A food mill is a tool that cannot be missing in kitchens, handed down from generation to generation for its comfortable use.
Thanks to modern technologies, many think it is now an outdated appliance that offers state-of-the-art blenders and machinery with different characteristics. But, in reality, it is still beneficial for separating peels and seeds from the most insidious compounds, something that another machine would not do so well.
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How to buy a good food mill
In our article, we want to explain the technical and physical characteristics of the food mill: if you have doubts about which to choose, you can consult this practical purchase guide.
Why prefer the food mill?
One of the most heated debates in the kitchen is that of the food mill and food processor because one wonders between two which is the best on the market. Both have numerous advantages and disadvantages, such as speed, which is certainly higher in a robot than the manual model, even if the latter takes up less space and still offers qualitatively high preparations.
So why prefer each other? The first reason concerns attention to detail. Nothing escapes the human eye, and with the right attention, while the past is being prepared, you can understand that even if certain foods are properly blended, or larger parts remain, which could be annoying.
Our intestine does not properly digest the skin because it cannot assimilate external waste components to keep them apart. This care is not typical of the machines, which automatically carry out the work, and it is not always possible to understand if there is any residue left.
Furthermore, the consistency also changes a lot: the food processor’s speed is not to be underestimated since they allow smooth creams. Unfortunately, this factor creates air bubbles in the compound, often harmful to young children or the elderly.
In short, consider all the cases carefully before opting for one or the other, since in the end, the result could also be excellent with the food mill.
Differences between an electric and manual food mill
In recent times, as shown in the products recommended below, battery-powered food mills are also depopulating, which have more functions than what we are used to.
Suppose you wonder what changes between the two. In that case, we will explain it to you: the manual one is more widespread because it is manufactured with essential characteristics, including the quality of the materials used, its good performance, and for simple use at a cost content.
A special lever moves the underlying blades, and by turning it clockwise, all the ingredients are passed to obtain a homogeneous compound. The main advantage concerns that malfunctions cannot occur in the product: since it is not connected to batteries or batteries, it is far more durable than the electric type because stainless steel is difficult to rust or break.
On the other hand, the fact that action is taken with human strength could constitute an impediment for those who have motor problems and cannot do it except with great effort, so the electronic model takes over.
These food mills have the same physiognomy as the manual ones, with the difference that an integrated motor is connected to the power button instead of the lever. As a result, activation is simple and requires no effort, just as speed in the past is far better, although they are bulky and difficult to disassemble for adequate cleaning.
You can also encounter problems of overheating or malfunctioning if you use it too long or frequently, thus contributing to the deterioration of the motor and the product itself even after a few months of use.
Ultimately, the electric ones are suitable for those who cannot use a lot of strength and want to blend a few quantities of food; the manual ones are perfect for infrequent use.
The Materials
The material is an important factor to consider in the food mill’s choice because both a change in price and quality and the speed with which it can break and deteriorate depend on it. It is a common tool used in the kitchen and is made of stainless steel, die-cast aluminum, or hard plastic. The most resistant and long-lasting type is steel, a metal resistant to impact, scratches, and similar damage.
It hardly tends to deteriorate over time because it bears high temperatures and does not rust like iron or the like: for this reason, it has a higher cost than those created with more raw materials.
The cheapest ones are hard plastic food mills, which are rather poor in quality but still offer excellent performance and are much lighter and easier to store at home. Therefore, they are ideal for those not used to keeping one and do not have to make intensive and prolonged use.
Instead, the aluminum models balance the two: these food mills have both plastic and steel components. Usually, the container is made of hard plastic, and the blades and discs are in stainless steel: this involves a moderate price and a certain performance quality.
How to make the tomato puree without a food mill
To prepare a good tomato sauce, a food mill is unnecessary; on the contrary, the old method teaches a long procedure to obtain the best pulp flavor. We cannot explain why it would be too long, but we can recommend an alternative practice to get a nice velvety and dense sauce at the right point with the classic fresh seasonal cherry tomatoes.
Remove the tomatoes with a knife, preferably using the smooth part of the blade; you need only a little pressure to make them come away completely, especially if the tomatoes are very ripe.
First, cut them in half and lightly squeeze them to drain the watery part contained inside to avoid losing the pulp bypassing it. Next, use a mixer that will make you have real velvety cream.
After this step, take a pot and add oil, salt, garlic, and basil, then insert the diced tomatoes or the pasta, letting it cook until the original volume is half. That is when all the water evaporates. Once ready, you can put it inside empty bottles and keep them in a dry place, or put it in a container with an airtight seal and keep it in the fridge for a few days, ready to be used.
Frequent questions
Who needs a food mill?
It will seem trivial to many to buy a food mill for daily use, but this tool is handy for two consumers: children and the elderly. Infants in the first months of life cannot chew, and creams and soups may also contain waste that could harm them.
Creating a DIY past makes all mothers more peaceful, and the food mill is perfectly suited for this purpose, promoting maximum comfort. However, even the elderly with stomach problems may be affected by residues such as peels and seeds; it is always better to prevent this possibility.
How is the food mill made?
An electric or manual food mill has the same components at the structure level, divided into three parts: the container, the blades, and the discs. The first is the main element: usually in an inverted cone, with the upper part wider and the lower part narrower, complete with rubber feet that allow it to rest on the pot’s surface.
The blades allow you to work vegetables and fruit inserted inside, turning clockwise, chop and pass all the skins and seeds present, letting only the pulp run down the bottom, i.e., the discs. The latter can be interchangeable and offer an additional filter for food to make you obtain a completely homogeneous compound.
Which products are good for the food mill?
Although the name suggests the kitchen appliance, it seems designed for chopping and treating foods. However, it does not necessarily have to be limited to this alone since the blades are strong enough to pass different foods.
For example, doubt often arises about potatoes with a hard consistency: just cut or boil them and insert them in the food mill to have a real puree without problems.
The same thing goes for fruit jam: you can insert strawberries and other similar foods without fear of breaking the tool because soft parts are passed without leaving traces of seeds. And still, in some cases, you can also use it for meat: if beaten properly, you can pass it and soften it further to create hamburgers.
How do you clean a food mill?
Cleaning a food mill prevents the birth of bacteria and other formations that can harm health: its maintenance does not require waste but is rather simple. Moreover, being a compact tool, it does not take long to dismantle it: each part can be washed with simple dish detergent and water or inserted in the dishwasher if you do not have time to devote yourself.
Electric models could be more complicated because they are sensitive and subject to deterioration.
In this case, the best solution is to use a damp cloth for some parts and wash others using the abovementioned method. Cleaning the food mill immediately after using it is an added advantage because it will be easier to remove dirt.
How much does a food mill cost?
As mentioned, several elements influence the price of the food mill, starting from the material used to get to the functions. Therefore, we advise you to choose a model that matches all your needs, given that as costs, it starts from an economic one to just over $10 and up to the most expensive, over $100.
The latter types have added features and are very useful, but if you don’t have to use them all the time, the expense may be unnecessary. You can prefer a model that takes up little space and is more suitable for you in time and practicality.
How to use a food mill
The food mill is a manual or electric device used to chop and clean food from peels and peels to obtain the classic velvety we are used to seeing in a can or canned. We deepen the knowledge of this object to help you make conscious and intelligent use of it.
What is the food mill for?
It is used both for hot foods, softer shortly after cooking, and colder ones where it may take a little more strength to reach the right point. The manual one does not have batteries or batteries that must recharge: it is equipped with a rotating crank and has the shape of an inverted funnel, which serves to let any residues on the walls run toward the central blades.
The electric type is avant-garde and has numerous functions, sometimes even a blender that minces meat or pasta. Made of plastic or steel squeezes the food towards the bottom, making it pass through small holes, have a complete result, and eliminate even the smallest components.
For this, there are several interchangeable discs: when the food tends to level out too much on the bottom, preventing the blades from letting out the pulp, invert the turn to make it rise above them. This also entails greater ease of cleaning since it is enough to bring all the waste up and throw it in the appropriate basket.
What to use instead of the food mill?
When you do not have the appropriate tool, the main problem is eliminating the seeds, peels, or leftovers; they strain into the pulp below. For this, there are several useful tricks: we can show you some practical examples, such as using a sieve for food.
If you want to make a nice blackberry jam but don’t know how to remove the most stubborn seeds, this alternative tool can be for you, or you can still use a small colander if you have one. It will also be enough to boil the potatoes, remove the peel, and then insert them in a practical potato masher to obtain a nice puree without using a food mill.
The Best food mills to buy
Let’s see the most effective currently on-sale ranking to choose the best food mill.
- Stainless steel bowl is ideal for hot foods and prevents staining
- Includes 3 stainless steel grinding discs for preparing foods of fine, medium and coarse...
- Simple, spring-loaded lever for easy disc exchange and disassembly
- ✅【DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN】:Our food mills are made of high quality food grade...
- ✅【Dual hook design】Our food mills are dual hook design, they and the handle form a...
- ✅【 Upgraded Blades】The blades of the food mill have been upgraded so that a single...
- COOKING CAPACITY: With a 2 quart capacity, this stainless steel food mill provides a...
- DURABLE AND PRACTICAL: Made from durable stainless steel, this food mill features an...
- EFFICIENT AND FUNCTIONAL: Equipped with multiple milling discs, this food mill excels at...
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Made of nonreactive and hygienic 18/8 stainless steel
- SIZE: Measures 7.75" in diameter and 4.25" tall
- FUNCTIONAL: What can you make with the food mill? Applesauce, tomato sauce, mashed...
- PREMIUM STAINLESS STEEL MATERIAL - Pantula food mill is made by high quality food-grade...
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN FOR EASY USE - Ergonomic design make it easy incredibly easy to puree...
- 3 INTERCHANGEABLE MILL DISKS - 3 stainless steel grinding discs for preparing foods of...
- It includes 3 Stainless Steel grinding discs for fine, medium, and coarse textures
- Use the fine holes to puree sauces, the medium size to make apple sauce and minestrone...
- The food Mill has an easy press and release to interchange the discs fast and efficiently
- ✅【DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN】:Our Stainless steel food mills are made of high...
- ✅【Dual hook design】Our food mills are dual hook design, they and the handle form a...
- ✅【 Upgraded Blades】The blades of the food mill have been upgraded so that a single...
- Capacity: 3QT / 95OZ
- The only strainer you'll need for vegetables, fruits and purees.
- This multiple use strainer forces food through a chrome plated steel screen, automatically...
- Premium Stainless Steel Construction: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring...
- Efficient Food Milling: 9-1/2-inch diameter with 2 grinding disc sieves (0.04-inch and...
- Secure and Stable Design: Equipped with 3 supports lower on the mill base, providing a...
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