Cuisinart Elemental 13-Cup Food Processor FP-13DGM Review Powerful Performance and Features

Description

Exceptional Design and Build Quality

The Cuisinart Elemental Small Food Processor, 13-Cup, Gunmetal, is a solid addition to any kitchen countertop. Its gunmetal finish adds a touch of elegance, making it a standout appliance in my kitchen. The design feels sturdy, and despite its 19.3-pound weight, it doesn’t feel bulky or overwhelming. It includes a 13-cup work bowl and a 4-cup nested bowl, which is super handy for switching between large and small tasks without needing to wash in between. I also appreciated the SealTight Advantage System, which securely seals the bowl and locks the blade, ensuring there’s no mess during use—a feature that saved me from countless potential spills.

Performance and Versatility

This food processor’s 550-watt motor delivers impressive power. I tested it on everything from shredding cheese to kneading dough, and it handled each task effortlessly. The stainless steel chopping blades, along with the adjustable slicing disc (0-7mm) and reversible shredding disc, allow for a wide range of food prep tasks. The dicing disc, in particular, stood out. It dices food into perfect 10mm cubes, which is a game changer for anyone who enjoys making soups, stews, or even salsas. The electronic touchpad controls, with options for high, low, and pulse, are intuitive, and the glowing blue LED lights add a modern touch.

I used the wide-mouth feed tube, which comes with small, medium, and large pushers, to process vegetables of various sizes. From whole tomatoes to smaller carrots, it accommodated everything with ease. Having tried other food processors in the past, this one was noticeably faster and quieter during operation.

Key Benefits

• 13-cup capacity for large meals and entertaining, plus a 4-cup nested bowl for smaller portions.
• Versatile stainless steel blades for chopping, slicing, shredding, and dough kneading.
• SealTight Advantage System prevents leaks and locks the blade for safe operation.
• Powerful 550-watt motor ensures fast and reliable food prep.
• Wide-mouth feed tube with three pushers accommodates various ingredient sizes.

Areas of Concern

• The blades and discs are incredibly sharp, which is good for performance but requires extra caution during cleaning or assembly.
• While the 19.3-pound weight adds to its durability, it makes moving the processor a bit cumbersome.
• I found the storage case for accessories slightly cramped and challenging to organize.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning this food processor is surprisingly straightforward. The removable parts are dishwasher safe, and even the dicing disc comes with a cleaning tool. However, I noticed that food particles sometimes get stuck around the blade’s edges, requiring a bit of manual effort for a thorough clean. If you’re someone who regularly uses kitchen gadgets, this extra step might not be a dealbreaker but is worth noting.

Competing Products

Compared to other food processors like the Breville Sous Chef or the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor, the Cuisinart holds its own. The Breville offers similar power and functionality but comes at a significantly higher price point. On the other hand, KitchenAid’s model features a more compact design but lacks the advanced dicing disc and wide-mouth feed tube that the Cuisinart offers. If you’re looking for a balance between versatility and price, this processor shines—especially with its multi-capacity bowls and SealTight technology.

Value Proposition

This processor delivers excellent bang for the buck. Its combination of power, versatility, and thoughtful design makes it a worthwhile investment for both casual cooks and kitchen enthusiasts. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the quality justifies the cost. I found myself using it for tasks I’d normally do by hand, and it’s a huge time-saver.

Final Thoughts on Usability

My experience with this food processor has been overwhelmingly positive. Whether I was dicing vegetables for a hearty soup, shredding cheese for a pizza night, or even kneading dough for fresh bread, it exceeded my expectations. The stainless steel blades and variety of discs make this a truly all-in-one machine. While there are minor drawbacks, they feel negligible compared to its overall performance and utility.

Additional information