Seemingly, these two do a similar job. Besides being the vital help in any modern kitchen, these two are essential when it comes to preparing your food faster than ever. However, when you need to process the food using the food processor, it is not the same thing as chopping the food in a chopper.
So, what makes the difference? Basically, it is the use of these kitchen appliances. Different recipes demand different food preparation in order to have a fine meal on your table. And this step in the cooking process is very useful as it shortens the time needed to prepare your food.
What Is A Food Processor?
A food processor is an electric, motor-powered appliance that can be used for a variety of recipes as well as purposes in the kitchen.
Generally, a food processor can mix ingredients into a dough and knead it, too. Moreover, high-quality food processors with blender features can turn your food into a delicious purée or to simply grind meat or nuts, for example, or grate cheese.
Despite its versatility, there are some things this kitchen appliance is not very good at. If you need a food cut, do not expect perfectly sliced pieces. The machine can slice the food from very large chunks to turning it into the puree, but not with equally sized parts.
The machine works using various sets of blades that spin fast, shredding your food and eventually, turning it into the puree. It is a powerful kitchen tool that will spare your time spent in the kitchen that, unfortunately, only does not offer precision in cutting.
Types Of Food Processors
Food processors have become an essential part of any restaurant kitchen or a modern home kitchen. They serve the purpose of both of them, especially if you need to use them often. But how to choose the one that will serve you best? Let’s see the most common types of food processors on the market.
Food Processor With A Batch Bowl
This type of food processor has a batch bowl with a spinning blade inside the bowl. This food processor can often be seen in modern kitchens or for small business purposes. When the bowl is full of processed food, this type of appliance stops immediately.
The only downside of this type of processor is that it has quite a modest capacity and needs to be emptied before it is used again. However, it is still a quite common and great choice for home use and everyday food preparation.
Food Processor With A Continuous Feed
To use the food processor with a continuous feed you need to have a separate bowl that will collect the processed food coming out of the chute. If you are running a restaurant, or you need a great capacity of processed food daily, this type of food processor might be the right choice for you.
This type of heavy-duty food processor is designed to chop, slice, or grate large quantities of ingredients and it will run continuously without stopping. You only need to turn it on and feed it with the desired ingredients.
Food Processor With Multiple Functions
If you like to prepare food and try out new recipes, you probably want to have an appliance that would give you many options while you are preparing your delicious meal. This type of food processor has multiple functions coming with separate blades and bowls that can work with various food types.
This multi-functioning food processor is designed to save your countertop space and still do many things in your kitchen. Such an appliance is versatile and durable and can be used for many years without the need to replace it. This longevity comes with a high price, too.
Food Processor Attachments And Settings
Food processors come with a bowl and a blade, but some of the models can be more versatile. Some food processor appliances come with different-sized blades, slates, and bowls of different sizes that greatly ease the food preparation process.
Speed settings may sound important, but with a food processor, usually, two speeds are more than enough. The slower speed is great for dough and puree, and the faster one is excellent with all kinds of shredding, grating, or cutting ingredients.
Ways To Use A Food Processor
Using a food processor is simple, but there are some things to bear in mind when using this type of appliance. It is always important to stay with dry ingredients rather than using the food processor to make a soup for example.
The food processor typically has large bowls that are fit for chopping, slicing, grating, or even kneading dough without difficulties. They are powerful, and you can use them for making anything that does not need to be cut with precision to turn ingredients into purée or flour.
As food processors can fine grind anything, they can also reduce food waste. So with these appliances, you won’t have to worry about what makes batch feed garbage disposals different from continuous feed, considering how your food is already finely chopped in the first place.
As many food processors can perform similar functions to a blender, many tend to think these two appliances are the same. However, when you compare food processors with blenders, you’ll see these two are actually different appliances with vastly different pros and cons.
Watch this video to see some ideas on how to use your food processor.
Why Buy A Food Processor?
Although in many cases you can use another appliance as an alternative to food processors, you might find their performance somewhat lackluster. So if you’re considering getting a food processor, here are some of the most obvious reasons that might persuade you.
Saying that, it is the time that you will save the most. But, also, if you are an inexperienced cook, you can save yourself from accidental finger hurting as this appliance keeps you away from those sharp blades and speed. Safe and fast, what else could be most important when prepping your favorite meal.
Another reason to check out food processor on the market is when you are starting a business. Starting a business requires some investments, so, let’s start with the most important thing – a tool. Without the proper tool and fresh ingredients, your business may not start as you wish it to start.
What Is A Food Chopper?
A food chopper is an electric or manual appliance with a sharp blade and a bowl where you will find your chopped food in a matter of seconds. The food will be cut in the shape and size you desire which can be essential when it comes to pulling out some recipes.
Unless you are a skilled chef who can use the kitchen knife fast, the food chopper is a must-have appliance in your kitchen. Not only it will shorten your preparation time, but it will also give you food chunks fast, cut with precision, and without taking up too much space on your countertop.
Types Of Food Choppers
Food choppers differ in what and how do they chop the food. The difference may be between food groups and chopping styles. The options may be endless but here are some of the most common types of food choppers you can find on the market.
Universal Vegetable And Fruit Choppers
The most popular food choppers on the market and households nowadays are universal choppers for vegetables and fruits. They include blades that would slice vegetables or cube the fruits in the desired size. They are easy to clean and store in any kitchen.
Tomato Slicer
Tomato slicers are excellent tools for having a salad with uniformly the same tomato slices. It is a must-have kitchen tool that will raise your food decoration skills to a higher level. And you know that the way the food looks makes it taste even better.
Spiral Slicer
Another chopper essential for food decoration purposes is certainly spiral slicer. When you slice the vegetables or fruits with this tool, table arrangements can become fairytale-like. Unexpected fruit or vegetable shapes draw anyone’s attention.
Frech Fries Chopper
Who does not like the perfectly cut French fries that invite you to dig in and enjoy your meal? That’s why premium cutters for French fries are gaining increasing popularity these days. Even some other food such as avocado or zucchini can be cut into uniform shape easily.
Meat Choppers
Meat choppers are usually electric appliances since grinding meat requires much more strength than vegetable or fruit choppers. These are suitable for preparing meat for burgers, stews, or sausages and you can be assured that your meat will be prepared perfectly.
Electric Chopper
Electric choppers are sometimes called mini food processors, as they are stronger than regular choppers and can chop food similar to the food processor. The main difference is in the capacity of the bowl and the blades. Blades in food choppers cannot deal with all kinds of ingredients but are perfect for occasional use.
Aside from the chopper types mentioned above, there are also a few lesser known varieties that you might want to be aware of. For instance, there’s the specialized slicer for eggs, which can be used to cut eggs (obviously), mushrooms, olives, mozzarella, strawberries, and even butter.
Ways To Use A Food Chopper
Ways to use a food chopper are almost endless. This appliance is so versatile that any kitchen should have it. They can be suitable for several or all types of vegetables and fruit, and even meat, but in smaller quantities. Despite its smaller capacity, this kitchen tool is a true kitchen helper.
The true advantage of a food chopper is that it can cut food in various sizes and shapes. This is especially valuable when it comes to decorating your food and table with food. Attractively cut and sliced food add up to the perfectly prepared and served meal.
Check out this video to see how to use a food chopper.
Why Buy A Food Chopper?
If you do not own a busy kitchen, then a food chopper is a great occasional helper when it comes to preparing a meal. With its perfectly cut food and wonderful shapes, your table will be decorated and tasty at the same time.
So, when in doubt, choose a food chopper as all kitchens should have one. Of course, a knife can do all that or even more, but you need to be highly skilled to use the knife and make sure not to hurt yourself when using it. With a food chopper, your fingers are safe and food cut in a timely manner.
The food processors are more powerful appliances than choppers and they will easily turn any food into a puree. The blades are sharp and the motor will help you make even dough or cake batter. Unlike food processors, many choppers are manual with exceptions to those mini food processors that are also choppers.
On the other hand, food choppers are more convenient for use in small kitchens, they are easy to use, clean, and store. Food processors have much larger bowls and take up so much countertop space when in use and some even cannot be moved often due to their weight.
Making The Right Choice
Both these appliances, food processors and food choppers, have their advantages and disadvantages. If you need an appliance for professional or semi-professional use, it is always better to opt for a food processor that can help you deal with a large quantity of food in a short time.
However, if you need occasional help in your kitchen, and rather use a knife, a food chopper can be more than enough for your needs. Additionally, these food choppers will help you both with cutting the food and make food decorations with it.
What would you rather use: a food processor or a food chopper? What is your favorite choice that you cannot work without it? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below.
