112 replies to this topic

[Mottmott]

For completeness. I made a decision: the Cuisinart DLC 2014 cup Power Prep Plus. I looked at the Kitchenaid, even made the poor saleswoman dig out the bits and pieces not on display so I could "play" with it to determine how I liked moving the bits about. Well, then and there, Kitchenaid was history. Too many bits, too many directions about how to do this and that.

Gave the Cuisinart a similar checkout and bought the one that allows me to do 3 lbs of dough at a time.

[Stuckey]

I bought a KitchenAid KFP770 on the weekend. I'd never had a food processor before, but I've got stacks of cookbooks, and many recipes that I wanted to try which called for the use of one. I decided to go with KitchenAid, because of their great reputation for quality, and also based partially on a review by Cook's Illustrated. I got the 770 because, basically, that's the only model of KitchenAid food processor sold in Australia!

Anyway, I was already aware of the issue with the feed-tube safety feature, so I was prepared for that. I haven't actually used the feed-tube yet. But the thing I wasn't aware of was the leakage.

I wanted to very finely chop some chocolate callets, but I couldn't quite get them very fine. I don't even know if it's possible to process chocolate that finely and evenly in a consumer food processor with the metal blade. But as I would pulse for a few seconds, chocolate would be bouncing around and flying up around the top of the workbowl, and chocolate dust would find its way between the seam of the workbowl and top cover. As a result, there was a fine layer of chocolate dust in a 2 inch radius around the food processor. I wonder if there would be similar leakage issues with flour if I tried to make a dough, or oil if I tried to make a pesto or mayonnaise.....

Of course, having paid AU$529 for what I believed to be a top of the line food processor, only to have the contents leak on both times that I used it, has left me seriously considering returning the item and switching brands. Maybe Cuisinart? At the very least, I'm very disappointed with my experience so far with this KitchenAid product. Surely it is not unreasonable to expect a food processor not to leak when processing dry ingredients?! Leaking liquid, I can understand, since food processors are specifically designed for it, but geez......

As a food processor newbie, are my expectations too high, or should I just learn to live with the leakage?

[Kerry Beal]

I bought a KitchenAid KFP770 on the weekend. I'd never had a food processor before, but I've got stacks of cookbooks, and many recipes that I wanted to try which called for the use of one. I decided to go with KitchenAid, because of their great reputation for quality, and also based partially on a review by Cook's Illustrated. I got the 770 because, basically, that's the only model of KitchenAid food processor sold in Australia! 

Anyway, I was already aware of the issue with the feed-tube safety feature, so I was prepared for that. I haven't actually used the feed-tube yet. But the thing I wasn't aware of was the leakage. 

I wanted to very finely chop some chocolate callets, but I couldn't quite get them very fine. I don't even know if it's possible to process chocolate that finely and evenly in a consumer food processor with the metal blade. But as I would pulse for a few seconds, chocolate would be bouncing around and flying up around the top of the workbowl, and chocolate dust would find its way between the seam of the workbowl and top cover. As a result, there was a fine layer of chocolate dust in a 2 inch radius around the food processor. I wonder if there would be similar leakage issues with flour if I tried to make a dough, or oil if I tried to make a pesto or mayonnaise.....

Of course, having paid AU$529 for what I believed to be a top of the line food processor, only to have the contents leak on both times that I used it, has left me seriously considering returning the item and switching brands. Maybe Cuisinart? At the very least, I'm very disappointed with my experience so far with this KitchenAid product. Surely it is not unreasonable to expect a food processor not to leak when processing dry ingredients?! Leaking liquid, I can understand, since food processors are specifically designed for it, but geez......

As a food processor newbie, are my expectations too high, or should I just learn to live with the leakage?

I don't know about the new cuisinarts, but with my older ones - a DLC 7 and a DLC X, I only get a bit of flour dust wandering out of the top of the feedtube if I have a lot of dry ingredients. I have never had a lot of luck chopping chocolate in a processor, but I've never had chocolate dust leakage.

I'd take it back. Find an older cuisinart on e-bay. You might need a new bowl etc, but the motors tend to run forever.

[Marlene]

I have three different sizes of KA food processors and not one of them has ever leaked wet or dry ingredients. I've had Cuisinart, and I didn't like them as much, although I understand the old Cuisinarts are pretty good. I'd take it back and get a new one. I suspect the one you have is defective.

[Stuckey]

Thanks Kerry and Marlene for your advice. I most likely will return the food processor. I don't know whether I should exchange it for a brand new model, on the chance that my particular model was defective, because I've heard of other people experiencing the same leakage problem with their 770s. Perhaps the leakage problem is a characteristic of the 770s.

The problem with getting any electrical appliance on eBay from America is that it most likely will not work with Australia's electrical system. Even if I used some kind of transformer or converter, the performance of the appliance would not be the same. This severely restricts the choices available to me

The only other food processor that I can find in a similar league to the KitchenAid (despite the leakage) is this Cuisinart, but I don't even know the model number to do some research with!

[Kerry Beal]

Thanks Kerry and Marlene for your advice. I most likely will return the food processor. I don't know whether I should exchange it for a brand new model, on the chance that my particular model was defective, because I've heard of other people experiencing the same leakage problem with their 770s. Perhaps the leakage problem is a characteristic of the 770s. 

The problem with getting any electrical appliance on eBay from America is that it most likely will not work with Australia's electrical system. Even if I used some kind of transformer or converter, the performance of the appliance would not be the same. This severely restricts the choices available to me 

The only other food processor that I can find in a similar league to the KitchenAid (despite the leakage) is this Cuisinart, but I don't even know the model number to do some research with! 

Cuisinart has been worldwide for a long time. Started as robotcoupe from France. I'm sure you can find one in Oz wired appropriately. Look for units with a square bottom, often called 'classic'. I wouldn't get the one you show at Peters of Kensington. Those rounded ones are the newer ones, and are more like the kitchenaid for quality.

Or you could get a Magimix!

[Sony]

This has been a really useful thread, as I am think about buying a used food processor for things like making pie crust, slicing/shredding large quantities of vegetables, etc.

This may be too vague of a question, but when did KitchenAids and/or Cuisinarts start becoming less consistent in quality? What about a machine made in 2000 (definitely older, but not into vintage territory)? I realize that there are newer machines that will last for decades, as well as vintage lemons, but I'd appreciate any advice/knowledge of track records. Personal experiences are welcome, whether posted or PM'ed.

Thanks!

[Sony]

For some reason, I can't edit my previous entry....but in any case, I brought home a beast last night- a Cuisinart DFP-7SFP Professional. My only reservation is that it's not going to be under warranty (bought it secondhand- I have idea how old it is, but the user manual is dated 1995). I've heard that it can be difficult to work with their customer service regardless. On the other hand, I'm plenty happy about:

-capacity (14 cups!)
-interesting array of attachments (never seen a whisk attachment for a food processor....curious how it's going to work.....)
-quiet FAST function
-buying from someone local (no shipping, got to test everything)
-having something to keep me occupied on a stormy winter day when I have no intention of going out!

[Kerry Beal]

For some reason, I can't edit my previous entry....but in any case, I brought home a beast last  night- a Cuisinart DFP-7SFP Professional. My only reservation is that it's not going to be under warranty (bought it secondhand- I have idea how old it is, but the user manual is dated 1995). I've heard that it can be difficult to work with their customer service regardless. On the other hand, I'm plenty happy about:

-capacity (14 cups!)
-interesting array of attachments (never seen a whisk attachment for a food processor....curious how it's going to work.....)
-quiet FAST function
-buying from someone local (no shipping, got to test everything)
-having something to keep me occupied on a stormy winter day when I have no intention of going out! 

I've brought home lots of used cuisinarts and found new homes for them. They usually run like a clock. The DLC 7 (same as yours) on my counter right now was used, as was my little pro and the DLC X I bought off e-bay for $30. The decription said it made a noise when it was plugged in, but didn't work. Putting the lid on properly solved the not working problem.

The little whisk probably won't get used more than once if you have any other mixer. It works fine on something like cream, but it's a bit of a pain. It's fun to watch it go round though.

See if you can find a copy of "The Bonnie Stern Cuisinart Cookbook" - out out of print, but a very useful book that is helpful when you convert recipes from other methods to the cuisinart. I pick up every copy I see in thrift stores and give them away with the processors.

[v. gautam]

Just FYI, KItchen Aid has a $20 mail-in rebate for KA760 [$30 for KA 770] purchased between Jan1-Mar1, 2008. The mail-in "coupon" needs to be sent in by April 1, 2008.

At Amazon prices, that makes the 760 approximately $170 after rebate, the 770 about $240, post-paid.

[AmbrosiaFood]

I've brought home lots of used cuisinarts and found new homes for them.  They usually run like a clock.  The DLC 7 (same as yours) on my counter right now was used, as was my little pro and the DLC X I bought off e-bay for $30.  The decription said it made a noise when it was plugged in, but didn't work.  Putting the lid on properly solved the not working problem. 

The little whisk probably won't get used more than once if you have any other mixer.  It works fine on something like cream, but it's a bit of a pain. It's fun to watch it go round though. 

See if you can find a copy of "The Bonnie Stern Cuisinart Cookbook" - out out of print, but a very useful book that is helpful when you convert recipes from other methods to the cuisinart.  I pick up every copy I see in thrift stores and give them away with the processors.

I too have bought lots of the old square base Cuisinarts used and gifted them to friends, church kitchens, etc.! They are real fine machines and I like them for their many different accessory disks and other attachments.

But for real heavy duty power, I adore the used commercial Robot Coupe food processors I bought second hand.





I don't know of a better food processor than these!

[annieC]

I too have bought lots of the old square base Cuisinarts used and gifted them to friends, church kitchens, etc.!  They are real fine machines and I like them for their many different accessory disks and other attachments.

But for real heavy duty power, I adore the used commercial Robot Coupe food processors I bought second hand.





I don't know of a better food processor than these!

Can I say I'm jealous? Hopefully one of these days I'll come across a RC in decent shape with a reasonable price, but for now I'll be happy with my $2.50 DLC-10E, complete with all standard attachments/blades. And its older sister, a $5 DLC-10E that only came with the chopping blade & grating blade. I'm just so glad to be rid of the el'chepo Black & Decker food processor I bought back when I was in college 15 years ago.

[emmaelizabeth]

Anyone had any problems with Magimix 5200? I think I've decided on that one, but would like to know if there are any pitfalls.

[sygyzy]

I'd like some advice on whether I should get the 7 or 11 cup Cuisinart? Any real world insight would be appreciated. I would be using it for meals for 4-6 people.

[paulraphael]

I'd like some advice on whether I should get the 7 or 11 cup Cuisinart? Any real world insight would be appreciated. I would be using it for meals for 4-6 people.

Definitely the 11.

Keep in mind that you're never going to have the thing filled up to the top, so it doesn't actually hold 11 cups of anything. And if what you're processing includes a lot of liquid, you can use a much smaller portion of its capacity. Otherwise it will leak.

I've had an 11 cup Cuisinart for fifteen years and it's been a good size for one to a dozen people.

Number one use is making pastry dough. It's the grand poobah of pastry dough. Infrequent uses include thick purees, making oat flour and nut butters, and industrial-size grating tasks.

I used it for making bread and pizza dough before getting a stand mixer. The processor did an excellent job, but didn't have much capacity, and I could tell it was straining. I made sure to work in short bursts and give it time to cool off. This is a case where the 11 cup was adequate, and the 7 cup likely wouldn't be.

I never use it for chopping anymore (knives just do a better job) and i don't think I've ever used the slicing disk or the silly plastic dough blade.

Edited by paulraphael, 04 March 2008 - 09:34 AM.

[sygyzy]

Hi,

Thanks for the info. I will get the 11 cup. Now my followup question is, do you know the difference between the Cuisinart lines? For example, they have like 3-5 different 7 cup versions all different price points. I was looking at the Pro Custom 11-Cup. Is that a good one?

[Batard]

Sygyzy, I received a Cuisinart Custom Pro 11-Cup Stainless Steel Food Processor for Christmas, the one you are looking at. It was a nice gift, and the motor had a ten year warranty, but the plastic components looked flimsy and easily breakable. There is one piece of plastic that has to be in place for the processor to run, and it looked like it could just snap off easily during washing. Also it was not very well reviewed so, many people are deploring the quality of recently-produced Cuisinart products, so I ended up returning it. (http://www.costco.co...ProdID=11026804)

So I did a little homework, and recently ordered the KitchenAid KFP750CR 700-Watt 12-Cup Food Processor (http://www.amazon.co...duct/B0002MH3NS) because it was well reviewed. I hastily unpacked and. after reading the book, tried experimenting around with it. The motor was quite a bit noisier than the smooth Cuisinart, but I didn't think much of it. First thing I tried to do was chop an red onion using the chopping blade. A piece of onion got caught between the blade and the top of the bowl cover, causing the machine to vibrate almost off my table. The same thing happened with a piece of carrot. I wasn’t that worried about it, because I didn’t buy it to chop veggies, but was surprised that it had such a tough job on such a simple task.

I had soaked some dried pasilla chilies in warm broth, and then added this to the food processor with the multipurpose blade when the chilies were soft and cool. I did not overfill, it was about a cup and a half of volume. As soon as I started pulsing, my chili puree started leaking like crazy, from the center stem where the bowl connects to the base.

The main reason I purchased it is to making pesto, mayonnaise, and pizza dough, but now I am thinking that I should put it back in the box and ship it back. Are my expectations too high? Are the machines I am buying too "cheap"?

Edited by Batard, 05 March 2008 - 12:05 PM.

[sygyzy]

Man, I don't know what to do now. I've read the same things as you. That Cuisinart FP's are not made the way they used to be. That the quality suffered and I should get a Kitchen Aid. But now you say your KA sucks too!

[Carole]

Well, last week I got the KA 750 in black (on sale - only that color - at Amazon for $129). I use it a lot for slicing (I think that's what Batard meant when they said chopping). I've done cabbage for slaw using the 2mm slicing blade and it has started to vibrate. It happens when it gets to the very end of what you're slicing and you're not pushing hard enough with the pusher. It seems to leave a piece that barely fits between the blade and the top. If you just add more ingredients or switch to pulse it stops immediately (or push harder). No doubt, this is annoying but not a showstopper for me. It makes the most beautiful shreds of cabbage ... my husband said it was worth getting it just for that. I've not had the vibration happen at all with the grater blade.

I've made hummus using the small bowl and it works just fine. It actually holds quite a bit. Instead of tahini I roast sesame seeds and first grind them in the food processor, then add the rest of the ingredients – 1 can chickpeas, one roasted red pepper, olive oil, bit of water, garlic, hot pepper flakes, lime or lemon juice. It held all this just fine. And it didn't cause a mess in the larger bowl as some people have reported.

I'm not likely to make soup or anything like that in it as I have an immersion blender that I prefer. I also use my immersion blender to make mayonaise (takes 15 seconds, is fool-proof, and I make it in the jar I'm going to store it in).

I've made the cheese whole wheat cracker recipe KA has online. If you go to the KA website, look up your food processor, then go to the pdf of the manual, you will find it contains pages of recipes that are not in the manual that comes with your machine. And some are interesting. The crackers were very tasty and quickly disappeared.

The plastic seems pretty sturdy and I love the simple food pusher system. Much better than my older Cuisinart (which became too small). And I think I'll like the food pusher style better than the one on the more expensive model KA.

I definitely plan on keeping it.

[sygyzy]

Carole,

I was looking at that model too. Unfortuatenly, I am 5 days late for the $20 rebate so I want to wait til it comes around again.

Do you think the wide mouth opening of the next model up (760) is worth the upgrade (cost)?

Do you think your problems would be a non-issue had you bought a Cuisinart?

[Carole]

Do you think the wide mouth opening of the next model up (760) is worth the upgrade (cost)?

Do you think your problems would be a non-issue had you bought a Cuisinart?

Hi sygyzy,

I didn't really like the wide mouth opening of the next model up. It seemed more fussy. And the one on the 750 isn't all that small. With the 750 all you do is engage the bowl, engage the lid (both by turning them to point towards you) and hit On or Pulse. You don't need the feed tube pusher in at all. You can easily drop things in. In my view, simple is better.

This one replaced a wonderful Braun that just gave up the ghost after over 15 years of hard use. Before that I had a 9-cup Cuisinart (too small) and before that the original Cuisinart made by Robot Coupe (way way too small). I always hated the feed tubes on the Cuisinart so especially after all the negative reviews on the Cuisinart I knew I wasn't going to go that route.

So even if the Cuisinart didn't do the vibration bit (which doesn't happen every time you slice), I still wouldn't have gotten the Cuisinart. I probably would have had to spend tons more money and gotten a Viking or something else .... and I sure didn't want to spend more than I had to.

It's hard to beat the price for what you get ($129). But of course, you do have to be happy with it overall. Different things bother different people.

[prasantrin]

It's hard to beat the price for what you get ($129). But of course, you do have to be happy with it overall. Different things bother different people.

I think this is key--no matter what other people say, which brand or model you're going to be happy depends entirely on you, sygyzy. You may as well buy one, try it out, and return it if you're not happy with it (or buy both and return the one you like least). Because despite all the questions and helpful answers, you're not going to know which is right for you until you try them.

I have a Cuisinart, and I'm fine with it. I don't find the plastic bit Batard mentioned all that fragile, and I'm pretty careless with mine. The only thing I don't like about the Cuisinart is that the tube part doesn't come apart, so it takes a bit more care to clean.

[Darcie B]

I recently purchased a KA 750 and my initial experience has not been promising. I thought I could do a double batch of cookie dough (3 cups flour), but it choked. Plus the durn thing doesn't fit under my cabinets. It's a 12-cup capacity (I was upgrading from a DLC10 7-cup Cuisinart). The blade seems very flimsy compared to my old Cuisinart blade, too. Much thinner and seemingly just press-fit, not riveted.

Edit to add: I just hate the buttons, too, and much prefer the paddles on the Cuisinarts. This may factor into my decision, because I was constantly fumbling with the KA last night. Of course, experience will help, but paddles seem much easier and more intuitive.

So I just ordered a 14-cup Cuisinart and am going to do a side-by-side test this weekend for the normal tasks I do in a fp, which may not be the same as the tests run by CI and others. I can post some photos and and descriptions if anyone's interested.

Edited by Darcie B, 12 March 2008 - 10:57 AM.

[kbjesq]

I recently purchased a KA 750 and my initial experience has not been promising. I thought I could do a double batch of cookie dough (3 cups flour), but it choked. Plus the durn thing doesn't fit under my cabinets. It's a 12-cup capacity (I was upgrading from a DLC10 7-cup Cuisinart). The blade seems very flimsy compared to my old Cuisinart blade, too. Much thinner and seemingly just press-fit, not riveted.

Edit to add: I just hate the buttons, too, and much prefer the paddles on the Cuisinarts. This may factor into my decision, because I was constantly fumbling with the KA last night. Of course, experience will help, but paddles seem much easier and more intuitive.

So I just ordered a 14-cup Cuisinart and am going to do a side-by-side test this weekend for the normal tasks I do in a fp, which may not be the same as the tests run by CI and others. I can post some photos and and descriptions if anyone's interested.

I'm definitely interested, Darcie. I've been thinking about replacing my 7-cup Cuisinart for some time, and with all the good things that I've heard/read about the KA 750, I was strongly considering it. However, like you, I'm familiar with the paddles and I think that I would have a hard time getting used to buttons. I'll be curious to see your side-by-side comparison. Also, if you shopped around, where did you find the best prices? I seem to recall that Amazon had a big sale awhile back on the KA processors.

[Darcie B]

Also, if you shopped around, where did you find the best prices?  I seem to recall that Amazon had a big sale awhile back on the KA processors.

I'm an Amazon kind of gal. I seem to have better luck there than anywhere else. Plus I signed up for the free trial of Amazon Prime, so I'm getting free 2-day shipments. I usually get the stuff next day if it ships from their (I think) Louisville center. Anyway, it's somewhere in KY and even though they don't guarantee it, I usually get it next day. Plus their return policy is good. I hope so anyway because I can't afford two fps!

The KA 750 (black) was $129.99. The 14-cup Cuisinart is $199. So I was hoping the cheaper one would do the job. Based on the reviews, it seemed that was possible. But maybe not.

[Darcie B]

The results of my testing, including photos and detailed explanation, are on my blog. Here is a summary of KA 750FP vs. Cuisinart DFP-14:

Looks: in the eye of the beholder
Size of unit: Cuisinart (it fits under my cabinets)
Dry ingredient capacity: Cuisinart
Liquid ingredient capacity: Tie
Smooth puree: KitchenAid
Grating: Cuisinart
Slicing: KitchenAid (two slicing blades)
Accessories: KitchenAid (extra slicing blade; mini bowl/blade)
Sturdiness (perceived): Cuisinart
Noise: Tie (I don't have a decibel meter to measure precisely)
Ease of use: Cuisinart (caveat - I was a previous Cuisinart user)

Neither of these units clearly outshone the other, so I can't say one is a much better product. It depends on the criteria that are important to you. If you want an all around machine and don't care if it fits under your cabinets, I'd choose the KitchenAid because it has more accessories and, if you like black, it's cheaper. If capacity and sturdiness are what you're after, choose the Cuisinart.

Edit to fix subject/verb agreement.

Edited by Darcie B, 18 March 2008 - 09:52 AM.

[paulraphael]

I finally found a way to turn my old Cuisinart 11 cup processor (DLC 8, I think?) into a great machine, by disabling its most annoying safety feature. Please don't do this, or cut off your hand, or sue cuisinart, or sue me.

The lid assembly has a white piece of plastic that gets pushed down by the feeding tube insert. This in turn pushes a rod that's part of the work bowl, which pushes a button in the base, which lets the processor turn on. The idea is that the mixer can't operate unless the insert is in place. The insert keeps you from sticking your hand through the feeding tube and into the blades. It also makes it completely inconvenient to add food.

I found some open cell foam and stuffed it under the white piece of plastic in the lid. It now acts like a spring, keeping the plastic piece permanently pushed down. The result is that simply securing the lid to the work bowl allows the mixer to work. I don't need the annoying feeding tube insert.

The only catch is that I have to resist that urge to stick my whole arm through the feeding tube and turn on the machine (an urge I've so far managed to resist with my blender and stand mixer and toaster, which similarly lack anti-suicide features).

I know this description sounds confusing, but I bet if you hold the parts in front of you, you'll see what I mean. If not, ask and I'll try to clarify.

[Sony]

Oh my gosh, you might be my hero paulraphael! I bought a Cuisinart secondhand and have been baffled as to why the unit won't run without the narrower feed tube insert! Now I know that it's an anti-suicide feature.....and that maybe I can work around it!

I can't wait to get home and check it out. That insert can come in handy, but sometimes it just irritates the heck out of me.....

[prasantrin]

I know this description sounds confusing, but I bet if you hold the parts in front of you, you'll see what I mean. If not, ask and I'll try to clarify.

Pictures!! Do you have pictures? I'm a very visual learner.

[paulraphael]

Pictures!!  Do you have pictures?  I'm a very visual learner.

I'm having computer problems at home ... I'll try to post a picture soon.