Black+Decker CG800B Mini Food Processor and Coffee Grinder Review Insights

Description

Good Aspects of the Black+Decker CG800B Mini Food Processor and Coffee Grinder

Using the Black+Decker CG800B has been an interesting experience, especially for someone like me who enjoys both fresh coffee and quick meal prep. What stands out immediately is the combination functionality—it doubles as a mini food processor and a coffee grinder, which is a real space saver in my already cluttered kitchen. The compact size, measuring about 5-1/2 by 8 by 9-3/5 inches, fits perfectly on my countertop without demanding much real estate. Plus, the unit’s two transparent plastic containers are a neat touch; one sports a metal bottom ideal for grinding coffee beans, while the other has a rubberized lid that seals in freshness for chopped food.

The pulse button gives me excellent control over the chopping and grinding process, allowing me to achieve just the right texture for different ingredients. I particularly appreciate the cord storage and under-cabinet mounting option, which helps keep my kitchen tidy and safe from tangled wires. The two stainless-steel blades—one dedicated to grinding coffee and another for chopping food—are sharp and efficient, making short work of everything I’ve thrown at them, from nuts to fresh herbs.

• Compact design fits snugly on counters
• Dual-function unit saves space and money
• Efficient stainless-steel blades for chopping and grinding

Drawbacks to Consider

Despite the many perks, there are a few things I found less than ideal about this mini processor-grinder combo. For starters, the capacity of the containers is quite limited, which can be frustrating if you’re prepping for more than one or two people. I tried to grind coffee beans for my larger French press, and I had to make several batches, which took more time than I’d hoped.

The noise level is also something to be aware of. Grinding coffee beans or chopping tougher food items produces a loud buzz, which startled my kids the first time I used it early in the morning. Additionally, the lack of dishwasher-safe parts means that cleaning requires some extra effort; all components must be hand washed carefully to avoid damage. Finally, the plastic containers, while practical, don’t feel as sturdy as I’d like, and I worry about long-term durability.

• Small container capacity limits batch sizes
• Loud operation can be disruptive
• Hand wash only; no dishwasher-safe parts

Versatility and Ease of Use

What impressed me most was how simple it is to switch between the food processor and coffee grinder functions. The design feels intuitive: just swap out the blades and containers depending on what you need. The pulse button is responsive, giving me a lot of control over the process, which is great for delicate herbs or coarse coffee grounds alike. I found that the two specialized blades really make a difference; the grinding blade handles coffee beans effortlessly without overheating, while the chopping blade is efficient for veggies and nuts.

Even the lid design deserves a mention. The rubberized lid fits securely and helps keep the contents fresh if I’m not using everything right away. Though the unit is small, it doesn’t sacrifice much in terms of power or performance, which is a major plus for a device of this size.

Value Proposition: Is It Worth It?

Considering the price to quality ratio, this mini food processor and coffee grinder offers decent bang for the buck. It’s not the cheapest gadget out there, but the two-in-one functionality justifies the investment if you want to save counter space and avoid buying separate appliances. The build quality is solid enough for daily kitchen tasks, and it feels like a sturdy, reliable tool rather than a flimsy gadget.

If you’re on a budget but crave fresh ground coffee and quick food prep, this model delivers good value without compromising too much on performance. However, if you need larger capacity or ultra-quiet operation, you might want to explore other options.

Alternative Offerings in the Market

Looking at popular competitors such as the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus or the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor, this Black+Decker model holds its own mainly because of its dual-purpose design. Many competitors focus solely on food processing and lack the coffee grinding feature, which I find very convenient.

However, some rivals offer larger bowls and quieter motors, which could be important depending on your priorities. For example, the Cuisinart tends to have a sturdier, dishwasher-safe bowl but doesn’t include a coffee grinder attachment. Meanwhile, Hamilton Beach models often boast simpler cleaning and quieter operation but might falter on versatility.

In essence, this unit excels in space-saving dual functionality but might lag behind on noise control and container size when stacked against some specialized alternatives.

Design and Build Quality

The black finish of the unit blends well with most kitchen decors, and the compact shape makes it easy to store even in smaller kitchens. The weight of 3.4 pounds gives it a stable feel without being cumbersome. The inclusion of cord storage is a thoughtful design element that keeps things neat, and the option for under-cabinet mounting is a clever space-saving feature I haven’t seen in many mini processors.

Despite the mostly plastic construction, the parts feel well-assembled, though the containers’ plastic could be a bit tougher. The metal bottom on the coffee grinder container adds a nice touch of durability where it counts. Overall, the design balances practicality and style without feeling cheap.

Performance in Daily Use

Testing this mini food processor and coffee grinder in daily kitchen tasks revealed its strengths and limitations clearly. I used it to chop nuts for baking, grind fresh coffee beans for my morning brew, and even mince herbs for dinner. It performs well for small jobs and can handle a variety of ingredients without much fuss. The pulse function is responsive, and the blades stay sharp enough to do the job cleanly.

On the downside, I noticed it struggles a bit with larger or tougher items, which requires some patience and repeated pulsing. The noise factor is unavoidable but manageable if you keep expectations realistic for a device of this size and power.

Strengths

• Compact and space-efficient design
• Dual-functionality as food processor and coffee grinder
• Pulse control offers precise processing
• Cord storage and under-cabinet mounting options
• Durable stainless-steel blades for different tasks

Limitations

• Limited capacity may not suit larger batches
• Relatively loud during operation
• All parts require hand washing
• Plastic containers feel less durable over time

Additional information