Braun CombiMax K 600 Food Processor

I don't know how I'd survive without my Braun. As a matter of fact I often wonder how I did it prior to the three yrs. that I own it. It is an almost constant decoration on my counter since I consult it literally from soup to nuts. I use it to prepare everything made out of vegetables, fruits, onions for sautee'ing, potatoes, bread crumbs, meat, soups, casseroles, omelletes, patties, to grind nuts, for some batters, salads....you name it!

The appliance's got a very powerful motor and it never got "stuck" yet even with hard rock ingredients. I can put as many as 10 large potatoes into the durable plastic bowl. That saves me from the inconvenience of stopping in the midst, rinsing the bowl, and starting over again...... that is required by those processors which fit only 5 potatoes.

Safety features are A-1. The main sharpest blade comes with a very appreciated plastic encasing that wraps around all sharp corners of it to protect precious fingers. The power doesn't go on ( even if it's plugged in ) unless the bowl AND the cover are properly latched. In fact my 3 and 5 yr. olds love to help me "squoosh" all the food down the chute with the food pusher - that's how safe I consider it. The chute is tall enough to prevent little hands from going too far.

I find that the 5 blades supplied with the machine basically cover all bases of regular kitchen use. The all- purpose blade is for dicing, chopping, mincing, puree'ing, and grinding. Then there are specific ones that snap in with a breeze- one for julee'ing (carrots e.t.c.) one for grating (my favorite for potato patties) and one for thin slicing. They even include a plastic "blade" for gentle folding of ingredients in sensitive batters, like eggs e.t.c. Changing of blades is 1-2-3.

Other more costly processors don't offer a whole lot more in the way of power or operation. They basically have a larger variety of blades to choose from. My experience is that these are generally meant for professional chefs and aren't missed in a standard home kitchen. Don't get me wrong - I cook a whole lot and gourmet foods too. I entertained many a time via the Braun and got plenty of "wow's". You can do almost anything with the basic blades included. When I say professional I mean commercial cooking. This machine should come through in any residential setting even a heavy duty traffic one. You may purchase a select few additional blades to the Braun too, like one for thicker slicing. I don't know about even dicing, or squares, (like for bell peppers, e.t.c.)or matchsticks (for carrots) though, but I get my way around it really well so far.

Using the processor is actually a cinch. Just plug in, select blade, add food, and press button.....Presto ! and it's not that noisy either. I mean you can't really talk on the phone when you're standing right next to it, but I've heard a lot noisier ones. There are very many different levels of speed and there's even an instant button for short spurts of energy, when you need only a few seconds of operation.

Cleanup is simple with an easy rinse bowl. Just be careful with the blades.The grater may be a bit tricky to clean. Using a brush is helpful. Carrots may sometimes discolor the plastic parts temporarily. The cord goes around a handy cord holder in the back.

I find the parts as well as the motor very durable, being that I'm almost abusing it for 3 yrs. and everything is intact. I didn't need it yet, but from what I hear from my friends that have, Braun backs there products well.

This processor is more than worth it's price and should serve you with satisfaction for many years to come.