Why did I wait so long to buy the Cuisinart DLC-2011?

As an accomplished home cook who hates a cluttered counter top, I always resisted buying a food processor. After using the Cuisinart for a few months, I don't know why I waited so long.

The Machine

This model features the same powerful and stylish motor base as the larger 14 cup capacity model. The oval motor and control housing is easier to work around than the older, squared off motor bases on prior Cuisinart processors, and comes in several colors including black, white, and a faux chrome/black combination.

The 11 cup processor bowl is more than adequate for most jobs and the extra-wide mouth cover is terrific for processing large volumes or even whole vegetables, without excessive pre-cutting. A second, smaller pusher assembly, which is an integral part of the larger pusher, is handy for small jobs and has a metered orifice in its base for drizzling oil at a slow rate in to sauces, mayo or pesto while processing.

The machine includes a 4 mm slicing disc, medium shredding disc and dough blade, in addition to the standard chopping/mixing blade.

Controls include continuous run ("On"), "Pulse" and "Dough" selections. The dough setting results in a lower operating speed optimized for bread or pizza dough making. When feeding with the large pusher while using a slicing or shredding blade, the machine starts automatically (once "On" is selected) as the food is pushed through the hopper.

The product includes a recipe book and instructional DVD, in additon to the standard operating instruction manual.

Uses

This machine makes quick work of bread dough, meat grinding, sauce preparation, cheese grating, vegetable prep and much more.

When using the machine for more than one component of a recipe, always remember to work from the driest to the most moist ingredients progressively. That way you don't need to wash or wipe out the bowl after each processing job.

As quick as I am with a chef's knife, this processor has cut a lot of time off of the prep work for many of our favorite dishes, and has prompted me to try a lot of other recipes that I wouldn't have fiddled with earlier, such as home made hummus.

Limitations

Super as this product is, there are limitations. As tightly as you pack the feed tube, invariably some of the to-be processed product will fall over at the end and produce an uneven cut. The standard 4 mm slicing blade produces too thick a slice for shredding cabbage for cole slaw, for example. The expensive addition of a 1 or 2 mm slicing blade is needed for this type of task. There are many accessories, which could easily exceed the price of the machine itself at retail.

The unit is rather large and takes up quite a bit of cabinet or counter space. It is heavy, so it's not something that you're going to want to move around too much with every use.

The power cord is rather short, due to the manufacturer's desire to limit voltage drop to the motor. A minor inconvenience.

While the machine is super-efficient and can save a lot of prep time, the dishwasher safe bowl, lid, pushers, cutters and accessories take up a LOT of (top rack) dishwasher space. Blades are VERY sharp, so be careful if you decide on hand washing.

Conclusions

All things considered, this is a terrific product that really broadens the scope of your culinary possibilities and can save a ton of time in preparation of even ordinary meals. The powerful motor and quality components seem to hold up well and produce good results, even under heavy loads such as grinding meats, hard cheeses or heavy dough.

I expect this unit to last for a long time, and will never be without one in the kitchen again.