BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

This fact sheet should be read with Fact Sheet 20 Equipment safety, cleaning and
maintenance.

BLENDERS

1 W H AT C A N Y O U MA K E A N D D O WI T H A B L EN D E R ?
• Puree, emulsify; make soups, smoothies, sauces, dressings, drinks

2 F E A T U R ES AN D F U NC T I ON S
• Auto shut-off once blending action is
finished
• One-touch blending
• Timer
• Fans to keep motor cool USB
connectivity for program sharing

• Multiple programs • Significantly larger number of

programs that lower-end models
• Jar/container pad sensor
• Sound reduction via noise dampening
• In-counter, on counter options or stick
or anti-noise caps
options
• Safety lock
• Blend count feature

WATCH AND LEARN

Your trainer will show you the key features and functions of blenders.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

FACT SHEET 21
BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

PLANETARY MIXERS

1 W H AT C A N Y O U MA K E A N D D O WI T H A P L A NE T A R Y M IX ER ?
• Small volumes of dough, creams, sauces, cakes, batters; whip, cut, slice, dice, mix

2 F E A T U R ES AN D F U NC T I ON S
• Countertop or floor options • Large number of attachments (mixing
paddles, pastry knives, whips, beaters,
• Whip, blend, mix, kneading, slicing
dough hooks)
• Mixer attachments rotate within the
• Different capacity bowls
bowl, the bowl remains static (unlike
spiral mixers where both rotate) • Electronic touch pad controls

• Variable speed controls • Timer

• Safety guard • Automatic power off (overloading)

• Bowl locking mechanism • Programmable settings

WATCH AND LEARN

Your trainer will show you the key features and functions of planetary mixers.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

FACT SHEET 21
BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

FOOD PROCESSORS

1 W H AT C A N Y O U MA K E A N D D O WI T H A F O O D P R OC E SS OR ?
• Chop, knead, grind, mix, puree, emulsify

2 F E A T U R ES AN D F U NC T I ON S
• Continuous feed head • Large variety of discs

• Pulse option • Different feed head openings for

different ingredients
• Push buttons for simple operation
• Automatic shut off when lid is opened
• Faster than cutting by hand

• Overload cut off

WATCH AND LEARN

Your trainer will show you the key features and functions of food processors.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

FACT SHEET 21
BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

FOOD MILLS

1 W H AT C A N Y O U D O W IT H A F O O D M IL L ?
• Grind, mash, puree, strain; make soups, sauces or mashed potatoes; extract seeds or
skins; work with hot and cold foods; not effective with solid foods

2 F E A T U R ES AN D F U NC T I ON S
• Variety of blade/sieve discs • Handles/hooks/loops to hang on to
bowls
• Manually operated

• Bowl sizes will vary

SHARE PLATE

As a group, discuss the difference between:

• blenders

• planetary mixers

• food processors

• food mills.
Share with the group at least one recipe that might involve the use of these pieces of equipment.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

WATCH AND LEARN

Your trainer will show you the key features and functions of food mills.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

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BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

LIFT THE LID

Watch the following videos:

• Waring Commercial Blender (4:59)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFnsC8t_pzo

• How it works – planetary mixer (05:13)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=884W-C4bDKU

• Robot-Coupe food processor (3:50)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvjXYi_1lBw

• How to use a food mill (2:06)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9hT_EXAPUo

FACT SHEET 21
BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

SAFETY
Check all equipment, accessories and attachments for signs of cleanliness before use!

1 BLENDERS
• Be careful when handling blades to • Never put your hands into the blender
avoid cuts and other injuries while it is in operation

• Only put utensils into the blender when • Only fill to the maximum level indicated
it has stopped on the jar/container

2 P L A N ET A R Y M IX E R S
• Make sure the mixer is unplugged • Never put your hands into the mixer
when assembling while it is in operation

• Stop use if attachments touch the bowl • Use on a dry, level surface

• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines

regarding ingredient capacities

3 F O O D P R O CE S S O R S
• Check cord and plug before use • Keep unit away from water when in
use
• Handle sharp blades carefully
• Use only attachments provided by the
• Do not overload
manufacturer

4 F O O D M IL L S
• Use on a dry, level surface • Make sure correct side of the disc is
facing up (pointy side up)
• Handle sharp discs carefully

• Avoid using with wet hands

FACT SHEET 21
BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

WATCH AND LEARN

Your trainer will show you the key safety requirements when working with each piece of equipment.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

LIFT THE LID

Gather and look over the manufacturer’s instructions for these pieces of equipment. Review the
safety requirements and follow them to check over least two pieces of equipment. Make sure each
piece of equipment is clean and ready for use.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

FACT SHEET 21
BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

1 BLENDERS
• Wash gaskets in warm soapy water • Return blender and all attachments
and accessories to the correct storage
• Check that blades are in good
location
condition

2 P L A N ET A R Y M IX E R S
• Check gears and case to determine if • Remove bowl and agitator for cleaning
lubrication is required (depending on
• Return mixer and all attachments and
model)
accessories to the correct storage
location

3 F O O D P R O CE S S O R S
• Blades are to be kept sharp for
precision cutting
• Handle blades with care
• Check seals and washers regularly
• Follow manufacturer guidelines
regarding cleaning of bowls and
attachments

4 F O O D M IL L S
• Disassemble and clean all attachments • Use only attachments provided by the
manufacturer
• Soak to remove any difficult-to-clean
spots • Follow manufacturer guidelines
regarding cleaning (some parts may
• Use a bottlebrush to clean hard-to-
not be dishwasher safe)
reach areas

FACT SHEET 21
BLENDERS, MIXERS, FOOD PROCESSORS AND FOOD MILLS

SHARE PLATE

As a group, talk about how to make sure your use of these pieces of equipment remain hygienic.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

WATCH AND LEARN

Your trainer will show you how to clean and maintain blenders, planetary mixers, food processors
and food mills.
This will include the correct type of cleaning detergents and cleaning cloths, any specific dilution
requirements, sanitisation (where required), and basic maintenance checks to be performed before
putting the equipment away in its correct location.
Your trainer will also show you any specific maintenance that needs to be done and how often you
need to do this, such as tensioning belts, lubricating/oiling parts, blade adjustments and so on.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

LIFT THE LID

Gather and look over the manufacturer’s instructions for these pieces of equipment. Review the
cleaning and maintenance requirements and follow them to clean at least two pieces of equipment.
You may like to take some notes about what you learn.

WHAT’S COOKING?

Your trainer will give you an opportunity to prepare a range of food by safely using blenders,
mixers, food processors and food mills.
Show that you can organise your work and follow food safety and hygiene requirements.

FACT SHEET 21