Battle of The Food Processors

For all those lovers of food processors out there in Hubland, most would admit, even if grudgingly, that Cuisinart was the first company to successfully market these incredible machines. For a long time they were also the only ones, but that changed when KitchenAid came upon the scene with a food processor that could more than hold its own. A new food processor day has dawned and the battle is on. Who will win is a moot point. Most likely it will be a matter of survival of the fittest (in a non Darwinian sense).

The Cuisinart DLC8S and the KitchenAid KFP750 are both fine food processors, and that is part of the problem. It would seem, however, that the Cuisinart food processors have a larger fan club. Perhaps it is because they have more money for advertising. Or maybe it is due to the fact that the company has been around long enough to earn a solid reputation. I myself have had the same Cuisineart food processor since 1992 and I use it almost every day. Even though I had to replace the blade once, the thing just won’t die.

The bowl of the Cuisinart Food processor is large and easy to empty with a spatula, which is an important culinary feature. The KitchenAid food processor also offers generously sized work bowls and versatile blades and accessories. The sealed, heavy-duty motor base provides stability and quiet operation. Premium quality stainless steel blades and discs on both brands of food processors chop, mince, blend, slice, grate, shred and emulsify foods quickly and easily. (They will chop up anything they come into contact with, and this includes misplaced fingers, neighbors and relatives).

Most reviews claim that the KitchenAid food processor is cheaper than the Cuisinart and that it is causing some aggravation to its heretofore-unquestioned rival. The KitchenAid food processor is said to be very efficient, quiet, stable with many extras and a great warranty, but lovers of the Cuisinart food processor can say the same thing. The major failing for the KitchenAid model appears to be the fact that is taller than its rival, which can make storage a bit of a pain. The storage case the food processor comes in is difficult to open and stores only three discs.

While many Cuisinart purists wouldn’t switch brands, some consumers claim that the KitchenAid machine is more solidly built and is more stable because of the large suction-type feet on its base. It does have one unique feature that Cuisinart doesn’t and that is the two bowls that it comes with, one larger and one smaller. Each bowl has its own blade, thus giving the user the option to process larger or smaller quantities.

It would seem there will always be a divergence of opinion about these two food processors. They both make wonderful additions to any kitchen, and if you can’t make up your mind about which food processor to buy, I say get them both! That way, no one’s feelings are hurt.