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Blender or food processor

I need to replace my current blender (it's leaking from the bottom of the pitcher) and was thinking of the pros and cons of blenders vs. food processors. Any thoughts on whether to stick with the blender or go for the processor?
I mostly use the blender now to puree things like pesto and soups.
I've never actually owned a food processor--would it do the same job as a blender?

Any recs for either machine?

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  1. I can't think of one function of the blender that the food processor can't perform.

    1 Reply
    1. re: serious

      Agreed. Food processor can do everything a blender does andalso does alot more things that a blender can't do.

    2. get a food processor and a stick blender. Stick blenders are SUPER useful. I love mine. It makes way better smoothies than any regular blender I had.

      Plus, they come with attachments like a wisk and all that good stuff.

      And a food processor is great for pesto making, chopping, shredding stuff.

      2 Replies
      1. re: Jeserf

        I second the stick blender. Ever useful.

        1. re: likaluca

          I have a stick blender too, and maybe I'm not patient enough with it, but I almost always end up putting the soup into the blender anyway, after using it.

      2. get a nice processor, and a 15.00 blender.

        processor will chop / mince for you PLUS do all of ther things the blender will do. Get a cheap blender for doing the tougher jobs, and spare the blades of the processor. Blender is usually easier to clean. I wouldn't limit myself to just ONE option since you can get good mileage out of a dirt cheap blender. Get a 12.00-20.00 blender, and a good processor.

        1. Agree with Gordeaux. The only speeds you need on a blender are on and off. A blender will do a much better job of pureeing than a processor, like for really smooth soups and sauces. But the processor can multi-task. I even make pasta dough in mine.

          1. Before you replace your blender, did you check the gasket? My blender is 40 years old and leaks every now and then. We just put a new gasket on it. Then it is good as new.

            1 Reply
            1. re: Janet

              Yes, great advice. Gaskets get hard and stiff over time (calm down, folks) and lose their ability to seal well. A new one will only cost a buck or two (at most) at a good hardware store (I've seen them at Orchard Hardware Supply, in case you've got those in your area), and at an Ace Hardware, too.