Info-Authority: Food Processors

Food processors have been the trusty sidekick of the all-American housewife since the 1970s, when United States inventor Carl Sontheimer sold his design to kitchen appliance company, Cuisinart. First introduced to Americans in 1973, the food processor instantly reduced the time it took to prepare food. A food processor is a small, motor-powered kitchen appliance with interchangeable, rotating blades that chop, blend, or dice food. The standalone appliance is less likely to hold a central place in the modern kitchen, as homemade cooking is increasingly replaced by ready-made, shop-chopped, convenience foods. Smaller alternatives such as mini-choppers and hand blenders are also taking the place of the food processor in many kitchens.

Types of Food Processors

Food processors come in three sizes: full, compact and mini. Once just mass-produced in white, hard plastic, they now come in a wide range of colors and styles. Food processors range from cheap, light-duty models for basic kitchen needs, to heavy, multi-functional thousand-dollar machines for the consummate entertainer. Generally, the more powerful the motor, the more expensive the machine. Whole fruits and vegetables take just seconds to shred or slice. Newer models can knead dough and have whisk attachments to fluff egg whites. Full-sized machines, with large powerful motors can weigh more than 20lbs (9kg). The weight adds stability while the motor is running. A removable plastic bowl locks onto a revolving shaft that runs up from the motor and powers the blades. The standard blade for a food processor is an s-shaped blade, also known as a sabatier blade. The shredding and slicing discs sit at the top of the bowl, over the shaft. The lid locks onto the plastic bowl, an action which automatically turns on the motor in many older models. Newer models have an on/off switch or button.

Dominant brands are Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, and KitchenAid. Several companies have introduced multi-functional models that allow the processing bowl to be interchanged with a blender that uses the same motor.

Selecting a Food Processor

The wide range of food processors on the market can make choosing difficult. For the consummate entertainer who regularly cooks for a crowd, the bigger 11 to 14 cup units would be most suitable. They tend to be pricier and heavier than smaller models, but will be able to process large quantities of food much faster. A mid-sized model takes around seven cups and would suit most kitchen tasks. Food processors normally have two speeds: on and pulse. Pulse is used for more accurate control by allowing you to run the machine in brief seconds. Machines that have more speeds than simply “high” and “low” do not tend to be superior performers. It may also be helpful to note feed tube sizes. Machines with larger tubes will save you the hassle of having to cut up potatoes or apples to fit down the chute.

By Louise Bleakley




	Food Processors Food processors have been the trusty sidekick of the all-American housewife since the 1970s, when United States inventor Carl Sontheimer sold his design to kitchen appliance company, Cuisinart. First introduced to Americans in 1973, the food processor instantly reduced the time it took to prepare food. A food processor is a small, motor-powered kitchen appliance with interchangeable, rotating blades that chop, blend, or dice food. The standalone appliance is less likely to hold a central place in the modern kitchen, as homemade cooking is increasingly replaced by ready-made, shop-chopped, convenience foods. Smaller alternatives such as mini-choppers and hand blenders are also taking the place of the food processor in many kitchens. Types of Food Processors Food processors come in three sizes: full, compact and mini. Once just mass-produced in white, hard plastic, they now come in a wide range of colors and styles. Food processors range from cheap, light-duty models for basic kitchen needs, to heavy, multi-functional thousand-dollar machines for the consummate entertainer. Generally, the more powerful the motor, the more expensive the machine. Whole fruits and vegetables take just seconds to shred or slice. Newer models can knead dough and have whisk attachments to fluff egg whites. Full-sized machines, with large powerful motors can weigh more than 20lbs (9kg). The weight adds stability while the motor is running. A removable plastic bowl locks onto a revolving shaft that runs up from the motor and powers the blades. The standard blade for a food processor is an s-shaped blade, also known as a sabatier blade. The shredding and slicing discs sit at the top of the bowl, over the shaft. The lid locks onto the plastic bowl, an action which automatically turns on the motor in many older models. Newer models have an on/off switch or button. Dominant brands are Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, and KitchenAid. Several companies have introduced multi-functional models that allow the processing bowl to be interchanged with a blender that uses the same motor. Selecting a Food Processor The wide range of food processors on the market can make choosing difficult. For the consummate entertainer who regularly cooks for a crowd, the bigger 11 to 14 cup units would be most suitable. They tend to be pricier and heavier than smaller models, but will be able to process large quantities of food much faster. A mid-sized model takes around seven cups and would suit most kitchen tasks. Food processors normally have two speeds: on and pulse. Pulse is used for more accurate control by allowing you to run the machine in brief seconds. Machines that have more speeds than simply “high” and “low” do not tend to be superior performers. It may also be helpful to note feed tube sizes. Machines with larger tubes will save you the hassle of having to cut up potatoes or apples to fit down the chute. By Louise Bleakley Related Links: Wikipedia - Food Processors Wikipedia definition of food processor.