Although it may still be just a little early to mention Christmas, we all know that the festive season means lots and lots of food, and it isn’t Christmas without Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, cranberry sauce and stuffing. So with this in mind (and under 80 days left until the big day) we here at Go-Electrical started thinking about the best appliances to use to create our festive feasts.
A food processor is one appliance that every kitchen needs, especially in the run up to a big event like Christmas, so I thought it would be a good idea to compare four of our top selling food processors. Whether you are thinking of buying one as a gift, or you are replacing an existing one hopefully I will be able to shine some light on these models and help you decide which one to purchase.
So let’s kick off with the famous Magimix brand. The whole range of food processors is incredibly popular, but I’m going to concentrate on the 5200XL (18534) machine. This particular appliance is at the top of the Magimix range, but it is well worth the extra money. It has 1100W of power, comes in a Satin Steel finish and has a 3 year parts and accessory guarantee and 12 years guarantee on the motor.
The 5200XL comes with three polycarbonate bowls – the large main bowl has a capacity of 3.6 litres while the medium and midi bowls hold 2.6 litres and 1.2 litres (all dishwasher safe). The XL in the name refers to the extra large feed tube which means less prepping of the ingredients before putting them in to the processor, and with only 3 buttons, the 5200XL is extremely easy to use, but it is not only easy, but safe too – the Magimix won’t work until the bowls and lid are attached and locked properly in to place.
The blade is stainless steel, and also included is a dough blade, egg whisk, a citrus press and 3 different discs – a 2mm reversible slicing and grating disc, a 4mm reversible slicing and grating disc and a parmesan disc. The 5200XL also comes with the Blender Mix attachment for liquidising so that your sauces are extra smooth. Inside the box you will also find a handy spatula for making sure you get every last bit of your tasty cake mixture, a Magimix recipe book for inspiration and a storage box for the discs and blades so everything can be kept clean and safe altogether.
If you think that the 5200XL is maybe a little too big for your needs, why not take a look at the other Magimix Food Processors – from £115.90 at Go-Electrical.
So, next up is the Cuisinart Elite 3.8L. If you are not familiar with Cuisinart as a brand here is a quick low down; The Cuisinart brand specialises in small kitchen appliances, and is massive in the USA with over 30 years of market prominence – in fact it is not uncommon for a food processor to be called a “cuisinart” whether it is one or not. Cuisinart was founded by American Carl Sontheimer while he was living in France in the 1970s and in 2003 Cuisinart was launched on the UK market.
The Cuisinart Elite 2.8L comes with a 20 year guarantee which is great for peace of mind, and goes to show how confident Cuisinart are in their product. The motor offers 1200W of power and the appliance is made from die-cast metal – we wouldn’t recommend it, but the base can be dropped without causing damage to the workings. It has sucker feet to hold it steady, 3 level speed, and is very easy to use as the buttons have been kept to a minimum so as to not spoil the sleek design.
Included are three different sized bowls – 3.8 litre, 3 litre and 1 litre, and the Elite 3.8L features Cuisinart exclusive SealTight™ technology, which means there are no leaks into the large bowl when using the smaller ones, and there is also a push-button lid locking system which makes it super safe. The standard accessories are as follows; Large chopping blade, small chopping blade, metal dough hook, a shredding/grating disc, a slicing disc and a spatula. Like the Magimix you also receive a storage box to keep all the accessories in.
If you take your food preparation seriously, you’ll really appreciate the quality and sturdiness of the Cuisinart, and there are smaller versions available if the Elite 3.8L is too large for your requirements. Cuisinart Food Processors are available from Go-Electrical for as little as £73.90.
Dualit is a name that you may be familiar with, and you should be because of the legendary toasters that they produce, but they also manufacture food processors and the next one I will be looking at is the Dualit XL1500. With a powerful induction 1500W motor, an extra large feed tube and a guaranteed of 12 years, plus an overall parts guarantee of 3 years, we believe that the XL1500 is the best Dualit food processor.
Like the previous processors discussed the Dualit comes with three different sized bowls, but it also comes with three blades for each bowl. On top of this you also get a grating/shaving disc, a shredding disc, a Julienne disc, an adjustable slicer, an E-disc (for emulsifying) and a dough blade – not forgetting a spatula to remove your mixture quickly and safely from the bowls.
Featuring a safety lock, and non slip sucker feet the Dualit XL1500 is safe to have left out on the side, and is easy to clean as the bowls and accessories are dishwasher safe. Easy to use, and convenient (the food pusher doubles as a measuring cup) the Dualit XL1500 could be the machine for you.
Take a look at the Dualit food processors and see which one is best for you – starting from £159.90 at Go-Electrical.
Last, but by no means least we come to the KitchenAid Artisan food processor. Famed for their stand mixer, KitchenAid also have an impressive food processor to boast about. Available in seven colours there should be one to fit any kitchen.
The Artisan processor has a 650W motor, and although this doesn’t sound like a lot of power compared to the others, the motor is an induction motor which automatically adjusts its speed depending on the weight of the ingredients. This means that is uses less power, but more when it really needs it. It’s clever, and it comes with a 10 year motor and 3 year parts guarantee, and non slip feet.
Two bowls are included as standard and then you get all the accessories you would need; Steel blade, egg whip, dough blade, mini bowl and blade, bowl cover, 2-piece food pusher (it can be narrow or wide depending on what is being fed in), fine and medium slicing discs, a medium grating disc, a julienne disc, a citrus press and a cleaning spatula. Oh, and don’t forget the accessory case. Sleek, simple and safe –what else do you need from a food processor.
Not sure what colour to go for? See them all at Go-Electrical – from £269.90.
Hopefully this has helped you make your mind up about which brand you want to have as your helper in your kitchen. Maybe it has made you even more confused? Well if it has, visit our food processor page and review all the different makes and models in your own time, hopefully you will find one to suit, and at a great price.
