A mixer, a dough “mixer,” a juicer, a blender, a shredder—this is not the assortment of a household appliance store, but the capabilities of one unit—a food processor. One of the most popular functions of the device is cutting hard fruits and various vegetables into cubes of the same size. This is exactly how a professional chef can cut the ingredients for a salad or soup.
We will talk about the nuances of choosing and the best models of such combines in the article.
Types of food processors
All such devices are divided into:
- Compact shredders. They have one working bowl and a minimum of attachments (knife, discs for slicing and shredding, grater, dough attachment). Such devices are not distinguished by large capacity, significant power and impressive functionality.
- Classic combines. They are equipped with a main bowl and a blender, so they can act as a vegetable cutter, electric mill, citrus press and juicer. They are able to process large portions of food at high speeds and help in preparing complex dishes and intricate desserts.
- Universal combines. They can boast of having a whole range of different attachments and bowls, high power and high functionality - they cut vegetables and fruits, prepare minced meat in a matter of minutes.
Provided you choose a high-quality device and follow the operating rules, a food processor will become an indispensable assistant for a housewife who is ready to often surprise her family with new dishes, conduct culinary experiments and simply save her time.
What to look for when choosing a food processor
- Required functions.
First of all, decide what is your priority. When choosing a device for cutting vegetables and fruits into cubes, make sure that it comes with a special attachment. There can be several of them, of different sizes, to make small, medium and large cubes. A food processor is also capable of whipping egg whites, squeezing juice, preparing purees, sauces, and mixing ingredients. Scrolling minced meat requires a lot of power from the device, so it is better to abandon this option and buy a separate meat grinder. For a separate unit, also leave kneading tight dough for dumplings/dumplings, because only advanced models can handle this. - Engine power.
For cutting into cubes, a food processor with a power of 300 to 500 W is sufficient. To knead the dough and roll the meat, you will need significantly more - from 800 to 1500 W. - Number of speeds
. Since different operations require their own speed, the more functional the device, the wider the range of operating speeds should be. This will allow you to ideally select the appropriate mode for any selected task (cutting, grating, chopping, squeezing juice, whipping, etc.). - Bowl.
The device can be supplied with from one to four bowls of different sizes. The large one is usually intended for kneading dough or mixing large quantities of ingredients. Medium and small for cutting into cubes, strips, chopping, whipping, making purees and sauces. The carafe bowl acts as a blender. It is important to ensure that volume and power match. If a large bowl is installed on a food processor with low power, the device will choke. - Manufacturing materials.
It is best to choose plastic bowls. They are great for most operations except kneading dough. Plastic bowls can serve as storage utensils because they can be stored in the refrigerator without dirtying other utensils. All knives must be made of stainless steel and have a high-quality sharpening. Special nozzles for purees and juices can be made of durable plastic. - Nozzles
. The juicer is additionally equipped with a grater. One or two whisks are needed for whipping. Vegetables and fruits are cut, chopped using special attachments for fine, medium, coarse or shaped cutting, and chopped using a knife. - Additional functionality.
Pulse mode will be useful. It is activated by pressing and holding the button for a short period of time to quickly process products, for example, to raise foam that has settled. A timer will also come in handy. It would be useful to have special compartments for cords and attachments to save space in the closet.
Choose wisely
There are five main indicators that the future owner of high-tech household appliances should focus on:
- Power. Most models have a motor with power ranging from 200 to 1200 W. To effectively process food, this parameter must correspond to the volume of the bowl.
- Bowl volume. Larger containers can process more products in one cycle. Modern manufacturers offer bowls made of stainless steel, plastic or glass.
- Speed modes. Shredders have two speeds, universal combines have up to 12 speeds.
- Equipment. A circular knife, a blade-blade, a grater, a whisk, an attachment for making dough, a mill, a juicer, an electric meat grinder, an ice cream maker, a coffee grinder - these are not all the capabilities of advanced models.
- Safety and convenience. Rubber feet prevent the unit from slipping, silicone covers are provided for the blades, and the motor has a fuse.
Cutting into cubes
Type of cutting into cubes.
Thickly cut chips or fries are cut into thick bars about 8 mm thick. This is also a blank (intermediate step) for medium cubes.
Bâtonnet, pronounced bah-tow-nay, is a French word that means "little sticks." Batonnet refers to lengths of sticks - measuring approximately 8 mm x 8 mm x 5-6 cm. This cutting of vegetables is the basis of French cuisine.
Step-by-step instructions for cutting cubes:
- Take a knife, preferably a sharp chef's knife.
- Cut off both edges of the object you are using to cut, be it a carrot, cucumber or beet. (Let's hope it's not a ripe tomato you're practicing the technique on.) Cut it into 5-6cm long portions.
- Trim the sides of each piece until it is a rectangular shape.
- Cut these pieces into 8mm tiles.
- Cut the boards lengthwise into 8mm strips.
See also: How to use avocado in desserts
Best food processors with dicing function
Food processor Bosch MCM 64085
Specifications Bosch MCM 64085
Type | food processor |
Power | 1200 W |
Bowl capacity | 3.9 l |
Blender | yes, volume 1.5 l |
Control | smooth adjustment, pulse mode |
Included | |
Meat grinder | No |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | utility knife, dough attachment, whipping attachment, French fries disc, grater, julienne disc total number of attachments: 8 |
Dicing disc | There is |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | blender: plastic, body: plastic |
Power cord | with storage compartment |
Rubberized feet | There is |
Dimensions and weight | |
Weight | 6.2 kg |
Pros and cons of Bosch MCM 64085
Advantages:
- powerful.
- comfortable.
- cuts into cubes.
- There is a bag for the blades.
Flaws:
- prices for additional accessories.
- takes up a lot of space.
Video review of Bosch MCM 64085
Kitchen chopper Moulinex DJ9058 Fresh Express Cube
Characteristics of Moulinex DJ9058 Fresh Express Cube
Type | kitchen chopper |
Multi-cutter | Yes |
Power | 280 W |
Bowl capacity | no data |
Blender | No |
Control | number of speeds: 2 |
Included | |
Juicer | No |
Meat grinder | No |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | grater: 2 included, slicing attachment: 1 included, julienne disc: 1 included, total number of attachments: 5 |
Dicing disc | There is |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | body: plastic |
Storage area for attachments | There is |
Power cord | with storage compartment |
Additional Information | automatic speed adjustment |
Dimensions and weight | |
Weight | 2.7 kg |
Pros and cons of Moulinex DJ9058 Fresh Express Cube
Advantages:
- cuts well.
- standard container with magnets for storing attachments directly on the combine.
- easy and quick to clean.
Flaws:
- You need to hold the button with your hand while operating.
- Small particles of food fall into the slot where the attachments are inserted.
Video review of Moulinex DJ9058 Fresh Express Cube
How the device works
Cutting into cubes by hand is a long and painstaking process, and creating identically shaped pieces requires considerable skill and experience with a kitchen knife. Manufacturers of home appliances have once again taken care not only of saving time, but also of the aesthetics of the daily or holiday table.
Combines have a bowl for grinding products, where special attachments are installed - grates of different sizes. The sharp edges cut the ingredients into strips, and the knife under the grill methodically rotates and chops the straw into cubes. All that is required from the user is to evenly move the selected vegetable or fruit with a pusher, and the equipment does the rest, and in a matter of seconds.
A food processor with dicing is the choice for those who like to treat themselves or their family with beautiful dishes, not only on holidays. The main mission of any kitchen appliance is to save both the time and effort of the user. Kitchen machines cope with this task perfectly.
The best food processors with meat grinder
Food processor Kitfort KT-1332
Characteristics of Kitfort KT-1332
Type | food processor |
Power | 1000 W |
Bowl capacity | 4.5 l |
Blender | There is |
Control | smooth adjustment, pulse mode |
Included | |
Juicer | No |
Meat grinder | There is |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | dough attachment, whipping attachment, grater: 3 included, slicing attachment: 1 included total number of attachments: 10 |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | blender: plastic, body: plastic |
Rubberized feet | There is |
Dimensions and weight | |
Weight | 5.37 kg |
Pros and cons of Kitfort KT-1332
Advantages:
- The combine is easy to use.
- 4 in 1.
- powerful.
- many attachments.
- equipment.
Flaws:
- The bottom of the bowl is cone-shaped, so the attachments do not reach the bottom of the bowl.
Video review of Kitfort KT-1332
Food processor Kenwood KHH 326WH
Characteristics of Kenwood KHH 326WH
Type | food processor |
Power | 1000 W |
Bowl capacity | 4.3 l |
Blender | There is |
Control | smooth adjustment |
Included | |
Juicer | for citrus fruits/universal |
Meat grinder | There is |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | dough attachment, whipping attachment, grater total number of attachments: 7 |
Spatula | There is |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | bowl: stainless steel steel, blender: glass, body: plastic |
Dimensions and weight | |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 40×24.7×29 cm |
Weight | 5.28 kg |
Pros and cons of Kenwood KHH 326WH
Advantages:
- high build quality.
- price.
- glass blender.
Flaws:
- The set does not include a grinder or grinder.
- There is no cookbook included.
- useless juicer.
Video review of Kenwood KHH 326WH
Harvester Galaxy GL2300
Photo: market.yandex.ru
The Galaxy GL 2300 food processor will become an indispensable assistant for an experienced cook. It is equipped with six attachments - a double whisk for whipping, a knife for chopping food, a shredding blade, as well as tools for cutting into cubes, strips and slices. The Galaxy GL 2300 food processor has a spacious bowl that can accommodate whole fruits and vegetables, as well as large pieces of meat. The device provides you with two speed settings suitable for processing hard and soft foods. Using the Galaxy GL 2300 food processor is very convenient. Its durable pusher makes it easy to dispense food, and the bowl spout allows you to carefully pour liquid into other dishes. The heavy base with rubberized feet helps the device remain stable even on a smooth glass surface.
Harvester Galaxy GL2300
Advantages:
- Power 700 W
- 2 working speeds
- Stainless steel knife
- Whisk
- Shredder attachment
- Slicing
- Cutting French fries
- Dicing
- Bowl volume 3.5 liters
- Rubberized feet
The best food processors with juicer
Food processor Kenwood KM 242 Prospero
Characteristics of Kenwood KM 242 Prospero
Type | food processor |
Power | 900 W |
Bowl capacity | 4.3 l |
Blender | There is |
Control | |
Included | |
Juicer | for citrus |
Meat grinder | No |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | dough attachment, whipping attachment total number of attachments: 5 |
Spatula | There is |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | bowl: stainless steel steel, blender: plastic |
Power cord | with storage compartment |
Additional Information | 3 slots for attachments, protective cover against accidental activation |
Dimensions and weight | |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 31.3×24.3×29.2 cm |
Weight | 4.5 kg |
Pros and cons of the Kenwood KM 242 Prospero
Advantages:
- The cutting is quick.
- powerful.
- large metal work bowl.
- The cord is retracted into the housing.
Flaws:
- There is no compartment for storing attachments.
Video review of Kenwood KM 242 Prospero
Food processor Braun FX 3030
Characteristics of Braun FX 3030
Type | food processor |
Power | 800 W |
Bowl capacity | 2 l |
Blender | No |
Control | smooth adjustment, pulse mode |
Included | |
Juicer | for citrus fruits/universal |
Meat grinder | No |
Nozzles | utility knife, dough attachment, french fries disc, emulsion attachment, grater, slicer, julienne disc total number of attachments: 8 |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | bowl: plastic, body: plastic |
Power cord | with storage compartment |
Additional Information | plastic chopper (volume 0.75 l) |
Pros and cons of Braun FX 3030
Advantages:
- quiet.
- comfortable.
- smooth speed control.
- low waste.
Flaws:
- there is no knife for coarse shredding cabbage.
Video review of Braun FX 3030
Harvester REDMOND RFP-3904
Photo: market.yandex.ru
Our review opens with the Redmond RFP-3904 dicing food processor with a 3.5 liter bowl. This unit combines devices for grating and chopping food at home. The set includes nine attachments of various shapes and sizes, including one for cutting potatoes into neat, even slices for deep-frying. A special feature of the device is the ability to chop vegetables into 8 mm cubes. The model also comes with two S-shaped knives: metal and plastic. All steel elements are made of stainless material. There is a special container for storing parts, which is part of the motor block. Depending on the density of the products, work is carried out at two speeds. In order for the device to immediately function at the maximum level, it is necessary to set the pulse mode. The Redmond RFP-3904 combine has built-in protection against overheating under prolonged load, as well as against switching on if the container is installed incorrectly, which extends the operational life of the model. Rubberized feet with suction cups prevent vibration and falling of the device.
Harvester REDMOND RFP-3904
Advantages:
- 3.5 l bowl
- Grater and shredder function
- Includes 9 nozzles
- Chopping vegetables into 8 mm cubes
- Steel elements made of stainless material
- Container for storing accessories
- 2 operating speeds
- Pulse mode
- overheat protection
- Rubberized feet with suction cups
The best food processors and choppers
Kitchen chopper Gemlux GL-MC400
Characteristics of Gemlux GL-MC400
Type | kitchen chopper |
Power | 400 W |
Bowl capacity | 1.5 l |
Blender | No |
Control | |
Included | |
Juicer | No |
Meat grinder | No |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | universal knife total number of attachments: 1 |
Spatula | There is |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | bowl: plastic, body: stainless steel steel |
Storage area for attachments | There is |
Dimensions and weight | |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 21x21x26.5 cm |
Weight | 2.3 kg |
Pros and cons of Gemlux GL-MC400
Advantages:
- price.
- no frills.
- the power is good.
Flaws:
- The lid of the bowl is thin, plastic.
- makes noise.
Kitchen chopper Moulinex Fresh Express DJ755G
Characteristics of Moulinex Fresh Express DJ755G
Type | kitchen chopper |
Multi-cutter | Yes |
Power | 200 W |
Bowl capacity | no data |
Blender | No |
Control | |
Included | |
Juicer | No |
Meat grinder | No |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | grater: 2 included, slicing attachment, julienne disc total number of attachments: 5 |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | body: plastic |
Storage area for attachments | There is |
Power cord | with storage compartment |
Dimensions and weight | |
Weight | 1.56 kg |
Pros and cons of Moulinex Fresh Express DJ755G
Advantages:
- convenient to wash.
- compactness.
- ease of assembly and disassembly.
Video review of Moulinex Fresh Express DJ755G
Cutting cubes - medium
Type of cutting into medium cubes.
The medium cube measures about 8mm x 8mm x 8mm and is a smaller version of the large cube. Stew recipes often call for the carrots, potatoes and meat to be in medium cubes, which you get after cutting the sticks into cubes. A good choice when recipes don't specify size and the ingredient list simply says "some or other diced."
The best food processors for making purees
Food processor Philips HR7605
Specifications Philips HR7605
Type | food processor |
Power | 350 W |
Bowl capacity | 2.1 l |
Blender | No |
Control | number of speeds: 1, pulse mode |
Included | |
Juicer | No |
Meat grinder | No |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | utility knife, emulsion attachment, grater: 2 included, slicing attachment: 1 included, julienne disc total number of attachments: 5 |
Peculiarities | |
Overload protection | There is |
Execution | bowl: plastic, body: plastic |
Storage area for attachments | There is |
Power cord | with storage compartment, length 0.75 m |
Dimensions and weight | |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 24x18x24 cm |
Weight | 1.6 kg |
Pros and cons of Philips HR7605
Advantages:
- quick assembly and disassembly.
- pulsating mode.
- large volume.
Flaws:
- short wire.
- There is only one rotation speed.
Philips HR7605 video review
Kitchen chopper Kenwood CH 580
Characteristics of Kenwood CH 580
Type | kitchen chopper |
Power | 450 W |
Bowl capacity | 0.5 l |
Blender | No |
Control | number of speeds: 2 |
Included | |
Juicer | No |
Meat grinder | No |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | universal knife, emulsion nozzle total number of nozzles: 2 |
Peculiarities | |
Execution | bowl: plastic, body: plastic |
Power cord | with storage compartment |
Pros and cons of Kenwood CH 580
Advantages:
- cuts everything instantly.
- easy to wash.
- can be used for small portions.
Flaws:
- big.
- price.
Cutting into strips
As the name suggests, it is a thin, stick-shaped incision. To cut into strips 3 mm × 3 mm × 5 cm can be obtained by cutting the sticks lengthwise into 4 equal square sticks, and then into 2 crosswise.
Type of cutting into strips.
This cut is most often used to make fried potatoes, as ingredients cut this way cook evenly and quickly.
This is also a blank (intermediate step) for small cubes.
Best Combination Food Processors
Food processor Bosch MUM4880
Characteristics of Bosch MUM4880
Type | food processor |
Power | 600 W |
Bowl capacity | 3.9 l |
Blender | yes, volume 1 l |
Control | number of speeds: 4 |
Included | |
Juicer | for citrus |
Meat grinder | There is |
Melnichka | No |
Nozzles | dough attachment, whipping attachment, grater total number of attachments: 10 |
Peculiarities | |
Overload protection | There is |
Execution | bowl: stainless steel steel, blender: plastic, housing: plastic |
Storage area for attachments | There is |
Power cord | with storage compartment, length 1.20 m |
Rubberized feet | There is |
Additional Information | interactive DVD with recipes |
Dimensions and weight | |
Weight | 6.5 kg |
Pros and cons of Bosch MUM4880
Advantages:
- multifunctional.
- not noisy.
- price.
Flaws:
- takes up a lot of space.
- There is no attachment for cutting into cubes.
Replacement nozzles for cubes
If the standard equipment of the device does not include an attachment that cuts into cubes, this is not a death sentence; the gratings can be purchased separately. You need to select attachments in accordance with the type of attachment of the combine, otherwise they will not fit.
The cost of an additional attachment can be commensurate with half the cost of a new machine, but its advantage is its excellent workmanship and the ability to be installed on different devices.
Compatibility table
Brand | Dicing attachment markings | Compatible Models |
Bosch | MUZ8CC2 | MUMXL, MUMXX, MUM8 |
Bosch | MUZ5CC2 | MUM5, MUM52131, MUM54240, MUM54251, MUM56340, MUM56S40, MUM57830, MUM57860, MUM58252RU |
Kenwood | MGX400 (AWMGX40001) | Chef/Major series machines, MG400, MG500 meat grinders |
Philips | HR1999/90 (blender attachment) | For hand blenders HR164x, HR167x, HR169x |
Prices for food processors
Models | Prices (RUB) |
Bosch MUM4880 | from 9 200 |
Kenwood CH 580 | from 2 600 |
Philips HR7605 | from 4 300 |
Moulinex Fresh Express DJ755G | from 3 000 |
Gemlux GL-MC400 | from 1 700 |
Braun FX 3030 | from 12 000 |
Kenwood KM 242 Prospero | from 10 500 |
Kenwood KHH 326WH | from 18 000 |
Kitfort KT-1332 | from 13 500 |
Moulinex DJ9058 Fresh Express Cube | from 9 300 |
Bosch MCM 64085 | from 12 000 |
Cutting cubes - small
A type of cutting into small cubes.
The thinnest cuts are small cubes obtained from straws. Any type of cutting smaller than a cut will be considered minced meat. Gather the vegetable strips together, then cut them into approximately 3mm cubes. This form of cutting is most often used to prepare sauces or as a flavorful side dish for dishes.
Tips for cutting other foods
Cheese slicing
- Parmesan, pecorino, grana padano are not cut into slices, especially since it is difficult to do this with an ordinary utility knife, but are broken off with a special spatula.
- Brie and Camembert are served whole, complete with a table knife, with which the eaters themselves cut off the pieces of the desired size.
- Mozzarella is cut with a serrated blade.
- Blue cheese is cut into cubes using a small all-rounder with a wide blade.
- Semi-hard cheeses (Russian, Dutch, Gouda) are cut with universals with holes in the blade.
- Thin slicing of semi-hard cheeses is done with string knives or a knife resembling a spatula with a slot in the central part. It is also known as the “cheese plane” and was invented by carpenter Thor Björklund from Lillehammer in 1925.
Sliced bread
- Bread is cut exclusively on a board intended for this purpose. Never use a board for vegetables and especially raw meat.
- For slicing bread, a separate bread knife is used, often with a serrated sharpening.
- Slices of pan bread are cut in half: perpendicular to the base, parallel to the base, diagonally. Slices of loaves are served whole.
- The approximate thickness of the slice is 1 centimeter. Thinner slices are made only for multi-layer sandwiches.