Cuisinart CGC-4PC3BC Elite Collection 4-Cup Chopper Grinder

The Cuisinart 4-Cup Mini Prep is great for simple light-weight jobs like making salad dressing and chopping onions, but when I use it with heavier foods (like cooked spinach) I can smell the motor burning. So to avoid motor burnout, I no longer use the Mini Prep to process even small quantities of high-density foods - a use limitation I hadn't anticipated.

Regarding capacity, keep in mind that although the total volume held by the work bowl is 4 cups, you really can't work in batches much over 2 cups (less for dry items). If you exceed the batch limit, you'll end up with a result that is over processed on the bottom and untouched on the top. The user manual also advises that to avoid motor strain, the work bowl should never be filled more than two-thirds the way up the blade assembly column. So in practice, the 4-cup work bowl translates to a best-case maximum of 2 cups end product.

I'd also like to point out that the motor casing for the Cuisinart Mini Prep listed here (model DLC-4CHB) is plastic with a faux stainless steel finish. When I bought this product, I inferred from the item title that the casing was constructed of stainless steel. But if you look closely at the detailed item description, you'll see (as I discovered only after purchase!) that the construction is plastic made to look like stainless steel. And the plastic is pretty flimsy at that, so just be aware of what you are buying.

Bottom line: Would I buy this Mini Prep again? Probably not. For my needs, I think I'd look for something sturdier and more versatile. Do I think the Mini Prep is a complete train wreck? No, I use it for what it's worth at least 4 times a week and I appreciate how easy it is to clean. The important thing is to have a firm idea of how you want to use the Mini Prep prior to purchasing one. Want small batches of pesto, salsa or chopped onion? You're good to go. Want to make smoothies or process heavy and dense foods? You'll need to look for something with greater capacity and a stronger motor.

One final note on a lesson I learned the hard way...if when using the Mini Prep you consistently end up with onions that are pureed not chopped or nuts that are pulverized to dust, try alternating pulses between the Chop and Grind buttons. Alternating the two buttons moves the food around the work bowl for a more even result.

Check out this video for some great recipes and ideas.

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I have a larger Cuisinart that sits on the shelf for months at a time and a 2 cup Black and Decker mini processor, which is just way too small, but I used it for years anyway. I had seen this model on a lot of TV cooking shows, but had no idea what size or brand it was. Now I am recognizing my model in use almost everyday.

I recently came across this 4 cup Cuisinart, quite by accident, and I absolutely love it. I have used it more in the last few weeks that I used the 2 cup in 6 months. It makes excellent bread crumbs, fresh and dried, and just the right amount of salsa or tapenade in seconds. Yes, it does pulverize onions, but I watch it very closely and since they are an ingredient, not served by themselves, they work out fine.

Four cups is a good size and it has a lot of power. It's easy to use and clean.

*** In response to the review where the motor died after only a few uses ... this happened to me the third or fourth time that I used it - it just stopped working. Fortunately my husband was standing there and while I was having a fit, he simply pushed the long plastic thing into the base to make the connection. I hadn't pushed it in all the way. No problem after that and I now make sure it is inserted properly.

I was 21 years old, wandering the William Sonoma store, holding my gift certificate from Dad. I was totally lost. With little knowledge or direction I stumbled upon this little food processor. Honestly, I think I bought it because I thought it was "cute". But I'm so glad I did! Now 6 years later this little baby still earns the honor of being a "counter-top" appliance. The Mini-prep has a sharp blade for quick and even chopping. It's perfect for small batches of pesto or hummos. I use it to grate onion, carrot and cheese and to make a quick smoothie for one. It's small and easy to clean, which I absolutely love. It gets far more use than my big guy and after 6 years it works as well as the day I bought it. A great buy!