Blender vs Food Processor: Which Should You Use?

In the battle of kitchen small appliances, blenders and food processors are often matched up in the ring. Some people think these items are one and the same, able to be used interchangeably. But blenders and food processors are actually different devices designed to serve specific purposes in the kitchen. 

Here, Blendtec has handy information about these small appliances, the best ways to use them, and which one to use in the kitchen on specific occasions.

What Is a Blender?

A blender is a common kitchen appliance used to mix, crush, puree, and blend ingredients. A blender is made up of a stationary base, large blending glass, a multi-pronged blade and a lid made of one or more parts. The blending base has multiple speed settings to aid in blending, pureeing, and liquifying. Blenders are one of the most popular small appliances in American kitchens. 

What Is a Food Processor?

A food processor is used for slicing, dicing, chopping, and mixing food. A food processor has a stationary base, bowl for ingredients, and a wide-set lid that allows for adding ingredients easily. Food processors have multiple interchangeable blades that can be swapped out depending on how you are cutting the food.

Differences Between a Blender and a Food Processor

While blenders and food processors have some similar functions, there are still differences in what they can do.

Functions

Blenders can 

• Crush ice 
• Finely puree 
• Liquify 

Food processors can 

• Slice
• Shred 
• Chop 

Features

Blenders have 

• One fixed, rotating blade 
• A tall blending glass, ideal for pouring 

Food processors have 

• A variety of interchangeable blades and discs 
• A wide working bowl for multiple ingredients

When to Use a Blender

While blenders are commonly used for smoothies, there are many other ways to them, including: 

• Sauces
• Dips 
• Spreads 
• Soups 
• Beverages
• Desserts

When to Use a Food Processor

Many people use a food processor to chop ingredients for salsa, but they have other uses too, including: 

• Pestos
• Doughs
• Grinding meat 
• Mayonnaise 
• Nut butters 
• Grinding whole grains 
• Crumbing food (bread crumbs or cookie crumbs)
• Shredding cheese

Dual Functions

Blenders and food processors can be used to make sauces, soups, dips, and spreads. However, a blender is better for softer, more liquidy ingredients while a food processor is better for harder, thicker, drier ingredients. 

Which to Buy — a Blender or Food Processor?

When choosing between buying a blender or a food processor, it comes down to how you are going to use the appliance. If you’re looking to whip up delicious frozen beverages for a summer cookout or make smooth dark chocolate pudding for dessert, definitely invest in a blender. For chopping, slicing, and dicing all types of vegetables with ease or shredding cheese in bulk, a food processor is your best bet. 

Both blenders and food processors make food preparation easy and life enjoyable, and there are countless good reasons why people who enjoy home cooking have both appliances.