Help! I'm shopping for a food processor.

[CHRIST1NE]

It's just my husband and I, so I don't need anything real fancy.

I think I have it narrowed down to the following, have any of you had any experience with these or do you have different recommendations

1. KitchenAid - Little Ultra Power Food Processor 5 Cup

2. Cuisinart - Little Pro Plus 3 Cup Food Processor w/Juicer Attachment

3. Cuisinart - Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor

As always, TIA for your help.
Christine

[Beth]

I just took a look at these three at Chef's catalog. If you just want something for little chopping jobs, the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus will work, but notice that it doesn't have a feed tube and cannot slice or shred. Of the other two, I would go with the KitchenAid since it is larger and does not cost much more. Three cups doesn't give you a very big bowl, especially when you remember that stuff will be whiring around in there.

I have read with some other appliances and such to buy one size larger than you think you'll need. That's often good advise, but it also depends on whether you're buying something you expect to have for many years or will be willing to replace or upgrade in the future if you need to. DH gave me the 11 cup when it was just the 2 of us, but I wouldn't want a smaller one (although I do have a little mini-chopper).

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 01-15-2001).]

[LGBurns]

I know it's not on your list, but I have the standard Cuisinart food processor (I can't remember the model name and I'm at work but it's their basic model) and I would highly recommend going with that over the 3 cup or the Kitchen Aid. It works like a charm, is easy to clean, and Cuisinart sells additional attachments for it, so as you grow you can grow your food-processor too. Oh, and I forgot to add that there's just my husband and me in our house too. I find this size works great for us.

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 01-15-2001).]

[Leslie w]

I agree with LGBurns. I have the 7 cup Pro Classic Cusinart processor and I love it. It's just the right size for my small family- my husband and two baby daughters- and I have even prepared large meals w/it when I entertain, without difficulty. It's usually priced for $150. It kneads a 2lb loaf of bread with ease. I think you'll be limiting yourself with anything smaller. I may have to move up to the 11 cup Cusinart in a few years but I don't regret this purchase.

[mb]

i think there also used to be a kitchenaid 7 cup model, but i'm not sure if they make it anymore. you might want to check that if you want to buy kitchenaid.

i know most people like the cuisinart, but i have a kitchenaid 11 cup and i love it. it is versatile because it also has a small bowl that fits inside so you don't have to get the whole thing messy if you're just chopping a small amount.

it also came with several attachments, and there are all sorts of other attachments you can buy for it (juicer, citrus juicer, julienne chopper, etc.) the main drawback of the larger processor is that it takes up storage space.

[lindrusso]

In my opinion the bigger the better, so I would go with the 5-cup. I like my 11-cup Cuisinart - it can handle a good quantity of food.

I definitely would NOT recommend the mini-prep. I find that it chops very unevenly. It is also very easy to completely pulverize what you're chopping!! And it's VERY small. I'm just not happy with mine - I'd rather do the small jobs by hand.

[CHRIST1NE]

Yeah.. this is what I was looking for. I have definately written off the mini-prep and the little 3-cup one. I think I will look for a 7 cup, that may be the way to go if I can find one. There is a neat store in New Haven, CT called Kitchen Etc - they have everything! I am going there next week so I will see what they have. I'll also check on-line at the various manufacturer websites.

Thank you again!

[CHRIST1NE]

Thought I would add this, my local news did a story tonight on Consumer Reports Ratings of food processors. Here are the two they talked about:

Top performer was an 11-cup Kitchen Aid, model KFP670. They said at $240 it was a bit pricey though.

If you want a smaller one, the 7-cup Cuisanart model DLC-5 rated very high. They added that at $100 it was a good buy also.

[bijoux22]

Love my kitchenaid 11 cup. Bought it from Kitchen Etc in West Hartford, CT for $199 & got a free 8" saute pan from Kitchen Aid in the mail! They have a website also.

[GayeC]

I would choose a standard size Cuisinart, even for just 2 people. Mine is great -- it can even knead bread dough in a pinch. I have the mini-prep too but rarely use it.

[andrea]

i have the mini Cuisinart... it is sooo LOUD! i hate it!

i also have the 5-cup Kitchen-Aid... QUIET as a mouse!