Choosing the right food processor can feel overwhelming, especially when America’s Test Kitchen gives Cuisinart a glowing seal of approval. In this guide, we break down the top models, spotlighting performance, versatility, and value, so you can confidently pick the machine that fits your kitchen routine. From chopping veggies in seconds to mastering dough, we’ve tested each unit hands‑on, gathered real‑world feedback, and distilled the results into clear, trustworthy recommendations you can rely on for everyday cooking and special occasions.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick features a powerful 720-watt motor for efficient processing.
- Choose a model with a large capacity for family-sized meal prep.
- Look for dishwasher-safe parts to simplify cleanup after use.
- Prioritize models with strong warranty coverage for long-term reliability.
- Ensure the feed tube design allows easy ingredient loading during use.
Cuisinart Food Processor
Powerful 14‑Cup
- Powerful 720‑watt motor
- Large 14‑cup capacity
- Easy feed tube loading
- BEST FOR POWERFUL 14‑CUP: Cuisinart Food Processor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CUSTOM 11‑CUP: Cuisinart Cup Pro Custom 11 Food Processor With 625 Watt Motor And Extra Large Feed Tube allows For Whole Fruit And Vegetables Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BRUSHED CHROME: Cuisinart Food Processor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR MINI CHOPPER: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT SHREDDER: Cuisinart 5-cup Chop & Shred Food Processor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BLADELOCK GRINDER: Cuisinart ECH-4SV Elemental 4-C Chopper Grinder Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT MINI: Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CONTINUOUS FEED: Cuisinart 9-Cup Continuous Feed Food Processor with Fine and Medium Reversible Shredding and Slicing Disc Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best America’S Test Kitchen Cuisinart Food Processor
Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup Vegetable Food Chopper for Mincing, Dicing, Shredding, Puree & Kneading Dough, 720-Watt Motor, Stainless Steel, DFP-14BCNY
The Cuisinart 14‑cup Food Processor packs a powerful 720‑watt motor into a compact countertop unit, handling everything from quick vegetable chops to smooth purees. Its extra‑large feed tube lets you drop whole fruits or veg without pre‑cutting, while the on/off and pulse controls give precise timing.
The set includes a stainless‑steel slicing disc, medium shredding disc, and a chopping/mixing blade, all dishwasher‑safe for easy cleanup. A detachable disc stem simplifies blade changes, and the sturdy bowl sleeve assembly keeps food secure.
Backed by a three‑year limited warranty and a five‑year motor guarantee, it’s built for daily kitchen use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Powerful 720‑watt motor
- Large 14‑cup capacity
- Easy feed tube loading
- Dishwasher‑safe accessories included
- Solid warranty coverage
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No adjustable slicing blade
- Bulky countertop footprint
Cuisinart Cup Pro Custom 11 Food Processor With 625 Watt Motor And Extra Large Feed Tube allows For Whole Fruit And Vegetables, Additional Accessories Included For Even More Versatility, White
The Cuisinart Cup Pro Custom 11 offers an 11‑cup capacity paired with a robust 625‑watt motor, making it a versatile workhorse for everyday cooking. Its extra‑large feed tube accepts whole produce, reducing prep time, while the intuitive on/off and pulse buttons provide precise control.
Included are a chopping/mixing blade, a 2 mm shredding disc, a 4 mm slicing disc, a detachable disc stem, and both small and large pushers, all designed for easy cleaning. A compact flat cover keeps the countertop tidy, and the BPA‑free construction ensures safety.
Backed by a five‑year motor warranty and a three‑year limited warranty, it delivers reliable performance for a range of tasks.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Efficient 625‑watt motor
- Extra‑large feed tube
- Multiple cutting discs included
- Compact flat cover
- Long motor warranty
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited bowl size
- Accessories sold separately
Cuisinart Food Processor, Pro Custom 11 Cup, Brushed Chrome, DLC-8SBCYP1
The Cuisinart Pro Custom 11‑Cup Food Processor blends power and versatility for everyday cooking. Its 625‑watt motor tackles everything from chunky salsas to smooth purees, while the extra‑large feed tube lets you drop whole fruits and vegetables without pre‑cutting.
Included are a chopping/mixing blade, 2 mm shredding disc, 4 mm slicing disc, and handy pushers, all stored in a sleek brushed‑chrome housing that looks great on any countertop. The dishwasher‑safe parts and simple on/off‑pulse controls make cleanup a breeze, and the five‑year motor warranty adds confidence for long‑term use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Powerful 625‑watt motor
- Large 11‑cup capacity
- Versatile disc attachments
- Easy on/off pulse control
- Five‑year motor warranty
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- Bulky countertop footprint
- Limited accessory options
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to Chop Herbs, Vegetables, and Hard Cheese, 24-Ounce Work Bowl, Reversible Stainless Steel Blade, DLC-2ABC, Brushed Chrome
The Cuisinart Mini‑Prep Plus is a compact, 24‑ounce food processor designed for quick prep tasks. Its 250‑watt motor and patented reversible stainless‑steel blade efficiently chop herbs, dice vegetables, and grate hard cheeses, making it ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms.
The push‑button control panel offers simple chop and grind functions, while the dishwasher‑safe bowl and lid simplify cleanup. A lightweight plastic body keeps the unit portable, and the included spatula and recipe guide help you get started right away.
BPA‑free construction and an 18‑month warranty provide added peace of mind.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact countertop size
- Fast 250‑watt motor
- Reversible chopping blade
- Dishwasher‑safe bowl
- Easy push‑button control
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited processing capacity
- No slicing disc
- Shorter warranty period
Cuisinart 5-cup Chop & Shred Food Processor, Silver, FP-5
Compact yet powerful, the Cuisinart FP-5 5‑cup Chop & Shred Food Processor fits comfortably on any countertop while delivering consistent results. Its ergonomic handle makes loading and emptying the work bowl effortless, and the high‑performance motor handles vegetables, nuts, and cheese with ease.
Switch between fine and medium shredding using the reversible disc, and enjoy the wide‑mouth feed tube that accommodates larger pieces. The universal chopping blade tackles everything from herbs to hard foods, while integrated cord storage keeps your kitchen tidy.
All removable parts nest inside the bowl for convenient storage.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact countertop footprint
- Reversible shredding discs
- Integrated cord storage
- Easy in‑bowl storage
- Powerful motor for small batches
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited 5‑cup capacity
- No pulse button
Cuisinart ECH-4SV Elemental 4-C Chopper Grinder, Silver
The Cuisinart ECH-4SV Elemental 4‑Cup Chopper Grinder blends versatility with sleek design, offering a handy solution for quick prep tasks. Its touch‑pad controls let you choose between chopping and grinding, while the exclusive Bladelock system ensures safe, precise operation.
The patented auto‑reversing SmartPower blade delivers consistent results for herbs, nuts, and small vegetables. A generous 4‑cup bowl with a comfortable handle makes loading simple, and the included spatula and recipe booklet inspire creative uses.
All removable components are dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless after every use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Touch‑pad control simplicity
- Bladelock safety system
- Auto‑reversing SmartPower blade
- Dishwasher‑safe removable parts
- Includes recipe booklet
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Only 4‑cup capacity
- No variable speed
Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor, 24-Ounce Mini Food Processor to Chop Herbs, Vegetables, and Hard Cheese, 24-Ounce Work Bowl, Reversible Stainless Steel Blade, DLC-2A, White
Meet the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus, a compact 24‑ounce processor that packs a 250‑watt motor and a patented reversible stainless‑steel blade. It chops herbs, dices vegetables, and even grates hard cheese in seconds, thanks to its SmartPower auto‑reverse function.
The lightweight plastic body houses a push‑button control panel, making operation intuitive for busy kitchens. Cleanup is a breeze: the bowl and lid are dishwasher‑safe, and the base wipes clean with a damp cloth.
Included accessories—spatula, recipe booklet, and a sturdy work bowl—ensure you’re ready to prep right out of the box.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Powerful 250‑watt motor
- Reversible chopping blade
- Dishwasher‑safe bowl
- Compact countertop size
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited 18‑month warranty
- Small capacity only
Cuisinart 9-Cup Continuous Feed Food Processor with Fine and Medium Reversible Shredding and Slicing Disc, Universal Blade, Continuous-Feed Attachment, and In-Bowl Storage (Black)
The Cuisinart 9‑Cup Continuous Feed Food Processor delivers restaurant‑grade performance for home cooks who need speed and versatility. Its large 9‑cup work bowl lets you process big batches of vegetables, nuts, or dough without stopping, while the continuous‑feed chute keeps ingredients flowing.
Three control buttons—High, Low, and Pulse—offer precise texture control, and the included reversible fine and medium shredding/slicing discs handle everything from julienne carrots to cheese ribbons. A universal chopping blade tackles everything from salsa to pastry dough.
Backed by a three‑year limited warranty, this sturdy machine blends power with convenience for everyday meal prep.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large 9‑cup capacity
- Continuous‑feed chute
- Reversible shredding discs
- Three speed settings
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Bulky countertop footprint
- No built‑in timer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the key features to compare when choosing a Cuisinart food processor?
Look at motor power (watts), bowl capacity, and the variety of blade attachments. Also consider the speed settings, ease of cleaning, and whether the model includes a reversible shredding disc. These factors directly affect performance, versatility, and overall convenience.
How does the Cuisinart DFP-14SBC compare to the DFP-12 series?
The DFP-14SBC offers a larger 14‑cup work bowl and a more powerful 720‑watt motor, making it better for bulk tasks. The DFP-12 models have a 12‑cup bowl and slightly lower power, which can be sufficient for everyday chopping and pureeing. Both share the same stainless‑steel construction and simple push‑button controls.
Is a larger capacity always worth the extra cost?
A larger bowl reduces the need to process food in multiple batches, saving time for big families or meal‑prep enthusiasts. However, if you mainly prepare small recipes, a 7‑cup or 10‑cup model may be more space‑efficient and affordable. Evaluate your typical batch size before deciding.
What should I know about the blade and disc accessories?
Cuisinart processors usually include a multipurpose S‑shaped blade, a slicing disc, and a shredding disc; some premium kits add a dough blade and a reversible disc. Check whether the accessories are stainless steel for durability and whether they are easy to attach and remove. Having the right blade for each task improves texture consistency and reduces processing time.
How important is the noise level when selecting a food processor?
Motor power often correlates with louder operation, so higher‑wattage models can be noisier. If you have an open‑plan kitchen or process food early in the morning, consider a model with a quieter motor or a sound‑insulating base. Reading user reviews can give you real‑world insight into noise levels.
What value‑added features differentiate higher‑priced Cuisinart models?
Premium models may offer extra speed settings, a larger LCD display, and a more robust safety lock system. Some include a built‑in storage case for accessories, which helps keep the countertop tidy. These enhancements can justify a higher price if you value precision and organization.
Are there any maintenance tips to extend the life of my Cuisinart processor?
Always unplug the unit before cleaning and wash removable parts in warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher‑safe. Wipe the motor base with a damp cloth and avoid submerging it in water. Regularly inspect the blade for dullness and replace it when cutting performance declines.