4 Common Food Processor Blade Problems

The food processor blade is generally a maintenance-free tool, but as with any moving mechanical parts, it can sometimes malfunction. Knowing what might happen means you’ll be prepared for it and be able to take the appropriate actions to fix the problems. Below are some of the most common food processor blade problems.

Broken Blade

A broken food processor blade is highly unlikely, but it can happen. Remember that you always need to exercise extreme care with a food processor blade, as it’s exceptionally sharp.

With a broken blade, pull the main part of the blade from the spindle and empty whatever is in the food processor into a colander or strainer. This will allow you to safely locate and remove the broken part of the blade.

Dispose of the broken pieces responsibly, so no one can be injured by them. The only solution here is to purchase a new food processor blade. You’ll be able to find them online, often at the website of the manufacturer, or from companies that specialize in spare parts for appliances.

Sharpening the Blade

Eventually your food processor blade will become dull. When that happens, it won’t cut food well. You’re faced with two choices: you can either sharpen the blade yourself or you can buy a new one.

The former is the cheaper option. You’ll need a pair of heavy leather gloves and a whetstone to do it. With the gloves on, begin by drawing the whetstone across one of the blades, alternating edges between top and bottom. Do this 20 times and then repeat for the other blade. Wash the blade to remove any debris, dry, and then replace in the unit.

Blade Is Stuck

If you can’t remove the blade from the unit, you have a problem. Luckily it doesn’t happen too often. If this happens to you, you’ll need a pair of channel locks. Use these to grab the part of the blade that fits over the spindle. Unplug the food processor first to avoid accidentally turning it on. Grab the plastic over the spindle tightly, holding down the food processor with your other hand.

Slowly pull up on the food processor blade. It might take several attempts to loosen it from the spindle. You’ll only need to do this if food has dried like glue between the food processor blade and the spindle. This is why going slowly is important, gradually loosening the bond between the two.

Rust

You don’t want rust to form on the food processor blade, as it will be coming in contact with food. When rust occurs on the blade, it’s because you haven’t cleaned it properly after the last use. Use steel wool, rubbing lightly on the food processor blade, to remove all the rust, and then wash the blade to clean it all before you use the blade on food again.