ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Specifications
Performance Comparison
Functionality
We tested ten food processors, and without a doubt, the Cuisinart Pro Classic was one of our favorites. Seven cups of dry capacity was sufficient for all of our tests, and we thought two cups of liquid capacity was impressive considering the size of the work bowl. Although this model only comes with the basic attachments, we found that they were able to meet all of our processing needs. This included a wide array of tests from kneading dough and shredding cheese to chopping parsley. In addition, we preferred the design of this paddle switch to the one on the Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus because it was simple and more responsive.
The paddle switch easily moves up and down with one hand to turn on continuous processing or to pulse.
Credit: Cate Doucette
Although all the Cuisinart models that we tested require the pusher to be engaged in the feed tube before the motor will run, the Pro Classic is designed with the pusher permanently attached to the sleeve system, which we felt added a layer of unnecessary complication. Not only is it annoying and challenging to clean, it also requires more cutting of foods before you process them. We did find, however, that the large feed tube will still accommodate a whole tomato.
We felt this feeder tube system was not only difficult to clean but a hassle to use.
Credit: Cate Doucette
The flat "work lid" that comes with the unit is a bonus we didn't expect. We loved when we were using the 'S' blade that we didn't have to use the hard-to-clean lid with feeder tubes- instead, we could use the easy-to-clean flat lid and add ingredients through the center hole.
We love this flat work bowl lid. It's easy to clean and use.
Credit: Cate Doucette
Processing Quality
Overall, we were very impressed with the Cuisinart Pro Classic's processing performance during all of our tests. At a base weight of 9.4 pounds, it is a relatively heavy unit compared to the other compact machines we tested like the Hamilton Beach 8 Cup or the Black & Decker 8 Cup. The 600-watt motor is powerful but still runs quietly. Although this model is small, it was stable and hardly moved as we taxed it with heavy duty projects like kneading dough.
Quick and easy pizza dough.
Credit: Cate Doucette
We were also impressed with the sharpness of the 'S' blade and thought that it did a better job chopping onions and mincing parsley than more expensive machines like the KitchenAid 11-Cup Food Processor.
Sharp blades did an exceptional job chopping onions and mincing parsley.
Credit: Cate Doucette
Using the universal 'S' blade, the Pro Classic was also capable of grinding whole almonds into smooth and creamy homemade almond butter.
Almond butter came out smooth and creamy.
Credit: Cate Doucette
The sharp blade and powerful motor of the Pro Classic turned out fast, consistent slicing of both potatoes and the more challenging task of tomatoes.
The DLC10S did an excellent job slicing tomatoes and potatoes.
Credit: Cate Doucette
We also thought the Cuisinart did an efficient job shredding both carrots and parmesan cheese. The shreds came out quickly and uniformly, with little food waste.
The Cuisinart has excellent shredding capabilities.
Credit: Cate Doucette
It also handled the more delicate job of whipping cream fairly well. We used the flat work top (so we didn't have to clean the feeder-tube lid), and it quickly turned our heavy cream into smooth whipped cream.
Whipped cream courtesy of the Cuisinart Pro Classic.
Credit: Cate Doucette
Ease of Set Up and Clean Up:
The Cuisinart Pro Classic was relatively easy to set up. The only challenge we faced initially was trying to figure out how to attach the stem to the slicing and grating discs. It took us a few tries, but, once we figured it out, it was easy and stable. In terms of clean up, the Pro Classic is dishwasher safe, but it is also easy to clean by hand with the exception of the lid with the attached feeder tubes. That was a huge pain to clean. However, we are willing to forgive it because of the flat work bowl lid. No other machine we tested offers one, and we feel it makes the Pro Classic more appealing to use on a regular basis.
Storage Options:
The Cuisinart Pro Classic is relatively compact and should fit easily on a countertop or in a cabinet. It doesn't come with blade storage or cord storage.
Best Uses
The Cuisinart Pro Classic is perfect for any small volume processing projects.
Value
At $100, the Cuisinart Pro Classic is the most affordable Cuisinart that we tested and we felt it was a fantastic value. In addition, it comes with an excellent warranty. The entire unit is guaranteed for 3 years and the motor for 5 years. You must pay for all shipping and handling and they will repair or replace any defective Pro Classic model.
Conclusion
The Cuisinart Pro Classic won our Editor's Choice Award. We thought it was by far the best machine for under $100, and we even liked it better than some of the more expensive models we tested. It is a compact food processor that packs a punch. Not only is it exceptionally quiet, but its strong motor and sharp blades consistently delivered impressive results. It was also great for making dough and nut butters, two projects that the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Deluxe 14 Cup and Black & Decker 8 Cup models couldn't handle. Our only complaint would be the difficult-to-clean lid with feeder tubes, but you don't have to use it all of the time thanks to the option of the flat top lid. Overall, we thought that the performance of this machine was superior. We would highly recommend the Cuisinart Pro Classic to anyone who can afford it.
Alternatives:
KitchenAid 11-Cup with ExactSlice System
- $200
- 360-watt motor
- 11-cup dry capacity and 3-cup liquid capacity
- Adjustable slicing disc
- Only has a 1-year warranty
Oster Total Prep 10 Cup
- $60
- 500-watt motor
- Also capable of kneading dough, but can't make nut butter
- Only has a 1-year warranty
Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Deluxe 14 Cup
- $80
- 525-watt motor
- Large feeder tube
- Can't handle dough or nut butter
We suggest that you check out our Buying Advice for Food Processors to get an idea for what machine will best suit your needs.
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