Cuisinart Elemental Food Processor Review Powerful 13 Cup Kitchen Appliance Tested

Description

Highlights of the Cuisinart Elemental Food Processor

Testing the Cuisinart Elemental Small Food Processor, 13-Cup, Gunmetal has been quite the adventure in my kitchen. Its 550-watt motor packs a punch, handling everything from chopping nuts to shredding cheese without breaking a sweat. The SealTight Advantage System is genuinely impressive—it locks the blade securely and seals the bowl, giving me peace of mind during high-speed processing. Plus, the wide-mouth feed tube with three different pushers (small, medium, large) makes feeding ingredients effortless, whether I’m slicing tomatoes or dicing onions.

The 13-cup bowl is a generous size, perfect for prepping big family meals or entertaining guests, while the smaller 4.5-cup nested bowl is great for smaller tasks, like making pesto or chopping herbs. The inclusion of a dicing disc with a 10mm grid, along with a handy cleaning tool, adds a professional touch to the setup. It really feels like Cuisinart thought of everything for versatile food prep.

• Powerful 550-watt motor for efficient processing
• SealTight system ensures safety and no leaks
• Large and small bowls for varied cooking needs

Drawbacks That Caught My Attention

Despite many strengths, I noticed some areas for improvement during use. The unit is fairly heavy, weighing in at 19.3 pounds, which makes moving it around or storing it a bit of a hassle. This might not suit those with limited counter space or who prefer lightweight appliances. Additionally, the stainless steel blades and discs are razor-sharp, which means handling them requires extra caution. I accidentally nicked my finger once while washing, so I recommend being very careful during cleaning.

Another minor gripe involves the electronic touchpad controls. While the illuminated blue LEDs look sleek, the buttons can sometimes feel a bit unresponsive if your fingers are wet or greasy. This might slow down your workflow slightly during intense meal prep. Also, although the dishwasher-safe parts are convenient, the plastic components require careful placement to avoid warping over time.

• Heavy and bulky for small kitchens
• Sharp blades demand careful handling
• Touchpad controls occasionally unresponsive

Versatility in Features and Settings

Exploring every feature of the food processor revealed just how versatile it is. The four-speed settings—High, Low, Off, and Pulse—offer great control over texture and consistency. Whether I wanted a coarse chop or a fine puree, adjusting the speed was intuitive. The stainless steel adjustable slicing disc allows for thickness settings from 0 to 7mm, which is perfect for customizing slices of cucumbers, carrots, or potatoes for salads and casseroles.

The reversible shredding disc with fine and medium options is another standout. It shredded cheese beautifully without clogging, and the dough blade made kneading a breeze when baking bread. I appreciated the accessory storage case, which keeps all the blades and discs organized and easy to find. The manual and recipe booklet included were helpful, especially the tips on setting up and cleaning the machine.

User Experience and Practical Use

My family has been the ultimate test group for this food processor. My kids enjoyed watching the dicing disc turn veggies into perfect little cubes, making salad prep more fun. My spouse liked using the shredding disc for homemade pizza toppings, praising how quick it was compared to hand grating. Even my coworkers who saw it in action were impressed by how smoothly it ran, despite its power.

From my perspective, the machine’s noise level is moderate—not too loud but noticeable, which is typical for appliances with a motor of this strength. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to removable, dishwasher-safe parts, but I prefer hand washing the blades to keep them sharp longer. The gunmetal finish adds a modern aesthetic that fits well with my kitchen’s style, making it more than just a functional tool.

Product Competitors

Comparing this processor to other models like the KitchenAid 13-Cup or the Breville Sous Chef reveals some interesting points. The Cuisinart’s SealTight system gives it a safety edge, preventing leaks and blade shifts that I’ve seen with other brands. However, the KitchenAid tends to be quieter and a bit lighter, which may be better for kitchens tight on space or for those sensitive to noise.

Meanwhile, the Breville model boasts a more powerful motor and advanced features like an LCD screen, but it comes at a higher price point. The Cuisinart strikes a solid balance between power and affordability without overwhelming the user with complex controls. Its wide-mouth feed tube and multiple pushers make ingredient prep faster than some rivals, though the heavy weight is a drawback compared to lighter competitors.

Value Assessment

Considering the features packed into this food processor, it offers excellent value for money. The combination of a large capacity, powerful motor, and multiple blades and discs makes it a versatile kitchen workhorse. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the durability and performance justify the investment for serious home cooks.

The three-year warranty adds peace of mind, especially given the inclusion of premium materials like stainless steel blades and a sturdy motor. Those who cook frequently or entertain will find this model a worthwhile purchase, balancing cost with functionality. However, casual users might want to weigh their need for such a large capacity before committing.

Practical Design and Ease of Use

The design of this food processor is thoughtful and user-friendly. The Supreme wide-mouth feed tube is a standout feature, allowing me to drop in large chunks of vegetables without pre-cutting. The SealTight locking mechanism not only keeps everything secure but also helps reduce mess during processing. I appreciated the illuminated touchpad, which clearly indicates the chosen speed setting even in low light.

Handling the smaller nested bowl was convenient for quick jobs, and storing all attachments in the included case prevented clutter. While the unit’s size can dominate a countertop, the sleek gunmetal finish gives it a high-end look. The dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup less tedious, although care is needed to avoid dulling the blades over time.

Final Thoughts on Daily Use

Using the Cuisinart Elemental Food Processor regularly has shown me its true capabilities and minor flaws. From chopping, slicing, and shredding to dough making and dicing, it handles a wide range of kitchen tasks with confidence. The powerful motor, safety features, and versatile accessories make it a dependable tool for anyone serious about food prep.

That said, the weight and sharp blades require careful handling, and the touch controls could be more responsive. Its size demands adequate counter space, but the combination of large and small bowls adds great flexibility. If you need a reliable, multi-functional processor that balances price, power, and performance, this product is definitely worth considering.

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