How do I choose a Food Processor?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a food processor. These appliances can be expensive and shopping for a refurbished food processor online is a great way to find a bargain on a high-end model.
Firstly, consider what you will use the food processor for and which recipes you will be making. Will it be the likes of almond pesto for pasta dishes and beetroot hummus? You'll need a refurbished food processor with a powerful motor and a strong blade that can handle root vegetables. Would you like to add smoothies into the mix? Then a blender attachment is crucial, like the one on the Kenwood FPM910 MULTI PRO EXCEL. Do you just want something for chopping small foods like onions, garlic and chilli? A small, handheld food processor or mixer like the Mini Chopper 3-in-1 Moulinex AT714G32 would be ideal. Quickly chopping root vegetables for a warming soup? Look for a strong food processor with a nice big capacity, a powerful wattage, and a blade that can handle squash and carrots.
Secondly, focus on the following key specifications:
Size / Capacity - most food processors come with a mixing jug or bowl with a 3 L capacity as standard. Small models may have a teeny tiny 0.5 L capacity while large ones may be as much as 4- 5 L
Functionality - the basic tasks that every food processor should perform are chop, mix and slice, while more advanced and elaborate food processors can perform a selection of tasks such as mixing, pureeing, blending, chopping and weighing
Power / Strength - most domestic food processors have a 1000 - 1500 watt power. A super-powerful food processor (2000 watt or more) will provide a very smooth, creamy consistency when it comes to making sauces and dips - definitely worth the investment if you have the budget
Price - prices start at 50 quid for a refurbished food processor and may be as much as 350 quid or above. Prices for refurbished food processors are significantly lower than for new models
Dishwasher-safe parts - keep an eye out for food processors with parts that can be washed in the dishwasher because honestly, they can be cumbersome and annoying to clean by hand
Food processors can be pricey. High-end brands such as MAGIMIX and Kenwood can set you back up to a grand when shopping for a new model. Buying a refurbished food processor is a great way to invest in a durable, high-quality device that won't completely break the bank.
If you are on a budget, a device like the Hand Blender Bosch ErgoMixx MSM67170 can be picked up for fifty quid refurbished and can be used to whizz, chop, whisk and mix. It has a small capacity so is not ideal for a medium family home, for example, where there are many mouths to feed - but for a single or two -person household, it's a great option.
A model like the Kenwood FPM910 MULTI PRO EXCEL comes at a mid-range price point and includes a vast array of attachments including a blender. New, it costs well over 400 quid, but a refurbished food processor from this range can be picked for for around 380 on backmarket.co.uk, leaving you with extra pounds in the bank. The Proline KM11 Food processor is also a great all-rounder. It can blend, juice, mix (even tough substances like dough) and whisk. If you are looking for a refurbished food processor for under 100 quid, the Proline KM11 is well worth checking out.
Standard blenders are cheaper than food processors, however, they can only perform one task. A well-rounded food processor with a blender attachment will offer far better value for money. If you don't need the full range of functionality that a refurbished food processor offers, perhaps a refurbished blender will suffice, for instance, the Blender Proline BLSS600 - but note it can only blend fruit and nuts with water or milk to make smoothies - you won't be making any hummus with this guy.
