Cuisinart vs. KitchenAid Food Processors (Which is the Best?)

Written by Jeff Campbell in Food Processors

The best food processors are more than just fancy blenders; they come with strong motors and attachments that can shred a range of foods. But when you’re stuck between two of the biggest names, which do you select, Cuisinart vs. KitchenAid food processor?

In food processor comparison tests, the Cuisinart came out superior to the KitchenAid. This food processor has greater power, and can handle dough better, and the shredding blade, motor, and guarantee are all superior, even if there are fewer blend speeds and no seal mechanism.

A good food processor is a home cook’s most versatile and practical kitchen tool.

The finest food processor will ultimately rely on several different aspects. However, regardless, both companies dominate the market for high-quality food processors.

The good news is that you will have a quality machine in your possession regardless of the brand you choose, and these companies also have a wide selection, allowing you to discover the one that best suits your needs.

Which Food Processor Do Chefs Recommend?

Chefs recommend the Cuisinart Elemental small food processor. This 13-cup food processor has a 550-watt motor and a 4-cup inner nested work bowl for robust food preparation.

CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.

Many cooks find it a convenient alternative because of its compact size and lightweight construction, especially those with small kitchens who regularly need to move it into and out of a cabinet.

It’s also simple to use and straightforward because of the size of the buttons and the general layout.

This mini food processor also features a top-wide feed tube with small, medium, and large pushers for effortless chopping and slicing of your favorite foods.

Even when your hands are wet, the rubberized buttons provide a good grip and simple operation.

This device is more compact than many others if you’re seeking a food processor that fits beautifully on your counter.

In addition, this food processor’s sleek lines and rounded edges give it an aesthetically pleasing design.

The buttons provide settings for a pulse, low, high, and off settings that let you use the machine with ease while maintaining control over its intensity.

The outer finish comes with a neutral color that complements various interior design styles, including kitchens with stainless steel appliances.

The food processor takes up minimal counter space, and transporting it around is easy. Despite being a lightweight food processor, it doesn’t walk or wobble because its suction cup feet offer a firm hold on counter surfaces.

This food processor includes a stainless-steel cookie dough blade, S-shaped blades, reversible shredding disc, flat mixing paddle, and stainless-steel adjustable slicing disc for seamless jobs. In addition, the variety of attachments increases the machine’s adaptability and total worth.

Pros:

  • Stainless steel chopping/mixing blade
  • Electronic touchpad controls
  • 550-watt peak power motor
  • S-shaped Stainless-steel blades
  • Medium and large pushers
  • Inner nested work bowl

Cons:

  • Cases of lid breaking easily
  • The pusher doesn’t push down far enough to completely blend food

CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.

Food processors are multifunctional kitchen tools. The best devices can handle anything from cake batter and vegetables to mince and mayonnaise. But given their wide range of competencies, it might be daunting to buy these multi-tasking kitchen aids, especially if you’ve never had one before.

But are food processors really worth it?

You might want to read my most recent article if you’re debating whether buying a food processor is a good investment.

Here, I discussed the uses of food processors and whether or not chefs use them. Perhaps you’re also interested in learning about the advantages of a food processor; I covered those in the article.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

Are KitchenAid or Cuisinart Food Processors Made in the USA?

No. Neither KitchenAid nor Cuisinart food processors are made in the USA. However, both are reputable American brands.

Conair Corporation owns the American home appliance brand Cuisinart; however, most of its goods, including its food processors, are built in China and France. On the other hand, KitchenAid has been a part of the Whirlpool family since 1988, but China is where the KitchenAid Mini Food Processor is currently manufactured.

KitchenAid and Cuisinart have been producing kitchen appliances for a long time, and both have an impressive track record and a legacy of goods that not many other companies can claim.

Given that KitchenAid’s brand is above 100 years old, it is the older brand in this case, but Cuisinart has significantly caught up in the roughly 40 years it has existed.

These two businesses produce some of the greatest and most dependable kitchen equipment. They are the two greatest manufacturers on the market because of their well-deserved reputation for dependability and solidity. They also provide a money-back guarantee for their goods.

KitchenAid appliances are sold throughout North America. Some KitchenAid items are currently made in Ohio, South Carolina, Iowa, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Ontario, and Quebec. Originally a French brand, the Cuisinart food processor was brought to America by Carl Sontheimer in 1973.

If you’re a cook who wants to get dinner on the table fast and could use an extra pair of hands for simple tasks in the kitchen, both brands of food processors are great. These mini choppers will let you quickly knead pizza dough, grate parmesan cheese, cut nuts, slice vegetables, and prepare various foods.

In addition, both have a selection of accessories and disks required to complete different tasks.

Which Food Processor Does Ina Garten Use?

Ina Garten uses the Cuisinart food processor. A food processor is a must in any kitchen, and Ina Garten swears by her Cuisinart Cup Pro Custom 11 to make bread dough, crumbles, dips, and other things.

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It’s hardly surprising that the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 Food Processor is one of the top pick kitchen appliances.

The food processor has a 600-watt engine, a chopping blade, different slicing disks, a shredding disk, and a food pusher, which most chefs require.

In addition, the Cuisinart has a large feed tube that can accommodate whole fruits and vegetables, has an on/off pulse function, and is simple to clean.

This good food processor also comes with a sizable capacity, but it also has a little flat lid that you can use for mixing or chopping, saving you the trouble of washing the bigger lid assembly and feed tube when you don’t need to.

Although it isn’t the most powerful of the larger food processors, it is more than capable enough to meet most owners’ demands.

With this model, you may chop a variety of nuts, fruits, and vegetables, grate cheese, and make coleslaw, mince parsley, and other herbs.

But you can also make bread crumbs, pizza crust, pesto, and peanut butter, as well as slice vegetables for cooking, and salad dressings due to its amazing feeding tube.

It can also slice cheddar and other semi-hard cheeses and act as a meat grinder if you follow the instructions. Thanks to all the extra discs, it is highly adaptable and a fantastic value for a well-known brand.

Pros:

  • Ease of use
  • chopping/dough blade
  • 11-cup capacity
  • 3 stainless steel discs for slicing, shredding, and thin-slicing
  • 600 Watts motor
  • Extra-large feed tube

Cons:

  • The blade sits higher and does not flush with the bottom, particularly when chopping liquid ingredients
  • Frequent cases of the lid not fitting with the device.

CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.

We may have established that food processors are necessary kitchen tools for chopping, slicing, mincing, grating, pureeing, beating egg whites, cream, almond butter, and preparing cookie dough. Still, you might also be interested in learning how they function in Indian cuisine.

If you’re wondering how they fit into the preparation of your delicious Indian dishes and have a similar query, you might want to read my most recent article.

Here I not only addressed what a food processor is used for in Indian cooking but also some interesting applications for them. The article also addressed whether a food processor and a food chopper are the same.

Are KitchenAid Food Processors Cheaper Than Cuisinart?

KitchenAid food processors cost a little bit more than Cuisinart.

The price difference between the two food processors is not too great though, as they are both fairly affordable. In addition, they both seem to be worth their prices when you consider their functions.

The KitchenAid food processors may cost a little bit more, but they come with a larger work bowl and are created to make your time in the kitchen more convenient.

Different color options for different kitchen blends are also available. They make decent investments that have a lengthy lifespan. These food processors can handle any kitchen task you throw at them.

Both of these models are superbly constructed for food processing. They also have high-grade stainless steel sharp blades that won’t rust or get dull.

These cup food choppers should last a very long time and are also easy to clean. In addition, Cuisinart and KitchenAid food processors are frequently on sale, making them equal competitors for greater value for money.

Overall, for those looking for a basic appliance requiring less effort, the Cuisinart model offers a fully functional processor at a lower price than the KitchenAid models. However, choosing the best food processor necessitates considering performance and features in addition to pricing. When buying a kitchen appliance, it’s always about the details.

Do Cuisinart Food Processors Have Better Reviews Than KitchenAid?

Yes. The Cuisinart food processors have received higher reviews than the KitchenAid food processors.

This is particularly because of their ease of use, extra-large feed tube, and superior performance to KitchenAid. In addition, these food processors are genuine workhorses in the kitchen since they come with attachments that can be used to knead bread and pie dough, shred blocks of cheese, and slice vegetables in different thicknesses.

The Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup food processor is a better choice, well-liked for its simplicity. Compared to versions with more settings or several bowls, the 14-cup model’s simplified design makes it simpler to operate and clean. In addition, it includes the few tools and disks you’ll need to do typical culinary activities.

Its simple interface is what makes it the best stand mixer, with only two buttons and one bowl. However, performance is not sacrificed for simplicity.

The Cuisinart is more robustly constructed than other processors in its price range, including the KitchenAid, and excels in various chopping, shredding, and blending jobs.

The 14-cup model from Cuisinart finds the ideal size balance for most houses because it can prepare all but the largest holiday meals and yet fits on a pantry shelf or within a base cabinet.

For smaller kitchens, a 12-cup bowl model could be a better option; however, you still need a good amount of storage space for this small food processor.

Most people don’t require large-capacity. However, 16-cup versions, if you frequently feed a party, can be worthwhile to avoid processing ingredients in batches.

Which Has a Better Food Processor Warranty: KitchenAid or Cuisinart?

The Cuisinart food processor has a better food processor warranty than the KitchenAid.

Cuisinart provides a full 5-year motor warranty and a 3-year limited warranty on the entire unit. KitchenAid, on the other hand, offers a 1-year limited warranty to guarantee that it continues to function during the first part of its life.

According to Cuisinart, its warranty is solely offered to customers. It covers any material or quality flaws during regular household usage for three years after the date of the first purchase. The warranty applies if you are the owner of a Cuisinart Series food processor bought at retail for personal, family, or home usage. However, merchants and other business buyers are not eligible for a warranty.

Additionally, the warranty does not cover any fees associated with shipping or sending your KitchenAid stand mixers to an authorized service center or any damage brought on by usage, abuse, alteration, or accident.

The KitchenAid warranty covers a hassle-free replacement of your food processor and the expenses of new components and labor to address manufacturing flaws. However, if your food processor is utilized for purposes other than regular, single-family home use, its warranty does not cover repairs.

Smoothies may be whole meals or just a fast pick-me-up. They are also quick and healthy. 

However, given their extreme versatility and the fact that they can be prepared with several fruits, vegetables, bases, and add-ons, you might wonder if a food processor would work well for making them.

You might want to read my most recent article if you intend to make those delectable smoothies in a food processor and are unsure if they will work well.

In addition, I discussed which food processor blade to use to produce smoothies and if it is possible to combine frozen fruit in a food processor. Perhaps you also want to know which is better in a blender or food processor; the article addressed that.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

What Is the Best Cuisinart Food Processor?

The best Cuisinart food processor is the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup. The Cuisinart 14-Cup Custom Food Processor has a brief appearance that nevertheless works well. In addition, it has a sleek, contemporary design that is attractive to the eye.

CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon. 

As a larger model, the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor is one of the best blenders on the market with amazing features. With its 720-Watt more powerful motor and simple “on” and “off/pulse” buttons, this large food processor produces one of the best results.

This one is a great choice if you’re searching for a model that can do many different things and operates extremely quietly.

It has a bowl with a handle that locks in the middle of the front of the appliance, like many basic models. Both left- and right-handed chefs may use it since the bowl locks in place effortlessly and is placed in the optimum spot. Although it lacks some extra accessories and features of other machines, this one nevertheless performs at a high level.

This high-speed full-size food processor has a blade for basic chopping and mixing and a shredding and slicing disc. The feed tube is large and has a pusher for smaller ingredients and a detachable inner feed tube. The machine performs efficiently even with a simpler design than some major brands.

Pros:

  • Stainless steel standard slicing disc
  • Extra-large feed tube
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • High-impact ABS plastic
  • 720-Watt powerful performance
  • On” and “off/pulse” buttons

Cons:

  • Frequent cases of the drive shaft splitting
  • Single chopper speed settings

CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon. 

What Is the Best KitchenAid Food Processor?

The KitchenAid 13-Cup is the best KitchenAid food processor on the market. This best stand mixer has a distinctive bowl and lid design that makes it simple to put together and efficient to operate. Many cooks find it a great option due to its enormous capacity and silent operation.

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This large-capacity machine provides great value, saving you time and storage space thanks to extra features, including a twist-free bowl and an accessory storage case. Although it is more expensive, it is flexible equipment that can easily handle more difficult food preparation chores, making it a great addition to many kitchens.

This device has three large, user-friendly buttons.

They have a great, secure feel and are big enough to be usable even with filthy or damp palms. Instead of fiddling with sophisticated settings, you can adjust the machine’s intensity by using the buttons’ pulse, low, high, and off controls.

Overall, the food processor has a modern look.

It has a contemporary aesthetic and distinctive design characteristics that will fit perfectly in a contemporary kitchen. Additionally, this model comes in four colors, making it simple to match the color with the other appliances in your kitchen.

Pros:

  • Multi-purpose blade
  • Extra storage case
  • One-click bowl assembly
  • Easily adjust slicing thickness
  • Reversible shredding disc
  • 13-cup work bowl

Cons:

  • Frequent cases of food getting stuck between the discs
  • High-speed mode is not high enough

CLICK HERE to see the current price on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

A food processor will simplify your life if you are really busy and wish to streamline your cooking procedure. Then, all that’s left to do is get your ideal food processor and take advantage of its convenience.

Since the Cuisinart and KitchenAid mixers are excellent food processors, choosing one might be tough. They are both built by reliable, well-respected businesses, have excellent designs, and are powerful enough for home use. They are not made alike though. There are significant disparities in price, motor performance, and general longevity.

Even if you’re still unsure of which food processor to choose, it’s important to think about the purposes you will be getting the food processor. Ultimately, choosing between the Cuisinart vs. KitchenAid food processor will mostly depend on that.

But I have both in my house and the Cuisinart gets used WAY more often.

Image by Valeria Lo Iacono from Pixabay

cuisinart by Pattie and Blood Filling or Cherry Pie Filling 103109Sa by vmiramontes are licensed under CC2.0 and were cropped, edited, merged, and had a text and graphic overlay added.

Jeff Campbell

Jeff was a leader for Whole Foods Market for over 2 decades and is now a recovering foodie. When he's not spending time in the kitchen, he can usually be found with 3 daughters, practicing martial arts, making music, or blogging on his other sites. Click to learn more about me

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