The KitchenAid KSM2FPA and KSM1FPA are both food processor attachments for your stand mixer, but they differ primarily in one key function: dicing. The KSM2FPA package includes a commercial-style dicing kit for making perfect cubes of vegetables and fruits, while the KSM1FPA focuses exclusively on slicing, shredding, and julienning.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right KitchenAid attachment for your culinary needs.
KitchenAid KSM2FPA Food Processor Attachment with Dicing Kit
The KSM2FPA is the all-in-one food processor attachment for the serious home cook. It transforms any KitchenAid stand mixer into a complete food processing station, handling everything from slicing and shredding to precise, uniform dicing. Its standout feature is the dicing kit, which automates the tedious task of hand-chopping vegetables for salsas, soups, and mirepoix.
- What it is: A multi-function food processor attachment for all KitchenAid stand mixers that can slice, shred, julienne, and dice.
- Key features: Commercial-style dicing kit, ExactSlice™ System with an external lever for adjustable slice thickness, 2-in-1 wide mouth feed tube, all-in-one storage case.
- Price: Typically around $249.99
- Included Accessories: Dicing kit (slicing blade, dicing grid), reversible shredding disc (fine/coarse), julienne disc, slicing disc, and a storage case.
- Materials/Construction: Durable plastic housing with stainless steel blades and discs designed for longevity and easy cleaning (most parts are dishwasher-safe).
- Pros: Slices, shreds, juliennes, and dices, making it extremely versatile. The ExactSlice™ system offers excellent control over thickness without swapping blades. Saves a huge amount of time on food prep, especially dicing. All parts fit neatly into the provided storage case.
- Cons: Higher price point due to the included dicing kit. The storage case is larger and takes up more space. More parts to clean and keep track of.
The KSM2FPA is for people who want the maximum versatility from their stand mixer and frequently prepare recipes requiring uniformly diced ingredients.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/p.ksm2fpa.html
KitchenAid KSM1FPA Food Processor Attachment
The KitchenAid KSM1FPA is the standard food processor attachment, designed to handle the most common prep tasks with ease. It’s a workhorse for slicing vegetables for gratins, shredding cheese for tacos, or making perfect julienne carrots for salads. While it lacks the dicing capability of its larger sibling, it offers the same high-quality performance for slicing and shredding tasks at a more accessible price point.
- What it is: A food processor attachment for all KitchenAid stand mixers that excels at slicing, shredding, and julienning.
- Key features: ExactSlice™ System with an external lever for adjustable slice thickness, 2-in-1 wide mouth feed tube, compact storage case.
- Price: Typically around $199.99
- Included Accessories: Reversible shredding disc (fine/coarse), julienne disc, slicing disc, and a storage case.
- Materials/Construction: Made from the same durable plastic and stainless steel as the KSM2FPA, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
- Pros: More affordable than the KSM2FPA. Perfect for essential everyday tasks like slicing and shredding. Smaller, more compact storage case is easier to fit in a cabinet. Simple to use with fewer parts to manage.
- Cons: Does not include a dicing function. If you decide you need to dice later, you must buy the dicing kit separately at an additional cost.
This attachment targets home cooks whose primary needs are slicing and shredding vegetables and cheeses efficiently and want to save on cost and storage space.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/p.ksm1fpa.html
KitchenAid KSM2FPA vs. KSM1FPA Comparison
Key Functionality & Features
The core functionality of both the KSM2FPA and KSM1FPA revolves around the ExactSlice™ System. An external lever on both units allows you to adjust the thickness of your slices on the fly, from paper-thin to thick-cut, without having to stop and change blades. Both also feature a wide mouth feed tube that accommodates larger items like potatoes or cucumbers, reducing pre-cutting.
The defining difference is the dicing kit included with the KSM2FPA. This two-part system first slices food and then pushes it through a grid to create uniform 8mm cubes. The KSM1FPA does not have this capability, focusing solely on slicing, shredding (coarse and fine), and julienning.
Included Accessories & Storage
Both models come with a thoughtful storage case to keep all the sharp discs and parts organized and contained. The KSM1FPA kit includes the main attachment, a reversible shredding disc, a julienne disc, and slicing disc. Its case is relatively compact.
The KSM2FPA includes all of that plus the dicing kit, which consists of its own slicing disc, a dicing grid, a pusher, and a lid cleaner tool. Consequently, its storage case is larger and heavier to accommodate the extra components.
Price & Value
There is typically a $50 price difference between the two models, with the KSM2FPA being the more expensive option. The value proposition depends entirely on your needs. If you regularly dice ingredients by hand and find it time-consuming, the extra cost for the KSM2FPA is easily justified, saving you significant prep time and effort.
However, if your food prep is 90% slicing and shredding, the KSM1FPA offers better value. It performs those core tasks identically to the KSM2FPA for less money. Keep in mind that purchasing the dicing kit separately later often costs more than buying the bundled KSM2FPA upfront.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these KitchenAid attachments are excellent tools that expand the functionality of your stand mixer, but they are tailored to different kinds of cooks.
Choose the KSM2FPA if:
- You make a lot of soups, stews, chilis, or salsas that require diced vegetables.
- You value uniformity and precision in your food prep for professional-looking results.
- You want the most feature-complete attachment available and don't want to buy accessories later.
- You are willing to invest more for maximum versatility and time-saving convenience.
Choose the KSM1FPA if:
- Your most common food prep tasks are shredding cheese and slicing vegetables.
- You are on a tighter budget and don't foresee needing a dicing function.
- You prefer a simpler tool with fewer parts to clean and store.
- You have limited cabinet space and want the more compact storage option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KSM2FPA and KSM1FPA?
The single biggest difference is that the KSM2FPA includes a commercial-style dicing kit that cuts food into uniform cubes. The KSM1FPA does not have this function and is limited to slicing, shredding, and julienning.
Are these attachments compatible with all KitchenAid stand mixers?
Yes, both the KSM2FPA and KSM1FPA are designed to fit the power hub on the front of any model of KitchenAid household stand mixer, from the Classic to the Professional series.
Can I dice food with the KSM1FPA?
No, you cannot dice with the accessories included in the KSM1FPA box. However, you can purchase the dicing accessory kit (model KSMFPA) separately to add that function to your KSM1FPA later.
Is the slicing thickness adjustable on both models?
Yes. Both models feature KitchenAid's ExactSlice™ System, which includes an external lever to easily adjust the slice thickness while the mixer is running, from thin to thick.
Are the parts dishwasher safe?
Yes, according to KitchenAid, all removable parts of both attachments (discs, lid, feed tube, pushers) are top-rack dishwasher-safe. The main attachment body, which contains the gears, should be wiped clean with a damp cloth and never be submerged in water.
Is the KSM2FPA worth the extra cost?
It's worth the extra investment if you frequently perform dicing tasks by hand. The amount of time and effort it saves chopping onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and fruits can be substantial, making it a very valuable tool for meal prep.
What kinds of food can you make with the dicing kit?
The dicing kit is perfect for preparing ingredients for salsa, pico de gallo, mirepoix (diced onions, carrots, and celery for soups and sauces), home fries, fruit salads, and casseroles where you want uniform pieces.
Do they come with a storage case?
Yes, both the KSM2FPA and KSM1FPA come with a custom-designed storage case that neatly holds all the included discs and accessories, keeping them organized and protecting the sharp edges.
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