Food processors and blenders are two very similar tools which are often used to carry out similar activities. This doesn’t mean these two items are the same or interchangeable, however.
In this article, we would be sharing with you the differences and similarities between a blender and a food processor, and answering the big question; “can you use a blender instead of a food processor?”
What is a Blender?
While blenders today come in different forms and can be used for different things, the traditional meaning and use of the item still remain the same. To put it simply, a blender is any kitchen appliance used to mix, crush, or puree food or other substances, producing liquid items, puree, or powdered products in the process.
What is a Food Processor?
Similar to a blender, a food processor is a kitchen appliance that can be used to mix, grind, and puree food items. The uses of a food processor go beyond all of this, however.
Typically, a food processor is a versatile kitchen equipment used for a variety of food preparation tasks, including, but not limited to chopping, slicing, grinding, kneading, pureeing, beating, grinding, and so on.
From the definition of both items, it is easy to see that both of these appliances share at least some similarities. This is indeed true, with the similarities between them being quite numerous. Below are some of them.
Similarities Between Blenders and Food Processors
How They Look
Blenders and food processors are quite similar in how they look. While there are distinct differences in the shape of their jars, they both have similar setups – a base that houses the motor and a jar or work bowl sitting on top of it. This base is what powers these appliances while the bowl or jar is where the food item to be blended or processed is placed and the pureeing is done.
What They Do
While the food processor can do a lot more than your basic blender, there are still a lot of similarities between them. Both of these types of equipment for example can be used to puree fruits, shred vegetables, mix liquid food items, break the ice, and so on.
They are Both Electrical Appliances
Both blenders and food processors are powered by electricity. Without it, you’d be unable to do any work with either of them.
Despite the similarities between these two, there are a lot more differences between them. Below are the major ones.
Differences Between a Blender and a Food Processor
Their Blades
The blades of blenders and those of food processors are very different.
Your typical blender features just one set of blades fixed to the base of the jar which rotates and does the cutting and pureeing. These blades would vary in appearance depending on the type of blender and what it was designed to do. Typically though, this blade would be a permanent fixture and would be unable to be switched out. This single blade would carry out all the functions your blender was designed to handle.
Food processors, on the other hand, feature multiple blades and discs as well as other accessories.
Seeing as food processors are designed to do much more than your typical blenders, these items come with various accessories for different functions. Your typical food processor would come with multiple blades and discs for different cutting, slicing, shredding, chopping, and pureeing activities. Some other food processors would come with other accessories like whisk accessories and other additional tools.
Unlike blenders, the blades, discs, and other accessories that come with food processors are not permanent fixtures. Each can be removed and replaced with another to fit the activity you need to use the processor for at any given time.
Their Work Bowls
Blenders come with tall jars.
This serves as the work bowls where the items to be blended are placed. While the shape and size of these jars would often vary, they typically look like pitchers, featuring a handle and a pouring edge that allows you easily transfer any liquid or puree from the blender without any spills.
Food processors, on the other hand, have wider bowls and typically have a two-bowl set-up.
Your typical food processor’s mixing bowl would be wider than the jar of a blender. Also, while a blender would have just one jar above the base, your food processor would have a two-bowl setup with the bigger bowl right above the base and the smaller one on top of that. The lower bowl serves as the main mixing bowl, and this is where the processed food item ends up.
What They Do
This is the major difference between blenders and food processors, and here is the easiest way to understand that difference. A food processor can basically do everything a blender can and then some more.
Typically a blender is used for preparing wet ingredients or ingredients with high moisture content and turning them into purees or liquids. Things like soft fruits and vegetables, as well as liquids, are the perfect items to be blended. Items like ice and frozen drinks are also perfect for use with a blender.
When it comes to preparing hard food items or producing more chunky results, a food processor is the best choice. So all your slicing and shredding are better done with a food processor instead of with a blender.
With all that out of the way, now comes the big question.
Can You Use A Blender Instead of a Food Processor
The answer would depend mostly on what you want to do and the type of blender you have. Since your typical blender is designed to produce purees or liquid and can do simple crushing tasks, if this is all you want to use your food processor for, then a blender would suffice.
If you are looking to carry out some more advanced activities like kneading dough, shredding hard food substances like potatoes, or grinding meat, you’d want to avoid using a blender. This is because most blenders aren’t designed to handle such activities, and not only are you likely to end up with terrible products, but you are also likely to damage your blender in the process.
That being said, some professional blenders come equipped to handle more than what the typical blender can. These blenders often come with additional attachments which can be used to carry out more than what you would expect from regular blenders and can sometimes be used instead of food processors.
Conclusion
While blenders and food processors are very similar appliances, there are quite a few differences between them. Their uses are one of such differences. A blender is typically used for making puree, liquids, or powdered products. A food processor, on the other hand, can be used for so much more. It is possible to use both items interchangeably, but this would depend on what you want to accomplish and the type of blender you have.
If you are simply looking to puree food items or mix ingredients, a typical blender would get the job done. If you are looking to carry out some more advanced food processing tasks, however, you would need a food processor or a professional blender designed for more heavy-duty work.