How Do I Keep My Food Processor Blades Sharp?
Has your food processor lost interest in things it normally takes pleasure in? Is it having trouble concentrating on its tasks or performing well at work? Maybe it’s stalling or acting up more recently. Is it humming and drumming and all around just not feeling like itself? These all may be signs that your food processor is struggling with a case of dull blades.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many food processors feel like this from time to time, but you should know there’s help. In this guide, we’ll show you how to keep food processor blades sharp, so they work like their old selves in no time.
Do Food Processor Blades Get Dull?
Yes, food processor blades get dull. How fast this happens depends on how often and what you’re processing. But here are some signs that it might be time to switch them out with a brand-new pair:
- The food processor is taking longer
- The food processor is vibrating more
- The food processor is making more noise than usual
- The cuts are getting more uneven or inconsistent
- The blade has little chips and nicks on it
- The food processor is stalling or overheating a lot
- You drop the blades
How Often Do You Need to Replace Food Processor Blades?
Dull blades can cause your equipment to work harder to process food, wearing out the motor and other parts faster. But that begs the question: Just how often do you need to replace food processor blades?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as replacing the blades every x number of months. It really depends on how often you’re using your food processor and what types of foods you’re mixing. But with heavy use, you might need to replace the blades as often as once every six months. Keep an eye out on the signs listed above to indicate when you may need to exchange the blades.
How Do I Keep My Food Processor Blades Sharp?
The thought of replacing blades every so often may not sound so appealing, but there are a couple of things you can do to get them to last longer between replacements. Here’s how you can keep your food processor blades as sharp as the day you got them–well, almost:
Use Your Food Processor as Intended
Check your manufacturer’s manual for proper care and use instructions, like whether the blades are dishwasher safe or how to prepare food before processing.
Clean After Every Use
Although stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, it doesn’t mean it’s bulletproof. Juices and ingredients from certain foods can cause corrosion. For example, salt, vinegar and acidic foods can cause your blades to rust. Rinsing them after every use can go a long way in extending their working life.
Completely Dry Before Storing
Thoroughly drying the blades is just as important as cleaning them regularly. Under normal circumstances, water won’t cause stainless steel blades to rust. However, exposure to some acidic foods and cleaning agents can remove the protective, rust-resistant chromium layer. As a precaution, it’s best not to tempt fate and thoroughly dry your blades before storing them.
Don’t Blend Hard or Frozen Foods
As you might imagine, the harder the food, the more wear and tear it will have on the blades. If possible, wait for frozen food to unthaw before throwing it into the food processor and avoid ice altogether.
Store the Blades Separately
If you can, stow the blades in a separate storage case to protect them from bumping into objects that could dull the edges or cause injury. Most brands come with or offer attachments and storage case options to keep them safe between uses.
Don’t Overload the Bowl
It’s tempting to try to stuff all the ingredients you need for the recipe into the bowl, but sometimes you have to admit that they’re just not going to all fit. Actually, overloading the food processor jar can overwork the motor and dull the blades.
Check Your Cleaning Chemicals
Okay, you might be thinking, “Well, duh, it’s not like I’m spraying my food processor blades with bathroom cleaner.” But have you checked the ingredients in your dishwashing detergent? Many cleaning agents contain chlorides, which interact and remove rust-resistant chromium from stainless steel blades. Without chromium, your stainless steel blades will be susceptible to rust.
Can You Sharpen Food Processor Blades?
You might be wondering if you can sharpen your food processor blades and save yourself a few bucks. However, we do not recommend this. Because food processor blades are made from tough, high-carbon stainless steel, they are not easy to sharpen, even for professionals. Mistakes in sharpening could lead to chipped blades that could break off while processing, which can be quite dangerous if ingested.
How Do You Clean Food Processor Blades?
One of the easiest ways to preserve the sharpness of your food processor blades is to put them through the wash after every use. Keep them looking spotless and sharp by following these four, easy steps:
Supplies You’ll Need
Procedure
- Step 1. Dismantle your food processor – To best clean the blades, you’ll have to remove them from the food processor.
- Step 2. Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to clean – Some blades may be dishwasher safe, although you should double-check the manufacturer’s manual. When in doubt, clean by hand. You can take a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to clean, holding it by the shaft. Just be careful the blades are sharp!
- Step 3. Thoroughly dry – Next, you’ll want to take a clean towel and gently pat dry. Just in case, let the blades air dry for ten minutes more to ensure they are completely devoid of moisture.
- Step 4. Put away in a storage case – After all is said and done, it’s time to store them away for next time in a food processor-specific storage case.