Q: Can readers suggest a good all-in-one kitchen machine for my wedding registry? I have an Oster Kitchen Center that was a family hand-me-down. It's a stand mixer, blender and food processor. Unfortunately, they are no longer making this great device so it's hard to get replacement parts, plus I dropped it and cracked the housing. It still works, but since I know I have a few relatives who would love to buy an heirloom quality kitchen wedding gift I figured I'd look around for a good replacement.
Is there something out there that would serve all these functions in one machine with attachments? I know everyone loves the KitchenAid but I don't need a meat grinder or ice cream maker. I do need the food processor and blender and use them all the time. I know your readers would be just the people to know the pros and cons of the different options out there!
Sent by Kate
Editor: Kate, many food processors now come with blenders as well as more traditional food processor attachments. They don't always serve all the functions of a stand mixer, but they can stand in for many, such as kneading bread dough and blending cookie dough. I have been testing out two: one from DeLonghi and one from Magimix. Both of them so far have been great, and I'll run more detailed and in-depth reviews after the holidays.
I will say that the DeLonghi (pictured above) has been especially nice so far since it has a built-in scale.
Readers, any particular recommendations for all-in-one food processors or other machines?
Related: 'Tis the Season for a Food Processor
(Image: DeLonghi via Amazon)
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I have a Ninja Master Prep and it very easily handles all of my mixing, blending, puree-ing and other associated needs. I read that it has great longevity. If I had the funds, I would have preferred a Ninja Kitchen System, as it includes some mixing functionality that may be nice and the motor is nicer. Ahh, if only I could re-do my wedding registry with my new knowledge.
Ah, the old Oster Kitchen Center. My mother had one and we used to refer to it as the "kitchen in a box". Truly versatile. Thanks for the memory.
I have been dying to buy one of the Braun Multiquick sets - it looks like the Multiquick 5 might be what you are looking for. http://www.braun.com/global/household/food-preparation/multiquick-hand-blenders.html
I've tried all combos and I still think that the simple combo of a food processor and an immersion blender covers it all. I haven't found a need for a regular blender in a long time, the immersion blender does away with the need of pouring hot liquids into a blending machine, and also covers milkshakes, smoothies, dressings, etc., and the food processor makes quick work of any dip, sauce, puree, dough, pastry dough, etc.
Ye Olde Farte speaking:
The difference between "hand-me-down" and "heirloom" is simply perspective. You have an heirloom device. Parts are hard to get; <u>not</u> impossible to get. For the price of most of the "new heirlooms" you can get 2 copies of the (proven reliability) Oster that you already own.
Don't know whether they make it still or not, but I LOVE my Bosch all in one electronic set. I have everything ...mixer, food processor, blender, juicer, meat grinder, and more!
I'll be really interested to see the review of the DeLonghi! My husband was going to get me one for Christmas after I saw it on the Costco website, but he didn't realize you couldn't get it in store and waited a little too late to shop. That was fine with me since I'd like to read more about it before spending the money on one.
I have a Thermomix that is practically a robot. It's really popular in Europe because aside from being food processor, blender, etc it heats up so you can cook sauces and soups directly in it http://www.vorwerk.com/thermomix/html/
I would sugest a Thermomix as well. It does almost everything in the kitchen - except fry or roast. I do every kind of bread, soups, meat, fish or desert. It's better than all the other kitchen robots because you can cook healthy food and save money at the same time. And also, in the end you just have to clean the robot. And nowadays there are several sites with lots of recipes for this robot.
The Multiquick 5 is 220v. You would need to get an adaptor so it will plug into a 110 outlet, and even then it may not run 100%.
Actually, parts for the Oster Kitchen Center are not that difficult to get. They are readily available online. I've sold many, many of them, and always have some parts available, if not always a full array.
I agree with E.Oliver that getting a new one when you already know you like the old one is often a mistake.