A blender (also called a liquidizer) is kitchen equipment used in mixing, emulsifying and puréeing food.
Given the latest trend in the 21st century, this blender should not be mistaken with the software that goes by the same name used in creating 3D computer images and animations.
The discussion will be the kitchen blender and how to use a blender as a food processor.
Differences Between A Food Processor and A Blender
Blenders can be broadly grouped into the manual type and the electric type. There are also hand blenders that are long with blends on the end and powerful rotors. These blenders are held in the hand when used.
Typically, a food processor is an electric machine with interchangeable blades used to chop up solid food items in the kitchen in large quantities.
Simply put, a food processor is an equipment used in the kitchen that simplifies errands repeated in food preparation like chopping veggies, slicing through potatoes, and so on.
There is quite a difference between blenders and food processors although they’re both important kitchen appliances.
Blenders are used in the kitchen mostly to blend fruits or food item items into liquids while food processors are mainly used to process solid foods into powdery or smooth form. They also perform multitask functions like shredding veggies as earlier mentioned.
Food processors are designed to be broad and flat; their blades spin relatively slower; their blades are also interchangeable depending on the task at hand.
The blender, on the other hand, has blades that are shorter and their rotors spin at a faster rate.
Blenders usually have a narrow design and are especially good at performing brisk blending functions within a short time.
What then happens in a situation where the sturdy/hard food processors are not available? Blenders can step in as a replacement for food processors with a little adjustment and concessions. In the market, there are a variety of blenders available. Some are cheap, and some others are expensive.
Depending on the blender bought, with a few adjustments and improvisations, blenders can also function as food processors in the kitchen.
It is, however, important to note that how effective a blender can be used as a food processor depends on the quality and build of the blender.
The higher the quality of the blender, the more effective and ease with which it can be used as a food processor.
Video: The Difference Between A Food Processor And A Blender
This video shows the difference between the blender and the food processor. it also shows how to use a blender as a food processor.
Can A Blender Function as A Food Processor?
A blender can function as a food processor. A little bit of water can be added to the solid food to be diced. The foodstuff can then be added in small batches.
The hard skin of the foodstuff can be peeled off so that it can make for easy blending of the soft interior of the food to be blended.
These improvisations are made to ease the blending process of the blender as it’s not accustomed to handling the herculean tasks of the food processors.
Obviously, this takes time and care must be taken to ensure that the items added in small batches.
It is important to avoid filling up to the blender to the brim in order not to make a mess of the whole place if the lid is not firmly closed.
It’s particularly important to put small batches of the foodstuff into the blender because it’s not designed to carry out heavy loads.
Whilst putting the foodstuff to be blended in small batches, the blender speed is reduced to the lowest because starchy or hard foodstuff is best blended slowly. Their slow speed mimics the actual speeds of food processors.
Overall, food processors are designed to carry out the tedious task of chopping foodstuff into chucks or powdery form as desired. Blenders are designed to carry out the blending of liquid-based foods, vegetables, and fruits.
However, with a few adjustments like adding foodstuff in small batches, adding water, peeling off the skin of solid fruits or even boiling, blending at low speeds to mimic food processors, blenders can also be used as food processors.
Although it will take more time and the result might not be so smooth, it can still be done.