Multifunctional harvester. How to choose a powerful food processor: an overview of top brands
Numerous electrical "helpers" have settled and taken root in the kitchen. Users appreciated the convenience of a universal machine that combines the work of several devices at once and helps save effort, time, and money.
What is a kitchen machine
Among the multifunctional kitchen appliances, household appliances are well known. food processor. In relation to the kitchen, the names machine and combine are often identified. The machine is distinguished by greater power, bowl volume and dimensions. Functionally, they practically do not differ from each other. A food processor is the generic name for these appliances. With it, you can chop, chop, grind, beat, knead, squeeze. At the same time, the device has a compact size.
Universal kitchen machine
The functions of a meat grinder, mixer, shredder, mixer, blender and other appliances combine universal kitchen machines. Their purpose is to optimize time and space. There are two categories of these appliances: catering machines and household machines. The capacity of the home machine bowl is from 1.5 liters to 6.7 liters. Structurally, devices of both categories are equipped with a single drive and replaceable nozzles.
Kitchen machines for home
A home processor or a home kitchen machine is the dream of many housewives. The cost of the device directly depends on the number of functions. Having studied the components, you can buy an inexpensive harvester with the prospect of expanding functionality by purchasing additional attachments. Future users first need to determine the need to use the combine in everyday life.
Functionality is related to the power of the device. If it is purchased only for chopping vegetables, making juice, then 0.5 kW is the optimal power. If you need a meat grinder function, the power must be at least 1 kW. An important factor is the number of speeds: they can be from 4 to 14. Culinary preferences and cooking technology will prompt the choice of the desired number of speeds.
With nozzles
The most delicious pasta is handmade. It makes no sense to buy a separate device for their preparation. Food processor with pasta attachment - great alternative expensive stationary devices, it is more compact and performs the same functions. The nozzle helps to cook about 14 types of pasta, helps to cut dough products in order to decorate sweet pastries.
This and other processor attachments for the kitchen allow you to significantly expand its functionality. Depending on the model, they may be included in the kit, they can be purchased additionally as needed. For example, a dough attachment may not be needed immediately; its purchase can be envisaged for the future in order to knead the dough quickly and efficiently.
A healthy diet involves eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. Vegetable cutter, multi-cutter will help you quickly chop food. These devices are used for cutting into strips, slices. The kit includes a dicing disc. Knives and graters are made from of stainless steel, therefore, during the cutting process, vitamins are preserved in vegetables and fruits.
mixer machines
The use of a mixer is not limited to mixing products. Lush biscuit, pancake dough, air cream for cakes, berry and cream soufflés, homemade marshmallows, ice cream - all these delicacies are prepared by mixing and whipping products. A blender is not always suitable for these purposes; a kitchen mixer will cope with this task much more efficiently.
The multifunctional food processor is equipped with a bowl, a whisk attachment, an emulsion attachment. When choosing a processor, you should pay attention to the height of the bowl. This is important characteristic, when whipping, the volume of any mixture increases; when mixing liquid products, the mixture should not splatter. A family of 4-6 people will need a bowl with a volume of 3-3.5 liters. The bowl can be made of plastic, glass, stainless steel.
With a meat grinder
The best food processor should help you cook your favorite dishes, meet the culinary preferences of the owners. In food processors, the functions of preparing juice and minced meat are rarely combined. A meat grinder for a kitchen machine is much more often in demand. Minced meat is used to prepare a variety of dishes, it is in demand in the preparation of dietary and baby food. Everyone's favorite homemade cutlets, cabbage rolls, meatballs, dumplings are prepared using minced meat.
Determining parameters for choosing a device with a meat grinder:
- power (not less than 1 kW);
- utility knife;
- their stainless steel bowl;
- rubberized legs;
- quiet work.
With bowl heater
A bright innovation was the kitchen combine with heating. The machine not only mixes, whips products, induction a heating element creates the right temperature for their preparation. Combines with bowl heating have already gained a leading position in the tops of sales. The induction hob saves space, time and dishes. She provides desired mode cooking with an accuracy of 2 ° C, in the heating mode, the function of mixing the products is provided.
The number of nozzles determines the functionality of the device and its cost. You need to select them depending on your culinary preferences. The standard kit includes:
- disc grater;
- spice grinder;
- citrus juicer;
- nozzle for french fries;
- nozzle for cutting slices;
- nozzle for kneading dough;
- berry press.
What does a kitchen machine do
When ordering or buying an appliance, you need to find out what is included in the food processor. Cutting vegetables, fresh juice, ground coffee are just some of its functions. One device helps to quickly prepare a homemade feast, process vegetables for winter preparations, it is easy to follow the principles with it. healthy eating. With a food processor:
- easy to whip cream, cream, proteins;
- cook minced meat;
- chop vegetables for salad, stew, baking, stewing;
- cut cheese, meat products;
- make fresh, fruit cocktails;
- prepare the sauce
- knead the dough.
How to choose a kitchen machine for your home
Market household appliances represented by numerous kitchen processors, each of which is in demand by customers. Therefore, the choice of a kitchen machine is individual. Before making this important acquisition, you should carefully analyze specifications models, their functionality, customer reviews, photos and other important information.
Manufacturer
A review of the information shows that the top models of food processors belong to the global companies Bosch, Braun, Kenwood, Philips. The developers of these companies are constantly improving kitchen appliances, expanding the functionality of the machines. Japanese SUPRA, French Moulinex, Tefal, German Krups are not inferior in quality to kitchen products. Worthy of the attention of buyers is the Turkish manufacturer Sinbo, the American KitchenAid.
Very popular on the market for kitchen appliances Russian trademark VITEK. Multifunctional food processors affordable prices are offered by domestic manufacturers Elekma, Energia KP, Foxtrot Le Chef trademark. Domestic manufacturers occupy a worthy place in the market of kitchen appliances.
Type
Food processors are more commonly associated with bulky appliances, but many modern models ergonomic, compact, comfortable. All models can be divided into three types: shredders, traditional and universal. In the top of sales among shredder models SUPRA CHS-1080, Kenwood KH 180A. Top models of traditional harvesters are Braun FX 3030, Philips HR7605. Bosch MUM 4855, Philips HR 7768 are leading among universal machines.
Housing material
High quality plastic and stainless steel are the materials that are used to make the body of food processors. Models with a plastic case are more in demand. It is easier to clean, more affordable. Models with a stainless steel case are more durable, more reliable, but have significant weight and are more expensive. It is better to choose plastic nozzles for making juices and mashed potatoes, graters and knives for chopping vegetables - made of high-quality stainless steel in order to preserve vitamins. Meat knives should be metal and well sharpened.
bowl material
The combine bowl is made of glass, plastic, stainless steel. Important functional characteristics are impact resistance and thermal stability. It is worth giving preference to glass and steel bowls. They are easy to clean, do not absorb odors, do not interact with products. The process of mixing, grinding food is visible in the glass bowl, it can be placed on a hot stove, in the oven and cooked food is cooked in it.
Number of speeds
Small models of food processors offer two speeds - for processing soft and hard foods. More expensive, multifunctional models have 12 speed settings. Multi-speed models have a step switch for speed adjustment, the combine can have smooth adjustment. For the processing of each type of product, the optimal speed is selected.
bowl capacity
The bowls differ in volume, for compact models it does not exceed 2.5 liters, multifunctional harvesters are equipped with bowls of 2.5 liters or more. There are models equipped with bowls of different materials. A plastic bowl is included in the package of relatively inexpensive combines. When choosing the volume of the bowl, be sure to take into account the number of products that you plan to process, the number of family members.
Power
The engine power range is from 200 to 1000 W, the latest models have power from 1200 W. For effective work of a food processor, it is not so much the power that is important, but its ratio with the volume of the bowl. For a bowl up to 1.5 liters, a power of 250-300 W is sufficient, for a volume of 2 liters - at least 350 W, for 3.5 liters - 750 W or more. The right ratio of engine power and bowl volume will ensure durability kitchen appliance.
Maximum rotation speed
The food processor engine is capable of providing a speed of 12-15 thousand revolutions per minute. Simple models operate at one speed, more advanced ones have a special switch to adjust the speed depending on the type of food and cooking technology. Additional characteristics include operation in the "Pulse" mode, "Short-term acceleration of the engine."
Overload protection
When choosing a model of a food processor, it is very important to pay attention to the presence of a fuse to protect against engine overloads and overheating. In the course of processing a large number of products, with a long turn on, when using the high-speed mode, even the most powerful engine overheats, which can lead to its failure. Therefore, the presence additional protection necessarily.
Rating of kitchen machines
With a huge selection of models, it is not easy to determine which kitchen machine is better. You should start by viewing photos of models, reviews and your own preferences.
Name: Bosch MSM 62020
a brief description of: powerful multifunctional combine (1000 W), volume 3.9 l, blender available, smooth speed control.
Price: 7262 rubles.
Pros: citrus press, 7 special nozzles, for a large number of products, a compartment for a power cord, a place to store nozzles.
Cons: none.
For fans of fresh juices, cocktails, french fries.
Name: Braun FX 3030
Brief description: powerful combine (800 W), volume 2 l, 8 nozzles in total: for shredding products, for kneading dough, universal knife.
Price: 11030 rubles.
Pros: universal juicer, plastic chopper, bowl depth.
Cons: plastic case, device width.
For lovers of dough products, this model is worth buying.
Name: Kenwood KMC 57008
Brief description: powerful combine (1000 W), volume 4.6 l, 7 speeds for kneading and whipping, the presence of a blender.
Price: 71890 rubles.
Pros: stainless steel bowl, glass bowl, overload protection.
Cons: high cost.
Followers of rational nutrition will appreciate the functionality of this model.
Name: Bosch 4406
Brief description: power 500 W, volume 3.9 l, 4 speeds, the presence of a meat grinder, 7 nozzles.
Price: 5668 rubles.
Pros: nozzle for dough, grater, straw shredder.
Cons: plastic case, low power.
The compact model is a popular shredder model.
Name: Philips HR2505/90
Brief description: power 500 W, volume 1.1 l, 2 nozzles (graters).
Price: 2850 rubles.
Pros: automatic speed selection, compact size.
Cons: plastic case.
Video: Nozzles for a Kenwood kitchen machine
The performance of the food processor directly depends on the power of the food processor. The higher this characteristic is, the faster and better the task will be completed. With regular use of the harvester, an increase in power on energy consumption is not significantly reflected. The bulk of the energy is spent directly on the process of processing products, and here it is much more important how long this process lasts - five minutes or fifteen. Power different models combines can vary from 50 to 2000 watts. For a chopper with a bowl volume of up to 2.5 liters, power from 300 W to 500 W is enough. Using such a device, you can chop vegetables, fruits, herbs and boiled meat, but it is not designed for crushing ice and grinding raw meat. If the main bowl is more than two and a half liters, then the motor should be more powerful - from 700 W to 2000 W. Here it will already be possible to make minced meat for cutlets, and chop nuts for the cake.
Speed
Most simple models shredders have no more than two speeds. In order to chop vegetables and mix berries, this is quite enough. The wider the functionality of the combine, the more speeds it provides. You can find a combine with 25 speeds, but for periodic use such a unit is unlikely to be needed, but for those who like to cook, especially according to complex recipes, a large number of speeds will be very useful.
Many food processors additionally have a pulse mode. It is designed to be recycled delicate products, as well as for grinding solid. A short start of the motor allows you to achieve the desired consistency and stop the process in time. This is important, for example, when preparing mousses and soufflés. The pulse mode protects the motor from overheating when crushing ice, grinding coffee, nuts, cereals, beans or peas.
nozzles
The universal food processor can be equipped with a coffee grinder, a grinder for spices, a meat grinder, a juicer, nozzles for making pasta and for cutting french fries. The functionality of the device directly depends on the number of nozzles. If the attachment you need is not included with the food processor, you should not immediately look for another model, since in most cases you can buy it separately.
When buying a meat grinder, it is important to clarify its type. The fact is that almost all bowls are equipped with knives capable of chopping meat, but with such processing, a puree-like mass is obtained, but not classic minced meat. Those who often cook cutlets, dumplings and other minced meat dishes need an auger meat grinder. With a juicer, too, not everything is so simple. Many models have
Control kitchen appliances Bosch is elementary, without complex buttons and levers, the main principle of the developers is an intuitive approach. For safety, all Bosch models have the following function: if the nozzle or blender is not installed correctly, the device will not turn on.
The optimal model for those who truly love cooking and know how to cook is the bosch mum 54240 food processor:
- The new, fifth, Styline series has a powerful 900 W motor with a pulse mode, which allows you to change the speed of processing products (7 speed modes are provided).
- The metal bowl has a volume of almost 4 liters, the blender - 1.25 liters. This is more than enough to prepare various meals for a family of 5.
- The kit includes several attachments: a hook for dense dough, whisks for whipping and cream, a grater for cheese, nuts and chocolate, a double-sided disc grater, a double-sided shredding disc. All nozzles are stored in a special bag.
- Bosch mum 54240 is equipped with a high-quality meat grinder with a metal body and an auger.
- The model also has a juicer to make fresh juices for the whole family every day.
The price of a wonderful kitchen assistant is from 17 to 30 thousand rubles.
Somewhat cheaper, but no worse than this, the bosch mum 4855 food processor. What this model is equipped with:
- The 600W motor provides 4-speed operation.
- The volume of the plastic bowl is 3.9 liters, there is a blender.
- The combine is equipped with the following attachments: for dough, beating, rubbing, universal knife, shredding disc, grater for nuts. Experts note that Bosch combines do an excellent job of kneading dough.
- The Bosch Mum 4855 model, like the previous one, has a meat grinder, but no juicer.
The Bosch 4855 model costs up to 20 thousand rubles.
Bosch appliances are ideal for those who appreciate quality processing products who cook deliciously, spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Bosch appliances extremely rarely fail, and if this happens, then spare parts for the bosch food processor can be found in every service center.
Kenwood Series
Kitchen technique Kenwood traditionally distinguished by excellent quality, reliability, ease of maintenance, the presence of a large number of various functions. One kenwood food processor can replace a range of appliances.
Technical characteristics of Kenwood combines: Kenwood's design meets all modern requirements: compact multifunctional kitchen devices are made of brushed metal or plastic in silver, white or black, which allows them to organically fit into the interior of any style. New items are attracting attention - models made of metal and covered with plastic of different colors: blue, yellow, rich scarlet or multi-colored, called "Barcelona". Most models are equipped with a protection function against accidental activation and incorrect installation of nozzles. Rubberized feet are available on almost all Kenwood models, which increases the safety of the device. The power cord is stored in a special compartment. An interesting difference between Kenwood combines is a special compartment for storing nozzles thought out by the manufacturers, which is located above the motor, which saves space on the kitchen table. Another convenient Kenwood innovation is that some models have built-in electronic scales, which greatly simplifies the process of weighing food before cooking. Kenwood harvesters are offered to customers in several Multipro series, with the name and modification numbers: The simplest models are offered in the Kenwood Compact series, more diverse work options are possible with the Classic. What is a Kenwood Compact food processor: The latest development of the company is Kenwood Multipro Excel. It's not just a kitchen appliance - it's a chef with a stylish die-cast aluminum body. Kenwood manufactures food processors, the official website allows you to find out the exact prices for the entire line and make final choice. Price kitchen machines Kenwood depends on the modification, the simplest cost from 9 thousand rubles, new items - 126.5 thousand rubles. Philips, the award-winning design company, produces elegant food processors in a variety of models to complement any kitchen. The company's products are characterized by durability and excellent quality. What is a Philips food processor: Philips harvesters are divided into the following classes: The small philips HR 760 food processor is able to do what every housewife does every day: beat, mix, grind, grate and chop. Although the power of the device is small - only 350 W, it successfully copes with various tasks, having one speed and a pulse mode. It has 5 steel nozzles: There is no blender in this kit, but all the attachments are conveniently stored in the bowl, and the combine takes up very little space. The price is also low - from 4 thousand rubles.
Philips Series
A multifunctional food processor can become a real helper for every zealous housewife. Unique Device, combining several functions at once, allows you to save money, time and space, and most importantly - to ensure the preparation of dishes for each family member for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In order for the harvester to faithfully serve you for more than one year, be extremely careful at the selection stage suitable model, this will help to satisfy all requests and avoid possible disappointment in the future. Some simple tips choosing a kitchen unit will greatly simplify your choice.
Deciding on a purchase
So, choosing a multifunctional is not easy. There are many characteristics that need to be considered in order to determine ideal model. Among them:
- Functionality (the number of tasks that the combine can solve).
- Dimensions (dimensions and weight).
- Price.
- Practicality (requirements for storage, use and operation).
- Power.
- Appearance and more.
Main criterion
Most people, when choosing a multifunctional food processor, pay the main attention to the number of additional attachments. Nowadays, household appliances stores offer models with a variety of elements that combine the following functions:
- Shredding vegetables and fruits for salads, as well as slicing.
- Grinding products according to the principle of a grater.
- Test preparation.
- Chopping greens and nuts.
- Squeezing juice (two nozzles can be included in the kit, general and individual for citrus fruits).
- Grinding cereals, spices.
- Ice cream preparation.
- French fries shredder.
- Preparation of sauces, mayonnaise, vegetable or fruit puree.
A good multifunctional food processor can work as a shaker, coffee grinder and, of course, a meat grinder. It must be taken into account that each new function adds cost to the device, and also requires more engine power. 
About working capacity
The multifunctional food processor consists of three main parts. This is an electric motor, additional nozzles and the actual working container or bowl itself. As a rule, there can be several bowls, but not more than 3, complete with the device. For their manufacture, durable high-quality plastic, metal or glass is used. Each material requires compliance certain conditions operation. For example, metal containers are not recommended to be placed in microwave ovens.
The bowls differ among themselves not only in material and volume, but also in a number of other quality characteristics. Depending on the combine model, they may have the following properties:
- Impact resistance.
- Resistance to high temperatures(as a rule, up to plus 80 degrees, boiling water should not come into contact with the container).
- Resistance to low temperatures(as a rule, up to minus 5, which means that the bowl can be safely placed in the refrigerator to store food in it).
There are also standard requirements to the bowls. They should be strong enough and not attacked by acids, ideally with removable handles and a lid. Worst and most a budget option- a container made of non-tempered glass, it is the most fragile and requires frequent replacement.
We invite you to read more detailed information about container material:
- Plastic (plastic). Light weight and affordable. Can be used to heat food in the microwave and be exposed to hygienic treatment in dishwasher. At low quality, it deteriorates from exposure to high or low temperatures.
- Glass. Heavier and more expensive. In good performance should be resistant to mechanical influences and high temperature.
- From stainless steel. One of the most best options, durable, lightweight, resistant to shock, low or high temperatures.
About motor power
Power also plays a significant role, because the efficiency of the device largely depends on this indicator. As a rule, a multifunctional food processor is characterized by a power of at least 700 W; such units also most often have impressive dimensions and working capacity.
At small sizes combine and a bowl volume of up to 2 liters, an indicator of 400 W will be very acceptable. We should not forget that the higher the power of the device, the faster it does its job.
About advanced options
When choosing a multifunctional food processor, few people attach importance to such parameters as weight and dimensions, usually they fade into the background and give way to the power and functionality of the device. However, they are no less important and require study before making an expensive purchase.
Harvesters can be stored both assembled and disassembled, the first option, of course, is more reasonable. Consider in advance whether there is in your kitchen free place for the maintenance of a small-sized unit. If you plan to take the device with you on vacation or to the country, it should be as compact and light in weight as possible.
On average, harvesters are presented in the range from 3 to 9 kilograms. Heavy appliances should be used strictly stationary, most often they are stored on tables and work surfaces that can withstand such a load. 
A multifunctional food processor with a meat grinder and a number of other additional attachments must be kept clean. Please note that some models should only be washed by hand, while others can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Information about this is given in the instruction manual for the product.
Bosch products
The products of the well-known Bosch company are in the greatest demand today. Despite the solid prices, the products of this company are of high quality and functionality, it can serve you for a long time.
The features of such equipment include the compactness of the models and low power, which does not affect the efficiency of the tasks.
How to choose the multifunctional most positive reviews received models 4655, 4675 and 4756. All devices are similar to each other, the first two differ in the material of the working container (plastic and metal, respectively), and the third has an additional nozzle for obtaining juice from citrus fruits.
If you are planning to purchase a meat chopping machine, pay attention to the multifunctional food processor with meat grinder Bosch Profi Mix 46. The only disadvantage of such a device is its considerable size, however, the abundance of various functions, thoughtfulness and high quality make it indispensable assistant in the kitchen.
Products "Kenwood"
Do not want to buy a Bosch multifunctional food processor? Pay attention to the technique from Kenwood. Currently, this brand is considered one of the best in the market of home appliances for the kitchen. Combines of this company differ increased power and functionality, are truly reliable and versatile.
The most popular model from Kenwood is the Prospero KM-266. This unit allows you to knead the dough, works as a juicer and meat grinder. Alternative option- KMS010. Its main advantage is a bowl of impressive volume, modern design and high efficiency.
Products "Mulinex"
If you are looking for budget, but high-quality models of household appliances, pay attention to the Mulinex multifunctional food processor. The company brings to the attention of the general public inexpensive devices that have the basic necessary nozzles, as well as the functions of a meat grinder and blender. The average price of such combines is only three thousand rubles. Before purchasing a particular model, it is advisable to clarify reviews about it, because low cost may be evidence of unsatisfactory quality.
"Chef Bullet Express"
An excellent assistant can be a multifunctional food processor "Chef Bullet Express". The cost of the device ranges from 6000 to 8000 rubles. Powerful (700 W), but compact in size, the unit is capable of:
- Grind vegetables, fruits, cheese and nuts.
- Break ice.
- Grind coffee.
- Prepare puree.
- Knead the dough for pizza, desserts, bread.
The device combines the functions of a blender, chopper, juicer and mixer. It is recommended to wash it by hand, without resorting to using a dishwasher. The body and bowl of the combine (its volume is 1.8 liters) are made of high quality and durable plastic, electronic control. 
Instead of a conclusion
When choosing a multifunctional combine, be extremely careful. Remember that each additional feature increases its already considerable cost. The most popular is a multifunctional food processor with a meat grinder.
Be sure to pay attention to the dimensions of the device, its power and weight, quality characteristics bowls, storage and operation conditions. Considering all these conditions will help you get the most out of an expensive purchase and optimize your home cooking to the right level.
Sooner or later, any woman thinks about buying this unit. Regardless of whether you like to cook or not, at least a couple of times a day the family sits down at the table to eat. Even if the family consists of only one person - you personally, you still need to cook a variety of dishes, since scrambled eggs and instant noodles get bored pretty quickly. In this article, we'll show you how to choose a food processor that will turn your time at the stove into your own personal time - something you can spend as you see fit.
Combine - in every kitchen!
The combine is necessary first of all for those who have a large family, and they have to cook often and in large portions. Agree, daily friction-slicing is so tiring that sometimes carefully cooked food does not seem tasty to you. The food processor will help you cope with a large amount of kitchen work. It will become an assistant in preparing delicious meals for the whole family.
Decide on the purpose of the purchase
Standard set of nozzles: disc grater, disc emulsifier, metal knife, dough mixer
A combine is a unit that can perform many functions. The set includes a bowl, chopper, vegetable cutter with various attachments. Even the most simple and inexpensive combine can grate vegetables, mix a cocktail, make a pate.
Before you go to the store to choose a food processor, decide for what purpose you need this unit. If it is needed only to cut vegetables, berries and fruits, it is quite possible to do inexpensive model. These combines are small, take up little space on the table, are easy to use, easy to disassemble and wash. Take into account the size of your kitchen: if it is small, a large multifunctional processor will look ridiculous on it. The more functions an aggregate has, the more space need on the table to place it. You will hardly be satisfied with the purchase of a combine that will clutter up the entire table, and you will use only two or three functions out of ten possible.
The main criteria for choosing a food processor are performance, the number of working functions that you need, ease of operation, storage and maintenance (the presence of containers for storing nozzles, easy disassembly, ease of washing), and, of course, safety and reliability (the processor must be designed in such a way so that there is no danger to humans).
On the Russian market There are many models available and this is the reason why choosing a food processor is becoming more and more difficult. The price range of units is from 600 to 30,000 rubles. The price depends on the power, the number of nozzles, the size of the working capacity, and, of course, the brand. To choose a model with the best combination of price and quality, you need to have an idea of how to choose a food processor.
Functional filling of the food processor
Even the most simple and inexpensive processor can grate vegetables, mix a cocktail and make a pate.
There is a standard set of nozzles that are included in almost all harvesters. These are a grater disk, an emulsifier disk, a metal knife, a dough mixer. As a rule, such a complete set (sometimes with the addition of a nozzle for whipping creams) is limited to compact models. Multipurpose harvesters can please additional features. Such a unit will become the best assistant to the hostess, especially she will be happy to buy blanks for the winter during the season.
The two-bladed stainless steel knife cuts food quickly. The lower the speed, the coarser the grind will be. This knife is great for chopping vegetables and meat. But there is a dependence on the shape and volume of the bowl. If the bowl is tall and narrow, and the knife is small, you need to lay food in small portions.
A circular cutter with a diagonal slot will help to chop and cut into slices. Often there are two such knives in the kit (or one knife with the ability to adjust its position in order to get several modes).
It’s good if there are two grater discs in the kit so that you can grate coarsely and finely. You can cut vegetables into cubes or strips using a special insert in a grater disk or a disk for cutting french fries.
Professionally whips and makes various sauces with a special emulsifier disc. With its help, you can whip the cream, make mayonnaise, cook batter. In expensive models of combines, there are also metal whisks for whipping. They perform the same functions.
A blender bowl is needed for making cocktails, pancake dough (liquid). If there is a need to knead shortbread or dough, it is best to do this with a special dough mixer nozzle, which looks like a spatula or a curved hook. A lifesaver for young mothers will be a maxi-press, with which it is easy to prepare dishes for the smallest - mousses from berries and fruits, mashed vegetables.
Many models of harvesters also include a small mill that grinds herbs, onions and garlic, nuts, and dried fruits.
Press for citrus squeeze maximum amount juice from lemons, grapefruits, oranges. There are models of food processors that are additionally equipped with a device for squeezing juice from hard fruits(Brown K700), and there are models with a meat grinder (Moulinex combines). Manufacturers usually do not mix these two functions in one unit, so you will have to choose what is more necessary for your family: juice or meatballs. There are models of combines, a meat grinder for which you can buy separately. When choosing a unit, check whether it is possible to purchase a meat grinder, whether there are nozzles for it.
A bowl blender is useful for making cocktails and kneading dough.
How to choose the right food processor: the main criteria
- Notice the bowl
Most often, plastic, metal or glass are used for the bowl. But there are bowls made of impact-resistant material that can be put in the dishwasher and microwave. Ideally, if there are several bowls in the combine - for meat, dough, vegetables.
- Power
This figure for food processors ranges from 450 to 1000 watts. The power indicator of the combine must correspond to the capacity of the bowl. The optimal ratio is 700W / 3L, 400W / 2L, 300W / 1.5L. The greater the power of the combine, the more products it can process per unit of time, so it makes no sense to buy a combine with less power in order to save electricity - the costs will be approximately the same.
- Rotational speed
The combine can have several speeds - from 2 to 14. Than more speeds, the easier it is to maintain the optimal mode for cooking in the processor. High speed necessary for grinding solid foods, low is suitable for whipping.
- Compactness and weight
These criteria will be important to you if you plan to place the processor on a small cutting table or will put it away in a cabinet every time you finish work. The compactness of the food processor depends on where the attachments are stored. Some devices have built-in drawers, there are combines with separate drawers, and there are no drawers at all, in which you need to determine the storage location of nozzles, based on imagination and possibilities (many store them right in the combine bowl and take them out whenever you need to use the unit) . In terms of weight, food processors can weigh between 3 and 9 kg.
- additional characteristics
Most harvesters have pulse mode– a button that allows you to speed up the normal operation mode by a short time. Another important addition is the security lock. If any nozzles are installed incorrectly, the unit simply will not turn on. Stability is provided by rubber feet or a special rubber ring around the bottom of the bowl.
Which company to give preference: an overview of brands
Combine Bosch MUM 86R1
Manufacturers use dual drive technology, which allows two bowls of the device to work simultaneously. There is a maxi-press nozzle, which will allow you to prepare the most delicate puree. Every second model has a pulse mode function, and the most expensive combines are equipped with touch controls. It is possible to program the speed, in addition, there are already configured modes for a certain weight of the product and the degree of grinding.
The Bosch MUM 86R1 combine is recognized as the most powerful food chopping unit in the world! Some experts put this unit in first place in terms of safety.
Brown
Harvester Braun K700
The Brown K700 combine harvester model is considered optimal in terms of price and quality among consumers and experts. It has a lot of useful attachments for cutting, whipping, kneading dough, chopping meat. The set includes a juicer and a citrus press. It is possible to purchase whisks in addition to the service center like a mixer. The processor has two bowls, one for 2 liters, the second for 500 ml. The first is for cooking. You can make a cocktail in it, knead the dough, chop the meat, chop the vegetables for the salad. The second bowl is ideal for cutting small portions of vegetables, chopping herbs, preparing baby food. There is no box for nozzles in this model, so they need space (there are a lot of nozzles). Combine Brown K700 is quite easy to use and easy to clean under running water or in the dishwasher. There is protection against accidental inclusion, in case of overheating (when long work) the combine turns off.
Moulinex
Moulinex harvesters are compact and functional
The combines of this company are multifunctional and relatively inexpensive. Works great as a meat grinder and blender. Perfect Choice for those who cook simple meals for big family. The combine will cut the potatoes, chop the meat, beat the dough for the biscuit. The indisputable advantage of the unit is that all nozzles immediately fall into place, thanks to a system of special guides. It is very easy to assemble and disassemble the harvester. Some blender handles and bowls are removable for easy storage. Moulinex combines are quite compact and fit perfectly into a small kitchenette.
Kenwood
Kenwood harvesters are distinguished by their high power, capacious bowl and stylish design. For example, in the KM 266 model, the bowl and the body of the unit are made of stainless steel. There is a universal knife, a dough nozzle, a shredding disk, a grater, whipping nozzles. The set includes a meat grinder and a juicer.
Philips
Philips harvesters are equipped with the unique SmartControl system
Combines of this brand are equipped with the most advanced technologies. Thanks to the unique SmartControl system, automatic settings are set for each mode. TV and radio interference levels are reduced. Components can be washed in the dishwasher, there is also an easy clean button. Another advantage of the combine is a holder for storing attachments. The package of some models includes a meat grinder, there are models with a juicer. The manufacturer is not in favor of mixing these two functions in one unit.
Choosing this unit is not easy. After all, you need to study a lot of information on how to choose a food processor, which company’s equipment is better to buy, and read consumer reviews. Do not take the unit at random, because you get it for more than one year. Let the food processor you prefer be your faithful and reliable assistant.