Mini food processors are smaller versions of full-sized food processors, with a volume range of 1-4 cups. They are best suited for simple food prep tasks like chopping, dicing, and shredding small amounts of vegetables and hard cheeses. They can be self-contained or attached to a blender, but they cannot replace a blender or full-sized food processor. Look for features like slotted covers and dishwasher safe bowls and blades when shopping for a mini food processor.
Food processors are kitchen appliances that are used in place of graters, microplanes and mandolins to chop, grate and chop foods before cooking them further. Mini food processors are small versions that perform some, but not all, of the functions of a full-sized food processor. They also have a smaller volume of food and require less counter space.
The volume of a mini food processor can range from 1 cup (237 milliliters) up to 4 cups (948 milliliters), while full-sized food processors average 8 cups (1.9 liters) or more. Manufacturers intend to use these mini versions as introductory-level kitchen utensils or for simple food-prep tasks. If you don’t have a food processor at all, purchasing a miniature version can reduce the effort required for labor-intensive food prep jobs like dicing and cutting food without cutting too much into your budget.
Besides being smaller, a mini food processor also has less capacity. While full-sized food processors can chop vegetables, puree foods, and mix dough, few mini food processors have the volume capacity needed to make bread. Rarely do you find food slicing blades on mini food processors.
Food prep functions for which a mini food processor is best suited include chopping, dicing, and shredding small amounts of vegetables and hard cheeses. Some models have a blade design which makes them useful for making breadcrumbs and mashing crackers. When these appliances have a pulse function, it is possible to cut or grate food in short bursts and with greater precision. Models that only have an on and off switch can get clogged easily and stall, or they can overprocess foods, turning them into purees.
One can buy mini food processors which are self-contained appliances with their own power cord. Retailers also sell mini food processor attachments that you can use with a blender. These do not have a power cord and an adapter must be used which will allow the unit to fit into the power base of the blender. Both types are often small enough to fit in a kitchen cabinet or drawer.
A mini food processor does not replace a blender with an ice crusher or food processor intended for preparing family-sized dishes. When shopping for a mini food processor, you should look for features that make the unit more versatile. Slotted covers allow for precise control of liquids during purification. Dishwasher safe bowls and blades reduce cleaning time. A cover that fits over the unit’s processing container also allows the contents to be stored in the refrigerator for short periods.
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