It can be used for slicing, blending, mixing, grating, chopping, preparing dough among many other important tasks. But while this handy appliance is easy to use, it’s built of a series of complex parts that work together to accomplish particular objectives. Here’s an encyclopedia of food processor parts.
But before that, make a choice that will save you time and money when choosing your food processor. If you do that, there is a big probability that you do not need to learn too much about food processor parts. My choices, for the food processors that are more sturdy and more likely to save you the trouble, with direct links to their amazon pages:
- Home food processor: Cuisinart DLC-8SY Pro
- Commercial food processor: KitchenAid KFP1642OB
- Blender: Ninja Blender Professional 1000 BL610
- Juicer: Omega J8006HDS Nutrition Center Juicer
- Mini Chopper: Ninja Master Prep QB900B
Food Processor Parts
Bowl
The bowl is the largest part of any food processor, this is where food is put and processed. In most cases, the bowl is transparent so you can see the food inside. The bowl also provides a measure of safety by preventing possible contact with the spinning blades. Some bowls come with a handle.
Blades
There are several types of blades in a food processor. These are usually made of stainless steel and a rubber seal ring known as the gasket.
Chopping Blade
This part is designed to chop, beat, mince, and mix food. It is usually made of high-quality stainless steel blades.
Citrus Press
It is used to prepare juices from citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Controls
The food processor’s dials or buttons are used to control the mechanism. These include a standard on/off switch along with various power, mode, and speed settings. Full digital controls are quite common nowadays.
Cover
The role of this part is to protect the food processor while in storage.
Dry Grinding Jar
This is a special jar that features a blade that is used to produce dry flours. This part should be used sparingly as it tends to heat the motor really fast.
Dough Maker Attachment
This is part of the dough-maker functionality of the food processor. Its role is to prepare dough from flour.
Inserts
For the food processor to perform its roles a few inserts are needed. These are mostly attached to the motor’s spindle. Examples of inserts include slicers, graters, shredders, and choppers.
Jar
Also known as the blender jar, this accessory is used to blend hot or cold liquids. It can also be used to crush ice cubes.
Locking Collar Ring
This component prevents the bowl or jug from rotating while the motor rotates the blades inside.
Motor Spindle
This is the “spinal cord” of the food processor as it is where various discs and inserts are attached to enable the appliance to perform specialized tasks.
Motor Assembly
The base of a food processor contains the motor assembly and the internal power supply. Usually, there is a cord connecting this part to an electrical outlet.
Some food processor models come with a special fuse that is meant to protect the motor system from a potential electric surge. The motor assembly drives the spindle which then drives the attachments.
Shredding Disc
This disc is mainly used to shred fruits, cheese, and vegetables.
Slicing Discs
These discs play a useful role in producing medium to finely sliced foods and frozen meats.
Slip-Proof Feet
Most food processors have these special feet that prevent movement during use. This part also saves tables and countertops from possible damage when the appliance is in use.
Speed Settings
The processor can operate at different speeds to process different types of foods. The speed settings knob is the part used to make speed adjustments.
Wet Grinding Jar
This is the jar that best grinds wet foods to make black grams, rice, and the likes.
