Opinions on Food Processors

[junietoo]

I was making a haul from King Arthur (the Baker's Catalogue) on Sunday and read about the Cuisinart PowerPrep Plus Food Processor and was overcome with lust (well, I'm easily excited when it comes to kitchen tools.) I only have a mini-processor now and have wondered about the usefulness of a large one.

What're the views out there? Do you use a full-sized processor? What size? (This one is 14-cup but supposedly capable of handling one clove of garlic -- as if you'd do that, but...) Is it worth the price and kitchen storage space?

[SusanT]

I have a Kitchenaid Ultrapower 11 cup foodprocessor that I love. It has a small chopper bowl that sits inside the larger bowl for small jobs.

[funnybone]

I have a Braun that I have had for about 13 years. It has served me well, and came with all kinds of attachments. However, if I had to replace it, it would probably be for a Kitchen Aid or Cusinart. They have a "bottom motor" where mine is on the side (or atleast it appears to be). I have heard that the ones with the motor on the bottom are more powerful.

[eks]

I have the KitchenAid and love it!

[makedah]

I bought a Cuisinart last summer, the Pro Custom 11 with an 11-cup bowl. It came with the medium (4 mm) slicing disc, thin slicing disc (2mm) and medium shredding disc. Also has a dough blade. I am pleased with it and use it at least once a week, sometimes several times a day. I don't use it more because clean-up is a bother. I don't have a dishwasher and it is very tricky to clean the blades without hurting yourself. I actually cut myself on the blade once because I placed it in the sink and forgot about it. D'oh!

I do wish, however, that I had a smaller one for small jobs. But instead, I will eventually get a coffee grinder (for whole spices) and a box grater.

[Vanessa]

I have the Cuisinart 11 cup (& got all the diff blades) I had it for years and its really great. Also got K Aid 350 Watt I am startng to use the attachments more. I also use my mini Cuisinart for fast and small jobs. My mom has the 14 c Cuisinart & loves it. I think the size depends on what you will be using it for and the amounts you will be making.

[This message has been edited by Vanessa (edited 04-11-2001).]

[chefbec]

I also have the Kitchen Aid and love it. I used to have a small Cuisinart (which I gave to my mom) that was purchased over 20 years ago and still works, but I heard that the new Cuisinarts are not the same as they used to be.

[mb]

I also have the 11cup KitchenAid w/ the mini-bowl that sits inside it. But for really small jobs, like chopping a few cloves of garlic (I would never chop just ONE clove - we LOVE garlic!), then I use my Braun Handblender w/ the chopper attachment. Actually, the chopper attachment can hold quite a bit of stuff - I've even made pesto sauce in it. Plus, I think it's easier to drag out of the cabinet and clean up than the big food processor (which I love, by the way...I just mostly use it for bigger jobs).

[Gina O]

I have a Mini Cuisinart and a full size one, I have had it for several years so am not sure exactly which model it is. It has a dough blade, a regular chopping blade a shredder and slicer. I use it frequently for many things... it is absolutely the BEST way to shred cheese I have ever found (with the shredding blade). We had fondue for Christmas and I impressed the heck out of my mom and sister with it. I also use it to chop cranberries and oranges for relish, chopping large quantities of herbs, garlic or nuts. It is also great for slicing smaller things.

I always try to clean it up right away and have never had any problems. When purchasing it, I debated between the Cuisinart and the Kitchen-Aid. I liked the styling of the Kitchen-Aid better, but compared the warranties and found the Cuisinart had a longer warranty on the motor. Gina

[KellyD]

For many years, I was like you and only had the mini processor. But I finally broke down, and I now have both a mini and an 11 cup and wish I had bought the 14 cup instead. Obviously, I use the mini one for small jobs - I can do up to about 2 cups in it. But I use the large one for soups, etc and it is just not large enough for many of my recipes - especially when I'm entertaining. So I end having to batch it, which is messy. So if I had to do it again - I'd go for the larger one. But I definitely like having both sizes - and it is definitely worth the kitchen space (which isn't that bad)and the price. I know I'm a bad influence - but go for it!!

[Sara Emily]

I have thoroughly enjoyed my Custom 11 Cuisinart for years now and, since I cook so much, took advantage of an unbelievable offer from the Chef's Catalogue, in which they featured the 14 cup Cuisinart for even LESS money than the 11, AND without shipping and handling charges for a limited time!! (It was also less than any other 11 c offer I have seen anywhere else!) I cook A LOT, so I bit, and I am in Cuisinart heaven! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif It handles large or small amounts comfortably and gives me more leeway when I am making bread doughs or double recipes. (About 3 to 5 times each week!)I'm sure they have a website and the offer still may be good. If not, they are likely to repeat it in a few months and it would pay you to begin getting their free catalogue.