Tool Reviews

A food processor is an electromechanical food processing unit that combines the functions of several household appliances at once – a shredder, a meat grinder, a mixer, a blender and a slicer, a grater.

Principle of operation

The structural elements of the food processor are:

• work bowl;
• drive mechanism (electric motor);
• set of nozzles;
• control buttons.

The ingredients to be processed are loaded into the working container. With the help of nozzles, the products are brought to the desired state specified by the program.

The machine is controlled by buttons or rotary switches located on the front panel. The electric motor is hidden in the housing, with the exception of the shaft that drives the working mechanisms of the machine.

The nozzles are set in motion by an electric motor, the speed of rotation of the knives directly depends on the power of the drive mechanism. Depending on the model, the rotation speed of the nozzles ranges from 15-12000 rpm, the number of speed modes is one or more. Low speeds are for mixing and whipping ingredients, high speeds are for grinding.

The cutting disc is a circle with sharp blades installed, depending on the model, the blades can be fixed or replaceable. Interchangeable blades for discs make it possible to modify cutting methods. The products to be cut are placed in a container, by pressing the button the motor of the device is activated.

How to choose a food processor with cutting discs

When choosing a weighty selection criterion is the working bowlincluding the material from which it is made. Models with a working container made of plastic, glass and metal are presented on the home appliance market.

Budget models are equipped with plastic bowls. Plastic is subject to temperature and mechanical damage. During operation, the plastic container can deform, crack, quickly turn yellow.

The bowl made of heat-resistant glass is characterized by durability, aesthetic appeal. The glass working container is resistant to temperature changes, the container can be placed in a microwave oven and a freezer.

Metal containers are practical in care, reliable and durable, characterized by a long service life. The minus of kitchen machines with a metal working container is an expensive price.

Harvester nozzles are made of plastic, metal or tin. It is better to give preference to models with steel blades. The number of nozzles depends on the modification of the kitchen apparatus. The standard set includes:

• knife with a double blade – designed for chopping and cutting products;
• circular knife – used for slicing, shredding;
• emulsifier disk – for beating products, making sauces;
• grater;
• dough mixer.

The main node of the mechanisms for processing products is the motor, a weighty selection criterion is the power of the drive unit. When choosing a device, it is desirable to take into account the fact that the productivity of the combine should be proportional to the capacity of the working bowl in the ratio of 200 to 1. With a container capacity of 1.5 liters, the optimal power of the drive mechanism is not less than 300 W.

Control type. Combines with mechanical and electronic (touch) control are presented on the household appliances market. In the first case, the speed of rotation, temperature regime and operating time of the combine are set manually, in the second case, the operating parameters are set automatically.

Kitchen appliances with touch control are more reliable and more convenient to use. Machines with a mechanical type of control win in price.

Security – a weighty argument in choosing a model. To ensure protection, manufacturers usually equip harvesters with a safety system that prevents the machine from turning on when the lid is not closed.

Characteristics

Conventionally, household food processors are usually divided into three subcategories:

Mini harvesters:

• bowl capacity – up to 1.5 liters
• number of nozzles – 2-3 pcs.
• speed modes – from 1 to 2
• power – 300 watts.

Compact harvesters:

• bowl capacity – 1.5-2.5 liters
• number of nozzles – up to 5 pcs.
• speed modes – from 2 to 3
• power – 400-500 watts.

Multipurpose harvesters

• bowl capacity – 2.5-3 liters
• number of nozzles – up to 15 pcs.
• speed limits – from 5 and above
• power – over 700 watts.

Functions

Food processors are capable of performing many operations, the functionality of the machine depends on the number of nozzles and the presence of additional devices.

In addition to the standard set of knives, modern machines are additionally equipped with such devices:

• freezer;
• coffee grinder;
• mill for grinding cereals;
• grater for cutting cheese into thin plates;
• citrus press;
• blender;
• meat grinder or juicer;
• kebbe (nozzle for making homemade sausage).

Versatile food processing machines are capable of many tasks, including the following processes:

• cutting into cubes, circles, slices and straws;
• shredding;
• grinding products;
• whipping;
• dough kneading;
• juice extraction.

Expensive models of household combines provide for the simultaneous execution of several operations, which significantly reduces the cooking time.

For the convenience of users and saving space, manufacturers of household appliances offer models of universal kitchen combines equipped with a compartment for storing nozzles and knives.

Pros and cons of a combine with slicing discs

The main advantages of the combine for the kitchen:

• multifunctionality;
• cost savings;
• saving time.

Thus, having spent money on the purchase of one kitchen appliance, the consumer receives several at once. Automation of processes allows you to reduce the time spent on cooking and facilitates the work of a housewife.

The disadvantages of food processors machines are considered to be:

• bulkiness,
• inconvenience in care (after each use, it is necessary to disassemble the combine for washing and drying with subsequent assembly).

How to use

Before first use, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Connection is possible only through a grounded socket. Before plugging the machine into the socket, make sure that the mains voltage corresponds to the supply voltage specified in the technical data sheet or nameplate. At the end of the work process, the devices should be disconnected from the mains.

Combines and grinders of products establish on a steady, firm surface.

During operation, do not touch moving parts to avoid injury and injury.

General rules for working with a combine

1. The volume of products loaded into the working container should not exceed 2/3 of the volume of the bowl.
2. When working with a mixer attachment, the whipped mass should cover at least the bottom of the whisk.
3. Before working with meat products, you need to separate the meat from the bones, remove the tendons, pre-cut the meat into pieces up to 2 cm in size. Frozen meat must be thawed.
4. Hot foods that are over 80⁰must be pre-chilled.
5. Do not use damaged knives and nozzles (chips, cracks).
6. At the end of the work, the parts should be washed with warm water and dried.

Faults

During the operation of mechanisms for processing food products, the following malfunctions may occur:

• the appearance of a knock, rattle or other unusual sounds during the operation of the mechanism;
• case overheating;
• work does not correspond to the specified mode;
• the smell of burning wiring;
• smokes or sparks;
• the device does not turn on.

If the warranty is valid, if any malfunctions are found, contact the service center. If the warranty period has expired, you can try to figure out the causes of the breakdown yourself.

The causes of equipment failure can be associated with mechanical damage to parts, or with problems in the electrical part.

For mechanical failures include the lack of transmission of torque to the working body. This may be due to wear of the key on the rotor shaft or a rupture of the belt during belt transmission of torque.

To determine the cause of the breakdown, it will require disassembly. Dismantling and inspection of parts is carried out in the following sequence:

1) disconnected from the mains, removable elements are disconnected;

2) the harvester is removed from the base, turned over to inspect the drive belt and gear. If the drive belt is loose or broken, the part must be replaced. The gears are cleaned, small wear is compensated with grease, and in case of serious defects, they are replaced.

3) after dismantling the gear and drive belt, remove the electric motor, perform an inspection;

4) the gearbox is released from the protective cover, the drive shaft is inspected.

If the blades do not move when the motor is running, it is worth trying to clean and lubricate the knife.

Problems in the electrical part are caused by a blown fuse, damaged cord or switch, worn motor brush.

The way to solve the problem is to replace the part that has failed. Serious problems include failure of the motor, collector, control board. In this case, you will need professional help to fix the defects.

The electrical part of the food processing machine includes:

• collector motor;
• switch;
• locking systems against erroneous inclusion.

The components are connected in series, when the device is turned on, the electrical circuit is closed. If the combine does not turn on, this may indicate a broken chain. The integrity of the circuit is checked with a multimeter, a probe, or with a test lamp.

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