The Cooks' Den » Cuisinart 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 Green Gourmet Wok by Cuisinart | GreenGourmet Ceramic Nonstick Eco Friendly Recycled Cookware http://www.thecooksden.com/green-gourmet-wok-by-cuisinart-greengourmet-ceramic-nonstick-eco-friendly-recycled-cookware/ http://www.thecooksden.com/green-gourmet-wok-by-cuisinart-greengourmet-ceramic-nonstick-eco-friendly-recycled-cookware/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:47:33 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12790 Green Gourmet Wok by Cuisinart The GreenGourmet line from Cuisinart is a really great idea conceptually. Both product and packaging are made from materials that are recycled, better for the environment, and healthier for your body. This wok is just one of many GreenGourmet options to choose from, and it holds up like the rest.

The solid construction is made out of hard anodized aluminum, a material that heats up quickly and requires less energy to maintain high temperatures. The wok is coated inside with ceramic-based non-stick coating, not petroleum-based -- just one more way to conserve resources. It's also PTFE and PFOA-free. All stainless steel parts are made from 70% recycled materials, and the product packaging is 100% recycled and printed with soy ink.

This wok measures 12 inches in diameter and comes with a tight-fitting glass lid. The handles are stay-cool, and it's still safe in oven temperatures up to 500 degrees as well as under the broiler. Cuisinart also covers this GreenGourmet product with a limited lifetime warranty.

At first, this GreenGourmet wok offers a lot more non-stick action than an ordinary stainless steel pan. After a while, though, it's possible that the surface could become more reminiscent of stainless steel. Some users mention that after 6 months or so, it's not as non-stick as it was out of the box. However, most cooks don't report any problems at all. In any case, it's best to follow the manufacturer's cooking and maintenance instructions to extend the life of the pan, such as not exposing it to extreme stovetop temperatures or not washing it in the dishwasher.

Compare this GreenGourmet wok with the Joyce Chen Wok Set, another eco-friendly alternative.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/green-gourmet-wok-by-cuisinart-greengourmet-ceramic-nonstick-eco-friendly-recycled-cookware/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Multi Purpose Pot w/ Glass Lid | Chef’s Classic Cookware Bowl, Stainless Steel http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-multi-purpose-pot-w-glass-lid-chefs-classic-cookware-bowl-stainless-steel/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-multi-purpose-pot-w-glass-lid-chefs-classic-cookware-bowl-stainless-steel/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:11:51 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12786 Cuisinart Multi Purpose Pot w/ GlassThis Cuisinart Multi-Purpose Pot follows the streamlined stainless steel look of the Chef's Classic product line. It has a modern, minimalist design and is just as functional as the rest of the set -- maybe even replacing a few pots & pans altogether.

The large bowl-shaped pan can be used for countless recipes: soups, pasta, roasts, layered casseroles, desserts, etc. There's not much it can't do. My favorite feature? Cuisinart says this pan is safe to use in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold extremes. You can put it in a 550-degree oven (Fahrenheit) and later use it for storing leftovers in the freezer. Not all cookware is safe to use with temperatures that high. It also comes with a fitted lid and features strong double loop helper handles.

As with Cuisinart's other stainless steel cookware products, the Multi-Purpose Pot won't stain or react with foods. Its aluminum base distributes heat quickly and evenly across the surface. Care is easy, too, because the pan is dishwasher safe.

Over time, you may start to notice small discolorations on the bottom surface. These are typically small in size and would be matched with the most repetitive, hottest source of direct heat, especially if you frequently cook on the stovetop higher than medium heat. It doesn't affect the pan's functionality, though.

There are dozens of cookware options that match this pan in the Chef's Classic product line. For starters, take a look at the Cuisinart Double Boiler Insert.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-multi-purpose-pot-w-glass-lid-chefs-classic-cookware-bowl-stainless-steel/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Bread Maker Review | Convection Programmable Automatic Gluten Free CBK-200 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-bread-maker-review-convection-programmable-automatic-gluten-free-cbk-200/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-bread-maker-review-convection-programmable-automatic-gluten-free-cbk-200/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:59:33 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12710 Cuisinart Bread Maker Review Convection n. -- a highly sought-after airflow cooking method that uses fans to circulate hot air inside an oven. This speeds up cooking time and evens out the irregularities in cooked consistency.

And now, this same convection oven technology can be found in a portable bread maker. Sounds awesome, right?

The Cuisinart Convection Bread Maker utilitzes this convection cooking method in a programmable, automatic machine -- and there are hundreds of possible bread combinations to choose from as far as programmability goes. It comes with 16 different settings for low carb, gluten free, artisan and sweet breads, or just kneading dough. The darkness of the crust is adjustable, and the large pan can accomodate three different loaf sizes. Also, in case the dough's already pre-made, the Cuisinart also has a "bake only" function.

Technically speaking, the convection system is of excellent quality and seems to work as well as advertised. Another feat of engineering in this Cuisinart bread machine is a "power save" function. This is a crucial feature to have if you live in an area with frequent power outages, no matter how short the power failure may be. If at any point you lose electric power, the Cuisinart Bread Maker will remember where it left off during the baking cycle when the power comes back on again; it won't reset from the beginning.

For all its feats, however, the Cuisinart isn't perfect. The most frequent complaint is due to the baking pan, which can pop out midway through the baking cycle. This manufacturer's flaw is easily fixed, though -- a quick solution is to pull out the metal tabs where the pan rests until it's a tighter fit. Also, don't assume that the recipes you use in another manufacturer's bread machine will work identically with this one. Start with the recipes that come with it, or are recommended for it online, and go from there. For example, low carb breads with extremely low carbohydrate count might not bake as evenly as other breads that are on the "higher carb" end of the special diet.

The Cuisinart may not be perfect for all, but its vast programmability and excellent convection cooking ability are definitely worth consideration. It's housed in a brushed stainless steel exterior with stay-cool handles and is paired with a manufacturer's 3-year limited warranty.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-bread-maker-review-convection-programmable-automatic-gluten-free-cbk-200/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Double Boiler Universal Insert & Lid | For Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Saucepan, Fits 2, 3 or 4 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-double-boiler-universal-insert-lid-for-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-fits-2-3-or-4-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-double-boiler-universal-insert-lid-for-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-fits-2-3-or-4-quart/#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:40:33 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12067 Cuisinart Double Boiler UniversalIf you have a Cuisinart Chef's Classic cookware set and find yourself in need of a double boiler, great news -- you don't have to shell out big bucks for a bulky double boiler set just so you can make that perfect sauce. Instead, take a look at the Cuisinart Double Boiler insert pictured here.

This double boiler has a rounded bottom which can fit into 2, 3, and 4-quart saucepans in the Chef's Classic product line. It's made from stainless steel and comes with a fitted lid topped with a large loop handle. The diameter is rimmed in such a way to discourage excess dripping when the contents are poured out. The double boiler is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 550 degrees.

As with other products in the Cuisinart Chef's Classic line, this double boiler holds up and performs very well. It heats evenly, cleans easily, and is fairly non-stick -- as long as the temperature stays at medium heat or lower.

Peruse with caution if you don't have a matching Chef's Classic pot or pan. While this Cuisinart double boiler is labelled "universal," chances are it will only seal tightly on cookware bearing the same name, like this 7-piece cookware set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-double-boiler-universal-insert-lid-for-chefs-classic-stainless-steel-saucepan-fits-2-3-or-4-quart/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 14 Piece Hard Anodized Cookware Set | Nonstick Quantanium http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:30:50 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8967 Cuisinart Chef's Classic 14 Piece HardThe great thing about buying a full set of cookware is that you get to start all over, fresh. All of your pan sins of the past can be erased, if not forgiven. You open the big box and unwrap a whole set of matching pans and lids that are perfect and ready to go. If change can be difficult to consider, think about it as an upgrade. You'll reap the benefits of new designs and technology.

The Cuisinart set is a wonderful choice for many reasons. The Quantanium interiors provide a superior nonstick surface. The pans and lids are constructed to be high performance, resistant to breakage, wear, and the adherence of food. The drip-free rims, stay-cool handles, and helper handle are small features you'll appreciate during your most hectic cooking days. The aluminum cores provide exceptional heat distribution.

The set includes some extremely valuable pieces in addition to the traditional regulars. The pasta steamer insert and regular steamer insert are items not found in most sets. Buying the full set saves you on the cost of the pans and the hassle of trying to collect individual pans. Even if you don't display your set, you can be proud to have friends or family catch them out on the stove.

Compare this with Cuisinart's 12-piece cookware set and see which pieces you really need.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-14-piece-hard-anodized-cookware-set-nonstick-quantanium/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Kitchen Stockpot w/ Lid | Stainless Steel Chef’s Classic Aluminum 8 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-stockpot-w-lid-stainless-steel-aluminum-8-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-stockpot-w-lid-stainless-steel-aluminum-8-quart/#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:12:37 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8952 Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stockpot w/Every kitchen needs a good stockpot. It may as well dress up the place while it is doing its duties. A pan like this is a once-in-a-generation purchase which will last through every batch of corn on the cob, simmer tomato sauce like a champ, and allow you to prepare homemade stock like nothing you can find in the grocery aisle.

This gleaming treasure is from the Cuisinart Chef's Classic line. The all-metal handles are made with grips manufactured into the underside of the handle, just one feature of many of a strong pan designed to be easy to handle when fully loaded. The construction keeps the heat moving into your food from all sides. I have found stainless pans to be so hassle-free to clean by hand that I won't argue over washing them myself (as long as the food was good) when my partner goes crazy and uses every pan in the house for a meal.

You may burst into spontaneous applause and have to explain yourself when you prepare large amounts of produce inside, yet get to the bottom of the pot to find nary a burn or difficult mess. Whether you prepare large amounts or smaller, troublemaking dishes which like to spit, the pot can contain it all.

Compare this with Farberware's 8-quart stainless steel stockpot.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-chefs-classic-stockpot-w-lid-stainless-steel-aluminum-8-quart/feed/ 0 Cuisinart Stainless Steel Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker | 15 Bar EM-100 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-stainless-steel-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-15-bar-em-100/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-stainless-steel-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-15-bar-em-100/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:34:58 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8779 Cuisinart Stainless Steel EspressoThis sturdy and compact espresso maker from Cuisinart has all the features that make for a great coffee making appliance for your kitchen. The question is, does it provide enough features and convenience to compete with others in the price range?

The EM-100 Espresso maker is a pump-driven machine capable of coffee brewing pressure of 15-bar, which is sufficient to properly extract all the espresso goodness as well as the rich crema that is craved by aficionados of the stuff. There are a number of useful features including a 52 oz. removable water reservoir, milk frother, and a top that serves as a warming tray for storing and preheating your espresso cups. Adding to the versatility is the ability to brew with ground coffee or coffee pods. The filters included allow you to make one or two cups at a time, and the large size of the water reservoir means less time spent filling and more time brewing coffee.

This seems to be a decent espresso brewing machine. The controls are clearly labeled, and the output fairly consistent. Like most of the pump-driven espresso makers, you need to follow the instructions well in order to master it. Cuisinart has included not only an instruction book but also a DVD to walk you through the process. That is a nice touch to keep calls to customer service down with "how does it work" questions.

Compare this with the Breville Cafe Roma espresso machine.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-stainless-steel-espresso-machine-coffee-maker-15-bar-em-100/feed/ 1 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 Digital Automatic Coffee Maker, White | Programmable w/ Water Filter, 12 Cup DCC-1100 http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-12-cup-coffee-maker-programmable-w-water-filter-dcc-1100/ http://www.thecooksden.com/cuisinart-12-cup-coffee-maker-programmable-w-water-filter-dcc-1100/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:37:50 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8754 Cuisinart 12 Cup Coffee Maker Cuisinart's DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemake offers 24 hour programmability plus settings for 1 to 4 cups of brew. Programming and use is not self explanatory, however, and you'll find the manual essential until you're accustomed to the system.

The DCC-1100 does have water filtration and a warning light which flashes when calcium buildup reaches critical levels. Calcium removal is not automatic and requires filling the system with a vinegar and water solution overnight.

The unit itself is good looking and easy to fill, and the pot is non-drip with a knuckle safe handle that keeps your fingers off the pot. Those should be standard on every coffeemaker and aren't that unusual to find.

Although it's a good coffeemaker, there are some features missing that I'd like to see included. There's no warming plate beneath the pot, so you'll either drink this brew hot right now, or you'll drink it cold later. Another issue is the minimal sixty-second memory which is all that stands between you and no morning coffee when you wake up. If the power goes out for more than sixty seconds while you're sleeping, the coffeemaker wil clear its setting. Should that happen, you'll have to reprogram the onboard computer before you get coffee..

The three-year warranty covers replacement of any defective units, although owners are required to pay return shipping costs. The DCC-1100 has a good reliability history.

Compare this with the Cuisinart Coffee On Demand coffeemaker.

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