Blender vs Food Processor: Which Do You Need?

General buying advice. Always check current specifications, prices and reviews with the retailer before you buy.

A blender and a food processor look similar, but they do different jobs. If you are deciding between the two, or wondering whether you need both, this guide explains the difference.

What a blender does best

A blender is designed for liquids. It is the one to choose for smoothies, soups, sauces and milkshakes. The tall jug and blades create a vortex that pulls ingredients down for a smooth result.

What a food processor does best

A food processor is designed for solid food. It chops, slices, grates and mixes dough, and many have different discs and blades. It is useful for vegetables, nuts, breadcrumbs and pastry.

Where they overlap

Some jobs can be done with either, such as dips and nut butters, though results vary. Blenders can struggle with thick mixtures, while food processors may not make drinks as smooth.

Which should you buy first?

If you mainly make smoothies and soups, a blender is the better choice. If you chop a lot of vegetables or make pastry and dough, a food processor suits you better. Many keen cooks end up with both.

Space and cleaning

Both take up counter or cupboard space, so measure first. Check which parts are dishwasher safe. Food processors usually have more parts to wash.