What is the Difference Between a Food Processor and a Blender?

A food processor and a blender are somewhat similar in what they do. A food processor is typically an electric device that has a set of interchangeable components ” blades, knives and mixing attachments. It sits stationary on a tabletop and can be used to shred and chop food such as vegetables, mix ingredients ” say for a dough, it may also be able to grind things such as nuts and puree soft food. It is usually capable of operating on dry ingredients. There are many types of food processors available today. They differ in the power of their electric motor, the size of the main bowl and the range of attachments available. If you intend to do things such as mincing meat, for example, you need a powerful motor and a food processor with the right type of attachments. Blenders tend to require liquid ingredients. They use a single type of blade and operate in an upright position. A typical blender can be used to make shakes, puree food, mix drinks and cocktails. A well equipped kitchen will most likely have one of each. A food processor would be a bit odd making a cocktail, say. A blender has its main container, made of glass, plastic or stainless steel, easily removable and drinks can be quickly and conveniently poured into glasses. There are many products available on the market in both categories. You need to consider the amount of food you need to process, the type of food and of course your budgetary constraints to make the best choice.

There is more than a single difference between a food processor and a blender, but the most significant difference, in my opinion, is that blender requires the use of some amount of liquid to work effectively. This is because the blender blades are not as powerful as those in a food processor and therefore, all the challenges presented by less powerful blades applies, including that the motor of the blender will burn out if you run it without sufficient water or other liquid. Many food processors have more blade alternatives than blenders. This choice means that food processors will cut, or chop your food differently from blenders. Remember, the blender is called a “blender” and although it can “chop” in terms of making a soft item into a pulverized liquid, it can’t distinguish between slice or liquefy. Everything the blender does is designed to make a mashed potato consistency semi-liquid out of ingredients you put into the blender. Food processors are really not “blenders,” they are designed to take ingredients and chop them up into different sliced shapes. Food processors are great for achieving uniformity in your chopped items so that your carrots and potatoes can be separated into complementary sizes, but they are designed to mix up your ingredients like a blender. Food processors are probably better thought of as a great set of knives for dealing with your whole ingredients and making them into some smaller shape. Blenders are designed to mix stuff together and though they can mix things less well and more well, based on the setting you select, they are designed to mix everything together.