Get yourself acquainted with the necessary information to help you buy the best food mill in 2021.
What Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing the Best Food Mills?
Choosing a perfect food mill can be tricky since there are so many options available on the market. To make sure that you get your hands on the best food mill, keep the following key points in mind:
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design is the first thing you need to keep in mind while looking for the best food mill. Make sure that the food mill you are going to buy has the right kind of loops and hooks to sit on your bowl. Also, the mill handle should be comfortable enough for you to mill for long periods of time without causing any uneasiness.
Varying Disks
From making ketchup out of tomatoes to extracting jam from fruits, these mills come in handy in many ways. However, different food textures require different types of disks. That is why while buying the perfect food mill, make sure that it comes with interchangeable discs.
Top-Notch Straining Capability
As the primary use of a food mill is to help you make a puree, it is essential to make sure that the disks attached to it have the perfect perforations. This will help keep the skin of fruits or vegetables from passing through the holes and make the desired sauce or jam flawlessly.
Safe Material
Another thing that you need to make sure of when buying a food mill is the quality of the material. Keep in mind that the material should not contaminate your food in any way. Typically, stainless steel is ideal when it comes to food mills. It does not corrode or rust and does not contaminate the food.
Easy to Assemble
The mill you buy should not have confusing components. A food mill is supposed to make your work easier. That’s why it should not be difficult to use it. Choose the one that is easy to clean and convenient to reassemble.
Capacity
A food mill with adequate capacity lets you finish the task of preparing your cherished puree or delicious mashed potatoes dish within one or two rounds. You don’t have to make small batches and spend hours in the kitchen to get the job done. Plus, a food mill having a larger capacity is less likely to create a mess. Hence, go for a food mill that offers a bigger capacity instead of small ones.
Blades
The sharpness of the blades is an essential feature that you just can’t ignore. In addition to the sharpness, make sure to check the slope of the blade as well. If the slope is too high, it won’t work well for small batches. You may need a food mill that has a lower blade slope. If you plan to make bulky foods, then higher-sloped blades might be a perfect choice.
What are the Benefits of Using Food Mills?
Food mills have made several kitchen tasks easy and convenient. Following are the benefits of using food mills.
Healthy Baby Food
You never know if baby foods available at the market are actually healthy for your little champ or not. It may contain chemicals or additives that are not nutritious for your baby. With the invention of food mills, this problem has been solved to a great extent.
Now you can prepare baby food at home with all the desired ingredients and you'll know exactly what's in them. Homemade baby food does not contain any preservatives or chemicals at all. A good food mill helps prepare baby food that is chewable and nutritious.
No Food Wasted
Another amazing thing about having a food mill is that it keeps the food from being wasted. You can put hot fruits and vegetables into the food mill, and it will separate the peels and puree effectively.
How to Use a Food Mill?
If it’s your first time using a food mill, you might feel a little anxious while using it. However, it is not that difficult and does not require much effort. Just follow these simple steps, and everything will go smoothly.
- Select the most suitable disk. Typically, a food mill comes with multiple discs labeled as fine, medium, and coarse. You can choose according to the type of puree you are going to prepare. For example, in the case of mashed potatoes, a coarse disc will be the best.
- Now place your food mill on the bowl or saucepan in which you want it to pour the prepared sauce or jam.
- Add food to the mill but do not add too much. Try to add the food in small batches.
- There is a crank on the top of every food mill. Start turning it in a counterclockwise direction. The food will start processing.
- After the preparation of your sauce or jam, clean the food mill immediately. If you leave it for a long time, the food may get stuck inside the mill. That is why it is best to wash it as soon as possible.
What are the Primary Components of a Food Mill?
A food mill has a pretty basic composition. Usually, a food mill consists of three main parts:
Bowl: Its primary function is to collect the prepared puree or sauce without scattering it.
Disc: This helps in the separation of peels and seeds of the food from the sauce. It comes with varying holes suitable for different fruits and vegetables.
Crank: A crank and a bent metal blade help in crushing food and, later on, force it through the holes of the disc.
Final Thoughts
Food mills are your perfect kitchen companions as they aid significantly in reducing your workload. You can use this amazing kitchen utensil to prepare various sauces, jams, and even baby food without any waste. As there are hundreds of options available, you need to keep some tips like ergonomic design and interchangeable discs in mind.
Moreover, it is pretty straightforward and convenient to use and does not strain you in any way. If you have decided to buy one, you can choose from our list of the best food mills in 2021.
Food Mill FAQ
Q: Can a food mill peel a tomato?
A: Yes, a food mill can easily peel a tomato, and you can conveniently prepare a smooth and plum-free sauce for great pasta dishes.
Q: Is a food mill better than a food processor?
A: A Food mill is better than a food processor when making sauces that do not contain gritty bits of skin or seeds. However, when grounding hard foods like nuts, a food processor might be a better option.
Q: What are food mills made out of?
A: No, food mills are not made of plastic. They are usually composed of stainless steel or aluminum which make them easy to clean and durable for the long run.