I've never owned a food processor, but we often make stuff where we would like to have one, or skip recipes because it's a bit of a hassle using the equipment we got. We were thinking about getting a small one for chopping cheese, butter, herbs and such, but at the same time wonder if we might as well buy a larger one that has more uses.
I know many cooks has had food processors and not used them, but I think I should at least try it once in my lifetime to see if it will be used or not.
Things I might use it for:
- Making nut butter (almond, peanut etc).
- Chopping and slicing vegetables
- Making salsa, pesto, various pastes, hummus, fish cakes etc.
- Other stuff I can't think of right now
Factors I think about:
- Price is not that important if it's a machine that can be used for a long time. I might also look at second hand. Not that I want to spend more than necessary.
- I like electric equipment that is well built and powerful. Electric kitchen appliances that sounds like it's about to break each time I use it and struggle to do the task is not for me. That's one reason I don't mind putting some money in it. I switched a Kenwood planetary mixer for a Teddy Varimixer, which is a professional machine with less options. It cost 5 times more new (I bought it second hand at 60% of a new one), but is so satisfying to use, and it kneads dough like nothing.
- It's a big plus if everything can be thrown in the dishwasher. More time to make food and be with the family.
- I don't know if I'll want one of the largest machines, both for practicality (counter space, dishwasher space) and the fact that we don't really need to make large batches. The motor might be more powerful in the larger ones though, which is something to keep in mind. But if I can find one that isn't too large, but is well built with a powerful motor, that's preferable.
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