which Cuisinart? 7-cup or 11-cup?

[cara4art]

I'm starting to look around at Cuisinart food processors, as I have wanted one on and off for almost 14 years now. For years I've just been using my trusty old Osterizer blender for a lot of stuff, but since I've been a good bit raw this year and have been cruising recipes, I see that so many recipes really are better done with a food processor. I've come CLOSE to buying one several times, but then back off thinking, well, I've done without all these years and could still do without. However, I know that sometimes purchasing the right kitchen item CAN really make a big difference in what one gets into. I found this out when I finally got the Teflex sheets earlier this year for my dehydrator(have had the dehydrator since around 2000), and it opened up a whole new world of raw food prep, and I am sensing the same thing if I do get a food processor. Since it's the best brand, a Cuisinart is what I want, but just get confused by all the models, even within the same cup capacity. I've read reviews, but I'm still overwhelmed! My husband asked me which one I want, as there are sales locally, and I had to tell him that I'm still trying to decide. Anyhow, there are just the two of us, so I don't have to make big batches of things. For awhile I was thinking of getting one of the 7-cup models, but then reviewers said that they leak, or something, or that you really can't put 7 whole cups of something in there. Help! I'd love to get clear! Tell me about which models you like and why - preferably not the most expensive ones - thanks!

[Morn]

I bought the 13 cup cuisinart food processer and love it. The majority of the time I only make meals for me since my family isn't raw and it is pretty perfect. Before I had to do recipes in several small batches. Now I can do it all in one and believe it or not sometimes my 13 cup processor isn't big enough. So I definately would not go smaller.

I would definately go bigger cause even if you don't use all the space sometimes the majority of the time you will with recipes and you have to keep in mind that this is an investment you will have this for many years to come and you don't want to regret it later. The few extra dollars you will spend will be worth it in the end - trust me! It will save you a lot of time when uncooking since you can do it all in one shot.

I love my cuisinart - I use it all the time and going bigger will also mean you have a larger motor and that is essential when doing the heavy duty raw recipes with nuts, dates and such that will send a smaller unit skipping across your counter. And of course you already said it so you understand that 7 cups doesn't really equate to 7 cups of food.

[Revvell]

Get the biggest, bestest equipment you can afford for your meals ... always. Just know sometimes biggest isn't always bestest but in this case, it is.

[MelissaO]

In this case bigger is better ;)

[Blazin'Jane]

I have a Hamilton Beach 14 Cup Big Mouth which I really love for doing big cracker recipes. But I recently bought a Cuisinart 9 cup, for smaller loads and it works well for most of what I do---slicing vegetables for big salads, cheese recipes, etc. For what it's worth, I think the 11 cup would be a better investment----'way more flexibility for you. (The Cuisinart motor is a dreeam, too!) Have fun!

[rawlight]

For me, I thought bigger was better, but I wish I'd gotten a smaller food processor. Since it's just me, I don't make as big of portions as many recipes call for and if I do, the food either goes bad or I get bored with having to finish off the food. Having a smaller fp would allow me more variety and less waste, so I'm going to get a smaller one. However, having a bigger one is great for guests and potlucks.

Oh, so I guess I am saying...*both* have their good points-lol :o

[AutumnBreezColordLeavz]

I just purchased the Cuisinart 7 cup. Way sufficient, especially since I am
the only one eating raw. It will be a good size if I make my family things too.
I am going to order the special blade set, for the thin blade slicer.

[cara4art]

Wow - 13 CUPS??? I didn't even realize they made one THAT big - even 11 cups looks pretty big to me! You see, I'm the only one eating raw out of our two-person household, and my social stuff is few and far between, with mostly really non-raw people.
To the person who just bought the 7-cup one, is that enough for you, as your situation sounds similar to mine. I don't make stuff in big batches, really, and I often still have half left-over to freeze, like crackers. Here's a clue, my 4-tray dehydrator is PLENTY of room for what I do.
About buying the most expensive one, I cannot do that. Having the black and stainless steel style doesn't matter to me in the least, I'd rather have the thing work really well instead of looking stylish.
One more question - does the 7-cup one have the same number of blades as the 11-cup one? I'm just trying to get past overwhelm here to make a decision. It seems that that there are only slight differences between models even within the same cup capacity, which makes it even more confusing to me. I'm not a huge shopper, so having to compare complex stuff is new to me.

[oceanluv]

I bought my 7 cup cuisenart at bed, bath and beyond and used the 20% off coupons they send all the time. I live alone, but it seems it would be sufficient for larger families, also. sure beats chopping everything by hand. :)

[Lady Green Jeans]

The 11 cup was the better purchase for me. Bought at Costco and came with 2 containers. Really helps out when making recipes. Can always make smaller batches, but would be hard-pressed to part with my 11 cup model.

Hope you enjoy whichever one you select.

[Morn]

Wow - 13 CUPS??? I didn't even realize they made one THAT big - even 11 cups looks pretty big to me! You see, I'm the only one eating raw out of our two-person household, and my social stuff is few and far between, with mostly really non-raw people.
To the person who just bought the 7-cup one, is that enough for you, as your situation sounds similar to mine. I don't make stuff in big batches, really, and I often still have half left-over to freeze, like crackers. Here's a clue, my 4-tray dehydrator is PLENTY of room for what I do.
About buying the most expensive one, I cannot do that. Having the black and stainless steel style doesn't matter to me in the least, I'd rather have the thing work really well instead of looking stylish.
One more question - does the 7-cup one have the same number of blades as the 11-cup one? I'm just trying to get past overwhelm here to make a decision. It seems that that there are only slight differences between models even within the same cup capacity, which makes it even more confusing to me. I'm not a huge shopper, so having to compare complex stuff is new to me.

I don't know about the blades for either as mine is a 13 cup but again I would look at the motor size of both. If they both have the same motor size and come with the same accessories maybe the smaller one would work for you. I just know that with as intensive as these recipes often are having the bigger motor will be a help. With smaller units I have literally had my food processors skip across the counter cause they can't handle the load.

[Revvell]

About buying the most expensive one ...

No one said to do that. Sometimes the biggest, bestest isn't the most expensive.

You can always make smaller batches in the bigger one, but you can't make bigger batches in the smaller on. I have an 11 C and I'm the only raw eater in this household.