Most food processors are electric, and because they handle liquids and foods of varying moisture, there comes a risk of fire.
Which Food Processor Should I Buy?
Best Food Processor
- The best food processor to buy is one that you purchase from a retailer you know and trust, like a well known High Street name. Avoid third party sellers on online marketplaces.
- Whichever food processor you buy, make sure you register it with the manufacturer so if something does go wrong, they can contact you easily.
Food Processor Reviews
- If you’re buying online, don’t rely on reviews as these can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Food Processor Safety
Safety First
- Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use our Product Recalls checker to find out if any of your electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your food processor has a UK plug, but if it doesn’t, do not use a UK travel adaptor, but rather have the retailer fit the food processor with a UK plug.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling), fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping or if it feels too hot to touch.
- Ensure your home is fully protected by an RCD or residual current device, which can be found in your fuse box (also known as a consumer unit). An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
- If you don’t have RCD protection on your sockets, consider using an RCD plug, which can prevent serious appliance faults that pose threats to you and your property.
- Sometimes, appliance fires are caused by something beyond your control. Smoke alarms are essential in keeping you safe in the event of a fire. There should be a minimum of one smoke alarm per floor and fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start, and make sure they are tested regularly.
- If a fire does start, don't try to fight the fire. Get out and call 999 immediately.
Safe use
- Always be careful when pouring food or liquid in or out of the food processor so that power cord and socket stay dry.
- Clean and dry the food processor well after each use, as water can accumulate on the power cord and potentially cause an electric shock when plugged in.
- Though it’s likely parts of the food processor are dishwasher safe, the base is electric and should only be wiped down with a damp cloth
- Always turn off the appliance when not in use.