Are food processors and blenders the same?

Food processors and blenders are not the same. They serve two different purposes. While some functions can be done in both, they’re two quite different appliances. 

A blender is more limited than a food processor, it’s the perfect tool for making liquids and smooth mixtures. Use it to make smoothies, soups and sauces.

A food processor is great for all your food prep – slicing, dicing, chopping, mincing, grating, pureeing, kneading and more. If you can imagine it, your food processor can probably help (and save you time while it does). 

Salads, soups and stews are a breeze. You’ll whip up a batch of mouth-watering burger patties faster than you can say, “That’s offside!”. Small pizza bases and fluffy cake mixes come out perfectly every time.  

In short – a food processor makes the perfect kitchen hand. 

Having said all of that, there’s something else to consider. While a blender is typically only used for liquids, some blenders, like our K400, can tackle tougher jobs like nut butters with the included tamper, which helps push tough ingredients into the blades for that perfectly smooth consistency.

Now, let’s look at some simple ways to know whether you should use a blender or a food processor.

What can a blender vs a food processor do?

Blenders are powerful – capable of crushing ice and blending frozen fruits. With various speed settings, you control the texture. They come with a jug, lid, and sharp blades. -

There's also the hand blender, a handheld tool that can blend directly in pots or bowls. It’s great for puréeing soups right on the stove or making small batches of sauces.

Let's look at some examples.

Making nut butter

Creating nut butter requires a powerful motor to grind nuts into a smooth, creamy consistency. The KitchenAid K400 blender can handle this task with the included tamper that helps push the nuts into the blades, ensuring an even blend. 

However, a food processor generally makes it much easier. Its powerful motor and wide bowl allow for better control and more consistent results. Plus, you can add other ingredients like honey or cocoa while the processor runs, making it simple to create customised nut butters.

Creating dough

Making dough in a food processor is straightforward and quick with the dedicated dough blade attachment. 

This blade is designed to mimic the kneading action, ensuring the dough is mixed uniformly and develops the proper gluten structure. A food processor's wider bowl also accommodates larger batches, making it more efficient for baking tasks than a blender.

Food processor vs blender: what attachments do they have?

A food processor is a versatile yet powerful kitchen tool that can mix, shred, chop and knead ingredients with just the touch of a button. Designed with adjustable discs and blades, food processors can grind meat, dice vegetables and knead dough consistently – saving you a lot of time in the kitchen.

They come with a range of attachments that are tailored for specific tasks. The main workhorse is the S-shaped blade, perfect for chopping and pureeing. Then, there are slicing discs for uniform cuts, shredding discs for cheese and vegetables, and even dough blades for baking.

Compare this to a blender’s trusty yet fixed blade and tall, slim jug, and you can see why a food processor is more versatile than a blender.

What to make in a food processor vs a blender

A food processor is best for chunky results with thicker or drier mixtures (think tabbouleh or cauliflower rice). And a blender is best for silky-smooth liquids like an Acai breaky bowl or tantalising coulis that drizzles to perfection.

But there are some things that you could use either appliance for – both will make light work of pureed dips and emulsified dressings.

Let's look at some examples.

5 favourite blender recipes

1. Quick Beetroot Dip. Pair this aromatic beetroot dip with your favourite veggie sticks for an afternoon pick-me-up that will keep you feeling fuller for longer. It’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
2. Butternut Squash Soup. This creamy soup is perfect for autumn. Blend roasted butternut squash with chicken broth, sautéed onions, and a touch of cream. 
3. Raspberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl. A nutrient-packed breakfast option that blends raspberries and coconut for a tropical twist. Top with your favourite fruits and nuts. 
4. Dairy-Free Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream. This refreshing, dairy-free dessert is made with pineapple and coconut milk. Perfect for hot summer days. 
5. Rekha’s Salted Caramel Post-Gym Smoothie. You’ll be surprised by how sweet and creamy this healthy treat actually is. Blend coconut milk, ice, banana, dates, chia seeds and a pinch of salt for a power-packed recharge. Spoon in some cacao-maca mix to bump up the nutrient level even more.

5 much-loved food processor recipes

1. Greek Meatballs. These juicy meatballs are easy to prepare in a food processor. Combine minced meat, spices, herbs, and garlic for a quick and flavourful meal. 
2. Quick and Easy Guacamole. Perfect for parties or a healthy snack. Blend avocados, lime juice, red onion, and cilantro in your food processor for a smooth, creamy guacamole. 
3. Homemade Hummus. Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a smooth and delicious hummus. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. 
4. Shredded Carrot Salad. Quickly shred carrots in your food processor and toss with a tangy vinaigrette for a fresh and crunchy salad. 
5. Pizza Dough. Make perfect pizza dough effortlessly by combining flour, yeast, olive oil, and water in your food processor. Let the machine do the kneading for you.

Recap: Differences between food processor vs a blender

There are five main differences between a food processor and a blender.

But blenders and food processors do have some similarities.

Similarities between a food processor and a blender

• Motor base and operation. Both have powerful motors that make food prep quicker and easier. They also have speed settings and pulse functions for better recipe control.
• Ease of use. Food processors and blenders are both simple to operate with easy-to-clean parts. Both appliances are designed for convenience and efficiency.
• Kitchen convenience. They’re essential for modern kitchens, saving time and effort. Whether making a smoothie or chopping veggies, these tools give you back some time in your day.
• Overlap in functions. There’s some overlap. Both can puree and mix, but blenders excel with liquids, while food processors are better with solids.

You can learn more about food processors with our guide: What is a food processor?

Final word: choosing between the two

A food processor uses discs and blades to chop, mix, grate, puree and knead your ingredients and save you something incredibly valuable – your time. It’s your kitchen all-rounder.

A blender is more specialised and helps you make creamy, silky-smooth liquids (which you really can’t make without a great blender). Clearly, they’re both useful appliances to have in your kitchen cupboards, saving you time.

We’d rather you don’t have to choose. 

But ultimately, whether you use a food processor or a blender comes down to what you like to cook and eat the most. Save your time and effort so you can get creative with food that’s healthier, easier and tastier.

For more inspiration, learn how to use a blender and turn solid ingredients into liquid delights, or check out our food processor comparison to work out which size suits you.

FAQ

What’s better, a blender or a food processor?

It depends on what you need. A blender is best for liquids and smooth mixtures like smoothies, soups, and sauces. It excels at creating creamy textures and can effortlessly crush ice. On the other hand, a food processor is more versatile and handles various tasks, including chopping, slicing, dicing, grating, and kneading. It’s perfect for prepping veggies, grinding meat, and making dough. Both are essential in a modern Aussie kitchen, but their usefulness depends on your cooking needs.

Can I use my blender as a food processor?

Sometimes, but not always. Blenders are great for pureeing and making smooth mixtures like soups and smoothies. They struggle with thicker, dry mixtures and tasks like chopping and slicing, which are better suited for a food processor. However, some high-powered blenders, like the KitchenAid K400, can tackle tougher jobs with the help of accessories like a tamper. Learn more with our guide: can you use a blender as a food processor?

What can a food processor do that a blender cannot?

A food processor can handle a wider variety of tasks than a blender. It can chop, slice, grate, knead dough, and handle tougher, bulkier ingredients. For example, you can easily make pizza dough, shred carrots for a salad, or grind meat for burgers in a food processor. These tasks are challenging for a blender, which is more suited for making smooth, liquid-based recipes.