At first glance, food processors and blenders do have a lot of similarities – motorized bases with several settings, clear bodies, rotating blades – but that doesn't mean they're interchangeable. If you're on the fence about which of these appliances is right for you, you're in the right place. Keep reading to learn the difference between a food processor and a blender so you can make the wisest decision for your kitchen.
In This Guide:
What Is a Food Processor?
What Is a Blender?
Food Processor vs. Blender: Which Do You Need?
Though these appliances look and function similarly, they differ in purpose enough that it's a good idea to read up on each one before you buy. The biggest difference between these two appliances is the tasks they are designed to do: Food processors are designed to perform a wide variety of food preparation tasks and blenders are designed to pulverize and combine (in other words, blend) wet and dry ingredients. Below, we delve more deeply into what makes each device unique.
A food processor is a versatile electric appliance that allows you to prepare all sorts of foods in a variety of ways. From chopping to shredding to mixing dough, a food processor can quickly handle a multitude of tasks that would take you much longer to complete manually.
Food processors typically have four parts: a base, a clear plastic body, a set of removable blades, and a lid. Food processors have speed and pulse controls located on their bases. A food processor's body is wide and spacious, which allows it to accommodate larger recipes. Food processor lids are equipped with tall feed chutes that allow you to add ingredients while mixing. Unlike blenders, which typically come with only one blade attachment, food processors can come with a large assortment of blade attachments that can perform all sorts of tasks: shredding, slicing, grating, chopping, mixing, and more. They can also come with bowl inserts that allow you to perform several different tasks in different compartments simultaneously.
Because of the shape of their bodies and the versatility of their blades, food processors are adept at processing dry ingredients. They aren't as good at blending liquid ingredients – partially incorporated wet material tends to get stuck along the sides of the mixing bowl, out of reach of the blades. Unlike blenders, food processors can be filled all the way to the top and still function fine.
Tip!
Check out our guide How to Choose the Best Food Processor to learn about the different types, sizes, and features.
As its name would suggest, a blender is an electric appliance that is best suited for blending solid ingredients with liquid ingredients.
Just like food processors, blenders typically have four components: a motorized base, a pitcher, a set of (often removable) blades, and a lid. A blender's controls, located on its base, can include speed and mix settings. Most blender pitchers are conical in shape, with handles and spouts for easy pouring. A blender's rotating blades screw onto the bottom of the pitcher, so they're easy to remove for cleaning. The lid fits snugly to the top of the pitcher and can be equipped with a removable plug. Removing the plug allows you to add more ingredients as you blend.
Blenders are most often used to puree fruits and vegetables for smoothies and soups. If liquid is involved, a blender is the appliance to use. The conical shape of their pitchers is excellent at directing ingredients toward the blades. As the liquids and solids blend together, they rotate, creating a downward-moving vortex that effectively ensures all unblended particles are shredded and combined.
One drawback of a blender is that it cannot function properly if its pitcher is filled to the brim with ingredients. Most recipes recommend filling the blender only three-quarters full to leave enough space for the ingredients to move freely and to prevent overflow. Blender blades also have a limited reach, and without a liquid, they don't handle dry ingredients well.
Most blenders don't come with different parts and attachments that would make them more versatile, but some high-powered blenders do – be sure to check the description and specifications of a blender to learn what tasks it can handle and what attachments are included.
Tip!
Read our guide How to Choose a Blender for tips on picking the right blender to complete your kitchen.
Immersion Blenders & Personal Blenders
In this guide, we covered all the parts and uses of a standard countertop blender, but there are a few other types of blenders that you might want to consider: immersion and personal. Immersion blenders are handheld devices that allow you to press a set of small, rotating blades down into a container of ingredients and blend them as you go. Personal blenders are small blenders that allow you to mix smoothies one serving at a time and drink them right out of the pitcher.
Learn more about immersion blenders by checking out our What Is an Immersion Blender? guide.
The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding between a food processor and a blender is that the two aren't necessarily interchangeable.
If you're interested in ramping up your kitchen's efficiency by replacing several manual food prep tasks with an appliance, go with a food processor. If you're looking for an appliance for all your smoothie- and soup-making needs and wouldn't use it for much else, a blender is the appliance for you. If you're interested in both, chances are you'll be best off if you equip your kitchen with both a food processor and a blender. Certain blenders can do some tasks food processors can, so look in the description and specifications for details before you buy.
Take a look at the chart below for a rundown of what tasks each appliance performs best at so you can decide which one will best meet your culinary needs.
SHOP ALL FOOD PROCESSORS
SHOP ALL BLENDERS
