How to use a food processor: a step-by-step guide
If you’re wondering how to get the most out of your food processor, look no further than these top tips

By Rosie Conroy
A food processor can be a godsend in the kitchen, especially when working your way through fiddly jobs, such as grating, pureeing or slicing. We should know; having used, trialled and tested a number of these machines in our kitchen over the years, we’re pretty confident that we’ve nailed the how-to on making good use of this particular piece of kitchenware. Much like the tech itself, the best food processor advice is simple and straightforward.
You don’t need fancy tricks or twists to get great results, but whatever mode you’re looking to use, we’ve listed the processes that we put into practice most frequently. We hope the following advice means you can get started straight away using your food processor to create everything from dinner-party-worthy dishes to quick-and-easy desserts.
Note: Food processor models do vary, so while we’ve taken every care to make the below comprehensive for the most common models, there could be some variations in your machine. Please always check with your manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure of anything.
Step-by-step guide to using your food processor
Step 1: Plug it in
Perhaps obvious, but legitimately the first step to getting your food processor going – plug it into the mains. Fully unwind the cable, whatever model you have, and plug it in, making sure first that both the plug and socket are clean and dry.
Step 2: Attach the jug to the base
Next up, attach your jug to the base. With most models, this typically fits over the central mechanism and locks into place with a twist anti-clockwise, starting with the handle to the left of centre. If you’re using the large main base that’s all there is to it. If you’re using a smaller subsidiary bowl, this is the point when you can slot that in on top of the main stand.
Step 3: Choose your blade or attachment
The attachment you choose to use depends on the results you want to achieve. If you’re looking to mix, mince, mash, puree or chop, you’ll probably opt for the main blade – also known as the knife blade. This is attached by clicking it in over the central mechanism, but it can take a little wiggling, either way, to get it locked in, and a small anti-clockwise twist. Other frequently used options include the slicing and grating discs, which need to be attached to the disc support. Fix the tubular support fitting onto the main motor shaft, then slot your metal disc of choice on top, twisting anti-clockwise to secure in place. There are lots of other variations you might want to try – dough hook or whisk, for instance. For anything we haven’t covered, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Fix the lid in place
Once you’ve fixed your attachment in place it’s time to place the lid. If you’re planning to use the main blade, you’ll need to add your ingredients before clipping the lid onto the top of the mixer’s bowl. With the funnel to the left of the handle, slide the lid round anti-clockwise to click into place.
NOTE:If you’re using one of the discs for slicing, grating etc,don’tplace ingredients in the bowl and fix the lid – you’ll never achieve the desired result!
Step 5: Switch it on
Start the motor, and with it the movement of the blades or discs, by pressing the power button on your model. If you need to use a pulse function, rather than have the motor running continuously, use the pulse button if your model has one. If not, you can try pressing the on-and-off button repeatedly until you achieve the desired texture for what you’re making.
Step 6: Add your ingredients
If you’re using a slicing disc now’s the time to process your ingredients. Keep in mind, some larger items may need to be cut down to size to fit through the funnel (which leads to the disc). Once the motor is running, use the funnel cover to push through your chosen ingredients to the grating or slicing disc – as well as adding pressure to move the ingredients through the funnel and disc, and on into the bowl, this also helps to protect your hand from potential accidents.
Step 7: Watch the magic happen
If you’re blitzing things into a puree, for example, you can simply watch for a few seconds while your machine does its work. If you’re using a disc attachment, then you can watch the bowl fill up with neatly processed ingredients as you work everything through the funnel.
Step 8: Clean the elements
The key to keeping your food processor in good condition is to make sure you wash everything straight away. Carefully remove any blades or attachment and wash with warm soapy water. Scrape any leftover ingredients out of the bowl and off the lid and funnel cover, then repeat the process; wash with warm soapy water, using a soft cloth. Leave to air dry or use a tea towel if you prefer.
Step 9: Stack it together, tidy away
Before storing it away in a cupboard or on your kitchen worktop, reassemble your food processor so it’s ready to go the next time you want to use it.
-
-
The best mascaras for sensitive eyes: our favorite delicate formulations
For those with delicate eyes or skin, finding the best mascaras for sensitive eyes takes a little more care and attention.
By Ayesha Muttucumaru •
-
Kobe Bryant widow Vanessa publicly criticizes rapper Meek Mill for lacking 'respect' and 'tact' over song lyric
The widow of the late basketball legend has lashed out at the rapper for 'insensitive' lyric referencing her husband
By Selina Maycock •
-
The most popular Farrow & Ball paint color of 2021 has been revealed
Have you used it in your home?
By Emma Shacklock •
-
This genius hack to get grease out of Tupperware will change your life
It's unbelievably easy!
By Laura Harman •
-
The wooden spoon cleaning hack that's gone viral
A new hack has gone viral that shows you how best to clean your wooden spoons
By Laura Harman •
-
Living on this type of street could boost your property value by over £1,000,000
Are you tempted to move?
By Emma Shacklock •
-
13 immersion blender recipes you can make in under an hour
The understated immersion blender really punches way above its weight when it comes to functionality. It can blend recipes in mere minutes...
By Rosie Conroy •
-
22 easy and delicious blender recipes you can make in under an hour
These delicious blender recipes will give you tasty meals, drinks or desserts with minimal effort.
By Rosie Conroy •
-
How to clean a blender quickly and easily - in five simple steps
With so many delicate moving parts, it’s not that uncommon to wonder how to clean a blender properly. Thankfully the answer is pretty simple...
By Rosie Conroy •
-
How to use a blender to make smoothies, soups - and even pancakes
Our expert guide on how to use a blender to get the very best results from your machine...
By Rosie Conroy •