About Food Processors

ABOUT FOOD PROCESSORS

Food processors are essential kitchen appliances that are used in almost every modern home and they provide several useful functions as well. For example, if you have some repetitive work that has to be done in order to prepare your food properly, you will need to buy yourself a processor which can do everything for you quickly and efficiently. The modern food-processor is also invariably one that is driven by an electric motor though it is also common to come across some models that are manually operated.

Food-processors are very much like a blender and both share many common characteristics. However, each differs from the other in that the former can make use of a variety of blades that can be interchanged according to convenience while the latter makes use of a fixed blade. In addition, a food-processor has a wider and also shorter bowl.

Most food processors do not require much use of liquids in order to perform their operations but this is not the case with a blender that must be used with liquids to help remove particles from its blades. A food processor performs a variety of functions which can change according to placement as well as type of attachment or blade used.

However, a food processor can do a few things such as slices and chops vegetables, grinds items such as seeds, nuts and meat as well as dried fruits. It can also shred and grate vegetables and cheese and it is often used for making puree and it can also do an excellent job of kneading dough and mixing it.

It is important to understand that the design of a food-processor can play an important part in making this appliance work better. In addition, before buying your food processor it is important to look for suitable safety features that will prevent the motor from working if the bowl has not been properly fixed to the base and also if the lid is not properly fastened.

Basically, a food processor will have its attachments fitted over the shaft that is located inside the bowl. Standard attachments that come with every food processor include a blade that has an S shape and which is also known as a Sabatier blade. In addition, there will also be slicing and shredding discs. For those who have a little extra money to pay for a fancier food processor they can find products that have additional attachments that help to make the appliance more versatile as well as effective.

To get most out of your food-processor you must know how to correctly use its attachments. For example, by attaching the shredding disc you will be able to quickly, efficiently and effortlessly grate common ingredients such as carrots and cheese. A sliding disc will help you to slice potatoes perfectly and the same can be done with apples. Be sure to also remember that to properly puree, grind and chop you must know the correct techniques.

Once you master the art of using food processors you can look forward to having a great time in preparing foods in your kitchen' including some of these tasty and nutritious berry cake recipes

ABOUT FOOD PROCESSOR CLEANING

The first step towards looking after your processor is to keep it very clean. After creating your culinary masterpiece soak and then wash all the parts in hot and soapy water. Some people recommend spraying some non-stick on the center drive shaft to prevent food sticking and I find this actually works


FOOD-PROCESSOR TYPES

The two basic food processor types are those that are directly driven by a motor located under the main bowl. The other type is the belt driven type where the bowl powers the bowl, which is located alongside.

The main causes of failure are simply overloading and burning the motor out or stripping the gears. Both are caused by overloading or excessive running.

If the food-processor starts rotating erratically or makes a crunching and grinding noise, this indicates that the drive belt or the gearing is damaged.

Before opening make sure the unit is unplugged. Many manufacturers warn against opening at all and recommend returning it to authorized repairer.

You can open and access the base, and if the rubber drive belt is loose you can adjust the tension to get things working again. If the drive belt is broken get a replacement and install.
FOOD-PROCESSOR FAILURES

The food blender is a much smaller kitchen aid that has a cutting blade powered by an electric motor. It is very versatile and is able to blend, chop, slice and grate food, not to mention pureeing, shakes, smoothies and lots more.

Again the most common failure is overloading the device. Cleaning tends to be a problem, and using warm soapy water will help a lot. Fill it halfway then run it for 15-20 seconds to get it clean. One hint is to pop in a few ice cubes to help sharpen the cutting blades.

One of the most common faults is that the blender jar is not engaging and the micro-switch is sticking.

Check that the drive shaft is turning without undue resistance. If not the gearing or motor may be damaged or seized. If the motor runs and the blade and shaft will not turn the coupling may be loose or broken. If the motor hums and blade will not turn the blender may simply be overloaded.

Extensive use will cause overheating and it may cutout on a thermal protection switch, so leave it for an hour to cool down. If your blender is a multi-speed model and starts working only on one speed the variable speed control unit is faulty.

ABOUT JUICERS

The juicer is also an electric powered kitchen aid. They suffer from excessive run times and overloading. The juicer is powered by an electric motor and gearing that are rotate the shaft and fruit reamer.

The reamer scrapes the fruit pulp to release the juice. The reamer is activated by a small internal switch. Centrifugal force is used to separate the juice from the solids. If you have to disassemble the machine to trouble shoot always unplug it from the wall socket.

The first thing to check is the gearing, as stripping of teeth is common. Apply some silicon lubricate to the gear teeth if okay. The micro-switch if requiring replacement correct positioning is very important to activate properly. How to look after food-processors and blenders.

PREMIUM PARTNERS

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