Food Processors...what do I need to know?

**Amaunet** · May 3rd, 2012, 09:16 PM

So, following on from my success meal planning and monthly shopping and cooking in bulk/freezing meals, I'm looking at kitchen equipment to make me more efficient as well as encouraging me to make more "from scratch". I grate and slice a lot and currently use manual graters and choppers (mainly Tupperware grater and quick + smooth choppers and a mandolin slicer) I'd like to be able to chop/grate/slice vegetables in bulk and freeze them to add to dishes as I need. To save time and wastage and cleaning up!

What else does a food processor do? Does anyone have any brand/model recommendations?

Thanks

**Maruschke** · May 3rd, 2012, 09:19 PM

Get a powerful motor! I don't think any of the 800w motors have been strong enough. And don't spend less than $150.

**Amaunet** · May 3rd, 2012, 10:22 PM

Thanks Maruschke

that's a great starting point!
Does anyone have any brands/models they reccomend?

**dantri** · May 4th, 2012, 01:10 AM

I recommend you save and get a thermomix!!! Top quality blender, food processer in one machine that also cooks your food. You will use it for EVERYTHING and it will save time and money. I know I'm bias, I'm an owner and a consultant but they are really awesome!

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**Taurean** · May 4th, 2012, 02:44 AM

I've got a Moulinex and it's brilliant. I've had it for 11 years and paid about $250 when I got it.

Definitely get one that has inbuilt storage for the blades and accessories. Mine doesn't and that's annoying. My parents got a really good one from Target last year on sale with this feature. I think it's Breville and they paid around $200 on sale.

**LuluHB** · May 4th, 2012, 10:22 AM

I have a Moulinex too (Odacio). Its 800w and while I agree with Maruschke about the bigger motor the better, I find it copes well with pretty much everything. Having said that, I've had it for years and years and the quality of kitchen appliances seems to have dropped enormously over the last few years. Its got metal and plastic blades, and they all store within a bowl sort of thingy, not the actual machine, but it is still quite useful.

**Ambersky** · May 4th, 2012, 10:36 AM

I'm am absolute thermomix devotee but it does not slice, and if thats one of the things you want it for a traditional processor is the way to go.

**LimeSlice** · May 4th, 2012, 11:48 AM

I have a Kitchen Aid FP... and I have to say, I am a total KA hater, but they *almost* had my mind changed with the FP...almost.

The motor is awesome, if really want to use a FP for anything more than simple grating and chopping and whizzing, then you need a highpowered motor - doughs etc need them. You can use them to make cake batter, pizza dough, pasta dough, dressings, sauces, mayo... I love my FP.

What I HATE is that yet again, I have been let down by the KA quality. My bowl and lid has now broken 3 times. And each one of them I am told that "it happens all the time". They have replaced all the parts happily, but the down time is a PITA. If you are going to be using it a lot, DON'T put them in the dishwasher and make sure you buy ones with quality plastic.

**Amaunet** · May 4th, 2012, 09:09 PM

Thanks everyone! Even if it did slice (which is a necessity) the Thermomix is waaayyyy out of my league! Even the Kitchenaid is to expensive

I looked at the Moulinex but I don't want a combined blender/processor and the Product reviews weren't kind...

Anyone have a Breville? Kenwood? Other brand?

**LuluHB** · May 5th, 2012, 11:40 AM

It might be worth you checking out second hand ones - ebay, Cash Converters etc. I had to get my mixer fixed a couple of years ago and the guy fixing it told me how many on average he fixed in a month. I joked and said damn, should have spent the extra $200 and bought a Kitchen Aid to which he said no way - he fixes even more of them. As an old guy in the business for his entire life, he thinks we should all be paying far more respect to grandma's old Kenwood and have them reconditioned.

May not be something you would consider, but just putting it out there. He certainly changed my way of thinking about old kitchen appliances a bit.

**LimeSlice** · May 5th, 2012, 12:06 PM

It might be worth you checking out second hand ones - ebay, Cash Converters etc. I had to get my mixer fixed a couple of years ago and the guy fixing it told me how many on average he fixed in a month. I joked and said damn, should have spent the extra $200 and bought a Kitchen Aid to which he said no way - he fixes even more of them. As an old guy in the business for his entire life, he thinks we should all be paying far more respect to grandma's old Kenwood and have them reconditioned.

May not be something you would consider, but just putting it out there. He certainly changed my way of thinking about old kitchen appliances a bit.

Yep - the only kitchen appliance I have never had to fix or replace are my 2 Kenwood mixers - one is 40 years old, the other about 30. Both work perfectly.

**Amaunet** · May 5th, 2012, 08:08 PM

So I'm tossing up between...

Kenwood FP920 (1000w RRP $299, I can buy this second hand on Gumtree for $120)

Breville Kitchen Wizz Ikon (1000w, RRP $299)

Sunbeam Oskar Pro (1100w, RRP $299)

They all have good and bad reviews and all seem to do much the same thing...any further advice?

**Kazbah** · May 5th, 2012, 08:22 PM

What I definately wouldn't get is what i currently have - one that's got the blender on the side of it (breville). It is just too big ... good in theory but. I found the plastic on the lid / latchy thing that allows it to work is dodgy.

**LimeSlice** · May 5th, 2012, 08:53 PM

Get the Kenwood and don't buy it second hand. My two cents anyway! lol

**LuluHB** · May 5th, 2012, 08:57 PM

Get the Kenwood and don't buy it second hand. My two cents anyway! lol

What LimeSlice said.

**Amaunet** · May 6th, 2012, 03:42 PM

Sooo....after all that, I went in a completely different direction. DH bought me the Tefal Fresh Express as a Mothers Day present. It grates and slices, strangely enough, just what I was looking for lol! (Basically a grater and slicer with a motor) Not sure if it will be any good but we bought it at Big W and their return policy is great if it doesn't work well.

I'm looking forward to giving it a whirl tonight