Food processors: how big is too big?

[bgbc]

It's finally time to upgrade from the Krups mini processor I've been using to prepare meals for too long. (Pesto to the brim, scone dough in two batches, soup in three batches, etc.). I was all set to get a Cuisinart 14-cup die-cast in the Bloomingdales sale until I realized (1) I was a big sucker for considering paying the "discounted" $299 and (2) it might be too big...

So now I'm stuck after reading too many reviews and too many past Chowhound threads on "best food processor." Above all, I'm wondering how big is too big. Between Cuisinart and Kitchenaid (Krups doesn't seem to make large food processors in the same league) I could get 7, 11, 12, 14, or 16 cup bowls. GIven that I've been using the tiny mini-prep for so long my sense of useful scale is skewed. I'll mostly cook for 4, often for 8 and would love to be able to cook for 12+ from time to time. I'd use the machine for a lot of dough and pastry, often for soup and no doubt for other things that will be possible with the larger bowl and blades. The 7-cup seems too close to the mini processor I have now; 12 seems better, but is that *too* small for bigger tasks? (I mean obviously, yes, but how often is it too small?) And I'm assuming the 16-cup is only for those with a lot of counter space and who cook for many people often.

The jug and blade in my old Cuisinart Mini Prep gave out prematurely (18 mo or so) so I've been leery of Cuisinart ever since. But the reviews here are so strong. Ease of cleaning is also important -- I'm going to be sticking everything in the dishwasher, not routinely hand-washing.

One more thing I've wondered -- would using a 12-cup for smaller jobs not work at all? My Kitchenaid Mixer hates small batches of bread dough, for example. Do the blades in any of the larger machines simply not catch small amounts of food?

Thanks for any strongly voiced opinions :) !

[Mrs Sparkles]

I was in a similar situation to you, using a *tiny* mini-processor. I recently bought a Magimix 5200XL.

One thing that appealed to me with the Magimix is that it has 3 bowls. The smallest bowl can be used for chopping and blending small quantities (=mini processor), the medium-sized one is for grating and slicing and the large one can be used for grating, slicing, processing and blending larger quantities, mixing dough, etc.

KitchenAid has a similar arrangement on its processors.

Perhaps you would find this arrangement would work for you. One word of warning, though: because the small and medium bowls don't sit on the base unit on their own (only stacked inside the others), you need to organise your processor work so that you progress from using the small bowl to the medium to the large.

[Nipomo]

Mrs. Sparkles
I am seriously consitering the Magimix 5200XL, its that or the Cuisinart Elite Die-Cast Food Processor, 16-Cup. There is a big price difference (about 200.00). What made you choose the Magimix and what do you think of it now that you have been using it.

I like some of the features of the Cuisinart (the one blade with adjustible thickness) but I read of trouble with food getting in the lid seals which is difficult to clean out. Also I'm just leery of the whole made in China syndrome. Its not always a bad thing but I think the companies are still figuring out quality issues.

I wish reviews like Cooks Illustrated and others did a long term review (after using several top models for 6months/1 year) as well as a just how it functions out of the box review. I think thier food processor review is dated now.

[ospreycove]

I have a Cuisinart DLKC X 20 cup. I use it a lot but still need a smaller 7 cup. The DLC x is great with all the blades makes fast work of many tasks in quantity.

[Mrs Sparkles]

@Nipomo:

I looked for a long time before purchase. Recommendation from staff in a store that supplies trade customers was a key factor (I'd asked for their recommendation from my "final 2" shortlist). Other important considerations were Magimix's experience in making food processors, the Sabatier blades and the wide feed chute.

I think it's a great tool. It's a lot quieter than I expected. The range of slicing and grating discs provided is good and the storage box helps make sure they are kept in good condition.

I only have two negatives to report:
1. I tried to mix a small cake in it, found the large bowl (which is used with the egg whisk) too big for the recipe and ended up transferring it to my stand mixer
2. The large feed tube cannot be used in "continuous feed" mode because there's an interlock that stops the motor if the pusher is not in place. (The small tube can be used for continuous feeding because it is the central part of the pusher)

On balance, it's extended the range of work I can do quickly and consistently and I'm very happy with my purchase.