Cuisinart 20-cup DLC-X Plus Food Processor: Nothing Better

When I got my first apartment, my dad (who does not cook) went out and bought me a food processor. The model he bought was a no-name, light-weight fiasco that did not actually have a bowl, but rather a shoot that sprayed the shreds and slices into a mixing bowl I would provide. There was, of course, no way to actually mix or chop in the bowl. Lo and behold, when it came time to figure out what to take to my next apartment and what to give to Goodwill, that salad-shooting, mess-making food processor was in the donation bag.

Well, I've grown up and dad has learned his lesson. It seems he found a returned Cuisinart 20-cup DLC-X Plus Food Processor on sale in its original box. I don't have a clue why the machine was returned after the box was opened, but I am delighted. This is the top of the line food processor and the one I always wanted but could never see myself affording. (I draw the line at spending more on food processors than I can afford for rent.)

So why do I love this food processor? Let me tell you.

Capacity
A food processor's capacity is based on how much it can hold in dry ingredients. Liquid capacity is about half that of dry. Food processors range from about 3 cups (which I think is too small for just about anything) to my industrial sized 20 cup model. If you have a large family, or if you like to entertain a lot (I do) a 20 cup size is what you should go for. For average size families or less fanatical entertainers, a machine with 10-14 capacity will do. However, if you have space and can afford it, a bigger food processor is the way to go. A quality machine will be with you for years to come. Get the biggest capacity you can afford.

It's not just the bowl that needs to be big. I also like large size feed tubes. I don't want to have to do half the chopping before I put things down the feed tube to get processed. The extra large feed tube allows many fruits and vegetables to go in whole. If what you want is a potato slice, it sure is nice to be able to get a full size slice and not a half moon. When adding liquids while the machine is running, the larger feed tube makes it easier to get things in without spilling or making a mess.

Attachments
The more things a food processor can do, the more versatile it becomes. Had my first food processor come with a bowl for shooting shredded matter and another entirely contained bowl, it would have been more versatile and might be more useful. My new 20-Cup DLC-X Food processor comes with all kinds of attachments to make it the most versatile machine I've seen yet. It has 3 stainless steel slicing discs for cutting thin (2mm), medium (4mm) and thick (6mm) slices. It also has a mixing/chopping blade, a dough hook and a spatula. Cuisinart also makes a variety of other discs that work with this machine to make the possibilities even more exciting. (I currently have a 6x6mm french fry disc on my wish list.) The basics that come with this set are enough to get nearly anyone going, however.

Power
In Poland, the car I had access to was a Fiat Cinquento - a car designed to fit in another car's glove compartment. I don't know much about engines, but I think they powered this car with a single malnourished hamster. The motor from my new food processor could probably power that car and still have energy left to shred cabbage for cole slaw. The Cuisinart home page describes the motor as a "direct drive 1-1/2 horsepower induction motor." I don't know what that means. I do know that the motor is strong enough to allow me to knead enough bread to make two loaves. I've also used it for large batches of cookie dough and cake batters. This machine didn't even balk at a 4 pound batch of pizza dough.

This machine has two basic modes. It can pulse or it can work continuously. That's it. No fancy buttons to decide about. Just intermittent or constant.

Quality
Cuisinart's name is synonymous with food processors. There are a lot of processors on the market these days and many are quite good. However, no one makes a machine as good as Cuisinart and this is among the best they make. Cuisinart stands behind this processor with a 3-year warranty on the entire unit and a special 5-year warranty on the motor. The parts are dishwasher safe. The sections that are not dishwasher safe are smooth and don't have crevices or decoration to trap dirt. This makes it quick and easy to clean with a wipe.

I am so happy with my new food processor and the deal dad got on it, I'm considering sending him out for a new set of pots and pans...maybe a car....a husband? This is the best new toy dad has ever picked out for me.