Some people say that the processor is a bigger version of the blender.
Though the two kitchen appliances appear similar in function, there is a distinct difference between food processor and mixer.
You wouldn’t want to buy a food processor while expecting to get the features of a mixer, right?
So, if you don’t know the difference between these appliances, this article is perfect for you.
We’ll also cover the functions of each of them, so you can decide which is right for your kitchen.
You could also check out our food mixer reviews to see our top rated choices.
Differences Between Mixers and Food Processors
To be able to correctly differentiate between a food mixer and a food processor, you’ll need to learn what each of them are and how they help simplify the cooking process.
The following sections have been carefully researched to give you all the important information you need to know about food mixers and food processors. Take your time to go through the article carefully.
What is a Food Processor?
A food processor is an electric kitchen appliance used to aid cooking processes. It is used to mince, slice, puree, grate, chop and blend different cooking ingredients.
The processor has multiple blades and can accommodate different bowls containing varying ingredients at the same time. This makes it able to carry out the different processes perfectly and within the shortest possible time. Some food processors come with a blender attachment that you can use to make juices.
What is a Food Mixer?
How does a food mixer work? The mixer uses a gear driven mechanism to blend together. You can use it to knead dough for homemade bread or cake batter.
Back then, these appliances were manually operated but recent models now offer electrical, stand or hand mixers. They are easy to use and make work faster. At the end of this review, we would share with you which food mixer is the best for you.
There are two types of mixers: Hand mixers and stand mixers.
The hand mixer is similar to an electric egg whisk. It is small and handy. The hand mixer is not stationary hence, can be moved from one place to another with ease.
In addition, it doesn’t come with any bowls so, you can put your ingredients in any container of your choice and mix. It’s not very big, so storage should not be a problem.
The stand mixer is more of a professional designed mixer. Stand mixers occupy more space in the kitchen other than the portable hand mixers.
Stand mixers are perfect for making large quantities of food.
Furthermore, the strong motor of the stand mixer allows it to provide an increased mixing speed.
Food Processor vs Stand Mixer – Their Specialities
At first glance, these appliances may seem similar but you’ll see how they differ in this section.
1. Container
Food Processor
The parts of a food processor can be classified into 4. The base, the plastic body, the blades and the lid. The body of the food processor is usually big and wide enough to accommodate large quantities at once.
Some food processors come with bowl inserts that allow you to process different food ingredients at the same time, hence saving you time.
The shape of the container supports perfect work even when it is filled up to the brim.
The plastic body or container comes in different sizes ranging from 2 – 14 cups.
Food Mixer
The food mixer bowls come in different materials and sizes. Some are made of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or plastic materials.
The bowls of the mixer are kept in place while it mixes the content either by rotation or vertically under the control of the motor knob under it.
The mixer bowls come in different sizes ranging from homemade size to large commercial sizes.
Usually, unlike the food processor, the mixer bowl is usually open such that you can easily see or add to it’s content.
2. Cutting Blades
Food Processor
A great advantage of the food processor is the cutting blades. The food processor has two major blades that it uses to perform various cutting functions.
The chopping or mixing blade also known as the “S” blade can be used to chop foods like garlic, onions and so on. It can also be used to mix salads and smoothies, to make pasta doughs and lots more.
The second blade is the slicing and shredding blade. It is reversible and is perfect for slicing carrots and cabbage for coleslaw. Even mini food processors have blades strong enough to chop herbs or vegetables efficiently.
Food Mixer
Food mixers make use of beaters instead of blades. Depending on what you want to mix and the result you want to get, there are several types of beaters. Most stand mixers come with these attachments.
The flat beater is used for cake, cookies, meatloaf and so on.
Dough hook, just as the name indicates, is used for kneading dough like those for breads and certain cakes.
The wire whip beater is used commonly for whisking. It incorporates air into the content being mixed.
3. Accessories
Food Processor
The food processor comes with a series of accessories. Depending on the brand and model, the accompanying accessories may differ. However, you must know that the more accessories you have, the more you are likely to pay.
A basic food processor comes with a knife blade, slicing or shredding blade, blender, dough hook or blade, spatula and the list goes on and on.
Food Mixer
Stand mixers accessories are not universal. Though there are some that are necessary to have with your stand mixer.
The three basic accessories that come with stand mixers are batters for cakes and cookers, whisks for beating eggs and dough hooks for making pasta and pizzas.
Some other accessories include slicer or shredder, pouring shield, spatula, spiralizers, pasta rollers, and so on.
4. Power
Food Processor
An average food processor consumes between 400 to 700 watts. Though some may consume as much as 1200 watts.
After continuous use, you should leave the processor to rest for a while before continual use. This is because one of the major issues of the food processor is overheating.
Food Mixer
Stand mixers consume less energy than food processors. On an average, the mixer consumes between 200-400 watts of energy. Some industrial ones may consume up to 1600 watts. However, if you just want one for homemade foods, a 200watt mixer is appropriate for you. This little energy consumption makes them more cost effective.
Food Processor Vs Mixer – Which Do You need?
How do you decide which one you would need most in your kitchen?
Basically, you should know that food processors are used for cutting procedures while the kitchen mixers are used for baking.
Reading many food mixer reviews would not tell you which one you need. To determine which one you need you must ask yourself the question “What do I cook most?”.
As soon as you determine that, you would be able to tell which of the two appliances you need the most. Nonetheless, you can consider the following factors if you’re unsure of which one you need.
1. Cost
Food Processor
An average food processor would cost you about RM200 – 800 in Malaysia. They also consume more electrical energy than a food mixer.
Food Mixer
Though the price of a stand mixer depends on so many factors such as the manufacturing brand, accompanying accessories, recent model, inbuilt features amongst others, on an average you can get a good stand mixer at an affordable price (within RM50-RM500) in Malaysia.
These appliances also consume less energy, hence, saving you on some extra electricity bills.
2. Size
Food Processor
Food processors are smaller compared to food mixers. However, if you get a bigger sized food processor that comes with a lot of accessories,, you might end up consuming the entire space in your kitchen by trying to store the food processor.
Food Mixer
Depending on how much you cook per time, size choices of food processors or mixers may differ for every individual.
However, on a general note, when you compare similar sized mixers with processors, the mixers are usually smaller.
In addition, depending on the price you pay, that is, the more expensive either of the appliances, the more accessories you get.
Usage
Food Processor
The food processor on the other hand, is good for you if you like to use fresh from the start ingredients and need an appliance to ease the stress of cutting and slicing, you need a food processor.
From these analysis, If you were to choose one between the two, we would recommend the stand mixer instead of the processor.
Nonetheless, it is majorly based on your personal cooking requirements.
If you’re still unsure of which one you need, you can get more clarifications from this video.
Food Mixer
The functions of the stand mixer and the food processor differ entirely. You can only compare them in terms of dough kneading. Not all food processors even have this feature. However, can a stand mixer replace a food processor? Well, not exactly, since the food processor’s primary function is chopping.
In other words, if you need a kitchen appliance majorly for beating and pastries, the mixer is your best shot.
Food Processor vs Blender vs Mixer
What About a Hand Mixer?
What’s a hand mixer good for?
A hand mixer is a smaller and versatile version of the stand mixer though with some functional variations.
You should opt for a hand mixer if you don’t bake very often. In addition, you can move the mixer about as long as the wire permits.
An advantage of the hand mixer is that you can move it around the bowl containing the ingredients you are mixing in order to achieve a more even and smooth mix.
A hand mixer is your best shot if you are a fan of making pastries or baking and it promises the best mixing results!
What can you make with a hand mixer?
The hand mixer is a handy tool and a must have for every kitchen. Even if you don’t bake or make pastries often, a hand mixer would be useful any time any day!
A hand mixer is great for beating egg whites, mixing cake batter, whipping creams and mixing butter and sugar.
However, you must know that the hand mixer can only accommodate a limited quantity compared to the stand mixer.
Simply put, hand mixers are your good to go when it comes to beating eggs or mixing anything at any time!
Get the Most Out of Your Mixer
What food mixer do you need? If you want a budget friendly mixer that can make your processes easier and faster, you can check out these food mixer machines Malaysia has.
Check out this video for tips to look out for when choosing your food mixer.
Choosing a Food Mixer
Cornell 5 Speed Stand Mixer
The Cornell Stand Mixer offers a 3.5 liters mixing bowl, made of plastic material. It has about 5 speed settings and the bowl is rotatable with a fixed motor. Check out its basic features and price.
Electric Multifunction 7 Speed Egg Beater Food Mixer
Though a little noisy on high speeds, the Electric Multifunction 7 Speed Mixer is versatile such that it can be used either as a stand mixer or held by the grip. It features 7 mixing speeds and a string and powerful motor.
Panasonic MX-SS40 Hand Blender (600W) 5 SPEED
The 4 in 1 blender can perform slicing, shredding, whisking and chopping functions. It offers multiple speed settings and has a shady made of stainless steel material.
The Panasonic 4 in 1 mixer is one of the best hand mixers Malaysia knows.
Final Word
Now you know the difference between food processor and mixer!
If you are just beginning to gather appliances for your kitchen, we recommend getting a mixer first. You should try the Electric Multifunction 7 Speed Egg Beater Food Mixer. It is one of the best handheld mixers Malaysia has.
Choose the kitchen appliance that will make your cooking or baking easier. If you bake, choose the food mixer. If you’re doing a lot of cutting and chopping, get a food processor instead!
