Is your food processor consigned to the top of the cupboard, because it is too cumbersome to have permanently on your counter-top? The makers of The Magic Bullet claim to have the answer with their machine that chops, blends, grinds, minces and grates, but takes up only 4x4 inches of valuable kitchen space.

This machine is simple to operate and easy to clean and comes with a selection of useful attachments to use with it. Unfortunately, the Magic Bullet can only be purchased through one of those late-night infomercials; so, can we believe the hype and is it worth the money?

Product Description

The Magic Bullet set includes:

• a base that houses the motor
• a stainless steel cross blade (used for chopping foods and crushing ice)
• a flat blade (used for chopping harder foods like spices and hard cheeses, and for whipping)
• a tall bullet cup
• a short bullet cup
• 4 party mugs with colored lip rings
• a shaker top
• a steamer top
• 2 stay-fresh resealable lids
• recipe book

Other add-ons, like the juicer and blender attachments, may be purchased or are sometimes offered as a bonus.

How does it work?

Place the ingredients into the short cup, the tall cup, or one of the four mugs. Twist on either the cross or flat blade, place the bullet on the power base, and press down. The processing should take no more than 10 seconds, depending on the food you are preparing. Once chopped, blended, ground, minced or grated, the food can then be heated in the microwave, or cooled in the refrigerator or freezer, in the same receptacle, once the blade has been removed.

What can it do?
With the Magic Bullet, it is possible to make:

• shakes and smoothies
• instant snacks and sandwich spreads
• frozen cocktails like pina coladas, daiquiris and margaritas, ready to serve in the party mugs
• instant spaghetti and other sauces
• soups
• desserts

The list is endless and not only dependent on your imagination, as recipes can be found on the Internet and, once you understand the system, favorite recipes can be adapted.

Is it worth the money?

If you are going to use your machine regularly to prepare meals, then definitely, yes. If it is going to be just another gadget shoved to the back of a cupboard then, no. Are you someone who regularly cooks from scratch? Do you drink smoothies, shakes or cocktails? Then this is for you. Otherwise, think before you buy!

There are many rave reviews for this product on the Internet, but also some detractors. The tips below might help to answer some of the problems encountered.

Tips for using the Magic Bullet.

On first use, you might notice a burning smell, this is normal in new electrical products as the factory coatings are burned off.

It is important to read the manual carefully before using the Magic Bullet. Some users have complained that the food gets stuck and doesn't process properly. The manual explains that you have to tap the container occasionally to keep the food moving. This, or the occasional shake, should solve the problem.

Use a rubber spatula to remove the food as metal spoons and forks could damage the plastic.

An easy way to clean the bullet is to rinse out the large particles, then fill 1/3 with water, add a little detergent, screw the blade lid on, pulse a couple of times and then rinse with clean water.

If dishwashing the bullet, it is important that it is only put the on the top shelf of the dishwasher, as the water may be too hot lower down and the parts may warp.

Remember that the machine is made to work in short bursts. Running the machine too long may cause overheating.

The rubber gaskets are quite thin and need care. Ensure they are properly in place before using the bullet and do not screw the caps on too tightly when the machine is not in use.

If you follow the tips above, you should get good use from your Magic Bullet, should you decide to buy.