Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper Review
The Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper (Model DFP-14BCNY) is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for anyone who loves cooking, whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook. With its powerful features and user-friendly design, this food processor is perfect for mincing, dicing, shredding, pureeing, and even kneading dough. In this review, we will explore the product’s superior functionality, essential features, included accessories, and user experiences to provide a well-rounded perspective.
Superior Functionality
Powerful Motor
One of the standout features of the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY is its robust 720-watt motor. This power allows it to handle a variety of tasks effortlessly. From making dips and purees to chopping vegetables and nuts, this food processor can do it all. Users have praised its ability to create smooth and creamy textures, such as cashew cream sauce, that would be challenging to replicate with lesser appliances.
Versatility
The possibilities with this food processor are indeed endless. Many users have shared their delight in using it for various culinary tasks, including creating homemade salsa, guacamole, and even pureeing meat for their pets. The machine’s capacity makes it suitable for preparing large batches of food, making it a must-have for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
Must-Have Features
User-Friendly Design
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY features an “on” and “off/pulse” button, making it easy to operate. The Lexan bowl is not only sturdy but also large enough to accommodate 14 cups of ingredients. The extra-large feed tube allows users to add whole vegetables without the need for pre-cutting, further simplifying the food preparation process.
Easy Cleanup
Cleanup is often a concern when using kitchen appliances, but the Cuisinart food processor makes this task manageable. The detachable disc stem and dishwasher-safe parts ensure that users can easily clean all the components. While some have noted that food particles can get stuck in the safety mechanism, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall performance of the machine.
Included Accessories
Variety of Blades
This food processor comes equipped with several stainless steel accessories, including a standard slicing disc (4mm), a medium shredding disc, and a chopping/mixing blade. These attachments enhance the machine’s versatility, allowing users to tackle various food preparation tasks with ease.
Instruction Manual and Recipe Booklet
Included with the product is an instruction manual and a recipe booklet, providing users with helpful information on how to operate the machine and inspire culinary creativity.
User Experiences
Positive Feedback
Many users express their satisfaction with the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY. Reviews highlight its sturdy construction and quiet operation, which is often appreciated in a bustling kitchen environment. The larger bowl size is a considerable advantage for those cooking for families or large groups, eliminating the need for multiple batches.
Drawbacks
While overall feedback is positive, some users have experienced a learning curve when it comes to understanding the safety features and proper assembly of the unit. Additionally, some have suggested that the shredding and slicing blades are not adjustable, which can limit customization for specific tasks.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Considering the performance, features, and user feedback, we would rate the Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper a solid 4.5 out of 5. This rating reflects its power, versatility, and user-friendly design, making it a top choice in the food processor market. However, the minor inconveniences with assembly and the non-adjustable blades prevent it from achieving a perfect score.
Conclusion
The Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY Food Processor is a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their cooking experience. Its powerful motor, ample capacity, and user-friendly features make it a standout option for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re making dips, chopping vegetables, or preparing dough, this food processor is designed to make your life easier in the kitchen.
Elena –
I love its color and how well it works; the discs grate perfectly. It’s easy to use and has a large capacity. I use it for making sauces, chopping vegetables, and preparing pasta. It’s a device and brand that is worth every penny.
T. Carrell –
I purchased this for my wife as a Christmas gift, but it arrived in its original box, so she saw it before I could wrap it. The box was slightly open, but the unit itself was in good condition. Unfortunately, there was no manual included, so I had to download it online. However, it works well and performs as advertised. Considering the premium price, I expected better from Amazon.
Shop till you drop –
I’ve been a loyal fan of Cuisinart food processors for years, owning an older 14-cup model from around 1995 that I rely on for making large batches of soup and bread. While I also have a Kitchenaid 14-cup processor, I definitely prefer the Cuisinart. The Kitchenaid has a 7-cup option that I occasionally use for smaller tasks, but it simply doesn’t match the strength of my older Cuisinart. I believe the blades on the vintage models are of higher quality than the newer versions.
This compact unit is perfect for chopping nuts, dried fruit, or any small batch prep, and it’s incredibly easy to clean up—no fuss like with the larger models. Its small size means it doesn’t take up much space. I initially purchased it for various uses, but the first thing I did was puree some canned cat food for one of my older cats who struggles with chunks. It made the task effortless, and a quick rinse with soapy water had it ready for the next use.
I appreciate the two-speed options and the pulsing feature, which are standard but useful. It’s user-friendly and has a nice appearance. Given the price, there’s no need to opt for an off-brand. Plus, it comes with a solid warranty. You really can’t go wrong, just keep in mind that it’s meant for very small batches.
Amanjot –
I used to own this product and I really wish they still offered the beautiful red color I had. After losing it in a divorce, I recently saved up to purchase a new one. This has made my vegetarian/vegan lifestyle so much easier! It’s incredibly simple to chop kale, shred cabbage, make pesto, and more. I absolutely love it—it’s powerful and user-friendly. However, the instruction manual doesn’t clearly explain how to fit the lid and base together to turn it on, which I found a bit confusing at first. Once you figure it out, it’s straightforward. I love it so much that I bought it twice and would highly recommend it!
Yeny Ross –
I really like the processor; the base is quite heavy, which makes it stable but not very easy to move around. It works well, although it’s best not to fill it too much, as larger pieces can get left behind. I set those aside and process them separately to avoid over-processing the rest. I haven’t used the shredders yet because I have another processor for that. It would have been nice to have a storage piece for the discs and the shredder components when they’re not in use, but those accessories are sold separately and can be a bit pricey. Overall, the machine looks good, is easy to use and clean, and I haven’t had any issues so far. I’ve chopped meat, carrots, beets (which are tough), and everything has worked perfectly.
Amazonn Customer –
The product seems promising, but I couldn’t test it since it isn’t compatible with the EU market. I was unable to plug it in, so I had to return it.
Leo –
I recently received the processor and found the instructions to be straightforward. I tried it out for making guacamole, and it worked perfectly as promised. The large bowl size is a great feature, allowing me to prepare bigger batches of anything I’m cooking. I’m excited to use it for making a double-crust dough for apple pies, something my previous processor couldn’t handle due to its smaller bowl. Clean-up was just as easy as with my smaller unit.
Sparkys_Fan –
This food processor is impressively sturdy, powerful, and remarkably quiet. I believe it’s my third one, and I’m definitely enjoying the larger bowl capacity.
So far, I’ve used it to make pico de gallo, shredded cabbage for coleslaw, and chopped onions for hot dogs, and it performed excellently in all tasks. I utilized the chopping blade for both the pico de gallo and onions, and the shredding disk for the cabbage.
Initially, I struggled to get it to turn on, but that was due to overloading the feeder tube, preventing the metal spine on the back of the pusher from fully engaging the safety feature.
The main drawback I’ve noticed is the design of the safety feature on the lid. It feels somewhat open yet also closed, which allows food particles to enter but makes it challenging to clean. It’s wise to check for any food remnants on the metal safety spine of the food pusher before pressing it down into the lid’s safety channel. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself rinsing, flipping, and swishing it around while holding the lid open to clear out any debris. There may be a solution to this that I haven’t discovered yet. Overall, I really like this processor, and the prices for additional attachments on the Cuisinart website are quite competitive, especially with free shipping.
Deborah –
This is excellent for preparing pizza dough and pureeing soups. My previous one lasted 35 years, and this one is just as good!
Darrell –
No more blister switches that can crack and fail—this unit delivers all the power you need with consistent slicing. It’s no surprise that America’s Test Kitchen chose it as a top pick. I enjoyed our previous Cuisinart model, but this one has a smaller footprint without sacrificing performance.
Cassidy K.V. –
For years, I convinced myself that I didn’t need a food processor. I enjoyed chopping everything by hand and thought my inexpensive little blender could handle all the tasks of a food processor. What a mistake that was!
A food processor is truly a game changer. There are so many things you can create that just aren’t possible without one. Take cashew cream sauce, for example. Soak two cups of cashews in water for two hours, drain, and rinse them. Toss them in the food processor with a couple of peeled garlic cloves, about 2/3 cup of water, and a teaspoon of salt to taste. In seconds, you’ll have a smooth, flavorful dip that’s incredibly versatile! You can add nutritional yeast and a pinch of paprika for a cheesy flavor, or mix in some curry powder and basil for a delightful dip with pita chips. The possibilities are endless!
And let’s not forget about pesto! Those tiny, overpriced jars at the store can’t compare to what you can whip up at home. It tastes so much better and is a fraction of the cost.
If you love hummus, the method by Kenji Lopez-Alt at SeriousEats is a must-try. Make a fantastic tahini sauce with garlic and lemon, and you’ll have the best homemade hummus you’ve ever tasted—nothing like the store-bought stuff!
Buying nuts in bulk and chopping them at home saves you money, and the food processor makes quick work of chopping salad toppings and other ingredients you might not want to handle manually.
You can even make the most amazing homemade ice cream! Prepare your custard-style base (try Jeni Britton Bauer’s method), freeze it overnight, and the next day, blend it in the food processor for a creamy treat that’s way better than anything store-bought.
I’m sure you have your own ideas too—nut butters, dough, or even grating cheese. While I still prefer a box grater for cheese, I can see how convenient a food processor can be. This machine is easy to use, unlike many bulky, noisy ones I’ve encountered before. It’s not completely silent, but I can use it anytime without fear of waking the house.
I did face one minor hiccup: when I first tried to use it, nothing happened. I was confused until I realized it was a safety feature—the lid wasn’t secured properly. It was a relief to know it wouldn’t turn on without being fastened, preventing any messes. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble, making it user-friendly for everyone.
This food processor is a fantastic addition for any home cook. If you’ve read this far, you know you deserve one of these in your kitchen! It will earn its spot alongside your KitchenAid. If you enjoy cooking and exploring new recipes, do yourself a favor and get this today!