Mini Food Proccessors

For various reasons I found myself in the market for a mini-food processor. My experience might provide insights for others thinking of buying one.

For starters, I had to go through quite a few of them before finding one I was happy with. I won’t bore you with the details, but will talk about the best of the breed and the worst. First a couple of general comments:

I have no idea why, but all the minis work in pulse mode only. That is, you cannot put it on and leave it. You have to press the button continuously for them to operate.  This is not a significant problem, but something to be aware of.

Most minis are equipped with two buttons. They are variously called chop (or low) and puree (or high. There is at least one model that only has one button, however. To me it was worthless; we’re talking about a machine that works slowing in pulse mode only.

I was surprised to find the diversity of sizes available. I didn’t even consider those that only have a one-cup volume. And, after playing with a number of these machines, those with 3 ½ cup capacity are the only one’s I’d consider in future. Even that volume rating is misleading if you’re using liquids or very liquid ingredients.

Virtually all the minis suffer from having power cords that are too short. Unless you have more outlets at counter level than is usual, you almost by definition need to use an extension cord. I don’t understand why they’re designed that way. Given their costs, another couple of bucks worth of copper wire wouldn’t be a big deal.

So, OK, what’s at the top and the bottom?

Of the several I tried, the uncontested worst is the Oster. The buttons are not arranged in a comfortable position, the circuit breaker trips if it runs more than a few seconds, and the blade doesn’t do the job very well. It also leaks, even when grinding dry ingredients like nuts. From a cost standpoint, the Oster is near the bottom. Which, after using one, is understandable. My advice: Stay away from this one.

On the other end of the continuum is the Kitchen Aide unit. I’ve been using it steadily since buying it a few weeks ago, for everything from grinding nuts to making mustards. I’ve yet to find any significant criticism. It has ample volume (more than 3 ½ cups and you may as well use your regular food processor). The buttons are arranged well, and, with the two distinct speeds, provide plenty of control. And I’ve yet to see anything leak.

     My one problem: The power cord (which could be longer, of course) stores in the bottom of the power source by wrapping about it in a built-in channel. No matter how tightly you wrap it there is still a long tail sticking out the back of the machine. I don’t mean an inch or two. I just measured it, and it’s eight inches long. Far as I’m concerned, with that much excess you may as well not have the storage compartment at all.

     From a cost standpoint it’s near the top. But as Daddy used to say, “never be afraid to buy the best---you won’t be disappointed.” That’s certainly true in this case. But the simple fact is, the price difference between the cheapest mini and the most expensive one isn’t all that much to begin with.