Cuisinart
Aimed to be compact and easy to use, the Mini-Prep Plus 3 Cup mini food processor is built at extreme simplicity. After testing models with storage boxes, we found that such boxes are convenient for keeping attachments organized, and they’re worth investing in if your model doesn’t come with one. You can also organize blades and disks in a designated Tupperware-style container, basket, or other receptacle.
Unlike those of some other models we tested, the Cuisinart’s base remained stable on the counter, even when processing double batches of dough. This model is easy to clean, and the attachments store neatly inside the bowl, preventing clutter. Cuisinart makes cooking for crowds easy and fast with the Custom 14™ 14 Cup Food Processor. Made from brushed stainless steel, this sleek kitchen cuisinart pots and pans set workhorse is a breeze to use and will whir through prep and cooking with ease. Although there’s some overlap in what they can do, food processors and blenders aren’t interchangeable appliances. A food processor is the best tool for chopping and mincing, because its wide base allows the blades to slice through more at once, so you can coarsely chop ingredients quickly and evenly.
Generally, if you’re making soup, you should let the ingredients cool before blending. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. When you bring it home, remove all the pieces from the box and wash them using the cleaning instructions. Blenders, with their height and pitcher-shaped design, are made to hold a large amount of liquid.
Cuisinart was founded in 1971 by Carl Sontheimer, a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology who was inspired by his love of French food. This led to the creation of Cuisinart and its main product, the food processor. Cuisinart introduced its brand in January 1973 at a trade show in Chicago. The success of cuisinart pots and pans set Cuisinart was limited at first, until a review in Gourmet magazine helped to lift sales. Donna Currie is a cookbook author who writes roundups and reviews products for The Spruce Eats. Foods including hummus, smooth salsas, salad dressings, pesto, and whipped cream can be made in both a blender and food processor.
Without even thinking, I clicked on the Amazon link, ordered Cuisinart’s finest food processor, and eagerly awaited for it to arrive. In the meantime, I scowled every time I had to slice through another green pepper. kwee-zin-art) is an American home appliance brand owned by Conair Corporation.
The ones we test cost as little as $30—that’s about one-twentieth of the cost of a souped-up food processor. The size of the food processor is based on the size of the work bowl. I tested models ranging from 11- to 14-cup capacity, but you can get food processors that come with mini bowl and cuisinart pots and pans set mini chopper options and as small as three cups. For a household with two or more people, I’d recommend at least an 8-cup model and if you have the storage space, spring for a large food processor, just in case. We weren’t impressed with the Magimix by Robot-Coupe 14-Cup Food Processor.
Most brands sell replacement parts, which may come in handy after the limited warranty on parts expires. You’ll find replacement bowls, food pushers, blades, and various other attachments for the Cuisinart Custom 14 and the Breville Sous Chef 16 Pro . You can sometimes find cheaper, secondhand parts on eBay, but just be sure you get the right model number. Most mini choppers don’t have hefty bases like full-size processors do, and the Food Chopper is no exception. However, at just under 2 pounds, it has a slightly heavier base than other mini models, which helps keep it stable.
The nine-cup capacity should be ample for most home cooks, but Cuisinart’s 11-cup sister model is ideal if you entertain often and are making larger batches. This Cuisinart includes a slicer disc, shredding disc, new chopping blade, detachable stem, spatula, and recipe book. This includes one reversible slicing and shredding disc and a metal chopping blade, so you won’t have a lot of extras to store. When you’re done using it, the lid can be flipped upside down so the feed tube is inside the bowl, and the cord wraps neatly so it won’t get in the way. If you’re looking for something even smaller, Hamilton Beach makes 8-cup processors, too. Some food processors come with mini chopping bowl attachments to accommodate lighter loads, but if all you do is chop small batches, opt for a food chopper.
But I also think this food processor is for a home cook who prides themselves on cooking whole food ingredients for their family. I genuinely like creating my own sauces, salads, and soups — not only can I be creative in what is added, I know the exact ingredients of all the food I put on the table. There are plenty of healthy options that can be found at the grocery store, but nothing feels quite right when you don’t know what’s actually in your food. I figured I could save money over some of the more expensive options and still get close to the results I was looking for.