While blenders and food processors may seem to be similar as both are motorized and use spinning blades to break down food, they actually work very differently. They also differ based on their shapes—blenders are taller and narrower with one small blade at the bottom while food processors are wider and they come with larger, sharper S-shaped blades. Blenders also have different speeds and food processors usually just have an on, off, and pulse setting. So, when should you use a blender and when should use you a food processor?
Blender
Blenders work well for pureeing ingredients into smooth liquids like soups and smoothies and for mixing ingredients like dressings and sauces. For cocktails or slushy drinks, you’ll want to use your blender. Blenders also work well for aerating liquids like pancake batters, cheesecake batters, and cake batters.
Food Processor
Food processors are great for chopping and blending herbs, cheese, nuts, and oils into pesto, blending beans into dips, and breaking nuts into butter. To chop, slice, or shred vegetables or hard cheeses, food processors can work like mandolins if you have a slicing blade. Lastly, you can knead dough in a food processor for cookie dough, kneaded dough, and pie dough.