Why do you need a blender and a food processor all at once?
First-time blender food processor buyers usually wonder what the fuss is all about. Well, time and convenience are number one reasons. Instead of having to operate and clean two or more appliances, the blender-processor is a “one-stop-shop” – and more! They make cooking easier and promote healthy-living by assisting you in creating nutritious drinks, sauces, soups, dips, and more.
Buying a blender-processor from the start saves you time and money since you don’t have to purchase multiple appliances to test and use for your kitchen needs. Are you wondering how you can save money? When you start to research (if you haven’t already), you will be surprised to see that single blenders and food processors can cost just as much – sometimes more – than blender food processors!
Features to consider before buying a blender food processor
Since blender food processors are all-in-once appliances, they must provide multiple features to serve both blending and processing operations. Before you spend money on your blender food processor, consider these essential features to look for below!
Motor power
The first feature to consider in a blender food processor is the motor power – usually measured in watts. Often, buyers think bigger means better. This idea can be true to an extent, it all depends on what you need from the processor. Smaller motors can produce great textures for smoothies, like the Ninja QB900B.
However, if you plan to pulverize large portions of ice or chopping vegetable chunks, a stronger motor may be required. In this case, you should compare strong motors found in blender-processors like the Oster Pro 1200 – the blender has the strongest motor power in the list for large capacities and versatile operations. Overall, what you expect to do with the appliance will determine the motor power you need.
Pitcher material and capacity
Next, you need to look at the pitcher material and capacity. The pitcher is usually plastic or glass. Both materials offer pros and cons. Glass is generally always dishwasher safe and sturdy but can be heavy and break if accidentally dropped. Plastic is more lightweight and can sustain falls better but is not always dishwasher safe and can sometimes crack during operations.
Pitcher capacity varies in size which can be determined by your needs. If you are only making enough servings for one or two people, Hamilton Beach 58163 40-ounce pitcher would be a good choice. The pitcher is large enough to make plenty of smoothies or creations without having to take up more space than needed. However, if you want serving sizes for a family – or large enough portions to pre-make – the bigger, the better. For instance, the Ninja BL700 has a 72-ounce pitcher capacity. Keep in mind; the larger pitchers will require more storage and counter space.
Chopping bowl capacity
The processing part of your blender food processor will come with a chopping bowl attachment. A chopping bowl is necessary to help chop and break down vegetables and fruit that are too large for the blender to blend whole.
Using the chopping bowl beforehand not only makes mixing easier but the results smoother. Like the pitcher, the chopping bowl has a capacity limit. The bigger the portions, the larger of capacity is required.
Portions can depend on what you need, such as a few pieces of fruit for a smoothie or a large variety of garden veggies to make a lasting salsa. The average capacity for blender food processors is 40 ounces. However, there are some size variances. If you don’t need a middle-large chopping bowl capacity, the Cuisinart BFP-703BC has a 48-ounce capacity while the Ninja BL770 has a whopping 64-ounce processing bowl!
Number of speeds
Next, you will have to choose between different speeds. Some blender food processors are as simple as pushing down to control the operation. Others have preprogrammed settings and speeds. Having preprogrammed options allows you to have food, ice, and other ingredients blended at certain speeds for desired textures and smoothness. If you plan on using your product for a variety of creations – smoothies, soups, salsas, sauces, and more – it will be helpful to have multiple settings. For example, the Oster Pro 1200 Blender has over six different speeds!
Dishwasher safe parts
Every blender processor will require cleaning after use for sanitary reasons. If you need a quick cleanup, you will appreciate products that have dishwasher-safe parts. Instead of taking time to handwash, you can throw the parts in the dishwasher without worry.
However, not every product has this feature, or only certain parts of the product are dishwasher safe. When reviewing product descriptions, check for this feature if it is important to you.
Warranty terms
Warranties are designed to protect your purchase in case of accident and accidents or even faulty products occur. Overlook the fine print of the warranty to ensure you are satisfied. Some only last a year while others have extended options. For example, the Cuisinart BFP-703BC has a three-year limited warranty while the Oster Pro 1200 Blender offers a generous ten-year warranty! Additionally, review the details discussing what the warranty covers, so you know it is worth the purchase.
Extra features
Finally, you should consider the additional features a blender processor includes while shopping. Do you want to-go cups for convenience? Will your creations require extra blades, different blade assemblies (total crushing is ideal for blending smoothies), or settings? Other additional features can include easy pour spouts or slip guards. Even if you only need simple operations from your product, it’s a good idea to see what features will be helpful for you. For example, the Hamilton Beach 58163 has a food processing kit, and the Ninja Foodi Blender HB152 has a tamper and a cleaning brush.
What are do’s and don’ts when using a blender food processor?
When you are using your blender food processor, there are do’s and don’ts to follow. DO follow the instructions of the product, such as capacity limitation because you risk breaking the blender food processor. For example, the Hamilton Beach 58163 has a small processing bowl capacity. Instead of stuffing it for larger portions, divide the portions into groups. DO use care during washing and disassembly to avoid injury. Products like the Cuisinart BFP-703BC have sharp discs and blades. Also, open the blender – when using hot liquid – away from your face because of possible steam. Likewise, always operate with the cover on.
Several DON’TS include:
- Attempt to override the cover interlock mechanism
- Incorrectly using blade assemblies outside of their purpose
- Handle the blades while the product is plugged-in
- Sticking utensils in the product while the motor is operating
Continuing to use the blender with a compromised cord
