Aggregation: Food Stuff - A New Food Processor by Demand

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Food Stuff - A New Food Processor by Demand

With a new line of food processors, Cuisinart has addressed a number of problems its customers have complained about over the years.

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The blades on the new models, called the Elite collection, lock in place, so the contents of the bowl can be poured without the blade dropping off. The lock prevents leaks from the bottom of the bowl and a gasket prevents leaks from the top. The work bowls, which are slightly tapered, have a new pouring spout.
There is an added button for dough, which spins the blades at 1,450 r.p.m.s instead of 1,750 for the regular “on” button. But when I tried it for pastry I did not see much difference.
The top-of-the-line model FP-14DC, right, comes with three nesting bowls in 4 1/2-, 11- and 14-cup sizes. The small bowl, which can be used only when it’s in the largest one, has its own, smaller steel blade. Everything can go into the dishwasher.
I used the new machine for bread and pastry dough, mincing garlic, chopping nuts, making pesto and other preparations. Anyone experienced with a Cuisinart will have no trouble, but it comes with a DVD and a good instruction booklet.
The FP-14DC has a retractable cord and a box for accessories, like extra blades. There is only one slicing disk, which can be adjusted for one to six millimeters, and one shredding disk that can be reversed for thicker or thinner textures. A separate stem is used to attach the disks and the small blade to the 4 1/2-cup bowl.
The suggested retail price for the FP-14DC, on a brushed metal base is $299; $279 in black or white plastic. The FP-12DC, with 12-cup and 4 1/2-cup bowls, is $249 in brushed metal, $229 in white or black. There is also a four-cup chopper-grinder for $49.95 in plastic, $59.95 in brushed metal. They are sold at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table stores, among others.

Sign in to Recommend Next Article in Dining & Wine (14 of 17) » A version of this article appeared in print on September 16, 2009, on page D3 of the New York edition.