If you’re anything like me, busy weeknights often mean a trade-off between a delicious, home-cooked meal and precious time. I remember the days of painstakingly chopping onions, herbs, or nuts by hand – a task that felt endless and often left my eyes streaming. That initial problem of time-consuming food preparation needed a definitive solution; without it, the joy of cooking could quickly turn into a tedious chore, leading to more reliance on ready-made meals rather than fresh, wholesome ingredients. This is precisely where a dedicated kitchen assistant, like the Braun Multiquick MQ 20 – chopper attachment, would have made a world of difference from the start.
Key Considerations Before Investing in a Food Chopper
For anyone who finds themselves frequently dicing, mincing, or pulverising ingredients, a food chopper is an absolute game-changer. These handy gadgets address the common frustrations of uneven cuts, the sheer effort of manual chopping, and the time commitment involved in meal preparation. They truly shine for individuals who love to cook from scratch but are often constrained by time, or those who appreciate consistency in their ingredients for professional-looking and tasting dishes.
The ideal customer for a compact chopper like the Braun Multiquick MQ 20 – chopper attachment is someone who already owns a compatible Braun Multiquick hand blender (models MQ 3, MQ 5, or MQ 700-787 from the MQ 7 series) and is looking to expand its functionality without investing in a large, standalone food processor. It’s perfect for small households, individuals cooking for one or two, or those who frequently prepare small quantities of ingredients like herbs, garlic, or nuts.
Conversely, if you’re catering for a large family, preparing meals in bulk, or don’t already possess a compatible Braun hand blender, this specific attachment might not be your best bet. Large-scale cooking would benefit more from a full-sized food processor with a greater capacity. Those without a compatible hand blender would, of course, need to purchase the main unit first, which might not be cost-effective if only this attachment is desired. Furthermore, if you derive pleasure from the meditative process of hand-chopping, or if precision knife work is a culinary skill you wish to hone, a chopper might feel like overkill.
Before making a purchase, consider several factors:
* Compatibility: Is it compatible with your existing hand blender? This is paramount for an attachment.
* Capacity: Does the volume (in this case, 350ml) suit your typical needs?
* Ease of Cleaning: How simple is it to disassemble and clean? Dishwasher-safe parts are a bonus.
* Blade Quality: Are the blades sharp and durable enough for the tasks you have in mind?
* Durability and Build Quality: How robust is the unit, particularly its coupling mechanisms, for repeated use?
Unveiling the Braun Multiquick MQ 20 Chopper Attachment
The Braun Multiquick MQ 20 – chopper attachment is a compact and efficient accessory designed to expand the capabilities of your existing Braun Multiquick hand blender. Its core promise is to chop a variety of ingredients – from onions and cheese to nuts, herbs, carrots, and even small amounts of meat – in a matter of seconds, significantly cutting down on prep time and effort. When you purchase this unit, you receive the 350ml chopper bowl, the lid with the EasyClick system, and the sharp chopping blade.
This particular product is specifically designed for users who already own a compatible Braun Multiquick MQ 3, MQ 5, or MQ 7 series hand blender (models MQ 700 – 787). It’s an ideal upgrade for those who frequently deal with small quantities of ingredients and want the convenience of quick, consistent chopping without needing a bulky, dedicated appliance. It’s not for those without a compatible Braun hand blender, nor for professional chefs or very large families needing extensive chopping capacity, as its 350ml volume is clearly geared towards smaller tasks.
Compared to a full-sized food processor, the Multiquick MQ 20 is far more compact and easier to store. While it may not offer the range of functions or sheer power of a market-leading, high-end food processor, for its specific niche – quick, small-batch chopping – it often outperforms larger machines that struggle with tiny quantities. It builds upon the legacy of Braun’s reliable hand blenders, providing an accessible and practical extension to their functionality.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* Exceptional Speed and Efficiency: Chops ingredients in literal seconds, even very small quantities.
* Fine, Consistent Results: Delivers finely chopped ingredients, perfect for sauces, garnishes, or small purees.
* Ideal for Small Batches: Perfect for garlic, a single onion, herbs, or nuts, reducing waste.
* EasyClick System: Attaches and detaches effortlessly from compatible Braun hand blenders.
* Dishwasher-Safe Parts: The plastic bowl and lid are easy to clean.
Cons:
* Durability Concerns: The internal coupling mechanism has a tendency to wear or break over time, as reported by many users and personally experienced.
* Blade Hand-Wash Only: The blade unit is not dishwasher safe, requiring careful manual cleaning.
* Capacity Limitation: The 350ml capacity is too small for larger meal preparations.
* Compatibility Nuances: While advertised broadly, some specific Braun models might not click perfectly, leading to instability or premature wear.
* Rubber Base Design: The anti-slip rubber base doesn’t double as a storage lid, unlike some older designs.
Key Attributes & Advantages of the Multiquick MQ 20
Having incorporated the Braun Multiquick MQ 20 – chopper attachment into my kitchen routine for quite some time, I can attest to its transformative power for everyday cooking. This isn’t just another gadget; it’s a genuine assistant that tackles those fiddly, time-consuming tasks with remarkable efficiency.
Effortless EasyClick System and Practical Compatibility
One of the most appealing aspects of this Braun chopper is its seamless integration with the existing Braun Multiquick hand blender ecosystem, thanks to the EasyClick system. For someone who already owns a compatible Braun hand blender (like my trusty MQ 5), attaching the MQ 20 chopper attachment is literally a one-click affair. You simply align the attachment with the motor unit and press until you hear a satisfying ‘click’. This intuitive design means less fumbling and more time spent on actual cooking. The benefit here is clear: it turns a single appliance into a versatile multi-tasker, saving counter space and the need for separate, bulky machines. It means I don’t have to pull out a large food processor just to chop a handful of herbs or a single onion.
However, a point of caution needs to be raised here regarding compatibility. While Braun states broad compatibility, some users (and I’ve had a minor wobble or two myself) have found that the ‘click’ isn’t always as firm or reliable with every specified model, particularly newer ones like the MQ9 series. This can lead to the attachment feeling less secure during operation or, in some unfortunate cases, premature wear on the plastic coupling. It’s crucial to double-check your specific hand blender model against the exact list of compatible units to ensure a perfect fit and avoid frustration. When it works as intended, which it usually does for the listed MQ 3, MQ 5, and older MQ 7 models, it’s incredibly convenient.
Compact 350ml Capacity: The Small Wonder
The 350ml capacity of this Braun chopper might seem modest, but it’s precisely its strength. In a kitchen where space is often at a premium, this compact size is a blessing. It’s designed for those smaller, everyday chopping tasks that larger food processors often struggle with. Think about it: trying to finely mince a single clove of garlic or a small handful of parsley in a 2-litre food processor is often futile; the blades just push the ingredients around. The MQ 20, however, excels at these precise jobs.
For me, it means no more teary eyes from chopping onions by hand, no more tedious mincing of ginger, and no more unevenly chopped nuts for baking. Its size also means it’s incredibly easy to store in a cupboard or even on a shelf, unlike a bulky food processor that often ends up gathering dust. This small capacity directly addresses the problem of inefficient large appliance use for small tasks, making it a highly practical and frequently used tool in my kitchen.
Exceptional Chopping Performance for Fine Results
The core function of any chopper is, of course, its ability to chop, and the Braun Multiquick MQ 20 truly shines in this department. I’ve used it for a myriad of ingredients: firm cheeses for gratins, soft herbs for pestos, carrots for mirepoix, and even small amounts of chicken for baby food. What consistently impresses me is the speed and fineness of the chop. A small shallot, for instance, can be perfectly minced in under two seconds. The sharp, well-designed blades, combined with the power of the hand blender, create a vortex that ensures everything in the bowl is drawn into the cutting path.
This fine, consistent chop is a huge benefit. For sauces, it means ingredients integrate smoothly, releasing their flavours evenly. For garnishes, it provides that professional finish. And for those stubborn ingredients like nuts, it prevents the uneven chunks you often get with manual chopping. It significantly elevates the quality and consistency of your ingredients, which in turn improves the overall dish. However, it’s worth noting that its power can be a double-edged sword: if you over-process, you can quickly turn finely chopped ingredients into a paste, so a light touch and short pulses are often key. This learning curve is minimal but essential for best results.
Effortless Cleaning for Daily Use
A kitchen gadget, no matter how effective, is only truly useful if it’s easy to clean. This is another area where the Multiquick MQ 20 scores highly. The plastic bowl and the lid are thankfully dishwasher-safe. This is a massive time-saver, as I can simply pop them into the dishwasher after use, eliminating the dread of hand-washing fiddly parts. The smooth plastic surfaces also mean there are fewer nooks and crannies for food to get stuck, making even hand-washing straightforward if the dishwasher isn’t running.
The only caveat, which is a minor inconvenience rather than a major flaw, is that the blade unit itself is not recommended for the dishwasher. I’ve always hand-washed it to preserve its sharpness and prevent rust, which means a quick rinse under the tap with a brush is necessary. Despite this, the overall ease of cleaning dramatically increases the likelihood of me reaching for this attachment daily, knowing that tidying up won’t be a chore. It ensures that the speed gained in prep isn’t lost in post-cooking cleanup.
Durability and Design: A Mixed Bag
In terms of design, the Braun Multiquick MQ 20 – chopper attachment is sleek and functional, in classic black which complements most kitchen appliances. The anti-slip rubber ring on the base is a thoughtful touch, providing stability during operation and preventing the chopper from sliding around on the countertop – a small detail that makes a big difference in safety and convenience.
However, this is where I must also address the most significant disadvantage of this product: its long-term durability, specifically concerning the coupling mechanism within the lid. Over time, and with repeated use, I’ve observed (and seen numerous reports from other users) that the plastic ‘pilon’ or coupling where the hand blender attaches can weaken or even break. This leads to the blades no longer spinning correctly or, in extreme cases, damaging the bowl itself. My previous unit eventually succumbed to this issue, necessitating a replacement. While it works brilliantly when new, this recurring weakness is a definite concern for a product from a reputable brand like Braun. It seems the stresses of the motor on the plastic coupling, especially when chopping harder ingredients, can eventually take their toll. This design flaw, though perhaps minor in isolated instances, seems to be a persistent theme in user feedback, indicating it’s not an isolated manufacturing defect but potentially a design vulnerability. It’s a shame, as the performance itself is excellent.
Real-World Impressions: User Feedback & Experiences
After delving into various online forums and reviews, it’s clear that many share my sentiments about the Braun Multiquick MQ 20. Users frequently praise its remarkable efficiency, especially for small-scale chopping. Many are genuinely surprised by its ability to finely process even tiny amounts of ingredients, like a single shallot, in just a few seconds – a feat often impossible for larger choppers. The convenience of its compact size and easy cleaning (for the bowl and lid) also garners significant appreciation, making it a go-to tool for everyday tasks.
However, a recurring theme, mirroring my own experience, is the concern over the product’s longevity. Several long-term users have reported issues with the internal plastic coupling mechanism breaking or degrading after a period of use, sometimes leading to the blade becoming detached or the bowl being pierced. There are also mentions of minor compatibility frustrations with specific newer Braun hand blender models, where the EasyClick system doesn’t quite ‘click’ as firmly as expected. Despite these durability concerns, the overwhelming consensus points to its exceptional performance in its niche, with many users opting to replace a broken unit because its chopping prowess is simply too good to give up.
Bringing It All Together: Final Thoughts on the Braun Multiquick MQ 20
In conclusion, the constant battle against time-consuming and often messy food preparation is a challenge many home cooks face, and if not addressed, it can quickly stifle culinary creativity and enthusiasm. The good news is that solutions exist to make kitchen tasks more efficient, enjoyable, and less arduous.
The Braun Multiquick MQ 20 – chopper attachment stands out as a superb fit to solve these problems. Its incredible speed and ability to finely chop even the smallest quantities of ingredients ensure consistent results and significant time savings. The convenient EasyClick system makes it effortlessly integrate with compatible Braun hand blenders, transforming a single appliance into a versatile culinary tool. While there are some reservations about the long-term durability of its internal coupling, its performance and convenience for daily, small-batch chopping tasks are undeniable. For anyone looking to streamline their food prep and get back to enjoying the act of cooking, this compact chopper is a worthwhile investment. Ready to make your kitchen life easier? Click here to check out the Braun Multiquick MQ 20 – chopper attachment!