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Grades K–2 · Machines

How does a food processor turn big pieces into little ones?

Inside the base of a food processor is an electric motor. The motor turns a shaft that reaches into the bowl. A cutting blade connected to the shaft turns with it.

M79 visual explanationThe chopping illustration supplies 8 visible pieces. A motor turns the shaft and chopping blade. This is a construction-and-sequence drawing, not a particle-size prediction, trajectory simulation or appliance operating procedure.The motor moves the blade through foodSee-through bowl · cutting stages are illustrativeLidShaftBladeMotorMoving pieces meet the cutting edges again and again.

In the diagramThe motor moves the blade through foodSee-through bowl · cutting stages are illustrativeLidShaftBladeMotorMoving pieces meet the cutting edges again and again.

A see-through bowl shows the shaft joining the motor to the chopping blade and pieces moving through its path.

As the blade moves through food, its edges cut pieces apart. The pieces move around the bowl and may meet the blade again. Repeated cuts can make many smaller pieces from a few large ones.

The bowl holds the moving food, and the lid helps keep it inside. A food processor can use different tools for different jobs, such as a flat disc for slices. The picture shows a chopping blade: the motor provides movement, and the blade’s shape decides what that movement does.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Recognize turning, cutting and large versus small pieces.

Sources

  • KitchenAid — How to Use a Food Processor: motor, drive and blade construction
  • KitchenAid — Food processor blade uses
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