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How to Choose a Food Processor Before You Buy

Food processors can save you tons of time in the kitchen. Food processors can chop, dice and blend foods. Some can even need dough. You can save hours on a weekly basis by purchasing a food processor. There are many different types and brands on the market. It might be difficult to decide which one is best for you. There are a few main points to take into consideration when purchasing a food processor such as capacity, function and price range.

Choosing the right capacity

There are various sizes of food processors available on the market. Larger food processor often have more functions then the smaller models. However, if you are only planning to use your new food processor for specific purposes a smaller one might suffice.

You should also take into consideration the amount of counter space you have available for your new food processor. Larger food processors can take up a substantial amount of counter space. Smaller food processors are often referred to as food choppers.

Also the feeding tube for food processors often varies. Getting a food processor with a larger feeding tube can save you some time. You can save time by not having to cut larger foods down to scale.

Function

You might think that all food processors do the same thing. Well, that is basically true. But the true value of the appliance is not in what they do. It is how well they do it. There are many food processors on the market that have several different settings for each function. If you cook frequently you might find that many of these are very useful. Some even have touch pad controls.

Cost versus Quality

Food processors can range anywhere from fifty dollars to a few hundred dollars. Off-brand cheaper food processors are often louder and less functional then their more expensive counterparts. Sometimes it is worth it in the long run to spend a little more. After all, you only want to purchase the item once. If you do not intend to use it frequently a cheaper version might last you for a while but eventually you will have to replace it.

Some of the better brands have extended warranties. If you are planning on using your food processor frequently it might benefit you to purchase a better brand. The warranty might be beneficial for extended use.

Winter Maintenance For Your Home

Snow blowers are machines that remove snow from such areas as sidewalks, driveways, ice rinks, railroad tracks and houses. There are two types of snow blowers: Single-stage and Two-stage. The Single-stage snow blower is a light duty machine. The Two-stage snow blower is a heavy duty snow blower and has more than one-low speed metal auger.

Snow Blowers make the job Easier

Snow is heavy and difficult to lift; especially if you have a lot of snow to get rid of. However, with today’s snow blowers, they can make the job easy and simply to do. Snow blowers are especially helpful for those who have health concerns that make it difficult to do this kind of work outside.

To own a snow blower is a wonderful way to turn a difficult job into an easy job. Keep in mind that a snow blower is very effective when clearing compacted and dense snow. In addition a snow blower has an adjustable chute deflector and power-drive wheels, which make turning easy and safe.

Some tips to help

There are tips that can help when using a snow blower such as making sure that the gas tank is filled with fresh stabilized fuel and making sure that the oil is filled to the proper level. If you own a stage two snow blower, ensure that all parts have been installed correctly.

Most importantly, be sure that your sidewalk is clear of any objects that could get in the way. Some also recommend wearing gloves, colorful clothing and safety glasses. Reading the owner’s manual is also suggested so that you understand how to operate the controls such as the drive clutch and steering levers.

More tips and Safety Issues

Another hint is to start your snow blower in the garage with the door open or outside. Once you have the snow blower up and running, be sure to keep both of your hands on the machine. If you have an extension cord on your machine, check your owner’s manual to find out how to use the extension cord safely. It is important to go at a steady and slow pace when using your snow blower.

There are certain things a person should “not” do with a snow blower such as never leaving it running when you are not there, never cleaning out the augers or chute with your feet or hands, never pointing the chute at cars, people or buildings, never refueling when the engine is on, never starting the snow blower in an enclosed area and never using the snow blower to clear away another except snow. Another tip that will keep your snow blower operating well is to wipe it down before you put it away.

To conclude, a snow blower can save you a lot of time, effort and energy and is a machine that many can’t do without!

Top 5 Electric Meat Grinders Comparison

If you like making your own sandwiches at the convenience of your kitchen like I do then you will enjoy being able to slice your own meat or even vegetables. Every consumer now has the option of safely being able to slice the meat of their choice at home with the same ease as the staff at the local deli.

I like having an electric meat slicer in my own kitchen because I can reduce my meat purchase cost and my annual shopping budget. Additionally, I can cut my meat to the widths I prefer at any time.

The makers of electric meat slicers have provided the average consumer with both a selection of models, based on the consumer’s needs as well as costs, to meet the consumer’s budget. More importantly, they have also taken the precaution of including various safety features for the protection of children as well as consumers. I have listed a few of my favorites below.

Chef’s Choice International 632 “7 Inch” Gourmet VariTilt Food Slicer. The price range online for this model has listed between $400.00 and $269.24. The model “632 “7 Inch” Gourmet VariTilt Food Slicer” is for household use and sets up upright for meats as well as cheeses. The model has a tilt to “gravity-feed” and can also be used for certain vegetables and breads. The model is designed with a 7 inch surgical stainless steel blade and posses a child proof safety switch.

Continental PS77711 Professional Series Deli Slicer. Priced at around $137.00, this model is compact but still supports a “7.5″ blade made out of heavy cast iron. The blade is powered by a 150 watt motor. In addition to meats and cheeses this model can also slice vegetables and select deli breads.

Chef’s Choice Premium 610 7 Inch Food Slicer. This unit is priced between $129.00 and $155.00. designed to fit any kitchen counter top, this unit stands at 16.3 x 12.4 x 11.9 inches in counter top space. This model is made of cast aluminum and stainless steel, which includes the slicer, which is gear driven and cool run with a high torque motor. The 7-inch, all-purpose, stainless steel blade can slice fine to 3/4-inch slices.

MaxiMatic EMT-503B Elite Gourmet 130-Watt Die-Cast-Aluminum Electric Food Slicer, Black. This economically priced unit at $79.99 is housed in die cast aluminum and can delicately slice meats, fish, cheeses, deli breads and firm vegetables. The “7.5″ stainless steel blade is removable and retractable.

Chef’s Choice 615 Premium Electric Food Slicer. Priced at $141.45 to $195.00 this unit is sturdy with all of its major components built of cast aluminum and stainless steel. The unit is measured at 15 by 11 inches and fits very well on your counter top. The 7 inch stainless steel blade can slice a variety of deli products to varying widths.

Conclusion

Each consumer should select the electric meat slicer that best meets their budget and provides the ease of use and safety that consumers are use to and will enjoy. I found that I could not make a bad choice with any of the selections listed above!