the model is made by a well known brand, and costs a lot of money, that it's a good buy. Some of the most expensive food processors also have bad reviews. Reviews are easy to find online and many only stores feature product reviews from their shoppers. Take a moment to read these reviews so that you make the most educated purchase.