Food Processors vs. Food Blenders: Which to Buy
When you have a packed restaurant and dozens of orders to fill, you need equipment that can help you move faster and more efficiently When it comes to mixing and blending, most restaurants will choose between a blender and a food processor. While both of these machines are similar, there are some critical differences between the two.
So, with that in mind, we want to break down what you can expect from both options. Depending on the nature of your restaurant and what kind of food you make, one will be much better than the other. Here’s what you need to know.
Blender Basics
Chances are you have a blender at home. These devices are ubiquitous because they are so handy for a wide array of situations. However, most people use a blender to make smoothies or frozen drinks, such as margaritas.
The reason that blenders are excellent at crafting beverages is because of the way they operate. A single mechanism at the bottom creates a vortex, pulling ingredients downward so that they can get blended.
When talking about power and speed, blenders will usually have settings to increase the RPMs, but not much beyond that. There may also be a setting for crushing ice, but it depends on the manufacturer.
Food Processor Basics
Although this machine will cut through whole ingredients like a blender, the results can be far different. Typically, you can choose between a variety of blades and settings to do different things. Because of this, you can create a more uniform effect with your food, particularly when chopping or shredding.
Food processors can also come in a broader range of sizes, and they can come with various attachments. Overall, you have much more flexibility and versatility with a food processor than you do with a blender.
Comparing Options: Which Model is Best?
To help you understand the difference between a blender and food processor, let’s look at the different ways you can use them. Hopefully, this guide will help you make the right decision for your kitchen.
Cutting and Chopping
While a blender can cut and chop ingredients, its primary goal is to pulverize them into tiny pieces. By comparison, a food processor can be adjusted to provide uniform slices on whatever component you’re using.
Winner: Food Processor
Mixing
If the goal is to mix a variety of ingredients so that they blend together, a blender will be the best choice. Since it creates a vortex, each component will mix consistently. Some models can even be used for dough-making, although they will require a specialized attachment.
Food processors can be used to mix ingredients, but the results are not as fluid as with a blender. For example, you may want to use a processor for salsas, since the mixture will be thicker and chunkier.
Winner: Depends
Shredding
When it comes to things like shredding cheese, vegetables, or other items, a blender simply won’t do that. Food processors can come with an attachment for shredding.
Winner: Food Processor
Purees and Smoothies
Here is where a blender really shines. If you sell smoothies, mixed drinks, or frozen beverages, the only way to get the right consistency is with a blender. Also, if you need to puree anything (i.e., tomatoes), most models have that setting built-in.
Simply put, a food processor cannot work for smoothies and purees, since it won’t pulverize the ingredients.
Winner: Blender
Grinding
Technically speaking, both machines can grind items like nuts, seeds, and grains. However, a food processor will generate much more consistent results. That being said, blenders are often better at grinding ingredients into a fine powder, such as homemade flour. For things like nut butter, both options will work, but a food processor will be a little thicker and chunkier.
Winner: Depends
Contact Texas Restaurant Supply
No matter what kind of food you need to prepare, you can find the right equipment at Texas Restaurant Supply. We have a wide assortment of blenders and food processors to meet demand. Give us a call today to see what we have in store.