Types of food processors, their purpose and main functions
The most desirable universal helper in any kitchen is a food processor - a household appliance, specializing in food processing. Grind, mix, chop and even squeeze the juice - this device is capable of many things. But to understand, which device from the numerous assortment presented in the market will be suitable for your kitchen, you need to have an idea about that, what is a food processor, and what functions it has.
The essence of the device
Unambiguously, techniques of French roots: many suggest, that its inventors were monks from this country, used similar shredders for winemaking. According to another version, Karl Sontheimer became the "father" of the unit, again French. And another representative of this nation, Pierre Verdun, founder of Robot Coupe, "Suspected" of implementing technology in everyday kitchen life.
Be that as it may, the invention proved to be really useful. Especially considering, that it combines the functions of a large number of kitchen appliances:
- graters;
- blender;
- meat grinders;
- vegetable slicers;
- juicers;
- dough mixer.
Almost all such devices (even from different manufacturers) in design similar to each other. Some of them have several bowls, others - a large number of nozzles. The differences of food processors are in the following points.
- The size of the bowl. This parameter forms not only the number of eaters, for which food is prepared in the technique - even more products will fit here.
- The power of the device directly depends on its capabilities - most often it is from 550 to 1000 W. Example, when working with the test, it can not be small.
- It is recommended to use your own speed for each product - in some models their range reaches 14. This affects the number of dishes, which can be prepared using the technique.
- Advanced functionality, which determines the possibilities of the food processor. Usually, in such models there is an additional complete set of nozzles.
- Convenience and safety.
Classification of such units
There are the following types of food processors:
- multifunctional options;
- meat grinder kit + blender ";
- mini-models;
- hand-held devices;
- highly specialized: for a certain slicing.
All in one
This option will outperform all other types of features - there are all possible options - from grinders to blenders. This means the presence of a speed switch, big bowl and power, which exceeds 700 Wat.
Most of the available models in the market range have such a basic set: disk-grater, stainless steel knife, dough mixer, disk emulsifier. The following additions may be present: than, has a double blade, blender cup, citrus press and mill (in the form of a centrifuge).
One of the main advantages of the universal and multifunctional device is a big bowl, which can be made of plastic, glass or stainless steel. Often such utensils are removable, and therefore convenient in care and storage.
The main bonus is the processing of a large number of products. in addition, in addition, you can always buy replaceable nozzles. Usually manufacturers try to additionally protect devices from overheating and breakage. By the way, despite the bulk, all components are easy to remove and rinse if necessary.
There are some drawbacks. The obvious include the immobility of the device and its large size, which stops the owners of small kitchens from buying such devices. Separately, it is about the cost - many of the proposals are not among the budget.
Meat grinder + blender
The purpose of this device is to help prepare various meat dishes and purees. This will save you money on buying two different devices. Reception, even in the combine itself, there may be different types of components.
- Meat grinders can be auger and percussion. In the first case, the meat will be guided by a spiral shaft (further to the knife and lattice). In the shock version, the product will be processed with special knives, which expel excess fluid from the meat.
- The blender used in such a unit can be immersion or stationary. In the first case, it is completely lowered into the bowl, and it has the maximum effect on all present products. Stationary will only mix and beat the ingredients on the surface.
What a beautiful device? Its presence will make forcemeat of necessary density, despite the density of the meat, there are cartilages with veins. However, with the bone structure is more difficult - if you hit even small parts, the technique will stop.
Topical advice - in such models should focus on power from 600 W. Often, the options are also equipped with nozzles for squeezing the juice. And such a combine will cost less than an electric one.
There are also disadvantages - the design gains extra weight. And the power of the meat grinder itself will be many times less than usual. It is worth mentioning the device for such equipment.
- Perforations have a diameter of holes from 3 to 8 mm. the smallest size is suitable for pate, and more is intended for chicken or ground beef. Pork, dried fruits, hard cheeses and so on grind on lattices with holes more 8 mm.
- There are devices for making sausages. With their help shells are filled and the corresponding products are prepared.
- Kebe-nozzle is needed to obtain hollow options.
Kebe nozzle for hollow products
Miniature models
These options are suitable for small kitchens. You need to be ready for that right away, that they will have very limited functionality. The volume of the bowl will not exceed and 2,5 l, and the power will not rise higher 650 W. The cost is also quite affordable, and the device itself fully copes with the tasks set before it.
Usually the basic set of such device includes a shredder of fruits and vegetables. There are also options with options for kneading the dough, squeezing juice and meat grinder.
Hand harvesters
This device is not automated, and some effort is needed to launch it. There are also positive moments here:
- independence from the grid;
- mobility (you can take with you to the country);
- full control at all stages of the process.
Narrowly specialized devices
Often such a food processor has narrowly limited functions - that is, to a greater extent, slicing products in the form of straws, squares and cubes. But in addition, some models have nozzles for cutting. Often such units are supplemented with a juicer, meat grinder and blender.
Such shredders are a device with one bowl and an electric drive. Knives are located in the bowl, there you can insert other options for nozzles. The principle of operation is as follows: the products are placed inside and closed with a lid. The more powerful the device, the more efficient the processing. You should listen to such advice:
- for solid products use a separate nozzle;
- the lid must be tightly closed, otherwise the appliance will not work.
As a bonus - this device is convenient to store, it significantly saves space. The combine is also inexpensive and easy to operate and operate. It is mobile and safe to use, they can be used at least daily, processing small volumes of products.
However, such a device will not be able to handle slicing meat and cheese like that, so that they come out equal to the same plates. It is difficult for him to process large pieces of food. For chopping different kinds of nuts, coffee beans and cereals should also not be included. It is not recommended to knead the dough. And many users are not satisfied with the small number of speeds of the device.
What devices can be included in such a device? Including:
- disk version of the knife, having cuts for the diagonals (shred cabbage and salads);
- disk for slicing french fries;
- cube cutting (disk) for cheese and vegetables;
- disk with small holes (cut into strips);
- multifunctional double-sided disk (one side will slice into slices, the second is needed for rubbing);
- double-sided disk for cutting;
- disc grater (prepares vegetable puree);
- another disc grater, but already for hard cheeses and chocolate.
Dough mixers
The use of these devices is relevant for those, who likes to bake. It can work with fresh, and yeast dough, sandy, jellied and hard word, of any kind and texture. In addition to the kneading itself, there are often other useful options - from blender to curling irons (that will come in handy when working with cookies).
Very comfortable, when the nozzle is represented by a hook, instead of a shovel - in this case flour and dough practically do not remain on walls of a bowl of electric devices.
Juicer and other functions
It is necessary to tell about one more talent - possibilities of technics to squeeze out juice. In this case, the smart car will be presented in such variants: replaceable parts in the form of a citrus juicer and a centrifugal juicer or one of them. The press is a ribbed rotating cup. It is worth clinging to citrus, as the juice flows into a special compartment. In the case of the centrifugal version, the juice is squeezed due to the rapid rotation of the sieve in the cylinder. The liquid will then go into one container, waste - in another.
You should know, what:
- the press in the combine is not intended for extraction of fresh juice from firm grades of fruits;
- the centrifugal juicer has a filter, which will help separate the seeds from the juice and skin particles;
- the volume of the press version is 1 liter, which distinguishes it from the centrifugal configuration.
It does not do without disadvantages - compared to a specialized device, at the exit of the combine is twice less juice.
In addition to the juicer and other benefits, the device can do the following:
- make ice cream from pre-frozen ingredients per day;
- grind coffee beans;
- use a mini-mill to grind spices, garlic, onions, nuts (when a minimum number of products is required);
- finally, there is special equipment, which will help to prepare tomato juice, sauce, pasta (separating the seeds from the bulk).
so, food processor can be an indispensable helper in any kitchen. For home use, it is better to choose models from Kenwood brands, Bosch, Philips, Moulinex або Zelmer. To more professional models (example, to work in a cafe) include Ariete, Berlinger and again Bosch Kenwood. In any case, you should explore all the options before purchasing, to choose the right option for you in terms of equipment and abilities.
By the way, it is quite possible to buy many nozzles for expensive equipment separately.
