KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper

1. Introduction and Overview

This compact and lightweight KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (Model KFC3516BM) is designed for everyday use, offering efficient solutions for quickly chopping, mixing, and pureeing various ingredients. It is ideal for preparing fresh fruits and vegetables, mincing herbs like parsley, chives, or garlic, and creating smooth purees for baby food or soup bases. The integrated drizzle basin allows for easy incorporation of liquid ingredients, perfect for making mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces.

Image: KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper in Matte Black, showcasing its compact design.

2. Key Features

• Convenient 3.5 Cup Work Bowl: Features a locking blade, handle, and pour spout for easy serving. The bowl is dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.
• Compact Design: Small, countertop-friendly footprint with simple cord wrap for easy storage.
• 2 Speeds and Pulse Function: Provides coarse or fine results, suitable for chunky pico de gallo, creamy hummus, smooth sauces, or dressings.
• Drizzle Basin: Easily incorporate liquid ingredients while processing for sauces and dressings.
• Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Blade: Designed for precise chopping or pureeing, and locks in place for convenient pouring.

3. Product Components

The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper includes the following main components:

• Power Base
• 3.5 Cup Work Bowl with Handle and Pour Spout
• Lid with Drizzle Basin
• Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Blade

Image: Disassembled view of the food chopper, showing the power base, work bowl, lid, and blade.

4. Setup

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all parts from the packaging.
2. Clean: Wash the work bowl, lid, and blade in warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher before first use. Wipe the power base with a damp cloth.
3. Assemble:
   • Place the work bowl onto the power base, ensuring it is securely seated.
   • Carefully place the stainless steel multi-purpose blade onto the center post inside the work bowl.
   • Add your ingredients to the work bowl.
   • Place the lid onto the work bowl, aligning the handle and ensuring it locks into place.
4. Connect Power: Plug the power cord into a suitable electrical outlet.

5. Operating Instructions

The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper offers two speeds and a pulse function for versatile food preparation.

1. Add Ingredients: Place desired ingredients into the work bowl. Do not overfill beyond the maximum fill line.
2. Secure Lid: Ensure the lid is properly aligned and locked onto the work bowl.
3. Select Function:
   • Chop: For coarse chopping, press and hold the 'Chop' button. Use short pulses for greater control over consistency.
   • Puree: For fine chopping, mixing, or pureeing, press and hold the 'Puree' button. Hold longer for smoother results.
   • Drizzle Basin: When making dressings or mayonnaise, slowly pour liquids through the drizzle basin opening in the lid while the chopper is operating.
4. Monitor Consistency: Observe the ingredients through the transparent work bowl to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Stop Operation: Release the button to stop the chopper. Unplug the appliance before removing the lid or blade.

Image: Top view of the food chopper, highlighting the Chop and Puree controls on the lid.

Image: The food chopper in use, processing chickpeas, demonstrating its practical application.

6. Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper care ensures the longevity and performance of your food chopper.

• Unplug: Always unplug the food chopper from the electrical outlet before cleaning.
• Dishwasher Safe Parts: The work bowl, lid, and chopping blade are dishwasher safe. Place them on the top rack for best results.
• Hand Wash: For hand washing, use warm, soapy water. Exercise caution when handling the sharp blade.
• Power Base: Wipe the power base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the power base in water or any other liquid.
• Storage: Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling or storing. Use the integrated cord wrap for tidy storage.

7. Troubleshooting

• Appliance Not Starting: Ensure the work bowl and lid are correctly assembled and locked into place. The chopper has safety interlocks that prevent operation if not properly assembled. Check that the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet.
• Inconsistent Chopping: Ensure ingredients are cut into uniform, smaller pieces before processing. Do not overfill the work bowl. Use the pulse function for better control over consistency.
• Motor Overheating: If the motor stops during operation, it may be due to overheating. Unplug the unit and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before resuming use. Reduce the load or processing time.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, product registration, or technical support, please refer to the official KitchenAid website or contact their customer service. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.

10. Important Safety Information

• Read all instructions before using the appliance.
• To protect against risk of electrical shock, do not immerse the power base in water or other liquid.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
• Avoid contact with moving parts.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or is dropped or damaged in any manner.
• The use of attachments not recommended or sold by KitchenAid may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.
• Do not let cord contact hot surfaces.
• Always ensure the lid is securely locked before operating the appliance.
• Blades are sharp. Handle with care.