Is It Safe To Put Hot Food In A Food Processor?

Countertop appliances like food processors can be a real time saver. If you need to shred carrots or a block of cheese in a pinch, your food processor is your best friend. If you need to blend up some chickpeas for creamy and dense hummus, your food processor is the small appliance that will do it with ease. But what about using a food processor for pureeing a beautiful hot soup or a lovely sauce? Should you be using your food processor when hot foods are involved?

The food processor, according to Bon Appetit, came into existence in 1963 thanks to Pierre Verdun, who created the first of its kind for French designer and manufacturer of culinary gear, Robot-Coupe. Verdun's invention was and is sold under the brand name Magimix in Burgundy, France. The machine was meant to make slicing, dicing, kneading, and grating foods a quick and effortless task. Mission accomplished. Today, there are many food processor manufacturers and even more uses. Still, when it comes to putting hot foods into your processor, you may want to proceed with caution, especially if you want your food processor to last past its warranty. Here's why.

According to Kitchen Seer, hot foods should never go into your food processor unless you have a food processor that is specifically designed to handle hot foods. The site explains that these small appliances were made for cold foods, and when you try and use your processor for tasks involving hot foods, you are killing the life of its motor. And if you are pouring hot liquid into your processor to create a puree, know that there is the possibility that the liquid could expand, causing the lid to pop off and sending its contents, well, pretty much everywhere. That kind of mess and clean-up nullifies the time-saving aspect of the food processor.

But even if your food processor can handle hot foods, there is one dish Bon Appetit recommends not using your food processor for, and that's soup. Why? The source explains there is a propensity to overfill your bowl, and when it's on, and the blades are moving, the hot liquid could leak out the lid and sides. The food publication also notes that food processors are better for foods that have a chunky nature rather than a smooth one.