Baby Food Processor – What You Need to Know
Baby food processors are ideal for grinding, slicing, chopping, shredding, and dicing food for babies. A typical baby food processor works at a specific speed, which makes it different from a blender. Also, it is different from a food maker, as you will get to see below.
Here, you will get to know the benefits and the important factors to consider when picking up a baby food processor for your kids.
Differences Between Baby Food Processors, Blenders and Baby Food Makers
Baby food processors are fitted with a wider-reaching blade that allows them to blend solid and dry foods such as cooked meat and steamed vegetables. Baby food processors also allow you to control the thickness of your baby food better than blenders.
When it comes to convenience, baby food processors are better than blenders and baby food makers. This is because they allow you to easily add more ingredients, seasonings, and liquids via a chute as you blend your food. In addition, baby food processors are more suitable for handling hot, cold, dry, and wet foods. So, if you don’t have the patience for your hot vegetables and meats to cool down, baby food processors are the best option for you.
If you have been using blenders for some time now, you probably would have noticed that the food clusters around the corner, letting the blades spin without really blending anything. The reason for that is because blenders are typically suitable for wet, liquid-based foods like smoothies.
While baby food processors work great for pureeing, blending, pulverizing, dicing, and chopping solid food to varying consistencies, baby food makers are generally equipped with only puree and steaming functions.
In terms of durability, baby food processors last longer than baby food makers and blenders. So, if you have many kids in your home or plan to have more in the future, the best option to go for is a baby food processor.
While baby food processors are generally more expensive than blenders and baby food makers, consider them as a cost-effective investment in the long run since they last longer and are more versatile.
Read more: Baby Food Jars
How to Use a Baby Food Processor
First off, using a baby food processor is not difficult. You do not need any special skills. Simply follow our guidelines and the user manual that comes with the machine, and you will be fine. To use the processor, put one or two cups of food in it and add 3 or 4 tablespoons of water.
Note that the quantity of food you put in the food processor is determined by how much your baby eats. That said, the quantity of water you are to add is determined by the thickness of the food. For instance, you will need to add more water for cooked chicken than boiled potatoes.
If your baby cannot chew yet, you may need to add few tablespoons of water to get a soup-like consistency.
After adding the right amount of water, grind or blend the food and serve it to your little one.
Benefits of Using a Baby Food Processor
You derive the following benefits from using baby food processors instead of blenders and baby food makers.
Faster Food Preparation
If you thought the 15 – 20 minutes it takes baby food makers to prepare a meal is fast, then you would be shocked if you tried a baby food processor. With this kitchen gadget, your food can be ready in five minutes. So, if you are finding it difficult to balance your work life and raising a baby, getting one will be quite helpful.
Convenience
With a baby food processor, you don’t need to stand for several hours at a baby food store before you can feed your baby. Also, baby food processors are quite light and travel-friendly, so you can always take them with you.
Better Nutrition
The possibility of your baby getting an adequate amount of nutrients from purchased baby foods is quite slim. With a food processor, you are fully in charge of what your baby gets to eat. You can add as many nutrients as recommended for the healthy growth of your baby.
Versatile
Versatility is what’s great about baby food processors. They are equipped with parts for dicing, steaming, reheating, blending, pureeing, and chopping. The high-end baby food processors are even equipped with an auto-cleaning system, so you do not have to worry about cleaning after use.
What to Consider When Getting a Baby Food Processor
Let’s check out what to have in mind when purchasing a food processor for your baby food needs below.
Capacity
While some baby food processors can handle up to 9 cups of food at a time, others can only handle as little as 4 cups.
Functionality
The functionality is one of the most important factors to consider when getting the processor for your baby’s needs. While some baby food processors can perform lots of functions such as steaming, blending, pureeing, chopping, and reheating, others can only perform one or two functions.
Design
While aesthetics may not be the most important factor, there is no harm in getting a beautiful product. High-end baby food processors usually have more sophisticated designs that will appeal to your aesthetics needs.
Ease of Maintenance
If you do not have the energy and time to clean up after cooking, it would be best to go for a self-cleaning baby food processor. If you cannot afford it, ensure the baby food processor you are getting is easy to clean. Also, you might consider going for one that is dishwasher safe.
