LifeStyle

Food Processors The one you need vs the one you think you need

By Phil/Kords | Published 24 October 2020 | No Comments

This is going to be a series of new posts which is like a buying guide where I look at a product on Amazon and compare it against what I have at home. I will also post suggestions and other ideas which will prove to be useful for you. 

If you are planning on buying anything from Amazon (the place where Phoebe and I shop often), I will provide you with guides, suggestions and the pros and cons of buying such stuff. In other words, it will be an unbiased post, irrespective if they were sponsored or not.

In today’s guide, I will talk about Food Processors.1 I have a food processor and will be buying one shortly. This is not a paid promotion nor a sponsored post. If it is so, I will post a disclaimer. 

What purpose does this serve you? Well, to start with you may have a similar product type, I will share similar experiences of using it. Somethings you thought you knew but either that information was half baked or you had no idea about it. I am no expert, just a blogger who has experience of using the stuff. So that in itself qualifies me to blog about such things! 

For instance, food processors come with two designs, one which is L-shaped and the other tower type. Which one you should go for?

Let’s talk about the benefits of a tower type vs an L-shaped product design.

Tower-type design Vs. L-Shaped Design:

When I look at this design, the first thing that it strikes me is the space-saving feature. If you have a highly constricted place in the kitchen or want more space-saving solution, it makes ample sense to buy this design-type.

Take a look at these products not from a visually appealing perspective. Practically, you aren’t going to take your food processor for a beauty pageant! Some design-conscious buyers may want to match with their existing kitchen decor! I won’t argue against that. However, looks should always be secondary. It’s the performance that matters.

Honestly speaking, these tower types save space as compared to the L-shaped one. If you have a small kitchen or short on space, it makes ample sense to buy the tower-type. 

I think these tower-types are a new thing. How new? I don’t know. 

Wattage is also important. The more the better. But it is always wise to ask what core purpose are you buying it for. My core purpose is to knead Indian flatbreads called chapatti. It is easier, less hectic and troublesome to knead the dough by hand. Besides, we can knead other types of dough as well for rotis, parathas, etc. 

The wattage should not be overkill. What is an overkill for me? Mom does not use the cutting, slicing and dicing feature. She cuts and chops by hand with the usual kitchen knives. The blender and the dry grinder comes of excellent use. If an electric kneader existed I would have bought that. Unfortunately, a consumer version does not exist.

Even if you use the slicing and dicing feature, understand the cutting and chopping won’t be as impeccable as cutting by knives. You may either want to do the finishing with the knives, let it go altogether or compromise with the way it is cut. 

Why Live demos are needed:

Companies do not conduct live demos in malls or other supermarkets to showcase their cutting skills. If that were to happen, the trust factor towards the product would grow. Live demos used to be conducted before but not anymore. Particularly in this Covid-19 pandemic situation, it may not materialise until the country is vaccinated. Demos are only shown on TV. On TV, the demos are not that convincing, unfortunately. 

I buy online but not from TVs. 

Not all companies can afford to conduct live demos because of the training, presentation and investment needed to properly introduce a product to potential buyers. However, it can also do great publicity for the company, excellent brand building and consumer awareness. In the long run, the trust factor is further strengthened. 

This kind of marketing works great if combined with digital marketing. How customers respond to the live demo can also be leveraged to increase interests in future live demos online and offline.  

Companies introducing a new line-up of products might as well opt for this route. For startups, it will be worth the investment (IMO).

What do I as a consumer see in a food-processor? 

Let me re-iterate, looks are always secondary. Electronic kitchen appliances must always be seen from a practicality perspective. If it does not serve the purpose, it’s not worth the investment. 

Always look at it from an investment perspective. If, say, you are spending 5K for a product, the least expectations one has is the durability of at least 5 years with no breakage what-so-ever with a gradual decrease in performance over the years.

I am experiencing the same with my Kenstar food-processor. It is beginning to outlive its life. It still works, the all-important kneading still works smoothly, so does the mixer-grinder-blender feature. So, what’s the problem. As I said, it is reaching old-age and I believe the maximum output of a kitchen appliance may last up to 5 years which isn’t bad. But, I don’t want to wake up one day knowing it refused to work! 

Besides, the grinder functionality is not working as it used to. It is the most important feature for an Indian home. Curry forms a part of our diet and being a South Indian, we prepare curry almost daily. It is a staple just like rice. 

I will surely be buying the tower type food-processor and possibly an international brand. When I get it, I will review it here.

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