Food Processor vs Blender | Which to Get Depending On Your Culinary Needs?

Note that this comparison doesn't include the immersion blender since a handheld immersion blender doesn't have the powerful motor to compare it with a food processor. Instead, every time I mention "blender" on this post, I'm talking about the standard or high-performance blenders (Vitamix, KitchenAid, etc.).

Let's first discuss the common things of a blender and a food processor:

• A high-performance blender with advanced controls can work as a food processor and break down food just enough to still leave texture for things like salsa, dips, or pesto

• Blenders could chop foods (but you'd need to add some water and stick to a low-level setting)

• Food processors could also handle frozen fruits and vegetables, so if they run the equipment a bit longer, they'd be able to make smoothies just like a blender would (but probably not as smooth).

• Both blenders and food processors are not recommended for kneading dough (see 'Best Food Processors for Pie Crust').

• Both a blender or a food processor handles dry ingredients more carefully than a stand mixer.

If you ask anyone who has owned and used either appliance, the decision to keep one over the other depends largely on that person's lifestyle (someone who does homemade dips vs. someone who gets their daily juicing fix).

If you really just need to pick one appliance to purchase, use a blender if:

• You plan to crush ice (the blades of food processors and stand mixers cannot handle too much ice)

• You plan to make homemade smoothies regularly.

• You want to make soups, sauces, puree, and other recipes that require liquid ingredients.

• You're not looking for an appliance that could help you with multiple prepping tasks.

• You want to make homemade baby food or pet food from scratch

• You have a business that requires turning ingredients into smooth mush

Things to Look for in a Blender

If you decide to go with a blender, buy one that has:

• At least 8 cups (you can find a blender with 3 to 12 cups)

• Around 3-speed settings is good, but if you have the budget to get a blender with 5 or more speeds, then go for it.

• At least a 500-watt motor to blend frozen ingredients with ease.

• Extra attachment options (coffee grinder, additional mixing bowls, grab-and-go jar)

• If you want finely chopped ingredients with your meals

• If you're not looking to puree or make soups from home

• If slicing, chopping, or shredding tasks feel like a chore to you

• If you're trying to expand your cooking skills and would be preparing meals more regularly

Things to Look for in a Food Processor

If you decide to go with a food processor, compare models first and go with a model that has:

• A quiet motor. If possible, try out the food processor before buying since they typically have noisy motors.

• Feed tube wide enough for the vegetables you want to be chopped. If you're just grating tons of cheese (see our 'Best Food Processors for Grating Cheese' post), this should be an issue. But if you plan to process potatoes, carrots, and other bigger-sized veggies, picking a model with a wide feed tube ensures they could fit.

• Speed controls. Pick a processor with advanced speed controls.

• Blade with serrations. A straight blade is quicker to lose its sharpness. Of course, if you know how to sharpen a blade, this shouldn't be an issue for you. If you don't, stick with a blade with small serrations.

• Size of the food processor. Don't buy a food processor that wouldn't fit on your kitchen counter. When it is big and bulky, there's a tendency that you'll leave it stored instead. Having it placed on top and ready-to-use encourages actual usage, which is why it shouldn't cramp your kitchen.

• Extended warranty. Make sure the warranty of your chosen food processor covers the motor longer than a few months. Because this appliance could cost you more than a hundred bucks, you must protect your investment from unexpected issues that might pop up in the future.