KENWOOD WHITE COMPACT FOOD PROCESSOR

INTRODUCTION

The food processor is probably my most used kitchen appliance (next to my trusty Senseo coffee machine!!)

This review is about my current food processor, which is the Kenwood White Compact Food Processor that I bought from Argos about six years ago. I paid around £25 for the machine but on checking today I see that it is on sale in Argos (code number 420/0442) for £27.99, I have also seen them on Amazon for less than £20.

I have, in the past, owned far more expensive and intricate food processors. But this machine is perfectly adequate for me, and I do a lot of cooking. Six years on it is still working well, making my pastry, whisking my eggs shredding my vegetables etc.

I have been a Kenwood customer for forty years since my mum bought me my first Kenwood Chef when I was a t college, and I have always found them to be an excellent and reliable product.

WHAT YOU GET WITH THE FOOD PROCESSOR

Bowl & lid
Stainless steel blades.
Coarse grating blade.
Coarse slicing blade.
Chopping blade.
Whisk.
Citrus juicer
Spatula
Maxi blend canopy.
Instruction & recipe book

APPEARANCE & DETAILS

This is just a basic, bog standard food processor, but the appearance (albeit white plastic) is pleasant and clean looking, I leave mine out on display as I use it often and it looks quite smart in the kitchen. There is also a chrome model available which is around £8-£10 more expensive.
The dimensions of the machine are 32cm (length), 16cm (width) and 26 cm (height), weight 2.17kg, the bowl capacity is 1.4 kg and I find this plenty big enough for my requirement - cooking for 3 - 5 people.
The bowl is of good quality and, like the rest of the accessories, dish washer safe. The blades and shredder/slicer plates are stainless steel.

One aspect that I really like about the machine is that I can wind the excess cord up on the back (the cord is 3 metres long and my machine is very close to a socket)

The speed markings are clear, and just as clear today after six years of constant use and the control switches work well.
There are four non-slip rubber feet to stop the machine dancing around if using it for something bulky like kneading dough etc.
The voltage for the machine is 400 watts, there is a safety- locking lid, an on/off pulse lever, two speed settings and it is BEAB

ATTACHMENTS

CITRUS JUICER
This attachment is used by fitting a spindle into the juicer, you place your fruits inside, it can be used without the lid in place.

SLICER & SHREDDER
These attachments are great, especially for making quick and easy coleslaw.
They are easy to change and fit into a universal holder, they are extremely easy to push in or out and to lock when using.

WHISK
Do not expect a balloon whisk, the whisk in this machine is a flat plastic tool with holes in for incorporating air to the food you are whisking.
This is perfect for whisking eggs or a light sponge but not cream. I have an electric whisk that I use mostly for whisking.

MAXI BLEND CANOPY
This is simply a clear plastic round lid with a raised middle hole
It is used when blending liquids like soups and is great at stopping that leakage I have experienced in the past with other machines. It just fits over the blade, the lid and feed tube are locked on top and - hey presto- you have double the volume of liquid in the bowl - ingenious, and very handy.

SPATULA
Just a simple plastic spatula, which helps getting mixture out of the bowl.

CARE AND CLEANING

As I said earlier the bowl and attachments are all machine washable but also are easy to wash by hand, just do mind your fingers on the blade!!.

The white surface of the machine itself is easily cleaned with a spray of kitchen cleaner and a damp cloth, my machine is still looking good after years of constant use.

USES

How long have you got?

The grater is a godsend, save money on cheese, instead of buying more expensive grated cheese, grate you own quickly and easily, even use up the odd bits you have left in the fridge. You will always get the ends that don't grate shooting around in the lid, you can add these to your sauces etc or just have a quick munch!!
The grater is also ideal for making fresh breadcrumbs, save your crusts, even when they're stale ( actually it works better when stale) the machine will give you super breadcrumbs for making stuffing or coating foods.

You can make potato crisps with the slicer,chop nuts, chop soaked dried pulses etc.
All this on top of making pastries, scones, cakes etc.

NEGATIVES

The noise!!!

It is quite a noisy machine, but you soon do get used to it, and it is not one of those machines that you have to hold while it works, you can leave it working as you get on with other parts of your recipe.

I would also say that a metal whisk would probably be better, but I don't use the whisk that much .

CONCLUSION

This is an excellent all round budget machine that would suit most people.
If you do a lot of baking you will probably need a larger model but I find it more than adequate, it has served me well and is still running strong.

OLDCHEM RECIPE

PICTURE INCLUDED

I will leave you with a recipe that I find my food processor perfect for.

This recipe is for healthy, low fat doner meat !!!!

OLDCHEM'S DONER MEAT

Ingredients;

1 lb minced lean lamb
3 tsp dried mint
2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp mint sauce OR 1 tbs chopped fresh mint
1-2 cloves crushed garlic
1 small onion
½ tsp salt
Ground black pepper

Oven Temp: Moderately hot / 375F / 190 / Gas 5

Method
Grate onion, remove grater and add cutting blades, leave grated onion in bowl, add the rest of the ingredients - blend well for about 3 - 4 minutes.
Form into a rough loaf shape and place onto a rack stood in a baking pan.
Bake in the middle of the oven for about an hour.
It is quite a dense loaf so it must cook all the way thorough. I sometimes cook it in a loaf tin or shape into burgers and grill them.

Serve it sliced thinly on a pitta with salad and chilli or mayo to taste.

TIP
I find that it slices easier if cold, I then reheat it in the microwave.

Summary: Has to be a five out of five from me!!