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Login Here Signup Here Signup using FacebookI need some suggestions for a BIG food processor. You see, there are seven of us. Slicing, dicing, etc., takes me HOURS when I feed us raw. I've been backsliding a ton lately, just because I'm out of energy and time. When I try to buy one, there are so many negative reviews on every last one that I just don't know which one would be the best for eating raw.
I'd love to hear from people who have had their fp's for at least a couple of years, use them regularly and often, and like them. Even if I have to search garage and estate sales for a vintage one (made back when they cared about quality), I will. Or spend $300+ on an industrial model. I'm just sick and tired of spending all my day prepping food, and don't want to waste hundreds of dollars on something that will break quickly. Oh, for the days of quality construction, instead of planned obsolescence.
{/rant}
Thanks!
Comments
Annalea -- I don't personally have a food processor. I'm a family of one (plus a pooch), so slicing and dicing is not a major time consumer. But, I have thought about getting a FP for when I need to prepare for a large group. This will bump your thread to the front page, and maybe some seasoned food processor users will respond.
I have a big KitchenAid. I've had it for over 2 years. We probably use it 3-4 times per week, at least.
Several times per year, I shred many heads of cabbage, plus carrots, beets, parsnips and turnips at once for sauerkraut. I can run it for a long time and it doesn't seem to overheat.
I've never had the slightest problem with it and expect it to last for many more years. The smaller insert bowl makes smaller jobs a snap.
Jenoz -- Would you mind telling us which model food processor you use.
Definitely Kitchenaid or Cuisinart. Either is fine. Beware of the cheap ones; their blades and motors are really not as good.
My model # is KFP740CRO
emtpdmom: If you're only using the food processor for one person, I would recommend the Duet by Cuisinart. It's a blender and 3 cup food processor. I haven't had mine for long, but it made raw brownies in a snap, and I know Cuisinart is a good brand. The 3 cup bowl is more useful to me than my 7 cup food processor, because I usually only prepare raw recipes for myself. If you already have a good blender, it might not be worth it, though. They run about $100.
I use an older version of a Braun Combimax that I got as a gift: http://www.braun.com/global/products/fooddrink/foodpreparation/kitchenmachines/combimax.html
It has attachments for shredding for two different shred sizes, an adjustable slicing attachment, a citrus juicer attachment, and, as you can see from the pictures, two sizes of container. It can overheat with a really tough job, but I've had it for at least 10 years, use it a few times a week, and it's still kicking.
A possible drawback: I don't see this model for sale online in the US; the Combimax I see at Amazon has only one container. However, if you're looking for something large, this might not be a drawback for you. The two-container model does take up a lot of space on the counter.
Try to get the 11 cup or 14+ cup food processor.
I have had my 11 cup Cuisinart for 7 years. Love it. Great for two people; but often I wish I had a bigger one for doubling or tripling recipes. I got mine for under $200. But some people say they use their high-speed blender as a food processor too; I think it's way too much power to use as an fp.
The fp will be great for making dehydrated foods... and sauces (like marinara, yumm)... but it's also great for grating lots of carrots at one, or dicing veggies and then saving them in the fridge for later use.
I highly recommend it. I think that's one of my Must Have appliances. :o)
Forgot to mention... I bought the "julienne" attachment and didn't really like it for "julienne-ing"... but it's good for long shredded strands.
Also, they don't sell the "super thin" (or #2 attachment?) for slicing thin slices. Also, some things still need to be done by hand since the food processor is so fast and can turn your bell peppers into water. :o)
I've been reading up on the large Cuisinart and Kitchen-Aid models, and have shied away from Cuisinart due to the horrific customer service reviews they've received. Kitchen-Aid makes great mixers (at least they used to), but since the company was sold to someone (Whirlpool?) I've been disappointed with the quality of the mixers I've seen.
I've been going back and forth between one of the commercial models and a ~$60 one from the local big box store. I figure if the $60 processor self-destructs in a year, I can buy a new one and consider it money well spent. ($5/month for that much easier food prep is so worth it to me.)
Mostly I just DON'T want something that's going to be a pain, overall. Ugh. I feel like the advertisers are conniving to get my money and run . . .
Thanks, everyone, and keep the suggestions coming!!!
I have a Black and Decker that is over 20 years old. (sorry, have no idea the model- but I seem to recall it might be called a "short-cut".) It's been used *a lot*, until the past year or so. I found a small itty bitty thing that I use way more often, now- due to it's small size. (It is an attachment to a Toastmaster Immersion Blender.) But, I highly recommend the Black & Decker! It still runs fine. :~)