Help choosing food processor

Chris25

katieowl wrote: »

I've got a kenwood (no mincer) AND a magimix....

I always blitz my cooked meat in the magimix with the knife blade for shepherds pies...you stand over it and and you can easily adjust how 'blitzed' you want the meat...not a problem.
Kate

MrsE, just remembered that I also used a stick blender for cooked meat - it was only able to cope with small amounts at a time so for a large cottage pie, would take forever and it came out more like a paste. Which is ok if you like that texture but it was a bit too smooth for us. Probably good if you could use it as more of a spread or pasta filling though.

MrsE_2

Chris25 wrote: »

MrsE, just remembered that I also used a stick blender for cooked meat - it was only able to cope with small amounts at a time so for a large cottage pie, would take forever and it came out more like a paste. Which is ok if you like that texture but it was a bit too smooth for us. Probably good if you could use it as more of a spread or pasta filling though.

I have tried using the processor, but I really hated the texture.

I think a food processor & a seperate mincer are the way to go for me.

valk_scot

MrsE wrote: »

As I need a new food processor I would like to get an electric one.

Kenwood Chefs look more like food mixers than processors, is yours the mixer style?

Yes, mine is the classic mixer style. But it has two "sockets" where the different attachments clip on.

valk_scot

MrsE wrote: »

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-Classic-KM336-Kitchen-Machine/dp/B000Q7ZCFK/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1251371644&sr=1-67

Is this really good?
I'm guessing you can add to it as you expand?

Yes, that's the modern version of mine. The old ones are more powerful though.

They are bulky. They work best if you have worktop space to leave it out on because like all gadgets it's often more faff to pull it out the cupboard than to use a knife or whatever. Mine lives out on top of the side worktop and the gadgets I use most live in a neighbouring cupboard. I leave the potato peeler sitting in place because I use it most days! As for bread and such I measure out the dry ingredients the night before, put the water in when I'm making the morning cuppa and the dough is made for the bread by the time I've had a shower. Etc. I buy cheese in bulk, grate several pounds in two minutes flat and freeze it in bags. I do the prep for veg with it, make soups, bake...I have bought all sorts of extras for mine including three extra bowls because I hate washing up during a baking session. It saves me a lot of time every day...I cook from scratch most days and have a lot of allotment produce to process. I really couldn't do without it...when it dies, I'll just get another one.

And it came with a pasta maker (the old aunt I got it from had just about every attachment under the sun) and the kids muck about with it on rainy afternoons. Food processing AND kiddy entertainment in the same appliance...you can't complain, really!

Incidentally the way not to get rust on the rings and such is to make sure they're 100% dry before you put them away. and you can give them a smear of cooking oil before storage as well, of course, if you know you'll not use them again soon. Just wash it off again before using them.

mrbadexample

:hello:

Ok...Santa was good to me this year, and gave me £100 to spend on a food processor. :j

So, I'd like some recommendations from those that know me. Or don't, for that matter.

It needs to be reliable (I never want to buy another).
It needs to be versatile (i.e. chop, mix, grate, dice, slice, peel, knead and everything else).
It needs to take up minimal space in my lousy little kitchen (and be easy to put away).
It needs to be easy to clean. :rolleyes:
It needs to represent value for money (this is MSE, after all!) :money:

As you may be aware, this is not something that will be used on a daily basis. Just as and when I get the urge.

So, what shall I get?

Cheers,
MBE

SailorSam

I think it's the type of thing that you'll put to the back of the cupboard and forget.
Unless you're really into it, using it constantly, i think a simple hand blender does most of what you want.

Alison_Funnell

I have a Kenwood (not one of the big posh ones ) that my DH bought to go with my engagement ring ( I had the choice of expensive ring or cheaper ring and a food proc.)

21 years later it is still going. It has made soups, cakes, purees, pizzas and allsorts. Of course I haven't bought a modern one, so don't know if they are still as reliable.

The OH is as reliable if a little slower and grumbles a bit more.

angeltreats

I bought a very cheap one from Argos in the sales but it was a horrid flimsy thing so I took it back for a refund.

I replaced it with this one which I'm very happy with. There are far more attachments than I'll ever use and they do take up space (although you could always just hide the unnecessary ones away somewhere) but it seems robust and well put together. I've only had it since the weekend so I haven't used it that much yet but I have used it to make dough for scones, grate stale bread for breadcrumbs. chop up chocolate for sprinkling on ice cream and a few other bits and pieces.

I noticed you said you wanted it to peel - as far as I know no food processor will do that. You can get a potato peeler attachment for a Kenwood Chef though if you have one.

valk_scot

The only thing that's going to do all of the above and last for the next 25 years is a Kenwood Chef. For £100 you'd be able to get a good quality second hand one from Ebay, with a set of dough, mixing and whisking hooks and still have enough money left over for the high speed grater attachment (don't get the low speed one...not half as good) and the potato/vegetable peeler. Then as money allows you could buy other attachments if you wished.

Bitsy_Beans

I've just bought this one. It is compact so doesn't take up loads of room, has slicing, grating, juicing, mincing attachments along with the normal blades.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-Compact-FP120-Processor-Litre/dp/B001C3DRDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1263973381&sr=8-1

Sadly this won't knead though - you'll need a Kenwood Chef and dough hook for that which is an enitrely different thing.