Many people have the question of whether they can use a blender as a food processor.
The answer is yes, you can use a blender as a food processor. Though you have to change a few blender settings, you can prepare a few dishes that one can make in a food processor since a food processor can perform many functions of a blender than vice versa.
Before learning how to do that, first, we will see how a blender and food processor work individually.
Also read: 10 Best Blender Food Processor Combo
How A Food Processor Works

A food processor is a popular kitchen appliance that cuts food with spinning blades, requiring a very less amount of liquid for blending, slicing, chopping, dicing, and grating.
You can simply add the ingredients like fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc., through a chute, and the razor-sharp blades will do the rest.
Besides that, it can even blend certain food items into sauces or salad dressing. Hence, it is known as a versatile appliance. It helps you in quicker meal preparations.
It is mainly available in three fundamental sizes: mini, compact, and full. Some of its components include a bowl, lid, a feed tube, and a few other attachments. The motor is situated at the base.
Also read: 10 Best Juicer Blender Combo For Juice And Smoothies
Depending on the processor’s size, the larger the size, the stronger the motor. The weight allows the appliance to be stable while utilizing it.
A shaft is attached to the motor; the bowl and lid are usually made of durable and clear plastic.
You put the food item into the device through a pipe called the feed tube and then push it further with a plunger. It has a shredding disc that efficiently grinds ingredients like vegetables, apples, cheese, etc., in less than a minute.
Related: Can You Make Smoothies In a Food Processor?
How A Blender Works

A food blender is another very useful kitchen appliance that contains powerful blades that spin fast and blend various food items like vegetables, nuts, fruits, and even herbs. If you want to make juice, puree, soups, or anything that involves liquid, it is the right choice.
It is equipped with a base and, on top of that, a pitcher-like, tall container. The pitcher or jar can be removed easily for easy pouring.
A food blender comes with a few buttons or setting options. To start the blender pour the fruit, vegetable, or any other item into the jar; attach the jar to the base or the motor. There is a start button at the base or side of the blender.
Press that button to start; the motor will begin to turn the blades in a fast circular motion. This will help to mix all the ingredients more smoothly and quickly.
How to use a blender as a food processor?

As mentioned earlier, it is possible to use your blender as a food processor, and that you might have to adjust a few settings here and there.
Food processors and blenders almost serve the same purpose. They’re often utilized in quite different ways, and people do have it in the kitchen for their individual uses, but for many foods, you can use it interchangeably.
- First, you will need to adjust the speed setting and Slow Down the Process of Blending.
- Blenders work at a very high speed and liquefy solid food in less than 60 seconds. This process is much faster than food processors. You will need to change several settings from puree or liquid to a normal one.
- Blenders are known to make drinks, purees, or juices; in a food processor, you mainly chop food or smaller chunks. Do not add any liquids as this will allow you to have a thicker texture, just like a food processor.
The only thing you cannot perform with a blender is chopping, shredding, slicing, or grating food. This function is not at all possible in a blender. If you are looking to slice and chop vegetables or fruits, you need to do it with a knife.
Here’s a simple version of which recipes you can prepare in the given appliances:
Recipe | Food Processor | Blender |
Smoothie | No | Yes |
Butter | Yes | Adequately |
Dressing | Adequately | Yes |
Soup/ Puree | No | Yes |
Minced/ Chopped Vegetables | Yes | No |
Shredded Cheese | Yes | No |
Dough | Adequately | Yes |
Conclusion
A blender and food processor may have similar functions, but both work differently. Although one can prepare a handful of dishes in a blender instead of a food processor, the option is still very limited.
For instance, you can make thicker soups, smoothies, ice creams, and slushies in a blender instead of a food processor.
According to our recommendation, if you want a hassle-free experience in the kitchen, you must look for a separate food processor instead of performing experiments. Food processors come in handy in the kitchen and are of good use.
But, if you find it slightly over your budget. You can always use knives or a vegetable chopper, which is convenient and budget-friendly.
Further read:
I am making pie crust and do not have a food processor. I do have a blender and have heard that you can use the blender for some recipes. I have read that you CANNOT use a blender for dough or crust in several blogs. Some say that you CAN use a blender. So…I’m making chicken pot pie for dinner tonight and I WILL be using the blender to mix the ingredients for the pie crust. Wish me luck!