For anyone serious about cooking, a food processor is an indispensable kitchen appliance. It simplifies countless tasks, from chopping vegetables and shredding cheese to kneading dough and making dips. Among the myriad of models available, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor has consistently stood out, earning our top recommendation as one of the Best Food Processors on the market since 2013. This robust and straightforward machine delivers exceptional performance without unnecessary bells and whistles, making it a favorite for both home cooks and professional chefs.
Why the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Stands Out as the Best Food Processor
What makes the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup the best food processor for most kitchens? It boils down to its remarkable blend of efficiency, simplicity, and durability. Unlike some overly complicated machines loaded with attachments you might never use, the Cuisinart focuses on core functionality and excels at it. Equipped with just one multi-purpose blade, a grating disk, and a slicing disk, this processor impressively handles a wide array of food preparation tasks, often outperforming even more expensive models with a greater number of accessories.
Unmatched Performance: Chopping, Shredding, and Emulsifying
In our rigorous testing, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup consistently demonstrated superior performance in chopping, shredding, and emulsifying various ingredients. From delicate tomatoes to hard cheeses, this top-rated food processor tackled each task with ease and precision. It effortlessly chopped vegetables for salsas and soups, shredded mozzarella cheese without clumping, and even produced a smoother, more stable mayonnaise than many other full-size processors we evaluated. This consistent performance across different food types solidifies its position as a truly versatile kitchen tool and one of the best food processors available.
Powerful Yet Stable Motor
Despite having a 750-watt motor, which is less powerful on paper than some competitors boasting motors up to 1450 watts, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup delivers ample power for even demanding tasks. Its robust motor and substantial base, weighing approximately 18 pounds when assembled, ensure stability during operation. Even when processing heavy doughs or large batches, the machine remains firmly planted on the countertop, without the excessive shaking or movement sometimes seen in less well-built models. This stability and power combination is a key factor in why we consider it among the best food processors for home use.
Surprisingly Quiet Operation
Noise is often a concern with powerful kitchen appliances, but the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup manages to keep noise levels surprisingly low. During operation, it emits a consistent, low rumble measured at around 75 decibels, comparable to normal conversation levels. This is significantly quieter than many other high-performance food processors, making it a more pleasant appliance to use, especially in open-plan kitchens. While the sound level can vary depending on the ingredients being processed (hard nuts being louder than soft vegetables), its overall quiet operation is a notable advantage.
Generous 14-Cup Capacity
The large 14-cup work bowl of the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup is another significant benefit. This ample capacity is ideal for preparing large quantities of food, whether you’re grating cheese for a crowd, shredding vegetables for a big batch of coleslaw, or making double batches of dough. The generous bowl size reduces the need for multiple processing rounds, saving time and effort in the kitchen. For families or those who frequently cook for groups, this large capacity makes it one of the best food processors for handling substantial food preparation tasks.
Simple Design and Easy to Clean
Simplicity is a hallmark of the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup’s design. With just two operating buttons – “pulse” and “on” – and a minimal set of essential attachments, this machine is incredibly user-friendly. The straightforward design extends to cleaning as well. The work bowl, in particular, is designed for easy cleaning, with a smooth interior and a hollow handle that prevents food and moisture buildup. This ease of cleaning is a practical advantage appreciated by busy cooks and contributes to its ranking among the best food processors for everyday use. Furthermore, the attachments conveniently store inside the bowl, minimizing clutter and saving valuable kitchen storage space.
Durable and Reliable
Cuisinart food processors have a long-standing reputation for durability, and the Custom 14-Cup is no exception. Its robust construction and quality components are designed to withstand years of regular use. Anecdotal evidence and our long-term testing confirm its longevity, with many users reporting decades of reliable performance. The machine also comes with a solid three-year warranty, providing added peace of mind. Should any parts need replacement, they are readily available for purchase on the Cuisinart website, further extending the lifespan of this durable food processor.
Long-Term Reliability: A Decade of Proven Performance
Our long-term testing of the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup, spanning over a decade since 2013, reinforces its position as a top performer. Year after year, it has consistently delivered excellent results in various kitchen tasks, from everyday chopping and grating to more demanding tasks like kneading pizza dough. The machine continues to function flawlessly, with no leaks or performance degradation. While the bowl may show minor scratches from storing the blades inside, its overall condition remains excellent, demonstrating the enduring quality of this reliable food processor. Even Wirecutter staffers, initially skeptical of the large bowl capacity, have found it perfectly sized for diverse culinary needs, further testament to its well-rounded design.
Minor Drawbacks (Not Dealbreakers)
While the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup excels in most areas, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider, although none are significant enough to detract from its overall status as one of the best food processors.
Dicing Inconsistency with Delicate Ingredients
In comparison to some higher-end models, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup may exhibit slightly less consistency when dicing very delicate ingredients like parsley. It might require slightly longer processing times to achieve a fine dice, and some larger pieces might remain. Similarly, when shredding very soft mozzarella cheese, it may sometimes grind it rather than produce distinct shreds. However, it performs admirably with harder cheeses and remains effective even with soft mozzarella, without blade gumming issues.
Rear Feed Tube
The lid locking mechanism positions the feed tube at the back of the bowl, a design choice that some users find less convenient than front-mounted feed tubes common in other models. However, we find that the rear placement actually offers a better view of the ingredients inside the bowl during processing. This is a matter of personal preference and does not impact the machine’s performance.
Non-Adjustable Slicing Disk
Unlike some more advanced food processors that offer adjustable slicing disks for varying slice thickness, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup comes with a fixed slicing disk that produces approximately 5-millimeter slices. While this thickness is suitable for most common tasks, those requiring thinner slices, such as for potato chips, may need to purchase a separate 2-millimeter slicing disk available from Cuisinart.
No Attachment Storage Case
The Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup does not include a dedicated storage case for its attachments. While the attachments can be conveniently stored inside the work bowl to save space, users who prefer separate storage may need to purchase a storage case separately.
Conclusion
Despite these minor limitations, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor remains our top recommendation and one of the best food processors for its exceptional performance, user-friendly design, long-term durability, and reasonable price. Its ability to handle a wide range of tasks with simplicity and efficiency makes it an invaluable tool for any kitchen. If you are looking for a reliable, versatile, and top-rated food processor that will serve you well for years to come, the Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup is an excellent choice.
