A multifunctional food processor can become a real helper for every prudent housewife. A unique device that combines several functions at once allows you to save money, time and place, and most importantly - to ensure the preparation of dishes for each family member for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In order for the harvester to serve you faithfully for more than one year, be extremely careful at the stage of choosing the right model, this will help to satisfy all requests and avoid possible disappointment in the future. A few simple tips for choosing a kitchen unit will greatly simplify your choice.
Determine the purchase
So, choosing a multifunctional food processor is not easy. There are many characteristics that must be considered to determine the ideal model. Among them:
- Functionality (the number of tasks that the combine can solve).
- Dimensions (dimensions and weight).
- Cost.
- Practicality (requirements for storage, use and operation).
- Power.
- Appearance and much more.
Main criterion
Most people, choosing a multifunctional food processor, focus on the number of additional nozzles. Nowadays, models with various elements combining such functions are presented in household appliance stores:
- Shredding vegetables and fruits for the preparation of salads, as well as slicing.
- Grinding products according to the principle of a grater.
- Cooking dough.
- Grinding greens and nuts.
- Squeezing the juice (two nozzles, one common and one for citrus fruits, can be included).
- Grinding cereals, spices.
- Ice cream making.
- Shredding French fries.
- Preparation of sauces, mayonnaise, vegetable or fruit puree.
A good multi-functional food processor can work as a mixer, blender, shaker, coffee grinder and, of course, a meat grinder. It should be borne in mind that each new function adds value to the device, and also requires more engine power.
About working capacity
A multifunctional food processor consists of three main parts. This is an electric motor, additional nozzles and the actual working capacity or bowl itself. As a rule, there can be several, but no more than 3 bowls complete with the device. For their manufacture, durable high-quality plastic, metal or glass is used. Each material requires compliance with certain operating conditions. For example, metal containers are not recommended to be placed in a microwave oven.
Between themselves, bowls differ not only in material and volume, but also in a number of other qualitative characteristics. Depending on the model of the combine, they may have the following properties:
- Impact resistance.
- Resistance to high temperatures (as a rule, up to plus 80 degrees, cool boiling water should not be in contact with the tank).
- Resistance to low temperatures (as a rule, up to minus 5, which means that the bowl can be safely placed in the refrigerator to store food in it).
There are standard bowl requirements. They should be strong enough and not exposed to acids, ideally have removable handles and a lid. The worst and most budget option is the capacity of non-tempered glass, it is the most fragile and requires frequent replacement.
We offer you to familiarize yourself with more detailed information about the material of the container:
- Plastic (plastic). Light in weight and affordable. It can be used to heat food in the microwave and undergo hygienic processing in the dishwasher. At low quality it deteriorates from exposure to high or low temperatures.
- Glass. Heavier and more expensive. In good performance it must be resistant to mechanical stress and high temperature.
- From stainless steel. One of the most optimal options is durable, lightweight, resistant to shock, low or high temperatures.
About electric motor power
Power plays a significant role, because the efficiency of the device largely depends on this indicator. As a rule, a multifunctional food processor is characterized by a power of at least 700 watts, such units also most often have impressive dimensions and working capacity.
With the small size of the combine and the volume of the bowl up to 2 liters, an indicator of 400 W will be very acceptable. We should not forget that the higher the power of the device, the faster it performs its work.
About advanced options
Choosing a multifunctional food processor, few people attach importance to such parameters as weight and dimensions, usually they are fading into the background and inferior to the power and functionality of the device. However, they are no less important and require study before making an expensive purchase.
Combines can be stored both assembled and disassembled, the first option, of course, is more reasonable. Think in advance whether there is free space in your kitchen for keeping a unit that is not small in size. If you plan to take the device with you on vacation or to the country, it should be as compact and light as possible.
On average, combines are presented in the range from 3 to 9 kilograms. Heavy appliances should be used strictly stationary, most often they are stored on tables and work surfaces that can withstand such a load.
A multifunctional food processor with a meat grinder and a number of other additional attachments must be kept clean. Please note that some models should only be washed by hand, while others can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Information on this is given in the product instruction manual.
Bosch Products
The greatest demand today is the products of the famous company "Bosch". Despite the reasonable prices, the products of this company are notable for their quality and functionality; they will be able to serve you for a long time.
The features of this technique include compact models and low power, which does not affect the efficiency of tasks.
How to choose a Bosch multifunctional food processor? The most positive reviews were received by models 4655, 4675 and 4756. All devices are similar to each other, the first two differ in the material of their working capacity (plastic and metal, respectively), and the third has an additional nozzle for obtaining juice from citrus fruits.
If you plan to purchase a meat grinder, pay attention to the multifunctional food processor with a Bosch Profi Mix 46 meat grinder. The only drawback of such a device is its considerable dimensions, however, the abundance of various functions, thoughtfulness and high quality make it an indispensable assistant in the kitchen.
Kenwood Products
Do not want to purchase a Bosch multifunctional food processor? Pay attention to the Kenwood technique. Currently, this brand is considered one of the best in the market of household appliances for the kitchen. Combines of this company are distinguished by increased power and functionality, are truly reliable and versatile.
The most popular model from Kenwood is considered the Prospero KM-266. This unit allows you to knead the dough, works as a juicer and meat grinder. An alternative is KMS010. Its main advantages are a bowl of impressive volume, modern design and high efficiency.
Products "Mulinex"
If you are looking for a budget, but high-quality model of household appliances, pay attention to the food processor multifunctional "Mulineks". The company offers the general public low-cost devices that have the basic necessary nozzles, as well as the functions of a meat grinder and blender. The average price of such combines is only three thousand rubles. Before acquiring a specific model, it is advisable to clarify reviews about it, because a low cost may be evidence of unsatisfactory quality.
"Chef Bullet Express"
The multifunctional "Chef Bullet Express" food processor can become an excellent assistant. The cost of the device ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 rubles. Powerful (700 W), but compact in size, the unit is capable of:
- Grind vegetables, fruits, cheese and nuts.
- Crack ice.
- Grind coffee.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Knead the dough for pizza, desserts, bread.
The device combines the functions of a blender, chopper, juicer and mixer. It is recommended to wash it manually, without resorting to the use of a dishwasher. The body and bowl of the combine (its volume is 1.8 liters) are made of high-quality and durable plastic, electronic control.
Instead of a conclusion
When choosing a multifunctional harvester, be extremely careful. Remember that each additional function increases its already considerable cost. The most popular is a multifunctional food processor with a meat grinder.
Be sure to pay attention to the dimensions of the device, its power and weight, quality characteristics of the bowl, storage and operating conditions. Considering all these conditions will help to get the most out of an expensive purchase and optimize home cooking to the desired level.