A question about Food Processors

[joelippard]

Did a little looking around at our local Belk store today.  It's definetly going to be a Cuisinart.  They had the 14 cup Die Cast model and boy did it look like a serious kind of machine.  I picked it up and the others, including the Kitchen Aid feel like lightweights by comparison.  Does anyone here have experience with the model I mentioned above?

 

[frigilux]

If the processor pictured here is the one you saw, it is the newly-redesigned Cuisinart--the word 'Elite' is often used with it. While certainly better than the newly-redesigned KitchenAid, it scores significantly lower in tests than its predecessors. I'd recommend the 14-cup Custom-14 model, pictured above in Reply #2. You'll also save around $110.

 

[danemodsandy]

I Second Frigilux!

Joe:

That new model with the curved workbowl sides isn't a patch on the DFP-14BCN model, which is a tried-and-true thirty-year-old design underneath the new cladding of the base. It's based on the DLC-7, a workhorse that does not ever let you down.

The new one is not actually terrible, but its workbowl system is fiddlier than the DFP series, harder to use.

The DFP-14BCN with the black and stainless base is a great machine; you wouldn't regret it.

 

[frigilux]

Joe-- I checked out the Bosch Universal, which gets high marks for kneading dough, but decided to hang on to my KitchenAid mixer. I invested in three extra bowls and several flat beaters for the KA, which makes quick work of high-volume mixing. The Bosch is a very cool-looking unit, though!

 

[frigilux]

I received the new issue of Cook's Illustrated today, and which food processor did they top-rate? Why, the above-mentioned Cuisinart Custom-14 ($200)

They also tested the midseason-tweaked new KitchenAid 13-cup processor ($300), and the 16-cup Breville ($400).

While the Custom-14 lacks the variable slicing thickness offered by the other two, they still preferred it for basic tasks (dicing, chopping, dough) over the re-redesigned KitchenAid, and questioned whether the Breville was worth the extra $200.

So, the Custom-14 comes highly recommended by both Frigilux and the wizards at Cook's Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen.

 

[joelippard]

Pulled the trigger today

Just ordered the DFP-14BCN and the blade/disc holder to go with it. We're going to fix Mom up right, this should last her a very long time. I was very tempted by the "prettiness" of the new design but decided the advice given here and the ratings on Amazon should be heeded and stick with the time proven design. Thank you to those of you who helped me by giving your advice.

 

[danemodsandy]

And That's Not All!

Joe:

Since this unit is based on the venerable DLC-7, that means that DLC-7 blades fit it.

What that means to you is that if accessory blades are desired, you can pick up a full set of DLC-7 blades on eBay cheap. There is a set of nine-count-'em-nine available, containing such goodies as thick and thin slicers, julienne blades in different sizes and even a French fry blade.

The DLC-7 beater unit, juicer and pasta attachments also fit.

Happy processing!

 

[whirlpolf]

just buy French

and you will be happy.

Having tried out several brands (in Europe, that is) I might say you might want to stick to Robot-Coupe or their respective household brand Magimix.
I do know for sure that there had been some severe to-and-fro going on in the USA, businesswise. (Cuisinart and Robot-Coupe behaving like some queer Barbie dolls in the beginning, it must have been something about patent infringements and one not wanting to have to do with the other - just blah stuff).

Seen from here I cannot see any major technical difference between Robot-Coupe, Magimix, Cuisinart or the older KitchenAid processors. All seem to be made with a substantial induction motor and no speed control (just the choice between "run" and "run shortly" = pulse button).
That is what you will want: Full power and full speed with the best blades you can get.

Going down in the price range you might even get some Braun Multisystem (models K 850 to K 1000)- nowadays called Braun Multiquick 7 (up to models K 3000). They do not have a heavy induction motor but a DC brushed motor with some extra cooling fan and a speed control. Not really comparable to the ones above but within the household and thrift range I consider them best choice. Ours has been going strong for 2 years now without complaints, even in the semi-commercial usage. Very silent, very versatile and a real bargain at some 139,- to 220,- Euros with all attachments (dough bowl with kneader and whisk/ full processor/shredder kit and a full fledged glass jar blender) - (I do not know about the US or Canada prices though).

 

[whirlpolf]

here is the link

look at "Essenszubereitung" ( = food preparation)

http://braun.com/de/home.html

 

[petek]

Joe... Braun no longer sells kitchen appliances in N.America. I just found that out a little while ago.. All they do sell now are razors and hair clippers. Magimix is very hard to find, near impossible, I think only Williams Sonoma stores sell them

 

[danemodsandy]

Joe:

Robot-Coupe has entered the North American market on three occasions, and exited it twice.

They're back for the moment, but their history in this market does not generate feelings of trust in American consumers - they're like the Renault of appliance manufacturers as far as Americans are concerned.

Robot-Coupe makes an excellent machine - in fact, I own an RC-3500GO. But it's a witch - and staggeringly expensive - to get parts for, and so I rely on my Cuisinart instead.

 

[timborow]

DLC7

Thanks, Danemodsandy for letting us know that attachments from the older machine will fit the DFP14. I am looking for a dough blade for ours that I found at a bargain last week. That helps me out a lot.
Tim.

 

[mikeklondon]

Magimix

HI all do you not have Magimix in the US