Difference Between Food Processor and Mixer Grinder

In a kitchen, we use appliances such as blenders, mixers, grinders, food processors, on a daily basis. When purchasing a mixer grinder, the first question that usually arises is whether you prefer a mixer grinder or a food processor. Both are kitchen equipment that is used to grind spices, meat, and vegetables, make the dough, mix, chop, and make beverages among other things.
Moreover, both include blades that chop food and vegetables into fine bits and are quite easy to use and operate. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, which is why it’s easy to get their roles mixed up. Below, we discuss the various pros and cons of both products, to help you conclude the famous food processor vs mixer grinder debate!
What is a Food Processor?

A food processor is a multi-purpose kitchen tool with a variety of functions. The best of food processors enables you to process a wide range of foods and is capable of performing functions including chopping, shredding fruits and vegetables, as well as making dough. This is one of the reasons why the food processor much more preferred than other similar appliances hand blender and a vegetable chopper that only specialise in certain aspects of what a food processor can do.
A food processor consists of four basic components: a base, a transparent plastic body, a set of replaceable blades, and a cover. On their bases, they contain speed and pulse controls. The body is expansive, allowing for bigger food items to be accommodated. The lids include tall feed chutes that allow you to add ingredients while the mixer is running.
Food processors come with a wide range of blade attachments that may be used for shredding, slicing, grating, chopping, mixing, and an array of other operations. They are capable of digesting dry foods due to their functioning and the adaptability of their blades.
Because partially integrated wet material tends to become trapped around the edges of the mixing bowl, out of reach of the blades, they aren’t as excellent at blending liquid materials. Unlike blenders, though, they can be packed to the brim and still operate well.
Causes Of Food Processor Not Working
- Not plugged properly
- Overheated.
- Misaligned bowl And Lid.
- Locked motor
- Stuck Button
How To Reset Food Processor
- If the motor is locked then simply press off/pulse button
- If the motor is overheated remove the bowl from the base and disconnect the food processor. let it sit for 15-20 minutes later align the bowl and the base and connect the food processor
Pros
- It is a versatile compact kitchen appliance.
- They are more spacious than mixers.
- It can do shredding, chopping, grating, slicing, mixing, and even making the dough.
- While cooking, it saves plenty of time and energy.
- The chances to hurt yourself with sharp blades are less as compared to mixers.
- It helps in making delicious salads for people with less time but want to eat healthy.
Cons
- It requires a large amount of space in the kitchen.
- It doesn’t make a fine puree.
- It is not ideal for liquid drinks or soups.
- It consumes more electricity than mixers.
- It can sometimes overcut vegetables and fruits.
- It takes up a lot of time to clean as it is bigger.
- They tend to make more noise than mixers.
Also Read: Usha Food Processor 3810 vs 3811
What is a Mixer Grinder?

To blend materials and produce smooth pastes, a mixer grinder is utilized. Items such as smoothies, pastes, and batters can be made using it with ease. Unlike a wet grinder and a smoothie blender, the mixer grinder is a hybrid of a mixer and a grinder with two functions. It comes with two jars, one little and one large, and is used to finely grind the components.
Spices, pulses, sugar, coffee beans, and other wet and dry substances can be powdered flawlessly with this machine. One crucial function that gives the mixer grinder an edge over a food processor, is the mixer grinder’s ability to alter the speed. For example, if you’re making puree, smoothies, or batter, you can keep the speed on regular, but if you’re grinding pulses and spices, you’ll want to raise the speed.
However, if you grind large quantities of soaked rice and lentils for making dosa, idli batter or coconut chutney, you may want to consider buying a top wet grinder. Similarly, a mixer grinder might not give precision to that of smoothie blender. The smoothie blenders in market have more powerful motor that can blend tougher ingredients, such as frozen fruits and vegetables, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture.
A best mixer grinder rotate at a rate of at least 10,000 revolutions per minute, due to which it uses a lot less electricity. Nevertheless, it is ideal for both large and small families and is mostly used in India for grinding, mixing, and preparing chutneys. Because the blade is fastened on the inside, there’s less possibility that you can injure yourself.
It comes with four jars: one for batter grinding, one for pastes or purees, one for chutneys, and one for making a fresh fruit juice. If you are on budget, and looking for juicer grinder, check our recommendations for the best juicer mixer grinder under 3000. It may smell like the wire is burning during the first few uses, but it’s simply the varnish. The noise levels are not excessive, and the convenient and easy functioning it provides makes the purchase worthwhile!
Causes Of Mixer Grinder Not Working
- Leakage From Jar
- Blades Are Not Sharp
- Broken Coupler
- Damaged electric wire
How To Fix Mixer Grinder Problems
- If you notice a loose blade in the jar then you can tighten the blades using a screwdriver.
- If the blades have become blunt then you can replace the blades but before replacing them you can try sharpening the blade using a rock salt. Add a spoon of rock salt in the jar and turn on the mixer grinder. Repeat this process until you notice the blades are sharp.
- If the coupler is broken then you’ll need to call a professional to fix the broken coupler.
- If your electric wire is damaged then you can purchase new wire from the market and replace it with the old one.
Pros
- It can handle liquid items perfectly fine as compared to a food processor.
- It is a versatile piece of equipment.
- Due to the different speed modes, you have control over your food.
- Usage is really easy compared to a food processor.
- Cleaning is really easy and doesn’t get messy when liquid items are processed.
- When cooking huge recipes, it helps save time as well as energy.
- The price is affordable
Cons
- Due to the shape of the jar, it is sometimes difficult to remove the processed food.
- They tend to get overheated if used for a long period.
- If the base under the mixer is not stable, you might need to hold the jar while in use.
- Although the noise is low, it is not absent and hence can get irritating sometimes.
Also Read: Best Cold Press Juicers In India
Difference Between Food Processor and Mixer Grinder
Food Processors | Mixer Grinders | |
---|---|---|
Price | Expensive | Affordable |
Popularity | Less popular | More popular |
Power Consumption | Consume more electricity | Consumes less electricity |
Blades | Different kinds, can be changed according to use | Fixed blades, use the different jar for different uses. |
Material | Unbreakable fibre or plastic bowls | Stainless steel |
Cleaning | Cleaning is difficult and messy | Easy cleaning |
Functionality | Chopping, Slicing, Grating, Shredding | Whisking, Mixing, Kneading |
1. Usability
Chutneys, smoothies, grinding, and liquidizing food may all be done using a mixer grinder. A food processor, on the other hand, can perform all of these things as well as slicing, shredding, kneading, and producing dough. As a result, the use of a mixer grinder is limited, and a food processor provides a wider variety.
2. Design and Durability
When compared to a mixer with fixed blades and various jars, a food processor takes up more room due to a large number of blades and accessories. A food processor’s blades may be changed according to the application, but there is only one jar. A mixer’s blades are fixed, and various jars are used for different purposes such as batter, purees, pastes, chutneys, shakes, smoothies, and juices.
A food processor’s bowls are usually constructed of unbreakable polycarbonate, whereas a mixer grinder’s jars are usually made of stainless steel.
3. Power Consumption
Because of its many applications, a food processor requires more electricity than a mixer, and hence is more draining in terms of power consumption. A food processor typically consumes 600 to 1000 watts of power, but a mixer typically uses 500 to 1000 watts.
4. Cost
In terms of the cost, mixers are affordable in India and they provide a wholesome kitchen solution, especially for those who are looking for basic functionalities. Almost every home has a mixer since it is inexpensive as well as helps to perform a variety of cooking duties in an Indian kitchen. Food processors may be on the higher side, in terms of price but many believe that the price is justified due to the features they provide.
5. Limitations
Because a food processor cannot handle liquids, it cannot be used to prepare smoothies, juices, or shakes. A mixer, on the other hand, can grind, mix, puree, produce batters, smoothies, juices, drinks, and even powder dry components but not shred slice, or chop vegetables.
6. Maintenance
Because liquids and dry ingredients do not stick to the stainless steel material used in the construction of a mixer grinder, cleaning a mixer grinder is simple, and one only requires water. However, with a food processor, the food might become stuck to the bowl, making the cleanup process difficult.
There are several types of mixers to select from, including stand mixers and classic mixers. Traditional mixers are more typically used in bakeries and other food establishments, whereas stand mixers are more commonly utilized in commercial settings. When buying a mixer, make sure it has to overheat protection. In a food processor, try to look for dishwasher compatibility and overload protection.
Verdict | Which Out of Food Processor Vs Mixer Grinder Is Better?
A food processor is your best option if you’re someone who does more than make three meals a day. If you are someone who prefers to adorn their food and experiment with their dishes, a food processor is a great investment- It will save you time and energy and provide the best possible outcomes. However for someone, who only performs basic day-to-day functions, a mixer grinder, is a great, budget-friendly outcome.
A great combination one can opt for is buying a mixer grinder with a chopper jar, this way you will not need a food processor at all. This will help you save a lot of room while combining the functions of a food processor and a mixer grinder. With just a mixer grinder, you will have to chop the ingredients on your own which is a tedious task and extremely time-taking. To sum it up, the end decision is yours alone, for you know best what works for your home and kitchen