Choosing the right food processor can revolutionize your time in the kitchen, turning tedious prep work into a quick and simple task. Cuisinart has long been a trusted name in this category, offering a range of models designed to handle everything from mincing garlic to kneading bread dough. With so many options available, finding the perfect one for your cooking style is key.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook preparing large meals or someone who needs a compact helper for daily tasks, there is a Cuisinart food processor built for your needs. This roundup breaks down the features and benefits of nine popular models, helping you compare capacity, power, and included accessories to make an informed decision for your kitchen.
The Best Cuisinart Food Processors for Your Kitchen
- Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper
- Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce
- Cuisinart Elemental Small Food Processor, 13-Cup
- Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor, 350-Watt Motor
- Cuisinart DLC-2009MRY 9-Cup Food Processor, Red
- Cuisinart Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, Silver
- Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor, 4 Cup
- Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor
- Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini-Prep Plus 4-Cup
Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper
This 14-cup model is a kitchen workhorse, featuring a powerful 720-watt motor capable of handling a wide array of tasks. It functions as a vegetable chopper, blender, and food processor all in one, making it simple to prepare dips like hummus, pureed soups, sauces, and even knead dough. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for home cooks who frequently entertain or prepare large family meals.
The unit includes an extra-large feed tube that accommodates whole fruits and vegetables, and it comes with a stainless steel slicing disc, a medium shredding disc, and a chopping/mixing blade. For easy maintenance, the detachable disc stem and all included accessories are dishwasher-safe, streamlining your cleanup process after cooking.
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce
Ideal for small tasks and limited counter space, the Mini-Prep Plus is a compact powerhouse. Its 250-watt motor and patented reversible stainless steel blade are perfectly suited for quickly chopping herbs, dicing vegetables, and grinding hard cheese. This processor is a convenient solution for everyday food prep without the need for a large, bulky appliance.
Operation is straightforward with a simple push-button control panel, and the auto-reversing SmartPower blade provides two effective processing options. Cleanup is just as easy, thanks to a dishwasher-safe bowl and lid, allowing you to spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your meals.
Cuisinart Elemental Small Food Processor, 13-Cup
The Elemental 13-cup model offers a unique two-bowl design, featuring a 550-watt motor and a nested 4-cup work bowl inside the main 13-cup bowl. This innovative system allows you to process smaller quantities without needing a separate appliance, providing exceptional versatility for a variety of cooking projects.
It includes a host of premium features, such as the SealTight advantage system that locks the blade and seals the bowl to prevent leaks. The electronic touchpad controls with illuminating blue LED lights offer modern convenience, and the package comes with a comprehensive set of discs, including a dicing disc and an adjustable slicing disc for precise food preparation.
Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor, 350-Watt Motor
This 8-cup food processor is a great mid-size option for everyday kitchen tasks. Powered by a reliable 350-watt motor, it delivers the performance needed for chopping, mixing, and shredding. The work bowl features measurement markings, which help you keep track of ingredients as you add them.
It comes with reversible shredding and slicing discs, offering both medium and fine textures. The controls are conveniently rubberized for a secure grip, and an integrated feed tube allows you to add ingredients while the machine is running. Like most Cuisinart models, the removable parts are dishwasher-safe for straightforward cleaning.
Cuisinart DLC-2009MRY 9-Cup Food Processor, Red
Add a splash of color to your countertop with this vibrant 9-cup food processor. It combines a practical capacity with a stylish red finish, making it both a functional and aesthetic addition to your kitchen. The unit is equipped to handle a variety of food preparation chores with efficiency.
It includes a stainless steel medium slicing disc and a shredding disc, along with a new chopping blade. The extra-large feed tube is designed to slice whole fruits and vegetables with ease. For convenience, all of the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, ensuring that cleanup is as simple as the food preparation.
Cuisinart Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor, Silver
The Elemental 8-cup food processor in a sleek silver finish provides reliable performance for everyday cooking needs. Its 350-watt motor offers ample power for chopping, pureeing, and mixing tasks. The compact yet capable design is well-suited for smaller households or cooks with limited kitchen space.
The work bowl includes measurement markings for added convenience during food preparation. This model is a straightforward and effective appliance that covers the essentials, helping you prepare meals more efficiently without complicated settings or a large footprint on your counter.
Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor, 4 Cup
This 4-cup version of the popular Mini Prep Plus is perfect for handling small jobs like chopping nuts, making dressings, or preparing baby food. Its 250-watt motor and reversible blade system provide efficient chopping and grinding power in a very compact unit.
The push-button controls are simple to use, and the durable plastic body is lightweight for easy storage. Maintaining this little helper is hassle-free, as the bowl and lid are safe for the dishwasher, and the motor base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor
This 14-cup food processor is designed for users who need high capacity and powerful performance for demanding kitchen tasks. With a large work bowl, it is ideal for meal prepping, making large batches of dough, or preparing food for gatherings. Its robust construction is built to handle heavy use.
It typically includes a variety of discs for slicing, shredding, and chopping, providing comprehensive food preparation capabilities. The large feed tube allows you to process bigger items with less pre-cutting, saving you valuable time during meal preparation.
Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini-Prep Plus 4-Cup Food Processor
Another iteration of the beloved Mini-Prep series, this 4-cup food processor is a compact and reliable tool for a multitude of small-scale kitchen jobs. It is particularly useful for quickly chopping herbs, garlic, or onions, and for creating small batches of sauces and pesto.
The simple operation and easy cleanup make it a go-to appliance for quick food prep without the fuss of larger machines. Its small size means it takes up minimal counter or cabinet space, making it an excellent choice for kitchens of all sizes.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Cuisinart Food Processor
I know how it feels to stand in front of a wall of appliances, wondering which one is actually going to earn its spot on my counter. Choosing from the many Cuisinart food processors can be tricky, but it gets a lot easier when you focus on a few key things. Let me walk you through what I consider before making a purchase.
First, think about capacity. How much food do you typically prepare at once? If you’re mostly cooking for one or two people, a compact model with a 4-cup bowl is probably perfect. It takes up less space and is great for smaller jobs like chopping an onion or making a single batch of sauce. For families or anyone who likes to meal prep, a full-size 11 to 14-cup model is the way to go. This size can handle large batches of dough, shred a big block of cheese, or make a generous amount of hummus without having to work in multiple batches.
Next, consider the motor’s power. This is the heart of the machine. For basic tasks like chopping vegetables, making pesto, or mixing batters, a motor around 500 to 600 watts is usually sufficient. However, if you plan on frequently kneading thick bread dough or working with very hard ingredients, you’ll want to look for a more powerful motor, something in the 700 to 1000-watt range. A stronger motor won’t strain as easily and will give you more consistent results with tougher jobs.
Don’t forget about the accessories. Most Cuisinart food processors come with a standard S-blade for chopping and pureeing, a shredding disc, and a slicing disc. But some models offer a lot more. Think about what you’ll actually use. A dough blade is a game-changer for anyone who bakes. A mini-bowl insert that fits inside the main bowl is incredibly useful for processing small quantities without having to drag out a separate mini-prep machine. Some higher-end models even come with citrus juicer attachments or french fry discs. My advice is to not get swayed by a huge number of accessories you’ll never touch; focus on the ones that match your cooking style.
Finally, pay attention to the design and usability. I always look for a machine that is simple to assemble, take apart, and clean. A locking lid mechanism that feels secure is important for safety. Many parts are dishwasher safe, which is a huge time-saver. Also, check the feed tube size. A wider feed tube means you can fit larger pieces of food through it, reducing your prep time. By thinking about your own kitchen habits and what you really want to make, you can find the perfect Cuisinart food processor that makes cooking easier and more fun.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Cuisinart food processor and a blender?
This is a common question, and I used to wonder the same thing. While they might look similar, they work differently. A blender is designed for liquids. Its tall, narrow pitcher and blade are perfect for creating smoothies, soups, and shakes. A food processor, on the other hand, has a wide, shallow bowl that is ideal for dealing with solid or semi-solid foods. I use my Cuisinart food processor for tasks a blender struggles with, like chopping vegetables, kneading dough, shredding cheese, or making pastry crust. If you want to mix and puree liquids, get a blender. If you want to chop, slice, shred, and mix solid foods, a food processor is your best friend.
Can I knead bread dough in a Cuisinart food processor?
Absolutely, and it’s one of my favorite features! Many of the full-size Cuisinart models are powerful enough to handle bread dough. They can mix and knead it in just a minute or two, which is much faster than doing it by hand. It’s important to use the dough blade if your model comes with one, as it’s specifically designed for this task. Just be sure not to overfill the bowl and to follow the recipe’s instructions for liquid-to-flour ratios to avoid straining the motor. It completely changes the game for homemade pizza and bread.
Are the parts and bowls dishwasher safe?
In most cases, yes! The vast majority of Cuisinart food processor parts, including the work bowl, lid, and blades, are top-rack dishwasher safe. This makes cleanup very straightforward. However, I always recommend double-checking the specific manual for your model, just to be certain. The one part you should never put in the dishwasher is the base unit that houses the motor. That should just be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Why is my food processor not turning on?
This can be frustrating, but there are a few simple things to check first. The most common reason is that the unit isn’t assembled correctly. Make sure the work bowl is locked securely into the base and that the lid is twisted and locked into place on the bowl. Most models have a safety feature that prevents the motor from running if everything isn’t perfectly aligned. Also, check that you’ve selected a speed setting (like Pulse or On) and that the unit is plugged in. If everything seems correct and it still won’t start, there might be an issue with the motor or the internal safety mechanism.
What does the “Pulse” function do?
The Pulse button is your key to control. Instead of running continuously, it gives you short, powerful bursts of power when you press it. I use this function constantly for tasks where I want a precise texture. For example, when I’m chopping onions, I use the pulse to get an even chop without turning them into a mush. It’s also perfect for making pastry dough, as it helps you incorporate the butter without overworking the flour. Think of it as the manual control for when you need a careful touch.
Is a mini food processor worth getting?
If you have a large food processor already, a mini one can still be a great addition to your kitchen. I find myself reaching for my 4-cup mini processor for small jobs all the time. It’s perfect for chopping a single garlic clove, making a small batch of sauce or dressing, or grinding spices. It’s easier to clean and takes up very little space. If you live alone or in a small household and don’t often cook in large quantities, a mini food processor might be all you need.