What’s The Difference Between A Food Processor And A Blender?

Food processors and blenders may look very much the same with their sharp blades rotating at high speed. They both operate with an electric motor. Some home cooks and chefs may even advise using a blender in place of a food processor if you do not have one.

However, food processors and blenders are made to serve different purposes. Here, we will get down to the basics to answer your question—what’s the difference between a food processor and a blender?

Let’s begin.

Why Know The Difference?

It is essential to know the difference between food processor and blender. Why? So you would know which one is best for the tasks called for in your recipe. Importantly, you will know which food or ingredients to avoid putting in your appliance.

If you use your machine for its very purpose, you are assured of optimum performance. Also, you should observe proper maintenance procedures so it will last under your care.

Food Processor and Blender Difference

Food Processors

Basically, a food processor can mix or blend dry food or ingredients easily with little or no liquid. It comes with several attachments that will allow you to chop, dice, grate and shred your ingredients.

Among its many uses are to grind meat, mix the dough, shred cheese, and slice, dice, or chop vegetables and fruits.

Indeed, a food processor is an excellent piece of multi-purpose equipment for your kitchen. Then again, not all food processors are created equal. So you should be aware of the specific tasks that your food processor can do. Check your appliance’s user manual for this information.

Also, the capability of your food processor depends on its size.

Now that we touched on the importance of size, let us discuss the two kinds of food processors—mini and full-size.

• Mini food processors can process one to three cups of ingredients. If you have this kind of food processor, you will need to divide and prepare your ingredients into batches. This way, you do not overwhelm the machine. It can work rapidly without missing to process any piece.
  
• Full-sized food processors, on the other hand, can hold five to twenty cups at once. This kind of food processor is ideal for restaurants or if you are in a food venture.

Blenders

A blender is purposely made to prepare liquid-based recipes or desserts, such as smoothies. Although the food processor is also capable to be used for making soups and purees, the blender is still the best choice for these recipes.

Some blenders allow you to drink straight from its mixing cylinder. You can also use its cylinder as a to-go tumbler as it has a cover to protect your drink.

Blenders also come in different sizes. So be sure to use yours according to its capacity.

Conclusion

What's the difference between a food processor and a blender? A blender can handle liquids better than a food processor. Alternatively, the food processor can process food with little liquid involved.

If you are advised to use a blender or a food processor as an alternative for either one, be sure to observe precautionary measures as prescribed in each recipe.

However, it is always best to use your appliances according to their advised purpose and capacity, as indicated in their respective user manuals.