food processor size

[amina]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to purchase a food processor and have found two second-hand: Braun CombiMax Food Processor (8.45 cups, 600 Watts) and Cuisinart DLC-5BK (7 cups, 600 watts). Both will cost me $60.

However, I am just one person and will primarily be using the fp for making flax crackers, nut pates, dips, dressings. I will also shred vegetables like carrots and cabbage for saurkraut (sp?) and kimchi.

Both of the models look really reliable to me, but I am thinking of holding out and waiting for a smaller 3-cup model to enter my life.

Should I wait and get a smaller one, or should I go ahead with one of the larger ones I mentioned?
I have read several threads about food processors on here and it seems like a lot of people have larger models like the Cuisinart 11 or 14 cup. Do any of you make (or are able to make) small batches of dressings etc in them?

Also, I can really afford one right now so one big and one small one is not an option.

Thanks!!
-amina:D

[RawSar]

Hi Amina,
We have a 7 cup Cuisinart. I have only ever used Cuisinart and really like it.
As for using a 7 cup for one person... I personally think its too big. I have a hard time mixing stuff.. A smaller one is on my birthday wish list. :)

[spicyfull]

Doesn't seem to matter to me. They either make little or lots. I use the "PULSE" button all the time. I like to do "Prep" work for Freezing or for using all week, whereas I am making a lot.

[LotsaRaw]

I am not sure if the 7 cup ones will be large enough for batches of flax crackers, etc. I have upgraded to a 14 cup Cuisinart, but also have a mini 3 cup FP. I use my blender (Vita-Mix) for dressings.

[snoops]

I have a 14 cup one and some of the cracker and bread recipes would be far too big for a smaller one. One recipe I had to do in two batches. I second the 14 cup but I also have the little mini one for very small batches that would just get spun around in the big one. The mini ones are not expensive I don't thin.

[amina]

hmmm...
so maybe i should get two sizes! i can probably find a small one at a thrift store for a few dollars. as for the larger size, a 7-cup instead of the 14 is probably best for me (especially in the shared kitchen in my student apartment). i dont mind making an extra batch if need be.

thanks!!
amina

[cara4art]

I mulled this one over for quite awhile myself, thinking I was just going to get the 7-cup size for our small, 2 person household. The thing that got me to move up and get the 11-cup size instead is the fact that the feed tube is way better on the larger one, making it more convenient for slicing and shredding, plus the fact that the cup size that they indicate is not necessarily how much stuff you can process at a time, but rather the size of the work bowl. A thing to keep in mind if processing anything wet at all, that things tend to splash up a bit anyway(sometimes you have to get in there with that rubber spatula to scrape down sides. Anyhow, go with one size bigger than you thought you wanted - you won't regret it. I love mine! Got a great deal on it too with the combo of an awesome Macy's sale, along with further discount with signing up for a store card.

[Taysia]

I was convinced I should purchase a 7-cup size food processor after watching a food demo. Many people on this forum recommended the Kitchenaid, so I did my research and called the company. They were so helpful and answered all my questions. They convinced me to buy a 9-cup because there were more attachments for that model. Although, I had no idea which attachments I would be needing for my food prep, I did not want to find myself limited in what I could do in the future.

[nellie]

I bought a kitchenaid 9 cup. I absolutely love it! It also has a small 4 cup insert but I never use that.

[Revvell]

I've got an 11-C Cuisinart now. Looking to get a larger one. I'm not fond of making 2 batches when I make chips, crackers, etc. I also have the mini. Thinking I'll keep my 11 C. as well.

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)