What Can I Use Instead of a Food Processor? (8 Options)

This article may contain affiliate links and if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Most of us prefer eating fresh and homemade dishes rather than eating out. There’s a type of feeling that comes with the thought of having new homemade dishes, but most times, doing the work like slicing the fruits, cutting the vegetables, and mincing the meat can be very tedious, and that’s where food processors come in.

A food processor solves all of the above problems within minutes and provides versatility simultaneously. You can use a single device to do your chopping, grating, cutting, and mincing, but what if, all of a sudden, your food processor stops working?

You can’t do all these by hand, and even if you can, it can’t be done as neatly as a food processor would’ve done it. But what can I use instead of a food processor?

Some of the things you can use if you don’t have a food processor include blender, chopper, mixer, food grinder, food chopper, knives, etc.

What Is a Food Processor?

A food processor is a tool or appliance that you can use to facilitate or speed up tasks involved in food preparation.

They are most times electronical, leaving few as manual. Food processors are similar to blenders because they require little to no water before you can use them.

They are used to blend, dice, chop, and mince, easing the cooking process. Food processors usually have variable and multiple functions depending on the placement or attachment of the blade.

What Does a Food Processor Look Like?

What Can I Use Instead of a Food Processor

The base of a food process typically houses the motor or rotating part which turns the vertical shaft. A bowl is usually made of transparent plastic that fits on top of the shaft.

Sometimes, cutting blades can be attached to the shaft, enabling it to perform from the bottom of the bowl. Shredding or slicing disks can be attached instead, depending on the purpose of the food processor.

A lid, usually with a feed tube, is fitted to the bowl. The feed tubes allow you to add ingredients even when slicing or chopping is ongoing in the food processor. Most food processors also have pushers that enable you to push further whatever you’re blending in without using your hand.

Most food processors have safety devices that prevent the motors from functioning if the lid is not properly closed.

What Can I Use Instead of a Food Processor?

Not everyone can afford these expensive food processors or can make use of them most of the time and that’s why we will list other great substitutes you can try out and use anytime.

1. A Blender

Blenders are the easiest and most effective substitute for a food processor. It does the same job by turning your fruits or tomatoes on a blade.

The central part of this device is the blade placed in the center and plays the primary role by blending or cutting big pieces into smaller ones.

You can get two or more other functionalities from this same device because nowadays, blenders come with one or more other tools like a chopping board which can enable you to perform another activity.

Blenders were originally made for purees, juices, smoothies, and other liquids, where most of their consistencies had to be in liquid forms. Unfortunately, blenders cannot be used for kneading doughs for cakes or doughnuts, which is one of the significant functions of food processors.

2. A Mixer

The mixer is another efficient substitute that helps you get maximum work done in time and with little effort. Mixers come in two types which are manual mixers and electronic mixers.

The manual mixer has been used for decades, majorly for beating eggs or mixing dough, butter, and sugar.

The electronic mixer is way easier to use as all you’ll have to do is connect the mixer to a switch and hold on to the handle to prevent the substance in it from splashing all around the place.

They are most efficient for preparing baked items and aerating our milk, flour, and butter mixtures.

3. A Chopper

In the absence of your food processor, an average food chopper can come in handy. It is used for chopping your onions and vegetables.

It also saves up a lot of time since all you’d have to do is put the original of the food item in the chopper and watch as it chops its way. Another essential feature is its minimal storage space.

Unlike the food processor, the mechanism of a food chopper is not so large as its only work is to chop food items, unlike the food processor, which comes with many functionalities.

4. Food Grinder

Like mixers, food grinders come in many varieties to satisfy the needs of the prospective user. Some grinders specialize in grinding meat, while others grind nuts into fine powder.

Unlike the blender and mixer, the grinder is very heavy, and you might not find moving it all around the kitchen convenient. That is why it is advised to place it somewhere you find convenient enough for it to be placed instead of moving it all around.

5. Mortar And Pestle

These have been very popular in Egypt, Asia, and Africa since ancient times. After this was introduced to the eastern part of the world, culinary enthusiasts have found a way to make dishes more flavorful.

If in any way the substitutes listed above do not work well for you, you can always use a mortar and pestle.

Even if the final result might not be as perfect as you expected it to be and might take a longer time, it is, at least, a solution.

6. A Large Grater

A grater is so popular and versatile because of its ability to cut food or fruits into different sizes or mincing a piece in multiple ways. In this case, you have total freedom to mincing or cut your food and fruit into your own desired shape.

It would be best to be careful with how you handle this device because, unlike the blender, it is not in a bowl-like compartment, and mishandling of this tool can injure you.

7. Rolling Pin and Plastic Bag

Rolling pin is an adequate substitute for a food processor when kneading dough. It would be best to put your dough of whatever you want to knead in a plastic bag and apply the rolling pin on it.

You can also use a rolling pin and a smooth flat surface when kneading, but before placing your dough on the smooth surface, rub flour around it to prevent dough from sticking to it.

8. Knives

Knives are also handy in a lot of ways. Although not versatile, its facilities the use of some other substitutes.

Although using them is not that complicated, it takes a lot of physical effort and sweat. With your knife, all you can do is cut your meat, fruits, and vegetables into your desired shape or sizes.

Can You Use a Blender Instead of a Food Processor for Hummus?

Yes, you can make hummus either in a food processor or high-powered blender, as all you’ll be needing for making a creamy hummus is blending at high speed.

Another device you can use for your hummus is Vitamix, and it appears to come out smoother and creamier when a Vitamix is used.

What Is the Best Substitute For Food Processor?

This question does not have a fixed answer as it all depends on the task you want to accomplish. But the best substitute for most tasks is a blender, as it is also electrical and is the closest match in structure to the food processor.

Can I Use a Food Processor Instead of a Blender?

Of course, yes, the food processor performs the work of various kitchen appliances like the blender, mixer, and even grinder. So, by using a food processor, there is a higher chance of your food coming out a lot better than even using a blender.

Conclusion

Since food processors are electrical devices mainly used to speed up multiple tasks, using other electrical substitutes is the best option. So, food processors like the blender and mixers are some of the ideal food processors we will need.

Related Posts: