Hamilton Beach 72860-SAU Food Chopper
Safety Instructions
- To protect against electrical shock, do not put the cord, plug, or base in water or other liquids.
- Keep the appliance and its cord out of reach of children.
- Unplug from the outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
- The manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons must conduct all repairs in order.
- Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the table or touch hot surfaces, including the stove.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Never place a cutting blade on the base without first putting the bowl properly in place.
- Be certain the lid is securely locked in place before operating the appliance.
- Do not attempt to defeat the lid interlock mechanism.
- Do not use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
- Fuse covers and carriers can be obtained from approved service agents.
- Do not operate more than 30 seconds ON at a time. Please refer to the relevant instructions for special recipes.
Recycling the Product
The wheeled bin symbol marked on this appliance signifies that it must be taken over by a selective collection system conforming to the WEEE Directive so that it can be either recycled or dismantled to reduce any impact on the environment. The user is responsible for returning the product to the appropriate collection facility, as specified by your local code. For additional information regarding applicable local laws, please contact the municipal facility and/or local distributor.
Parts and Features
ON/OFF Pulse Symbol: Blades will turn when the lid is pressed down. Release the lid to turn off.
How to Use the Chopper
Make sure the chopper is unplugged. Place the bowl onto the base.
Carefully place the blade in the bowl over the centre shaft. Turn until the blade slips down to the bottom of the bowl.
Place food in a bowl.
Place the lid on the bowl.
Press the lid to chop. To turn off, release the lid. Do not remove the lid until the blade has stopped turning.
Remove bowl from base. Carefully remove the blade.
Chopping Tips
- The bowl has a capacity of 700 ml.
- For liquid ingredients, do not exceed 355 ml (MAX LIQUID FILL line on bowl).
- For more control, press the lid briefly, then release. Check consistency and continue if desired.
- Tear bread into pieces; then process to make bread crumbs. Break crackers or cookies into pieces; then process them into crumbs for use as recipe ingredients or pie crusts.
- To chop carrots, celery, mushrooms, capsicum, or onion, cut into 2.54-cm (1-inch) chunks and place in a bowl. This will result in more uniform consistency.
- Chop nuts; mince coriander, parsley, basil, chives, or garlic.
- Do not process raw meat, coffee beans, or whole, hard spices in the food chopper.
- This could damage the electric chopper.
Processing Chart
| TO MAKE | INSTRUCTIONS | (seconds) |
| Bread Crumbs | Tear bread slices (up to 3) into 6 pieces. | 5 |
| Cheese, Parmesan | Cut into 1.3-cm (1/2-inch) cubes. Process 118 ml of cubes at a time. | 10 |
| Cookie Crumbs | Break into pieces. Use up to 473 ml of pieces. | 20 |
| Fruit, Chopped | Cut fruit into large chunks. Place up to 473 ml of pieces into the chopper. | 15 |
| Garlic, Minced | Peel; then process 1 or more cloves at a time. | 5 |
| Herbs, Chopped | Place up to 237 ml in the chopper. | 15 |
| Nuts, Chopped | Place up to 237 ml in the chopper. | 5 |
| Parsley | Pinch off sprigs from the bunch. | 5 |
Care and Cleaning
Wipe the chopper base with a damp cloth or sponge. To remove stubborn Hamilton Beach 72860-SAU Food Chopper spots, use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser.
Warning: Electric Shock Hazard.
Do not immerse the base, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
DO NOT use the “SANI” setting when washing in the dishwasher. “SANI” cycle temperatures could damage your product. Parts may also be washed with hot, soapy water. Care should be taken when handling the cutting blades as they are very sharp. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not soak.
Customer Support
- Website: https://hamiltonbeach.com/
- Tel: 1-800-851-8900
FAQs
Q: What types of foods can I chop with the Hamilton Beach 72860-SAU?
Unless the manufacturer expressly permits it, do not prepare hard goods like ice, entire coffee beans, or raw meat.
Q: How much food can I put in the chopper at once?
Fill the bowl no more than two-thirds full for optimal results. Overfilling may cause the motor to strain or result in uneven chopping.
Q: Can I chop dry ingredients without adding liquid?
For very dry or powdery results, pause and scrape down the sides between pulses.
Q: Is the chopping blade dishwasher safe?
Most Hamilton Beach chopper blades are top-rack dishwasher safe. Always consult your specific model’s care instructions.
Q: Can I use the chopper continuously, or should I pulse?
Pulsing is recommended for most tasks because it prevents over-processing and helps the motor run efficiently. For smooth purees, short continuous runs (10–20 seconds) are fine.
Q: Is it normal for the motor base to warm up during use?
Some warmth is normal, especially when processing dense foods. If the unit becomes hot or shuts off, allow it to rest and cool down before resuming.
Q: What should I do if food gets stuck under the blade?
Unplug the appliance, remove the lid and blade carefully, and dislodge the food with a spatula.
Q: Can I use the food chopper to make baby food?
Yes—soft-cooked fruits, vegetables, or meats can be pureed into baby-friendly textures.