The Difference Between a Food Processor and a Blender

Blenders and food processors can do many of the same things, but each also has its own specialty.

Although food processors and blenders share some of the same functions, they each have their own individual highlights and usages. Both range in price from moderate to high, and both are extremely useful in all aspects of cooking.

Blending

Both blenders and food processors can blend foods and liquefy food products, but only blenders can blend liquids. This makes blenders extremely useful when it comes to making smoothies, cocktails and juices.

Chopping

Some blenders have a chop function, which works great when chopping nuts, whole spices and ice. Food processors also have the ability to chop, but work better when chopping fruit, vegetables and herbs, whereas a blender may ruin the consistency of these items.

Grinding

Much like with the chop function, the blender is able to grind down ice, whole spices and seeds. Food processors are not made to grind down hard substances, but may finish the job with the mincing or grating function if the item was started in a blender.

Liquefying

Food processors have the ability to puree vegetables and fruits but not to liquefy them. Many blenders have a juicing functionality or attachments meant to juice fruits and vegetables.

Grating

Food processors carry the ability to grate items such as cheese as well as carrots, cucumbers and various other fruits and vegetables. Blenders cannot grate, and will ruin any attempts, leaving the pulp behind watery and mangled.

References

• Food Processors Direct: Food Processor Uses
• Natural Remedies For You: The Kitchen Blender

Resources

• Cooks.com: Beverage Recipes