Should I buy a Vitamix or a food processor?
If you love to cook, a high-powered blender like the Vitamix or a versatile food processor are two must-have appliances for your kitchen. But should you get a Vitamix or a food processor? Or both? Here is a detailed comparison of Vitamix blenders vs food processors to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Vitamix Overview
Vitamix is a leading brand of high-performance blenders. Their blenders have powerful motors and sturdy blades that can blend even the toughest ingredients with ease. Here are some key features of Vitamix blenders:
- High-powered motors (2400 watts or more) that can blend even frozen ingredients and tough greens
- Laser-cut, hardened stainless steel blades
- BPA-free containers with spill-proof vented lids
- Variable speed control and pulse setting
- Self-cleaning – just blend water and dish soap
- 7-year warranty
Vitamix blenders are designed to create smooth purées, nut butters, soups, smoothies, and more. They chop and grind with great efficiency. The high-speed blade and container create a vortex that continuously pulls ingredients down into the blades for quick work.
Food Processor Overview
Food processors typically consist of a work bowl that sits on a motorized drive shaft. Interchangeable blades and discs attach to the drive shaft to slice, shred, chop, mix, and purée ingredients. Here are some key features of food processors:
- Powerful motors ranging from 500 watts for mini models up to 1,200 watts for full-size
- Bowl capacities between 5-14 cups
- Various blades and discs for slicing, shredding, chopping, mixing, kneading, and more
- Some models have additional attachments like a juicer or blender
- 1-10 year warranty depending on brand and model
Food processors are workhorses in the kitchen when you need to chop vegetables, shred cheese, mix dough, or make quick sauces or dips. The interchangeable blades provide flexibility to perform various prep tasks.
Blending Ability
When it comes to blending performance, Vitamix blenders are the clear winners. Here’s how the two appliances compare:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 2400 watts or more | 500-1200 watts |
| Blade Speed | Up to 240 mph | N/A |
| Texture | Makes very smooth purées and nut butters | Chops and mixes but doesn’t fully purée |
| Tough Ingredients | Easily blends seeds, frozen fruit, greens, etc. | Struggles with tough ingredients |
Vitamix blades rotate at incredibly fast speeds, up to 240 mph. This allows them to blend just about any ingredient into smooth, creamy textures. Food processors simply can’t achieve the same level of smoothness when puréeing.
Chopping & Prep Ability
For chopping, mixing, and food prep, food processors have the edge over regular blenders. Here’s how they compare for these tasks:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Chopping | Can chop but not as fine | Chops to fine, even pieces |
| Kneading | Not designed for kneading | Can knead dough |
| Slicing/Shredding | Requires additional accessories | Discs provide slicing & shredding |
| Mixing | Good for mixing liquids | Excellent for mixing all textures |
The interchangeable blades and discs of a food processor allow you to expertly chop, slice, shred, mix, and knead. You can chop vegetables and herbs into perfect uniform pieces. The slicing and shredding discs make short work of tasks like slicing potatoes or shredding cheese. And the large work bowl provides room for mixing together large batches.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, food processors tend to have a slight edge. Here’s how they compare:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Takes some learning and experience | Fairly simple to use out of the box |
| Convenience | Must stop to change blade or settings | Bowls and blades are interchangeable |
| Speed Control | Variable speed knob | Multiple pre-programmed buttons |
| Noise | Very loud when running | Quieter than a Vitamix |
| Cleanup | Self-cleaning with water and soap | Bowl and parts must be hand washed |
You’ll likely need to experiment more with a Vitamix to get the blending times and speeds just right for different recipes. Food processors provide straightforward controls and one-touch buttons for common tasks like chopping and puréeing. The interchangeable parts also make a food processor convenient to use for various functions without stopping to change blade attachments.
Cost Comparison
Vitamix blenders have a significantly higher purchase price than most food processors. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $300-$650 | $40-$200 |
| Key Determinants | Motor power, container size | Motor power, bowl size, functions |
| Cost of Ownership | Lower due to long warranty | May need to replace sooner |
Vitamix blenders range from around $300 for baseline models up to $650 for premium models. Expect to pay between $40-$200 for a food processor depending on its motor power, capacity, and extra functions. The longer 7-year warranty of the Vitamix makes it more affordable long-term though.
Space Considerations
In terms of storage, food processors take up more space with their various bowl and blade attachments. Here’s an overview:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7-9 inches wide x 8-20 inches tall | Work bowl is 7-14 inches wide |
| Shape | Tall and narrow container | Shallow but wide work bowl |
| Storage | Single container | Bowl, blades, discs, etc. |
| Footprint | Smaller | Takes up more cabinet space |
Vitamix blenders take up minimal counter space with their tall, narrow containers. Food processors have a larger footprint overall once you account for all the bowl and blade attachments. However, you can always store food processor accessories that aren’t used often in a separate cabinet.
Versatility
In terms of versatility, food processors come out ahead with their ability to slice, shred, knead, and mix. Here’s an overview:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Uses | Mainly puréeing | Slicing, shredding, chopping, mixing, etc. |
| Recipe Applications | Smoothies, soups, sauces | Salad prep, dough kneading, pastry mixing |
| Ability to Automate | Very limited | Can automate some slicing, shredding, chopping |
| Additional Attachments | None included | Comes with multiple blades and discs |
The interchangeable discs and blades of a food processor allow you to use it for many more kitchen tasks compared to a Vitamix blender. You can shred, slice, knead, and mix right in your food processor. However, a Vitamix offers exceptional blending performance for smoothies, soups, nut butters, and more.
Safety Features
Both Vitamix and food processors offer safety features to protect users during operation. Here are some of the key differences:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Jar/Bowl | Spill-proof vented lid | Locks into base |
| Blades | Laser-cut, blunt tip | Sharp, requires caution |
| Operation | Stay-cool handle | Safety braking system |
| Speed Control | Starts slow, then speeds up | Buttons control precise speeds |
Vitamix containers have vented lids and blades with blunted tips for safety. Food processors often have sharp blades that require caution when handling or cleaning. Both offer safety features integrated into their controls to prevent accidents.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Vitamix blenders are slightly easier to clean with their self-cleaning capabilities. Here’s an overview:
| Vitamix | Food Processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Cleaning | Add water & soap, blend, rinse | Disassemble parts, hand wash |
| Dishwasher Safe | No | Yes, top rack only |
| Maintenance | Occasional blade sharpening | Lubricating parts |
| Replacement Parts | Blades, lids, tampers, containers | Blades, discs, bowls, base |
The self-cleaning mode of the Vitamix makes cleanup a breeze – just blend water and soap. Food processors have more parts to disassemble and hand wash. Vitamix blenders also don’t require much for maintenance except occasional blade sharpening.
Conclusion
So should you get a Vitamix or a food processor? Here are some key takeaways to help you decide:
- Get a Vitamix if you want a powerful blender for smoothies, soups, nut butters, etc. It excels at quickly blending smooth, creamy textures.
- Get a food processor if you need a versatile appliance for chopping, slicing, shredding, mixing, kneading, and more. It’s great for food prep.
- A Vitamix costs significantly more upfront but requires less maintenance long-term.
- Food processors take up more storage space but offer more functionality with their interchangeable parts.
For maximum utility, many home cooks find owning both a Vitamix and a food processor is worthwhile. Use the Vitamix for exceptional blending power. Use the food processor for convenience when prepping vegetables, slicing, shredding, mixing doughs, and more.
If you must choose only one, select based on your most frequent kitchen tasks. Love smoothies, dips, soups? Go for the Vitamix. Cook a lot from scratch and prep veggies daily? A food processor will get more use.
With the right tools for your cooking needs, it’s easier than ever to make delicious, wholesome meals at home your family will love.