Food Processor Vs Blender Vs Hand Mixer – Which One Should I Buy?

Which kitchen appliance is best for you? As with most things in life, the answer to this question depends on what your priorities are. A food processor, blender and hand mixer all have their merits, so let’s go through them one by one.

Food processors: These machines specialize in chopping, kneading dough, pureeing soup and can be used as an ice-cream maker. They’re heavy duty and powerful – not what you want to use every day but perfect if you’re looking for a durable kitchen tool that will last for years (and offer some creative food possibilities). Usually, they can be bought as an additional accessory to a stand mixer but if you already have one, then it’s probably better to get a food chopper instead.

In some situations, you might find that blending or crushing ice is easier than grinding nuts or quinoa – which is why these appliances are so handy.

Blenders: Nowadays blenders are not only used for blending food but also for creating juices and baby formula! These powerful machines can be used to grind coffee beans and crush ice ahead of time for cocktails. They come packed with all the latest technology (such as a touch screen on the front) and can easily tackle your whole kitchen repertoire, including frozen berries or even giant chunks of ice (if you’re daring).

Hand mixers: These tools are sometimes overlooked when you’re sifting through all the ‘essential’ kitchen gadgets but they definitely shouldn’t be. They’re excellent for everyday tasks and many cooks consider it an essential tool in their culinary arsenal. They’re great for beating eggs, blending dips, mashing potatoes and whipping cream. If you’re not using one yet then give it a try. If you have one then use it more often!

In some situations, you might need to choose between a food processor or the other two appliances – let’s go through some examples where that might happen.

Chopping onions is a good place to start. If you’re a beginner cook or don’t deal with large volumes of onions, then a food processor might be the best bet. You can chop them quickly and then move on to other tasks without the need for large volumes of tears! On the other hand, if you’re an experienced chef who needs to chop lots of onions each day or if you want to try some innovative techniques (such as slicing them into very thin rings), then a blender might be your tool of choice.

Can I chop the onions in the processor or should I transfer them to the blender?

If you are not sure, then don’t do it! Always transfer hot ingredients from food processors to blenders and vice versa.

Can I make crushed ice for cocktails with a hand mixer?

This depends on what you want your drink to be. If you want a frozen cocktail made without ice cream, then yes, you could use a hand mixer; however, if you would like a cocktail with ice cream and crushed nuts (like an old fashioned), then stick with large volumes of crushed ice.

The second question is, if you have a blender, can you just make crushed ice by blending with large chunks of ice? Yes. But it will not be as smooth as one made with a hand mixer or food processor.

Finally, there’s the matter of grinding nuts or pureeing soup – which appliance wins those battles? The answer is the food processor. Almost all food processors come with a built-in blade that’s perfect for grinding nuts or pureeing soup (amongst other tasks). If you don’t have a food processor then you’ll need an additional appliance to do these tasks.

I have a hand mixer but it’s a bit slow, what do I do?

A hand mixer like most other kitchen appliances can be speeded up with an additional attachment. There are some great options available on eBay but it’s also possible to buy a high-quality, dedicated piece of equipment. The KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer – Professional 5 Speed is the best option for newbies looking to achieve professional results with speed and precision. And remember, you can use it in combination with other kitchen appliances to create new and exciting food combinations.

Is it easy to use a food processor? What can I make with it, apart from chopping and pureeing?

Yes! It’s actually very easy to use – just press the button and watch the magic happen. There are various models on the market, but in general they all work the same way. Many entry-level models come with one or two interchangeable blades that can be swapped out depending on what you want to do (grating, slicing, shredding etc.). At the more advanced end of the spectrum are processors that are capable of kneading dough and even making pasta! They’re very versatile indeed but if you’re new to cooking then they might not be your best bet.

Can I make coconut milk in a food processor?

Yes, you can! It’s actually very easy as long as you remember to cover the lid with a dish towel while the machine is running – otherwise, the liquid might overflow and cause your kitchen to get messy.

Food processors are great for making dough too but it’s worth noting that they take some practice before you can get it right. The blade needs to be at just the right angle so the dough doesn’t stick and even then it can be quite hard work. That’s why many bakers still prefer to do their dough by hand.

Final Thoughts:

Getting started with a new kitchen gadget can be a bit intimidating but once you’ve mastered it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

The important thing to remember is that not all kitchens are the same and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Many recipes call for different parts of the food processor due to their varying levels of strength and power.