We recently had the fantastic opportunity to sit down with Bel, KitchenAid's In-house Maker, and discuss the KitchenAid food processor. 

While KitchenAid is renowned for their stand mixer, their food processor is also an exceptional tool in the kitchen. Keep reading to learn more and get some fantastic recipes.

Expert Advice

I thought KitchenAid only made stand mixers?

The KitchenAid stand mixer is the HERO product of the KitchenAid range and has been in kitchens for over 100 years. Since the launch of the stand mixer we have added an abundance of products to our collection, from kettles to toasters, blenders to food processors, and much more. KitchenAid have all the tools to support you in the kitchen.

Is a food processor really necessary? Can’t I just use the old-fashioned method of a knife or a grater?

Food Processors are great time savers in you kitchen. Yes, I suppose technically you could simply use a knife or a grater for some tasks, but you will never replicate the speed, ease and precision that a food processor delivers.  A food processor can turn over everything from a fresh, delicious slaw to a mgnificent marindate in next to no time.  Its a bit like using a PC rather than a pen and paper.  In the interest of efficiency, wouldn't you choose the PC?

How did you go about designing your food processors? What improvements were you looking to make on products already out there on the market? 

To land on the perfect processor, we began be addressing the mian sticking points in the design of food processor already in the market.  We spoke to consumers who shared all the niggles they had with the processors to date and set out to build the antidote.

Storage was a major concern.  Where to put all those blades and attachments without the need for cumbersome storage boxes or, worse still, having them floating free in cupboards and drawers.  Our solution was to allow for the storage of all the attachments in a storage caddy that fits inside the processor's bowl.  This meant no extra space was needed, fingers were less likely to be cut, and there was no rummaging round the ktichen cupboards for that blade you need but can't find anywhere.  

Secondly, we kept hearing stories of bowls and lids breaking when cooks were twisting parts to lock them into place.  No need for that with a Kitchenaid.  Our processors have a twist-free bowl that simply clicks into place on the engine, as well as a latched lid that opens and shuts easily.  Our converts tell us this feature has been a game-changer.  Plus, all the blades and attachments are dishwasher safe.  You can even clean them by adding some warm water and dishwashing liquid into the bowl and blade while its is on the processor and giving it a quick spin.

What size food processor would suit me best?

It's a bit of a Goldlocks moment deciding which size food processor is best for you and your needs.  You don't wnat something too big or too small; you want a model that's just right for you.  Start by thinking about when and what you might use it for.  The 9-cup size is our favourite: a practical, everyday size that's capable of chopping, shredding, mincing, slicing, kneading, whipping, mixing, and pureeing.  From pizza dough or burger patties to soups or whipped creams, there isn't much this talented multi-tasker can't do.

If quick marinades, pesto, salsa, or guacamole are in your regular repertoire, the mini chopper might be model for you.

What is the best everyday recipe to create with a food processor?

You can take the hard work out of your traditionally more labour-intensive recipes such as kneading dough or utilise the variety of blades and discs available. Create a lamb kofta salad for dinner today or maybe a homemade pizza or a batch of scones using a KitchenAid food processor.