Dhanteras, an auspicious Hindu festival which marks the beginning of Diwali, is celebrated with joy and believes that prosperity is being brought into our homes. Falling on Tuesday, the 29th of October this year, the day symbolise wealth and good fortune. On this day, families clean and decorate their houses, light diyas, and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. A tradition practised is that of people buy new household items such as gold, silver, utensils, and kitchen appliances to symbolise new beginnings.
An ideal investment this Dhanteras for your kitchen would be a food processor. The functionality of this humble appliance helps you in prep work by saving time and effort in the kitchen. However, since there are so many different options available, proper knowledge about the various features that come along with a food processor before buying one is very essential.
Capacity and Size
One of the first things you must consider is the capacity of the food processor. Food processors come in sizes from tiny compact ones for small tasks to larger ones for large families or preparing big batches. If you have a big family, or you are a batch cooker, you would find a bigger food processor ideal, with a bowl size of around 10 to 14 cups. For a small family or only using it for basic kitchen needs, then a 7-10-cup model should be enough. Remember the size of the processor itself and whether it fits nicely on your kitchen counter or in storage.
Motor Power
The power of the motor will determine how well you can chop, grind, knead dough, or do whatever type of processing you'll do with this machine. A processor with a motor power of about 600-800 watts is sufficient for use on a daily basis where one is chopping vegetables or pureeing ingredients. But if you are looking to use the processor for something heavy, such as kneading dough or breaking through the toughness of ingredients, then look for processors that have a minimum of 1000 watts power. A powerful motor ensures smoother performance and decreases the possibility of the machine overheating for a more extended period.
Attachments and Blades
Of course, one important advantage of a food processor is versatility that depends on attachments and blades supplied with it. Most attachments and blades that come with a food processor include the basic S-shaped blade for chopping, pureeing, and a disc blade to slice or shred things. However, if you want more features, there are products that come with some extra blades and discs, for grating, kneading dough, whisking, or even juicing. This will allow you to gain everything you can from your food processor and help you avoid several appliances for doing different tasks.
Easy Cleaning
No one likes spending extra time after cooking, cleaning up post-cooking. Therefore, it is very important to see how easy it is to clean a food processor. Best processors come with easy-to-clean simple parts having fewer nooks and crannies, places through which the food could get lodged. High-end models also feature easy-to-clean surface features that will leave your routine post-cooking very smooth.
Safety Features
Along with this, safety matters when you want to choose a food processor. So, look for the model which is provided along with safety locks to prevent the processor from starting unless the lid is securely locked in place. Some of them also contain non-slip feet that keep the machine stable on your floor during heavy-duty tasks. Another excellent feature is overload protection, which keeps the motor from overheating or getting burnt if the processor is inadvertently overfilled.
Price and Guarantee
The prices vary widely among food processors, so you have to balance your needs with your budget. While the most expensive models will come with the most features and durability, there are plenty of mid-range processors that will do an excellent job for normal use. Another thing is to check the warranty time left on the product before purchasing. As long as the warranty period is at least 1-2 years, one can be sure of manufacturing defects and motor failures.