Cuisinart Elemental Food Processor 13-Cup Silver review is it worth buying

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

I’ve been using the Cuisinart Elemental Small Food Processor for a variety of kitchen tasks, and the 13-cup capacity immediately stands out as a game-changer. The silver finish looks modern and complements other appliances in my kitchen, adding a touch of elegance. Its compact design, despite the large bowl, ensures it doesn’t dominate counter space, which is a huge plus for someone like me who’s always juggling gadgets.

The build feels sturdy, and at 19.3 pounds, it’s hefty enough to stay put during operation but not so heavy that moving it around becomes a chore. The patented SealTight advantage system is something I really appreciated—it locks the blades and seals the bowl effectively, so I didn’t have to worry about leaks or spills while pureeing soup or preparing sauces. The wide-mouth feed tube with multiple pushers (small, medium, and large) simplifies the prep process, making it easy to accommodate various ingredients without excessive pre-cutting.

Performance and Versatility

This food processor packs a 550-watt motor, which provides plenty of power. Whether I’m making nut butter, shredding cheese, or kneading dough, the machine operates smoothly. The 4-speed settings (high, low, off, and pulse) are intuitive to use, and the illuminated blue LED touchpad controls are a nice modern touch.

I’ve tested the dicing disc with a 10mm grid, and it delivers impressively uniform cuts. I used it for dicing onions and it saved me so much time—plus, my eyes were spared from the usual tears! The adjustable slicing disc is another highlight; I could effortlessly slice tomatoes for a salad or potatoes for gratin. The reversible shredding disc allows for both fine and medium shredding, which came in handy for cheese and carrots.

The set also includes a 4.5-cup small bowl nested inside the larger one. This is absolutely ideal for those times when I need to chop a small quantity of herbs or make a quick batch of pesto. Switching between the two bowls is seamless, and having an option for smaller tasks makes this processor more versatile than most.

Key Benefits

• Large 13-cup capacity is perfect for both family meals and entertaining.
• Multiple stainless steel blades and discs make it adaptable for chopping, slicing, dicing, shredding, and mixing.
• Dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup, which is always a win in my book.
• SealTight advantage system prevents leaks and locks components securely.
• The compact nested design with a smaller bowl option is great for varied tasks.

Areas for Improvement

While I’m mostly satisfied, there are a few flaws worth pointing out:

• The blades and discs are incredibly sharp, which makes cleanup a bit nerve-wracking. Extra care is needed to avoid accidents.
• At nearly 20 pounds, it’s not the easiest to move around if you have limited counter space.
• The motor can get a bit noisy when dealing with tougher tasks like kneading dough.

Competing Options

I’ve also tried other food processors, like the Breville Sous Chef and the KitchenAid 13-Cup Processor. While the Breville offers some additional accessories and a slightly more powerful motor, it comes at a steeper price. The KitchenAid, on the other hand, is quieter and a bit lighter, but its bowl capacity is smaller, so it’s not as efficient for larger batches.

Compared to these, the Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup Processor strikes a nice balance between performance and affordability. Its versatility with multiple blades and discs makes it a strong competitor, especially for home cooks who want a reliable machine without splurging on high-end models.

Price Performance

From a price-to-quality ratio, this food processor delivers solid value. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the combination of a powerful motor, large capacity, and versatile attachments justifies the cost. I’d say it’s a smart investment for anyone who regularly cooks at home or entertains. Even with a few minor drawbacks, the overall functionality and performance make it feel worth every penny.

For anyone debating whether to upgrade their current food processor or buy their first one, this model checks a lot of boxes. Just be prepared to handle the sharp blades with care and find a dedicated spot for it in your kitchen!

Additional information