Juicers and processors and blenders - oh MY!

[Rawkinlocs]

Okay raw family, I have a question...

I notice in a lot of recipes you need to process using a certain screen or plate...some recipes say "run through your Champion Juicer using the blank screen"

So, my question is, (and this could be for Alissa or anyone who does a lot of raw recipes) do you NEED both a food processor AND a heavy-duty juicer such as the Champion or GreenStar or would having a Champion do the job of the processor AND the job of a masticating juicer?

I want to get what I will NEED for these recipes/dishes but my budget is limited and I don't want to end up spending money on something I really don't need when I could have gotten something else that does it all.

I've read the Vitamixer does it ALL...but not too sure on that and really can't afford it right now.

So, I currently have a Le'Quip blender that does pretty well I must say...a centrifigal juicer (which I hardly use because I just really don't care much for juicing...prefer smoothies) and a dehydrator (not Excalibur...that'll come later).

What do I need to get to be able to pull of recipes that call for some ingredients to be processed to a certain texture (like ice cream for example)? Should I get a Champion or a regular food processor? And if the latter, does anyone have recommendations on one that's GOOD, but NOT too costly (I think my budget on that can't exceed $125)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[kirk]

Rawkinlocs,
An inexpensive addition to your kitchen would be a Black & Decker 8 cup Food Processer. I paid less than 30 dollars for mine.

[Rawkinlocs]

Rawkinlocs,
An inexpensive addition to your kitchen would be a Black & Decker 8 cup Food Processer. I paid less than 30 dollars for mine.

Oh cool! Thanks Kirk!

[kirk]

As far as the juicers with blanks and different screens, most of them are above your budget, unless you can buy it used from a raw fooder of the net. I have a Norwalk Juicepress with a bunch of different screens (cost me $2,000), but I'm still trying to figure it out. Me and Machines just don't seem to get along. I also have a Back to Basics manual agur Wheatgrass juicer which was only a $100.00. It will grind sprouted grains and wheat grass but doesn't have a motor.

[Alissa]

Im with Kirk.
All you need is a food processor. A black and decker is the one i recommend as i have used more expensive ones and they donÂ’t work as well.
A Hamilton beach or a black and Decker is the best.
A vita mix, although i love mine, is not going to work for most of the recipes. It will 'heat' up the nuts and not be able to grind things together before it boils them.
You definitely need a food processor!!! You donÂ’t need a juicer for the recipes. Some nut loafs and things like that will come out like dough with them but you can get the same effect by just blending for a little longer in the processor. I made ALL of the recipes in my book in a processor to make sure people can do it in just that. With the exception of a couple of dips to get them smoother (i used a vita mix) and the drinks...

[Rawkinlocs]

Hey thanks Kirk and Alissa!

Glad to hear I don't NEED a Champion and can get by with a processor.

The Black and Decker that you recommend (Alissa) is it the same model as the one Kirk mentioned above? Does it have the screens I'll need?

I went on Amazon and saw a Cuisinart 10 cup thingy that's normally priced at $250 but is on sale for $99. Seems like a pretty good deal and it comes with different blades. The blade I most commonly see referenced in recipes is the "S" blade or the blank. Does your model have those?

Thanks again! I'm getting myself prepared!!

[kirk]

Rawkinlocs,
Yes they are the same. You can get the Black&Decker Food Processer at Walmart. They have an S blade and a blade for grating and slicing. I believe the Blank that others have refered to is part of certain juicers like the Champion, Green Power, and Green Life Juicers.

kirk

[Rawkinlocs]

Thanks again Kirk!

[Alissa]

DonÂ’t buy the Cuisinart!!!
They donÂ’t work nearly as well as the black and Decker.
And Kirk already answered you about the s blade.... just make sure you get a large enough cup- 8 cup i think...

[Rawkinlocs]

DonÂ’t buy the Cuisinart!!!
They donÂ’t work nearly as well as the black and Decker.
And Kirk already answered you about the s blade.... just make sure you get a large enough cup- 8 cup i think...

Thanks for the heads up Alissa!

Okay, then I shall get the Black and Decker!

One more question please...know how some recipes for raw ice cream using frozen bananas tell you to run it through a Champion...will I be able to make the consistency in the processor?

Thanks for your time!

[kirk]

will I be able to make the consistency in the processor?

My wife made me some yesterday. It was very smooth. I just asked how she made it and she told me she used the food processer. :)

kirk

[Rawkinlocs]

My wife made me some yesterday. It was very smooth. I just asked how she made it and she told me she used the food processer. :)

kirk

Way COOL!! (and cool hat Kirk! You're such a joy to have around here :) )

[Alissa]

yep, me too... i make it all the time in the processor, just keep it going until it gets like a soft serve, it will take a couple of minutes...

[marigold]

i make most of my recipes in vita ( no heatin up) if it needs extra mixing up i use a hand blender...i would recomend a hand blender before a food processor..i hardly ever use mine..only for icecream or cauliflower rice ...maybe i have the wrong kind cos alissa is raving bout hers!!! in my experience.before i got vita..i used it and everything was all bitty and grainy..friends who dont have vita make stuff and it never works out good like mine ..

my vote is a hand blender..really cheap and effective..

love marigold

[thunderdancer]

I second Marigold!

My hand blender is my lifesaver. My blender broke and I have nothing except this hand blender - it makes my puds and dressings and sauces and then I put another attachment on it and it makes cauli rice and chops things up.

I only have that and it's all I need.

I wouldn't turn down a vita though ;)