Food Processor Vs Mixer Grinder | Which is Better?

Whether you want to prepare natural fruit juice or make flavored delicacies, the process could never be easier. Versatile kitchen equipment and machines help prepare meals in a matter of minutes. Food processors and mixer grinders are some of the equipment you can invest in if you want an efficient, modern kitchen.

But how is a food processor different from a mixer grinder? With a food processor machine, you can chop, grind, shred or slice various types of food and ingredients while a mixer grinder only grinds and mixes the ingredients.

For a better understanding, this article looks at the various aspects of a mixer grinder and a food processor to determine which one is more superior and would be more beneficial to have in the kitchen.

What is a mixer grinder?

Generally, a mixer is an appliance that mixes ingredients to make smoothies, batters, pastes, and the like. A mixer grinder, therefore, is a dual-purpose kitchen appliance that grinds and mixes ingredients to give an extra fine texture.

From pulses to spices, a mixer grinder can turn dry and wet substances into powder if you use the correct attachment. Typically, this appliance comes with two jars of different sizes for different uses. Depending on the need, you can also purchase more jars separately.

You can alter the speed of the mixer grinder depending on the nature of the substance you are preparing. For smoothies and puree, it suffices to set the motor speed on the normal mode while the more difficult substances like pulses will require faster velocity.

If you intend to use the mixer grinder in a large family, then it is appropriate to choose a product with a more powerful motor.

What is a food processor?

A food processor is multi-purpose kitchen equipment that is more versatile than a mixer and grinder. From chopping, shredding, blending to slicing and dough kneading, a food processor can do virtually everything.

You don’t need to change the bowls when using the food processor to perform different tasks. A change of blades alone is enough to convert the function of the processor from grating spices to chopping vegetables.

It is also not uncommon to find a food processor with a blender attachment for making soups and smoothies.

Available in different sizes including mini, full, and compact, the food processor can have a bowl ranging between 1-4 liters and a heavy-duty motor of at least 600 watts.

How a food processor works

A food processor has different components comprising a bowl, motor, feed tube, and lid. The motor has a shaft on which you attach the blade.

For chopping vegetables, use an S-blade. Fit the bowl and lid onto the processor. Use the feed tube on the lid to place the food you want to prepare in the bowl after cleaning and removing any unwanted components. The pusher also allows you to put food into the bowl.

Select the mode depending on what you want to prepare. For chopping vegetables or kneading dough, run the processor on plus mode.

What is the difference between a food processor and a mixer grinder?

It is now obvious that these two appliances have overlapping functions but are entirely different. Let’s look at how they vary in:

Attachments

The food processor, which is more advanced, comes with numerous accessories including changeable blades, shredding cutters, slicing cutters, citrus juicer, and many more for commensurate to its functions. These accessories contribute to the space-consuming element of a food processor.

A mixer grinder on the other hand comes only with two jars and a mixer making it more suitable for smaller kitchens.

Functions

A food processor will chop, grind, shred and slice vegetables, fruits and meats among other things as already discussed above while a mixer grinder allows you to make some puree, batter, and turn wet and dry substances into powdered form. Generally, a food processor has more varied functions than a mixer grinder making it the ideal cooking assistant.

Price

While the prices of these products may vary depending on the brand, food processors are pricier than mixer grinders. Typically, the former costs double the price of mixer grinders. So, if you have a tight budget and little space available in your kitchen, a mixer grinder will do despite its limited functions.

Material and durability

The food processor has a bowl and a lid made of heavy-duty polycarbonate material that makes it quite durable. The blades are made from stainless steel.

On the other hand, the mixer grinder’s top cover is made of a plastic-like material while the jars for juicing are made of either stainless steel or polycarbonate.

Motor Power

The motor power of food processors and mixer grinders vary with the size of the appliance. Mini food processors, which are the smallest, have motors of at least 600 watts while the mixer grinders may have motors of even lower wattage.

Should I buy a food processor or a mixer grinder?

The decision to buy a mixer grinder or a food processor largely depends on the intended use, family size, price, and kitchen space.

If you got adequate space in your kitchen with a large family and you’re fond of trying new recipes, then a food processor is for you. It performs nearly every task and reduces the kitchen workload significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: Can a food processor be used as a grinder?

Answer: While a food processor is quite versatile, it got its limits and you cannot use it as a grinder. The food processor blades are designed for slicing food and will not grind difficult substances such as hard spices. So don’t use it as a grinder.

Question: Is a food processor the same as a mixer?

Answer: No, the two are different. From design to function, a food processor varies greatly from a mixer. The former has more attachments, a wider range of functions, consumes more electricity, and requires more space. A food processor comes with a bowl and lid that do not need replacement whether you are shredding or chopping while a mixer requires you to replace jars depending on the function.

Question: Is a food processor worth buying?

Answer: Purchasing a multi-purpose kitchen appliance that will save your time and energy is a worthwhile investment. Though the initial cost may be high, a food processor gives you unmatched versatility making it worth buying.

Conclusion

Kitchen appliances including food processors and mixer grinders significantly ease the process of food preparation. However, when faced with the dilemma of choosing between a food processor and a mixer grinder, the former is a worthy option if cost is not a barrier.