Advice on purchase of new Food Processor

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scoots

scoots

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About 5 years ago I purchased a Black and Decker FP2500 food processor. I knew very little about these appliances - Mom thought they were gadgets but I was watching Youtube videos and they seemed like real time savers. While I had no complaints about how the unit worked, I hated the way it was made.

I dimly recall the earlier 70's versions that seemed straight forward in the way they were put together. My B&D consisted of many plastic parts that needed to go together *just so* or the multi-interlocks wouldn't line up and the damn thing would not turn on.

A few weeks ago -after very light use- the motor started to smoke and I escorted the whole POS to the scrap metal yard.

So my question is, are there any recommendations on a replacement? I'm not adverse to a modern unit per se, but I'm concerned that it will be just as balky to get the safety's to work.

Perhaps a vintage GE from the 70s? -Thanks.

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Vintage Cuisinart or New Cuisinart.  Mine is  getting close to 40 years old, (wow!) and it works great.  I do need a new work bowl, but other than that it's great.  It was made in Japan btw.

 

Just saw a review of 5 food processors on a Cook Kitchen show on PBS, they gave the Cusinirat top honors.
 
Here's some interesting reading material:

https://www.seriouseats.com/2017/10/best-food-processor-equipment-review.html

The best foodprocessors have an induction motor. Both KitchenAid and Cuisinart have started using cheaper motors in some models, so if you want that, check which models have that.

Vintage Cuisinart is a good choice. I had a newer Cuisinart with induction motor that broke down after 8 years or so. I replaced it with a Magimix, which is sturdier built than the Cuisinart I had.
 
I would go

with Breville (very good, expensive), Magimix (not always imported to the States,) or Cuisinart. For the time being, I would avoid the current KitchenAid. I have heard from more than one person that the current KA processors are harder to use than they should be

I am decidedly a processor cook! Now that I can no longer stand without external support, I use my processors even more than I did.

I even make brownies in mine. I also make bread dough, sliced/chopped salads,
prep vegetables for soups......

12 cup KitchenAid (older), and a 7 cup Cuisinart (newer). Use them about equally.

Jean Anderson wrote Process This! It is the best processor book I have read/bought, and I have read most of them, and bought many.

Lawrence/Maytagbear
 
Lawrence raises some valid points about current units

My ancient Cuisinart works perfectly and the new blade (which took forever to get here) is well made.

 

Our 1970's Black and Decker was an outstanding unit, it held up in everyday use and we'd still have it except for a flood in 2008. 

 

I've had nothing but trouble with our KA Stand Mixers built in the last 10 years, so can't recommend anything they turn out. Whirlpool really is banking on their good name, just like with Maytag and that gorgeous hunk.

 

I'd go with a vintage Cuisinart or really older Black and Decker.
 
Caution with Cuisinart

If you go Cuisinart, look for the classic style, not the new style.

About two years ago I bought the "new" style with the snap on lid and nice brushed stainless look. What a PITA. the seal on the lid traps food and is difficult to clean. the space between the blade and the bowl when shredding allows large chunks of carrots to pass by without being processed.

If you can live with these cons, it isn't a bad machine, but if you have a choice before hand; you may want to go in informed.

As for the Kitchenaid, the select a slice blade has been troublesome, and it is one of the more expensive models available.
 
I went a different direction...

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">I have burned out at least four Cuisinart Food Processors over the past 30 years.  The white one below is one of them, I had a DLCX which is a bigger version of this one.  Then I had a big one with the three interchangeable bowls which I can't seem to find a picture of at the moment.  I either burned them out or the switch broke or something crazy and it was always after the warranty was over.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">I finally broke down and bought a commercial one.  This thing is amazing and a beast. I used to grind chicken in the Kitchen Aid Grinder attachment twice when I made chicken burgers but not with this thing.  A few pulses and they are ground nice and smooth.  I add the other ingredients and pulse it a couple of times and they are done.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">The best thing about it is if it breaks I can buy all the separate parts to fix it.  Hopefully this is the last one I'll buy.  But I love this thing.  I got a dicing attachment that is amazing.  The thing is great.</span>

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I just replaced a Cuisinart Food Processor since there was a recall on the S blade and they never sent out the replacement. I kept using the thing until the bowl broke..again...and they are not cheap to replace so after the 4th bowl replacement I said enough. Now I had my original Cuisinart that I bought back in the early 8os from Service Merchandise that was still running and all the plastics parts were still good until a few years ago when the two part pusher fell apart in my hands. The plastic was Lexan and it lasted for a good 28 years...the newer ones the bowls are not up to par in my opinion.
So I replaced it with a Breville. Love the thing and it was on sale at Bed, Bath and Beyonce for $225 plus I used a coupon and brought it down even more.
 
I have an older Cuisinart DLC-10 that I got new about 8 years ago. Has never given me trouble and I'd consider it a workhorse. The thing I like about it is the very large feed tube - great for slicing larger vegetables, cheese etc. Its a 7 cup capacity and I find it perfect for what I need. The thing I don't like about it is all the safety interlocks like you describe. Not only do these various parts seem fragile, they also make the work bowl harder to clean. Otherwise, I don't think you could go wrong with a classic like this thats been around forever. I believe they are still being produced.

Before the Cuisinart I had one of the old GE's you mentioned. They were based on GE's blender design with the belt driven motor. Louder for sure and it only has the standard size feed tube but I'd also consider it a workhorse. Never gave me any trouble at all and I did a lot of bread dough in it. Although Robot Coupe/Cuisinart introduced the Food Processor, GE really turned them into a household item in the 70's/80's as they were more affordable and a great product. They must have sold a gazillion of them during this time. You can often find them in thrift stores for next to nothing and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one if all the parts are there.

I've also heard great things about the vintage Sunbeams. Apparently built like a tank but they weren't as common and I've never had one myself.
 
I bought a new 14Cup Cusinart machine from BBB-this one has the induction "washer" motor in it.I can get the model# for you.Most of the current machines that have geared universal motors are a BAD choice-the braking of these-they take time to "spin down" when the pulse button is released.And the motors and plastic gwears in these won't hold up.And to add to the worry-the motor uses brushes-these processors sound like a drill when you run them-and they are light so they can bounce around when being used-you have to hold them down.The induction motored machines are heavy enough they can hold themselves down.You don't have to put your heavy paw on them.However---the machine I just bought was built in China-the quality is good,though.Better than the lightweight cheaper machines.And the blades are well made.Warnings on the blades about their sharpness.They are well ground and honed-so be careful unpacking!!!
 
When I was in the US at Christmas, I was using a big kitchenaid food processor. I was surprised st the number of gaskets, adjustable parts etc that it had. It seemed like over time there are lots of bits to break or leak.

I’ve got a Magimix 5200 nothing is adjustable, it’s all separate pieces that fit and have individual functions. Like Rex said, it’s heavy enough that it doesn’t move, it does run like a washing machine motor of old. Surprisingly it’s still made in France from the same factor Robot Coupe comes from.

Mine is 10 years old and I’m yet to replace any of the original plastic pieces.

It’s basically built like an old school processor. No frills or gimmicks,just a solid processor.
 
I like my (newer) KA a lot. Rich bought it for me about 10 years ago when the Robot Coupe from the 70's crapped out. On, Off and Pulse. That's it. The interlock is pretty simple and it has a lot of torque!

Chuck
 
Robot Coupe are excellent-have an old one-needs a new container.Bought that one from a used commercial cooking equipment place.New RC machines are VERY expensive!!!Some are too big for home use.Also they have very large feed openings in the lids-they wouldn't be safe with kids around.Some RC machines may need 240V or 3 ph power to run them.
 
I bought my RC on eBay...

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">And I know I got a good deal.  Mine without the dicing attachment retails for I think around $900 or so.  I had been watching auctions for a long time and stumbled across this one at $450.  I think he had a restaurant and had shut down or something.  Not really sure but the machine hadn't seen a lot of use.  No one had bid on it which was a surprise to me and I won the auction at $450.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">Then I get an eMail from the guy saying when he was packing the box he found a few more accessories that he threw in the box since he no longer had a need for them.  He threw in an extra work bowl with lid and an extra S-Blade.  He threw in the Dicing attachment with a couple extra blades and pushers. At retail prices he threw in easily $500 in extras.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">The last Cuisinart I bought was over $300 and that one lasted only a few years.  The switch went out so my pulse was pulling the plug in and out which was annoying.  Cuisinart would do nothing since it was out of warranty.  The one before that was probably in the Two Hundreds and that one lasted maybe 5 years.  </span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">My point of all this is, if this machine lasts as long as I hope it does and I'm not replacing it again in a few years I will be further ahead.  And this thing is a beast.  Last week hubby wanted hash browns and OMG that thing shredded a couple of potatoes in seconds and with that large feed tube I could do many potatoes at once.  So, I know mine was an exceptional deal.  They don't come along often but they do from time to time.  So if you think you want something like this save some searches and let eBay do the work for you.  I buy NOTHING at retail and between eBay and sites like shopgoodwill.com I get some great stuff and some great prices.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">The downside of this machine for me is it's big and it's heavy but I found a corner on the counter that works.  I put two of those square furniture mover thingies underneath and it slides right out and back in the corner when I'm done.  And I promise you this thing does not bounce around when you're kneading some pizza dough.  </span>
 
got a bigger Cuisinart about 10 years ago...

and it did have the blade recall. the old blade seemed fine but they did send a replacement promptly, using the online application. It's held up well doing extensive processing of tons of cabbages for sauerkraut and making gallons of tomato paste every summer, plus all of the regular kitchen duties. Very satisfied for it's relatively low price. We have the small model at "camp", it's really too limited to do much except grind herbs and spices!
 
I have a 1983 Cuisinart DLC7,

made in Japan. Never a problem. I don't know if the blade was recalled or not. It's fine. My friends mom had one with out buttons. By the time I went to get mine, it had the on/off/pulse lever buttons.
 
I've got both the Cuisinart Handy Prep DFP-3 and the KitchenAid KFP1642CA...

I got the KitchenAid because it was too good of a price to pass up on SurLaTable, but I wish I wouldn't have purchased it.

It works fine. It is so big and there are so many accessories that the accessory garage takes the same amount of space that the unit takes and that's not counting all three work bowls....

I've started using more attachments (RVSA) on my Commercial KitchenAid Stand Mixer just because those are easier to clean than dealing with the Food Processors. Aside from the amount of space the KitchenAid takes up, I absolutely 100% hate all of the interlocks and safety features on it. I get it, don't run it with the lid off, but when you have to fight longer with the lids to get them cleaned and get them aligned and locked, I more than likely could have hand processed everything in the same amount of time...

If Bosch comes out with the MUM5 for North America, that will solve most of my needs. I bought a BlendTec thinking I'd use it... That thing is so damned loud I won't touch it. I am trying to find a decent priced sound enclosure for it. The frequency the motor runs at just rips my ears apart.

Anyways, if I were to buy something again, I'd buy a used RobotCoupe with at least a stainless work bowl and a plastic work bowl or I'd get a MagiMix.

If either of those are unobtainable, I'd buy an older Cuisinart that I could still get parts for. Maybe even one of the new Cuisinart or KitchenAids with simple controls and not a lot of attachments or accessories.. Simple is better.

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I wondered how well those worked.  My regular KA food processor was made in France and really works fast, but I wish the throat was larger.  I don't like having to slice things before I slice them in the processor!  It works well for carrots to go in a carrot cake though!
 
That KA thing is SLOW!!!You could shred the carrots faster with a box grater!And--the whole machine appears to be tippy and unstable.You have to hold the back of the mixer down as you push the food thru the "processor" attachment.also the mixers motor kinda bogs down some when she was pushing on the carrots to get it to cut faster.Go with a separate food processor machine instead of this attachment.and you can't use it with the "S" blade.That takes away half or more of the value of this processor.
 
What a piece of junk that thing is. More trouble to use than the poor job it did and what a mess to clean with all the waste clinging to it. I wouldn't even call it a food processor, it's a food slicer/dicer only.
 
On that KitchenAid food processor attachment: I figured as much as I abused my little handy prep, having something like that hang off the front of my hub... that is a disaster waiting to happen.

The RVSA works pretty decent though for shredding cheese and other things. Like a salad shooter. The other day we were doing stuff that needed a lot of cheese and I shredded 8 lbs of shredded cheese in around 5 minutes. I spent more time messing with bowls.

The only thing with the RVSA, I wish the feed pushers opened up further where they would stay open while you load it. It is cumbersome trying to cram things in there when the flappers won't get out of the way. <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">That and KitchenAid should have given a handle or tool or something that holds the shaft so you can twist the cones on without hurting your hand. I don't think arthritic people would be able to do this easily.</span> 

<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">I guess it gives the excuse to have a small vice in the kitchen ;-)</span>

 

Umm.. Until watching the video all the way through, I had no idea there was a square in the chute to lock and unlock the shaft... WTH.. lol.


Don't mind him fumbling it the first time.
 
Yesterday I discovered the Black and Decker food processor with dicing blade.

I'm seriously thinking about giving it a try (Darryl, read this!) Its way cheaper than KA and it seems that it works fine.

Of course I won't expect the same performance or durability of a high end model, but if it works, it's way better than spending $799 on a KA processor
 
Sometimes, two or even three machines is a better choice

I rarely use any of our KA machines for 'mixing'. Soda Bread is about it. Everything else is their attachments or done by a handheld GE '47' or a real Sunbeam, Model 10 or 11.

Ditto blenders and food processors - the food processor attachment which fits perfectly on our 1950's Oster blender base handles 99.99% of my food processing needs. Anything else is more suited for one of the KA attachments or a specialty machine.

Our 1970's Black and Decker and our nearly as ancient Cuisinart are great for major productions. Those are rare, though. 

And, yes, the new knife blade (which took 3 months+ to get here) is really good quality.

 

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