Small appliances are a necessary attribute of any kitchen. Meat grinders, electric kettles, food processors, toasters, blenders and choppers are designed to make life easier for the modern housewife, to make cooking as quick, easy and enjoyable as possible. Many devices are so firmly entrenched in our lives that their absence often causes terrible discomfort.
Instrument Features
Every day we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so help from small kitchen appliances is very valuable. Modern appliances help to efficiently process products, prepare delicious dishes and drinks. Equipped with a mass of, at first glance, similar functions, somewhat complicates the choice of the desired device. Sometimes a person gets lost in this variety, not knowing what to give preference to. It is clear that each unit is designed to perform certain tasks, used only for its intended purpose. For example, many people care about the question: blender or chopper, what is better to get, what are the main differences between these devices?
Based on the name, a blender (from the English mixer) is designed to mix various ingredients, bringing the final product to a homogeneous state. Such devices are indispensable for making cocktails, juices, mashed soups, sauces, baby food.
Blenders come in two forms:
- stationary;
- submersible.
The first option consists of a housing, inside of which there is a motor, a removable glass, metal or plastic bowl with the main working element in the form of a knife. The versatility of stationary blenders is simply amazing. These devices, in addition to mixing products, can prepare batter, chop nuts, crack ice. All actions are performed through the use of various nozzles.
The second option differs from the first in more compact sizes, the absence of a bowl, the ability to mix small portions. The submersible device is powered by mains or battery.
The main function of modern grinders is to cut products, and the latter can be of three types: large, medium and small. Products prepared in this way, depending on the size, can be cooked, fried, used for pastes, salads, dressings, and other purposes.
The chopper looks like a stationary blender. The only difference is only in the location of the bowl. If in the blender it is on top, then in the grinder - below. This container is usually made of shockproof glass or plastic. A knife for cutting and a whisk for whipping are essential elements of the device. Today, more advanced models of grinders can perform the functions of a combine, mixer or blender, with their help you can not only grind, but also prepare batter, make minced meat, beat eggs.
The main differences
A comparison of kitchen appliances shows that, despite some similarities, they differ from each other:
- the bowl in the grinder is located below, the drive with knives is on top, and in the blender it is vice versa;
- the main task of the chopper is to cut the products into pieces of various sizes, the blender is to mix the ingredients until smooth;
- the functionality of the blender is slightly wider.
Two devices in one
Traditionally, the blender is intended only to mix products for preparing drinks, mashed potatoes, sauces, mousses and other similar dishes. However, manufacturers of kitchen appliances are trying in every possible way to expand the functionality of the devices. One of these devices is a mini chopper in a blender. Typically, such a device is a bowl with a volume of 200 ml, equipped with special knives. This device will help grind products of various densities, making the device more versatile.
So, for what purposes do you need a chopper in a blender:
- grinding solid products into small pieces;
- preparation of fruit puree from boiled and raw vegetables;
- mixing dough;
- grinding meat into minced meat;
- cooking pastes.
Vitek VT-1649 is an inexpensive, but striking representative of a large family of choppers. The body and liter bowl are made of durable plastic. A power of 400 watts and one speed is enough to grind, mix and whisk various products. Thanks to special rubberized legs, the chopper is conveniently placed on the surface, does not vibrate at all and does not slip during operation. The device does not take up much space; it is convenient in operation and maintenance.
Model Bosch MSM 66050 is the best among low-cost submersible blenders with a chopper. The device has advanced functionality, since, in addition to the blender itself, the kit includes a bowl, a whisk for whipping sauces and creams, a small chopper bowl that can easily cope with slicing onions, cheese, nuts, herbs, other products. The device has a fairly high power, controlled by 12 speeds and the Turbo mode.
Braun mq 5045 aperitive - a good kitchen blender with a large bowl chopper. In addition to this capacity of 1,250 liters, there is another similar nozzle that holds 350 ml. In addition to the main nozzle and two mill-grinders, the device is equipped with a whisk for beating, a measuring cup. The main advantages of German-made kitchen products are stylish design, reliability, durability, efficiency, ease of use.
Philips HR 2166 is a stationary blender that mixes cocktails, makes juices, smoothies, mashed soups. Equipped with a universal grinder will cope with meat, nuts, vegetables, cheese and herbs. The device has a power of 0.6 kW, two speeds: for soft and hard products. This model is a good combination of price and quality.
Buying a kitchen appliance is a purely individual solution, depending on the purpose of use. Naturally, a blender is more suitable for preparing baby food and all kinds of drinks, and a grinder is more suitable for salads or desserts. Bowls come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to consider the approximate amount of products processed at one time.
No less important is the bowl material. Of course, choosing a glass, you will get a beautiful, strong, reliable and durable device. However, plastic is cheaper, plus it’s easier to wash.
