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Food Processor VS. Food Chopper: Which to Get?
Food processor vs food chopper...do they offer the same functions and benefits? How do you know which is right for you?
Generally speaking, a food chopper has one blade that takes care of chopping, puréeing and mixing smaller batches. Certain models come with a whisk attachment. A food processor, though, is larger and features a feed tube and multiple blades that are designed to expertly make a variety of cuts.
Discover the difference between a food chopper vs. processor with this guide.
FOOD PROCESSOR VS. FOOD CHOPPER
First of all, it's important to recognize that capabilities and accessories tend to vary by model.
You can expect most food processors and food choppers to do the following tasks:
| FOOD PROCESSORS | FOOD CHOPPERS | |
|---|---|---|
| Chop | • | • |
| Mix | • | • |
| Purée | • | • |
| Whip | • | • |
| Emulsify | • | • |
| Slice | • | |
| Shred | • | |
| Dice | • |
FOOD PROCESSORS
A food processor is equipped with a feed tube, multiple blades or discs and has a greater bowl capacity than a food chopper. When shredding and slicing, food is pushed through the feed tube into discs that are situated below. These appliances can also chop, mix and purée ingredients with blades in the bowl.
Food processors are the perfect tool to handle larger recipes. Multiple blades offer versatility and the ability to tackle specific food prep tasks (shredding, slicing, julienning, etc.). KitchenAid® Food Processors offer various bowl capacities and feed tube sizes to accommodate bigger batches and larger ingredients like whole potatoes and zucchinis.
BLADES AND BOWLS FOR FOOD PROCESSORS
A batch-bowl food processor is designed for home cooks to use in their kitchen and comes with a bowl that contains the blades or discs.
Food processor bowl capacities range from around 6–16 cups for residential use. The size of the bowl is important as it limits the amount of ingredients that can be processed at once.
The KitchenAid® Food Processor Attachment for stand mixers allows you to process ingredients right into a container or bowl of any size, which when it reaches capacity can be easily swapped out for an empty one. The food processor attachment can handle a greater volume without the annoyance of having to stop the processor to swap to an empty batch bowl.
Most food processors offer a variety of blades. These blades can be changed based on the task you want to perform (slicing, shredding, chopping, puréeing and mixing). Certain models come with blades or accessories for dicing, julienning or kneading dough if you want to make homemade bread or pizza crust.
CONTINUOUS FEED FOOD PROCESSOR
With extra blade discs and a feed tube, food processors offer impressive functionality. Larger food processors may also include multiple feed tubes in a range of sizes to accommodate ingredients of different sizes. The larger feed tubes are good for food like cucumbers and whole potatoes and, best of all, requires you to do very little prep work.
The KitchenAid® 13 Cup Food Processor features a 3-in-1 feed tube that can help reduce the time needed to prep ingredients. It achieves this by being able to process ingredients of various shapes and sizes.
The feed tube lets you continuously feed ingredients into the blades. This will result in consistent and precise slices and shreds. If using a stand mixer food processor attachment, the processed food ends up right in the bowl of a batch bowl processor or into another bowl of your choosing.
FOOD PROCESSOR VS. FOOD CHOPPER: WHAT CAN EACH ONE DO?
A food processor can perform a number of functions that a food chopper can’t do because of its size and blades.
You can expand your culinary creativity by trying these tasks:
- Quickly slice a range of vegetables to make your favourite pizza toppings, or thinly slice potatoes for a rich and savoury Gratin Dauphinois. The KitchenAid® ExactSlice™ System on select models has optimized speeds and an externally adjustable lever so you can shift from thick to thin with only one slide of the lever.
- Certain models include fine, medium and coarse shredding blades. This makes shredding cheese for fondue and quesadillas a breeze. You can also make latkes or other fritters and slaws.
- Dicing kits on certain models let you precisely and uniformly slice and then dice soft and hard veggies and fruits, opening up a world of opportunity to make salads, salsas and more. With the multipurpose blade, you can create large batches of Tuscan Bean and Pumpkin Soup with Parsley Pesto, and the amazing thing is that you can use the processor for each and every stage of prep.
PROS OF A FOOD PROCESSOR VS. A FOOD CHOPPER
The reasons why a food processor may be a better choice than a food chopper, include:
- Food processors allow you to employ a greater number of techniques, not just chopping and puréeing, such as slicing, shredding and kneading.
- Food processors usually have larger, more powerful motors. This means it can process tough foods like mozzarella cheese.
- The bowl of a food processor offers more capacity, allowing you to prep larger batches at one time.
- Models with larger feed tubes means you can work with larger-sized fruits and vegetables or wedges of cheese without needing to prep the ingredients beforehand.
FOOD PROCESSORS FROM KITCHENAID LET YOU ENHANCE EVERYDAY MEALS
Food processor from KitchenAid is your passport to discovering new techniques. Select models have an innovative design that features a one-click, twist-free bowl assembly and latched lid that’s easy to use and clean. The KitchenAid® 13 Cup Food Processor comes equipped with an adjustable ExactSlice™ disc – that lets you perform precise cuts ranging from thick to thin. Prep less with a wide feed tube that has the ability to process ingredients that have only been minimally prepped. Shop all KitchenAid® food processors, or browse food choppers for a compact option.
Model: KFP1319WH
Colour: White
$289.99
Save $70 (24%)
FOOD CHOPPERS
A compact appliance that can be manually operated, a food chopper is a perfect tool for quick, simple food prep tasks and to tackle less demanding recipes. An electric food chopper typically comes with a smaller bowl containing a single blade that can chop, purée or mix. Remember that food choppers are not designed with a feed tube yet often have a drizzle basin to easily emulsify liquids.
A food chopper can create salad dressing, nut toppings for a dessert or a delicious hummus. Select KitchenAid® food chopper models may include a whisk accessory...because what dessert isn’t better when topped with fresh whipped cream.
MANUAL FOOD CHOPPER
A manual food chopper features stationary blades that need to be manually pushed into ingredients—or the other way around—to perform chopping or mincing. Also, there are single-purpose and multipurpose manual food choppers like apple slicers, mandolins and jar-style choppers that work great for nuts or onions.
COMMON USES FOR A FOOD CHOPPER
Food choppers were made for small tasks. Check out some of the ways that you can use your food chopper:
- Blend a batch of Curry Paste to make your fave Indian recipes.
- Chop toasted pecans for a banana bread batter.
- Purée steamed sweet potatoes for a fresh serving of baby food.
- Emulsify extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar with dijon mustard for a light vinaigrette that’s great for pasta salads.
- Process herbs like cilantro and parsley for a vibrant chimichurri Sauce to spoon over your perfectly grilled steak.
- Combine yogurt, raspberries, maple syrup and a touch of lemon juice for a refreshing Yogurt Parfait.
- Whip fresh cream for your pie (depending on what accessories are included).
- Pulse ingredients to make fluffy and light Falafels.
BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC FOOD CHOPPER VS. FOOD PROCESSOR
There are a few reasons as to why an electric food chopper may be a better option for you instead of a food processor.
- You can go with a versatile KitchenAid® Cordless Chopper and enjoy freely chopping anywhere in the kitchen.
- A food chopper takes up less cabinet or counter space making them a good option for a small kitchen or limited storage space.
- Provides a smaller bowl for processing a small quantity.
KitchenAid® food choppers come in a range of popular colours to match, or even enhance, the style of your kitchen and other appliances.
An electric food chopper may be all you need to prepare meals for one to two people.
ENJOY NEW POSSIBILITIES WITH KITCHENAID® FOOD CHOPPERS
Achieve desirable results with simple in-lid operation, two speeds and pulse. Select from two sizes and multiple colours. These food choppers are easy to store because they have a compact design, in-bowl accessory storage and convenient cord wrap on certain models. The 5 cup food processor also has a handy whisk accessory that lets you whip, whisk and stir. Shop all KitchenAid® food choppers, or if you crave additional versatility, shop KitchenAid® food processors.
Model: KFCB519VB
Colour: Matte Black Violet
$109.99
Save $10 (9%)
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