The Cooks' Den » Cuisinart Food Processors http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Cuisinart Prep Plus Food Processor Review | 11 Cup White DLC-2011N http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-plus-food-processor-review-11-cup-white-dlc-2011n-2/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-plus-food-processor-review-11-cup-white-dlc-2011n-2/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:11:56 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12810 Cuisinart Prep Plus Food ProcessorThe new and improved Cuisinart Prep Plus 11-Cup Food Processor has been keeping steady on top of the best-sellers' lists for quite a while. Is this because it's a quality product, or because there are a lot of places to find it on sale now... or both?

I'd say: both.

It's not often you come across an appliance that has a good balance between multiple functions and user-friendliness, but the Prep Plus has it. The feed tube, for example, has been updated from previous Cuisinart food processor models to make it easier to assemble and use. It's a wide feed tube at 4.25 x 2.75 inches -- and if that's too big for some of your kitchen chores, a narrower feed tube is located insides the pusher. And if even that's not enough, a small pin-sized hole is located on the bottom of the pusher, just wide enough to accommodate an oil drip for when you're making homemade mayonnaise.

The bowl itself is made from a material called Lexan, shatter-proof and dishwasher safe, which is housed in a classic white base. It holds 11 cups and works with a 600-watt motor -- capable enough to handle medium-strength tasks but not something in an "industrial strength" category that you could use for hours on end. But the cool thing here is that the option for kneading dough is automatically sensitive to density. When kneading dough with the Prep Plus, the processor will adjust the speed all on its own -- not overworking the dough, saving mechanical strength. Win-win.

One other thing I really like about this set is the interchangeable blades. It comes with a slicing, shredding, and dough blade. Other interchangeable blades from previous Cuisinart food processors should work on this machine as well as 11-cup blades from completely different manufacturers, too. Stainless steel processor blades are awesome and rarely need replacing, but it's always nice to have back-ups.

This set also comes with a spatula, a recipe booklet, and an instructional how-to DVD for setting up the machine and making a lot of the recipes shown inside the booklet.

There isn't a lot of negative feedback from this set exclusively. A small pet peeve for me is that the center wall which covers the rotation mechanism can be a bit short depending on what I'm trying to make, but over time, I've learned to deal with it and make smaller batches.

However, take note of where and when you're purchasing this set online. There have recently been reports of faulty packaging units that are shipped with the small feed tube completely wedged inside and impossible to remove, thereby damaging the product when it finally does get out. If this happens, you can go a couple of routes: return it to the manufacturer and hope for a better replacement product, or call Cuisinart's customer service and demand a product packaged well. But there's another twist to this story: seems the faulty packaging units also shipped with unrecognizable serial numbers that Cuisinart was unable to trace. (Whaaa...??)

Ideally, by now the defective units have been alerted to proper authorities so that you don't have to mess with insanely difficult packaging. It'll be tight, no doubt, but that's a good thing... as long as it's removable. Thousands of Cuisinart food processor owners stand by their brand and don't even consider switching. You will likely join their throngs -- just as long as you're prepared that you probably won't be using it within five minutes of it arriving at your doorstep. Keep scissors and an X-Acto knife close by, and you'll be fine.

Wanna see this model in brushed chrome or electric red?

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-plus-food-processor-review-11-cup-white-dlc-2011n-2/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Electric Food Processor | Bread Dough Mixer | 7 Cup DLC-5BK http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-electric-food-processor-bread-dough-mixer-7-cup-dlc-5bk/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-electric-food-processor-bread-dough-mixer-7-cup-dlc-5bk/#comments Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:04:09 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8813 Cuisinart Electric Food Processor Excelling at some common food processing jobs like kneading bread dough and slicing fruits and vegetables, the Cuisinart DLC-5BK Food Processor falls short in other areas. The rated capacity of seven cups is not an accurate working volume -- three cups of liquid is the maximum working load.

Although the useful volume of any food processor is less than the maximum it holds, the DLC-5 has a few other quirks you wouldn't expect. Overfilling the work bowl can cause liquid to leak beneath the lid and around the blade spindle. High speed settings may be too messy to be useful.

Depending on your uses, this can still be a good machine for your kitchen. The 600-watt motor can chop up to a pound of meat and knead one-and-a-half pounds of bread dough without overloading. Sharp interchangeable stainless steel disc blades make short work of grating cheese and slicing fruits and vegetables. Pay close attention to amounts, and don't use the highest speed settings when mixing dry ingredients or blending liquids.

Backed up with an excellent warranty of five years on the motor and three years on other parts, the DLC-5 disassembles easily but will require thorough hand cleaning.

Also take a look at the Cuisinart Duet Food Processor set:

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-electric-food-processor-bread-dough-mixer-7-cup-dlc-5bk/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Handy Prep Food Processor | Grater Chopper 3 Cup DFP-3 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-handy-prep-food-processor-grater-chopper-3-cup-dfp-3/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-handy-prep-food-processor-grater-chopper-3-cup-dfp-3/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:13:52 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8629 Cuisinart Handy Prep Food Processor If you doubt at all the speed and ability of a food processor, try a little race at home. Time yourself slicing, chopping, or shredding with your best knife, and then run the same item through the Cuisinart. Not only is it faster, you will notice that the pieces come out uniformly sized and attractive. Thoughtful features abound, like a small hole in the pusher which allows you to drizzle liquids in slowly for homemade mayo and sauces.

The Handy Prep is small enough to keep out on the counter and not be in the way. Don't let the small size fool you though; this machine is tough enough to knead dough or whip up a pie crust. Use light pressure with a cold cheese to grate and shred. If you have never had freshly ground nut butter, you are missing a taste treat. Add your favorite nuts and grind your own for sandwiches, spreads, or to add to recipes.

I try whenever possible to store all of the pieces of the processor together, including the blades. I tend to drop mine inside the work bowl so I can locate them easily, but if you have children or tend to reach without looking, you may want to isolate the blades in a drawer by themselves or wrap them individually, as they are razor sharp.

For larger portions, Cuisinart makes a 14-cup food processor as well.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-handy-prep-food-processor-grater-chopper-3-cup-dfp-3/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Food Processor, Interchangeable Blades | Electric Red Prep 11 Plus DLC-2011 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-11-plus-food-processor-electric-red-dlc-2011/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-11-plus-food-processor-electric-red-dlc-2011/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:05:18 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8465 Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus Food Processor With a powerful 600-watt motor and interchangeable processing disc blades, the Cuisinart Prep 11 is backed up by company claims that parts are virtually unbreakable and even tough jobs like mixing and kneading bread dough are within its range. The eleven-cup capacity of the blender pitcher implies the machine will do that much work, and there's where the trouble comes in. Maximum practical capacity is about half that much, and some leakage during use is even considered normal.

Running the machine under heavy loads is tempting but very tough on the assembly, and it isn't uncommon for the virtually unbreakable parts to begin breaking after a few months of what would seem like reasonable use. The three-year warranty will replace most of the problem pieces, but only after damaged parts are returned to the company, so service is an unhappy and lengthy process for many.

The machine does have many good features, with two sizes of feed tubes and a convenient way to add just the right amount of oil to mayonnaise that's still in process. The motor, warranted for ten years, automatically gears down under heavy load and generally has not been the source of the processor's problems. High expectations are normal when you work with a machine this powerful and this large, but with the Prep 11, those high hopes can often lead to trouble.

Here's a mini 4-cup version that works like a charm.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-11-plus-food-processor-electric-red-dlc-2011/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor | Electric 4 Cup DLC-4CHB http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-mini-prep-plus-food-processor-electric-4-cup-dlc-4chb/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-mini-prep-plus-food-processor-electric-4-cup-dlc-4chb/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:54:14 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8462 Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor The four-cup capacity Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus is a handy alternative to a full-sized blender, with enough power for small jobs and easy-to-clean features that will give it more use. The Mini-Prep will grind as well as chop dry ingredients, and has push button controls plus automatic reversal for the grinding option.

The Mini-Prep makes quick spreads and dips with fresh ingredients and also prepares hard cheeses, nuts, hard chocolate, and seeds for use as fresh toppings You may need to stop the machine occasionally and scrape the walls of the container with the spatula provided in order to get a smooth mix.

Many blenders will bog down if you don't get a liquid mix right, or if you overload the pitcher with harder items. If you sense distress in this little machine, shut it down and reconsider what you are doing. Motors generally burn out because of overloads.

The small size is a definite advantage for most kitchens, saving ingredients as well as clean-up time. If you prepare food in small batches, you don't feel obligated to eat more than you should -- so if you watch calories, a small volume machine like the Mini-Prep is a great help.

Want a food processor like this in a blender combo set?

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-mini-prep-plus-food-processor-electric-4-cup-dlc-4chb/feed/ 1 Cuisinart PrepExpress Food Processor | Handheld Electric Chopper HFP-300 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prepexpress-food-processor-handheld-electric-chopper-hfp-300/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prepexpress-food-processor-handheld-electric-chopper-hfp-300/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:20:06 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=5119 Cuisinart PrepExpress Food Processor The PrepExpress is made to operate in three ways- hold it in your hand, set over your pan or bowl, or set it on the counter. The device comes with three stainless steel cutting drums: a slicing, a shredding, and a grating or fine shredding drum. The food chamber, pusher, and drums can be removed for cleaning and are safe for the dishwasher. It features a 220 watt motor, single button activation (on the handle) and retractable cord.

The PrepExpress is made to chop vegetables very quickly in the style of a salad shooter. You can crush nuts for flour, create chocolate shavings, or shred cheese. The chute is tilted, shaped to shoot ingredients into a bowl.

It definitely does shred quickly. Unfortunately, the height of the opening will not accommodate most bowls. It also doesn't sit at an angle which will ensure ingredients fall into the container placed directly in front of it. It sprays a little. No matter what you shred, there is going to be some cleanup. I haven't heard anyone mention this, but to me, the open drum seems an encouragement to reach inside, something you are definitely not supposed to do.

This is a strange looking device- like half iron, half food processor. That wouldn't be an issue if the performance weren't just as awkward. I saw a video where even the pro from Cuisinart had to hold it directly over a bowl to cut down on the mess, but that made it tough for him to press the pusher to force food through. He did have a tip: use less pressure to shred softer items. That doesn't seem to have helped the people who find that the machine mashes all of their food. Finally, it is difficult to clean as food becomes trapped in several places inside the unit. A mixed result for Cuisinart.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prepexpress-food-processor-handheld-electric-chopper-hfp-300/feed/ 1 Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus Food Processor | Brushed Chrome DLC-2011BCN http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-11-plus-food-processor-brushed-chrome-dlc-2011bcn/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-11-plus-food-processor-brushed-chrome-dlc-2011bcn/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:14:32 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3361 Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus Food Processor The Prep 11 Plus from Cuisinart features a massive 11 cup Lexan bowl which is dishwasher safe, practically shatterproof, and able to be exposed to heat or cold. This is a full size processor with six hundred watts of power. The new extra large feed tube (two and a half times the size of other feed tubes) and a smaller feed tube are located on the front of this machine for even greater access.

For mixing of dough, the motor adjusts speed to yield the proper consistency. The device comes with a dough blade, 4mm stainless steel slicing and shredding discs, and a spatula.

Seventy five recipes and a how to video also accompany the UL listed machine. Preexisting Cuisinart blades and discs also fit this machine and it comes with a three year parts and ten year motor warranty. The parts are dishwasher safe.

People regularly use the Prep 11 Plus so often that it remains out on the counter; it is that easy to clean and useful in preparation of a wide variety of foods. The improved feed tube is something you may not appreciate until you've actually experienced the convenience. No precutting is necessary. Having such a machine helps bring time savings into home cooking, so you can eat healthier meals without sacrificing hours to their preparation. Such an improvement over older models that it really is a must have.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-11-plus-food-processor-brushed-chrome-dlc-2011bcn/feed/ 2 Cuisinart Food Processor Attachment | Stand Mixer Accessory SM-FP http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-food-processor-attachment-stand-mixer-accessory-sm-fp/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-food-processor-attachment-stand-mixer-accessory-sm-fp/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:58:21 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4002 Cuisinart Food Processor Attachment The Cuisinart Food Processor Attachment fits the Cuisinart stand mixer and provides a three cup capacity bowl with a large feed tube to fit all your food selections. With the stainless steel blade, you can chop, puree, or mix. The included reversible slicing/shredding disc can be used to slice veggies and shred cheese. The unit connects to the high speed power outlet on the Cuisinart stand mixer. This item comes with an instruction book, a recipe book, and a three year limited warranty.

The food processor accessory really provides the benefit of several small appliances in one. Even better, you only need to store one attachment. The work bowl is clear, allowing you to monitor the progress inside, and the top locks in place for security. All parts are safe for the top rack of the dishwasher (except the gearbox collar). The work bowl is not safe for microwave use.

Expand the potential uses of your Cuisinart stand mixer by adding this valuable attachment and take the drudgery out of many of the more time consuming chores that come with handling food. Do a job in seconds that would have taken you far longer by hand and enjoy consistent slices, complete blending, and a thorough chopping of your ingredients.

Here's another attachment:  the Fruit & Vegetable Strainer.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-food-processor-attachment-stand-mixer-accessory-sm-fp/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Prep 9 Food Processor | Kitchen Brushed Stainless 9 Cup DLC-2009CHB http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-9-food-processor-kitchen-brushed-stainless-9-cup-dlc-2009chb/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-9-food-processor-kitchen-brushed-stainless-9-cup-dlc-2009chb/#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:44:18 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3006 Cuisinart Prep 9 Food Processor With the Cuisinart Prep 9, the nine refers to the well sized nine cup Lexan work bowl. Feed tubes can be the make or break point on a good processor. This one has an oversized chute which accommodates full sized, whole fruits or vegetables that can be fed continuously into the machine. The Cuisinart offers several styles of food preparation through its assortment of attachments: a stainless steel slicing disc, shredding disc, a chopping and mixing blade, and a dough blade.

The finish is brushed stainless steel, a match for almost any decor and simple to clean. The set includes a spatula, instructional DVD, a recipe book/manual, and a limited three year warranty. The motor has a limited ten year warranty. The parts are dishwasher safe.

The stainless steel exterior is easy to clean, plus the pieces come apart and fit together very nicely and clean just as fast. The processor works quietly and efficiently. The buttons are very simple: on, off, and pulse selections. The appliance requires a small footprint for the capacity of food it prepares. Capable of making nut butters, chopping and shredding any number of food items, mixing ingredients including thick batters and dough, even whipping egg whites, this is a powerhouse machine.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-prep-9-food-processor-kitchen-brushed-stainless-9-cup-dlc-2009chb/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Pro Custom Food Processor | Kitchen 11 Cup White http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-pro-custom-food-processor-kitchen-11-cup-white/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-pro-custom-food-processor-kitchen-11-cup-white/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:14:23 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-pro-custom-food-processor-kitchen-11-cup-white/ Cuisinart Pro Custom Food Processor Cuisinart, the originator of the modern food processor, has so many different models of the same machine available today, they need someone in marketing to just say "enough already!" Currently there are more than twelve varieties available on their website.

Case in point, this model -- the Pro Custom 11. The style hearkens back to the original food processor that wowed the crowds back in the 1970's. Square in shape and simple to operate with just an on switch and a pulse button. The complete blade assortment and two lids: one featuring an extra large feeder tube (Whole potatoes fit!) and one sans feeder tube for liquid mixing operations and dough processing. Don't look for any high-tech touchpad stainless steel gadgetry here. This thing is old school.

There are folks today still using, and loving, the original model that this version emulates. That means there are Cuisinart Food Processors over 25 years old still in operation. Sad to say, this is not that legendary machine. Once upon a time quality was king at Cuisinart but nowadays that crown is worn by a little monkey called profit. The reports are in and while some buyers of this model are content with it, many others decry the less than adequate motor power and the overall poor quality of the blades and fit of the parts. I believe you may find better choices for food processors in this price range. There are plenty to choose from these days.

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