Spikey Fire
Products and appliances

Food processors

Food processors usage and safety

Most food processors are electric, and because they handle liquids and foods of varying moisture, they come with a risk of fire if not used correctly.

Most food processors offer two different ways of processing food. Batch bowl processors have a bowl for the ingredients, whereas continuous feed processors use a reservoir with an exit spout for continuous processing. Combination food processors are also available.

Common sizes are mini (ideal for chopping and mixing small quantities and typically under one litre) or family-sized models (often more than four litres). Larger models are more suitable for larger quantities and more complex recipes. 

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Key points

  • Food processors must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 

  • Only clean your processor when it is unplugged. 

  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 

  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying a food processor

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 
  • You will find lots of online reviews of food processors but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
  • Look for food processors with safety features such as lids and bowls that prevent operation unless properly assembled, an automatic shut-off to prevent the motor overheating (which could cause a fire), and a requirement that all parts are correctly installed before the motor will start.  
  • Food processors with feed chutes should include an implement to safely guide food towards the blades and have guards or safety grates to prevent you from touching the blades while they are running. 
  • Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a food processor safely

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using and cleaning it.
  • Keep the processor away from the sink or any liquids that could spill on it and unplug it when not in use.
  • Be careful when pouring food or liquid in or out of the food processor to ensure that the power cable and socket stay dry. 
  • Putting in bones, frozen food, crusty bread or fruit with stones can damage the blades, motor, or bowl, as can using it for food or liquids that are too hot or already mashed. 
  • Clean and dry the food processor after each use, as water can accumulate on the power cable and potentially cause an electric shock when plugged in. 
  • Wipe up anything that has spilled on or inside the food processor but only when it is unplugged and dry it thoroughly afterwards.
  • Base units of food processors should only be wiped down with a damp cloth. 
  • Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be cleaned by hand. And inspect the blades for signs of damage.
  • If you notice odd smells, sparking or smoke, or if the food processor trips circuit breakers or blows fuses during use, unplug it immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
  • If your food processor is cracked or damaged in any way, replace it.
  • Regularly check the plug, socket and cable for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.  

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying. 
  • Buy from a reputable retailer.
  • Buy a known and trusted brand.
  • Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
  • Check which parts are dishwasher-safe for washing. 

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online.

  • Overfilling the processor as this can damage the motor. 

  • Putting in bones, frozen food or hot liquids. 

  • Using the processor if you notice any damage or sparks. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

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It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Food processors are not usually suitable for mashing food. A good tip is to always cut food into smaller pieces before putting into the processor, as this will help prevent putting strain on the electric motor. 

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Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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