Cuisinart FP-12DC Elite Collection 12-Cup Food Processor, Die Cast

Cuisinart FP-12DC Elite Collection 12-Cup Food Processor, Die Cast

I like it a lot, but not in love.
Let me begin by telling you this processor replaces a 30-year-old original Cuisinart DLC-8. It didn't have a wide feed tube, and had much less power, so I'm not making a comparison with a newer, comparable machine. It's kind of like comparing an economy car to a Mercedes. Also, I got it for a significant discount during a Macy's sale, which is the only reason I bought it. I don't know if I'd pay the regular price for it. Another reviewer liked the limited edition better when spending the big bucks. That said, I'm happy with it, but not as thrilled as I expected to be.

First of all, be forewarned, this baby is BIG. I have a small appliance garage on my counter. My old one fit in there facing front-to-back, with the work bowl attached and the cover inverted. This one is so large I can't face it forward -- the door won't close. So it's in sideways, with the bowls attached, but the cover sits on its side next to it, because with the large feed tube you can't just turn...

The food processor SHOW DOWN: A comparison of 14 cup stainless Cuisinart food processors
Update: cuisinart no longer carries the Limited Edition. However, it periodically gets reintroduced by them. I've been asked to leave my review up based upon it covering the other two and noting things one might consider in comparisons. However this old model of the LE is hard to find now so I wanted to note that up front.

When I buy a new kitchen or household item with lots of competitors I do loads of comparison/contrasting and research first if it's over a hundred bucks...Knowing it was time for a new food processor, I began comparing models. However, I found it a tad difficult to do with all the different blades, codes, etc.

Therefore, once I had completed my own shopping and comparisons, I thought it might be helpful for anyone else in the same situation if I posted my own comparisons here.

I'll start by saying, after all the testing I decided to order the CUISINART LIMITED EDITION Metal (NOT THE ELITE) 14 cup food processor on Amazon. I found it...

Not an improvement...
I've owned various models of Cuisinarts for many years and have always considered them the Cadillac of food processors. Recently I gave away my DLC-2014 model to a relative and upgraded to the FP-14DC, their newest model. I'm beginning to think I may have been too hasty. The most obvious difference between the newer and older model is the design of the workbowl. Cuisinarts have always had straight-sided bowls, but the FP-14DC's bowl is flared -- wider at the top than at the bottom. Presumably the company's engineers determined that the newer design performs better -- or at least as well -- as the older design, but that hasn't been my experience. One problem is that food seems to collect in the seam between the side and bottom of the bowl much more readily than in older models. I used it the other day to chop about two cups of walnuts. When I dumped the chopped nuts out of the bowl, I saw that two or three tablespoons of walnut powder had collected and jammed in the seam. I had to use...

Equipped with a 1000-watt peak-power motor, this convenient food processor quickly and easily slices, dices, chops, and purees, helping to reduce prep time in the kitchen. It supplies a 12-cup work bowl, plus a 4-cup work bowl that nests inside the bigger bowl--a versatile two-in-one design that can handle small and large batches alike. Both bowls feature durable polycarbonate construction, measurement marks up the side, and drip-free pour spouts. An exclusive SealTight Advantage System seals the bowls and locks the blades for clean, safe processing and pouring. In addition, the unit's wide-mouth feed tube accommodates larger ingredients, which reduces the need for cutting food into smaller pieces first, and its electronic touchpad control panel offers three selections for on, off, and pulse. Use the machine to quickly blend up individual or family-size batches of pesto, chop onions and green peppers for a veggie pizza, or shred cheese for omelets on a Sunday morning. Accessories include a stainless-steel adjustable slicing disc (1 to 6 mm), a stainless-steel reversible shredding disc (fine/medium), a large and small stainless-steel chopping/mixing blade, and a dough blade. Thoughtfully designed, the food-prep appliance also provides blue LED indicator lights, a simple on/off locking system with push-button release, and dishwasher-safe removable parts for quick cleanup. A spatula, "how-to" DVD, and a recipe/instruction book come included. The food processor measures 7 by 10-1/2 by 15-1/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty with a 10-year warranty on the motor.

From the Manufacturer

Cuisinart extended the potential of every kitchen, with the introduction of the food processor in 1973. Now with the innovative Elite Collection, Cuisinart continues the pioneering tradition. Loaded with 1000 watts of peak power and innovative options, this ground breaking collection utilizes the exclusive SealTight Advantage system and a revolutionary nested bowl design to usher in the next generation of food processing. With two nested bowls, a reversible shredding disc and adjustable slicing disc (8 different options with 2 discs), a dough blade, and a versatile chopping/mixing blade, there is no limit to what you can do. The SealTight lid and blade assembly lets you utilize the maximum of each bowl's processing capacity without spills or leaks, and ensures easy cleaning and convenient handling. The motor housing base is extra-durable with a streamline design that provides a solid foundation for the demands of food processing. It's versatile, powerful, and user-friendly food processor--something consumers always expect from Cuisinart.

Features, Benefits, and Operations

Housing Base and Motor: With a vertically projecting shaft, this powerful base processes through a variety of recipes with 1000 watts of peak power. Touchpad Control Panel: These easy to clean, electronically controlled buttons, On, Off, and Pulse, cover a host of food processing functions. The contemporary blue LED light indicates when the unit is powered on. Work Bowls: Designed with maximum versatility, the work bowl should be based on task appropriateness. These nested bowls feature SealTight technology, which maximizes each bowl's processing capacity, ensures safe handling, and keeps all the ingredients contained in the bowl you're using! The bowls also include a locking feature to prevent them from coming out of position when pouring, and finger recesses for user-friendliness. The large and small work bowls (12 and 4 cup) are made of durable polycarbonate material with convenient measurements marking and pour spouts. Cuisinart recommends using the work bowls in a manner that will optimize efficiency. For example, if your recipe requires using both bowls, begin with the small bowl to minimize cleaning. This way the small bowl can serve as a prep bowl to reserve chopped ingredients for a recipe. Note that the bowls lock into place while nested. The convenient finger recesses can be used to remove the small bowl with ingredients, or the bowl can remain nested during pouring or food removal. Work Bowl Cover with Feed Tube: The work bowl cover with SealTight Advantage feature allows for maximum bowl capacity during processing and pouring. To remove the work bowl cover, push in the release buttons on either side of the handle interlock. The Supreme Wide-Mouth feed tube accommodates larger ingredients and saves precutting time. Pusher Assembly: Secured with a snap-fit, the small pusher inside the larger pusher allows you to accommodate ingredients of all sizes. The large pusher lock, located on the handle, enables it to be pulled out to lock and pushed in to unlock--this feature should be used when processing heavy loads. SmallChopping/Mixing Blade: This small stainless steel blade will chop or mix anything in your small work bowl and also features the BladeLock system. The BladeLock feature is designed to keep the blade in place during processing, pouring, lifting, and handling tasks--but is not permanently attached. To operate the small blade place both work bowls assembled on the base, position the stem adapter over the center of the bowls, twist into position, and push down to lock. Grasp the small chopping/mixing blade by its hub, place it over the stem adapter, twist into position, and push down firmly to lock. Large Chopping/Mixing Blade: Stainless steel in construction, this heavy-duty blade will process a variety of food in your large work bowl. The BladeLock system enables the blade to stay in place to prevent leaking, while providing optimal pouring. To operate the blade place the large work bowl assembled on the base, grasp the large chopping/mixing blade by its hub, align it over the center of the bowl, twist into position, and push down firmly to lock. Dough Blade: Designed for superb results this blade will knead through all types of dough. The dough blade can be used only in the large bowl. To operate carefully lift and place the blade over the center hub of the work bowl by lining up the markings and sliding down the blade. Adjustable Slicing Disc: The versatile 6-in-1 disc allows for thin to thick slices with 1 to 6mm indicators. This disc may be used only in the large bowl. When using your large bowl, position the stem adapter over the center of the bowl, twist into position, and push down to lock. If using the adjustable slicing disc, use the rotating hub and indicator markings to select the slicing thickness. Using the finger holes, align and insert the disc over the stem adapter. Reversible Shredding Disc: Provides the option of either fine or medium shredding for optimal results. This disc may be used only in the large bowl. When using your large bowl, position the stem adapter over the center of the bowl, twist into position and push down to lock. Determine whether the fine or medium size (using the indicator markings to select thickness) use the plastic hub to twist into position on the stem adapter. The finger holes may be used for removal of this disc. Stem Adapter: This user friendly tool easily attaches to either disc or small chopping/mixing blade to engage the motor shaft. Cord Storage: Keeps countertops safe and clean by conveniently wrapping excess cord under the unit.

Cleaning and Storage

All parts except the housing base are dishwasher safe, and recommend washing on the top rack only. The housing base may be wiped clean with a soapy, non-abrasive material and dry after cleaning. If you wash the blades and discs by hand, do it carefully as their cutting edges are very sharp. For your safety remember when handling, use the plastic hubs on the blades and finger holes for the discs.

Bringing the Good Life Home

Cuisinart products are designed to make life delicious all day long, offering today's consumers a variety of menu options, and fun and easy new ways to entertain family and friends.

Cuisinart first came into home kitchens over 30 years ago when it introduced the now legendary food processor. People discovered that routines could be broken and creative cooking quickly became part of the new lifestyle. Preparing fresh ingredients with products that offered easy and interesting new techniques meant healthier meals and more free time.

Today Cuisinart develops products to make every meal memorable. From breakfast toast and coffee to elegant five-course dinners, the preparation and cooking have become a pleasurable part of the total experience. Today's relaxed lifestyles and the convenience of Cuisinart products make it easier than ever to Savor the Good Life, right at home with family and friends.

• 1000-watt food processor with 12-cup work bowl and nesting 4-cup work bowl
• On/off/pulse touchpad controls; wide-mouth feed tube; blade-locking system
• Stainless-steel slicing disc, shredding disc, chopping/mixing blades, and dough blade
• Dishwasher-safe parts; spatula, "how-to" DVD, and recipe/instruction book included
• Measures 7 by 10-1/2 by 15-1/5 inches; 3-year limited warranty; 10-year motor warranty