I live in a New York City apartment with a tiny kitchen that has limited cabinet storage and very little counter space. Since things can get cluttered very quickly, I try to keep my kitchen equipment streamlined. I’ve limited my cookware to a few essential pans, pared down my knife collection to three indispensable blades, and stash just a handful of assorted baking pans in my oven. But when it comes to downsizing my small kitchen appliances, I have a big dilemma: Food processor vs. blender—do I really need both? They each eat up precious real estate in my cabinets, and since their functions are pretty similar, I’d prefer to remove one from the mix.
To help me decide which one should make the cut, I consulted culinary experts who work with food processors and blenders every day. Here’s what they said about the pros and cons of each appliance, how they use them in their own kitchens, and whether owning both a food processor and a blender is worth it.
Blender vs. food processor: What’s the difference?
While blenders and food processors serve similar purposes—namely, mixing or breaking down foods and liquids—they are very different kitchen appliances. In fact, there are some food-prep tasks that one appliance is much better suited for than the other. Want to make peanut butter? Food processor. Maybe a batch of baby food? Blender. Both pieces of equipment are extremely versatile and can save you so much time with meal prep, so it helps to have a solid understanding of the difference between a blender and a food processor and how each should be used.
What is a blender?
The three most common blenders available are countertop blenders, immersion blenders, and personal blenders. We’re focusing on countertop blenders, the classic model from brands like Vitamix and Ninja that consists of a motorized base with variable speed settings, a blender jar made from glass or BPA-free plastic, and a lid. The best blender should have sharp stainless-steel blades and a strong motor of at least 1,000 watts, according to our pros. “I always look for power, so the blender can crush ice and frozen fruit without burning out,” says Healthy Foodie Girl founder Shawna Clark.
A blender’s variable speeds and pulse function let you fine-tune textures to create thick milkshakes and chunky salsas, says food blogger and cookbook author Kyndra Holley, while its pre-programmed settings help provide consistent results. Lids that allow the use of a tamper are also a huge plus, since you can push ingredients down toward the blender blades as you add them, ensuring that they get incorporated smoothly into the mixture.
Ninja Professional Plus Blender Duo with Auto IQ
What to make in a blender
Simply put, if you’re working with liquids, a blender is your best friend.
“Blenders shine with anything liquid-based: smoothies, soups, sauces, dressings,” says recipe developer Marissa Stevens,