If there’s one gadget that may allow you to within the kitchen above all others, it’s most likely the meals processor. One of the best meals processors will allow you to chop, slice, combine, mix, mince, emulsify and even knead bread, usually a lot faster than you may carry out the duty your self.
Though they seem comparable, meals processors differ from blenders and juicers in quite a few methods. Blenders merely mash and blend (best for soups and smoothies), though they’ll typically carry out some comparable capabilities to a meals processor reminiscent of chopping herbs or making breadcrumbs. Juicers simply extract juice from fruit and greens.
Meals processors are inclined to do much more, and it’s price contemplating what capabilities they provide earlier than shopping for one. Most allow you to slice veg far quicker than you could possibly with a knife, whizz herbs for a garnish or combine a bread dough in seconds. Some, however not all, supply whisking elements or bigger bowls for larger portions. If you happen to don’t want these, or will solely be whizzing up small parts, a smaller meals processor will suffice.
I requested high cooks to suggest the very best processors and examined the latest fashions at house. You possibly can learn my full critiques beneath, adopted by some helpful recommendation on how to decide on the best one for you. However should you’re in a rush, right here’s a fast take a look at my high 5:
That are the very best meals processors in 2024? At a look
Which meals processors do cooks use?
Although it could sound like dishonest, high cooks use meals processors on a regular basis. “We wouldn’t be capable of reside with out our meals processor,” says Chef Adria Wu, founding father of Maple & Co. “We use skilled, commercial-sized meals processors to make our hummus and dressings. I additionally love utilizing a meals processor at house after I’m cooking barely bigger portions, in any other case it’s not price washing up. I’ve a small KitchenAid one which’s good for chopping garlic, onions, herbs and nuts.”
Meals processors, Wu continues, “will let you management the velocity and due to this fact texture, lowering the necessity to hand chop. I take advantage of the heart beat operate quite a bit.” She recommends utilizing them to make nut butters, dressings, child meals purées and extra. “Simply be conscious that processors beneath £50 most likely received’t final lengthy,” she says.