Ever stared at your countertop, wondering if your Cuisinart Pro Custom 14 is living up to its full potential? You’re not alone—many home cooks want to get the most out of this kitchen workhorse but aren’t sure how.
Understanding how to properly use and care for your Cuisinart Pro Custom 14 can save time and transform your food prep. In this article, you’ll discover helpful steps, smart tips, and practical insights to make the most of your appliance.
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Understanding the Cuisinart Pro Custom 14 Food Processor
Are you considering a new food processor for your kitchen and came across the Cuisinart Pro Custom 14? You’re not alone! The Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor is a popular choice among home cooks and professionals alike. It is renowned for its reliability, user-friendly design, and impressive performance on a variety of food prep tasks. Let’s break down what this appliance has to offer, how to use it, its benefits and challenges, and expert tips for getting the most out of your Cuisinart Custom 14.
What Is the Cuisinart Pro Custom 14 Food Processor?
The Cuisinart Custom 14 (often noted as DFP-14BCNY or similar) is a 14-cup capacity food processor designed for everyday kitchen use. It boasts a powerful motor, a generous work bowl, and a variety of attachments to help tackle everything from chopping veggies to kneading dough.
Key Features:
- 14-cup work bowl: Accommodates large batches, perfect for families or meal-preppers.
- Powerful 720-watt motor: Handles tough tasks, from slicing root vegetables to mixing dough.
- Simple operation: Just two main buttons – On and Off/Pulse.
- Stainless steel blades: Durable and efficient for slicing, chopping, shredding, and more.
- Wide feed tube: Reduces need to pre-cut ingredients.
- Classic design: Often found in brushed stainless steel, fits in with most kitchen décors.
How to Use Your Cuisinart Pro Custom 14
Unfamiliar kitchen gadgets can feel intimidating, but using your Cuisinart Custom 14 is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how to get started:
1. Assembly
- Place the base on a flat, dry surface.
- Attach the work bowl to the base, locking it into place.
- Insert your blade or disc of choice on the central shaft.
- Secure the lid and insert the pusher into the feed tube.
2. Adding Ingredients
- For small ingredients, drop them directly through the feed tube.
- For larger items (like potatoes or blocks of cheese), use the wide feed tube and pusher to guide them in safely.
3. Operating the Processor
- Use the On button for continuous processing.
- Use the Pulse button for short, controlled bursts—great for delicate chopping.
4. Switching Blades or Discs
- Always turn off and unplug the machine before changing attachments.
- The food processor typically comes with an S-shaped chopping blade, slicing disc, and shredding disc. Some sets include dough hooks or other specialty tools.
5. Cleaning Up
- Most removable parts are top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Wipe the base with a damp cloth—never submerge it.
The Benefits of the Cuisinart Pro Custom 14
So why do so many home cooks and professionals recommend this model?
Large Capacity
- The 14-cup work bowl can handle large recipes in one go, saving you time on batch processing.
Powerful Yet Quiet Motor
- Its 720-watt motor can tackle tough ingredients but operates relatively quietly, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by noise.
Simplicity
- With just two buttons, operation is intuitive. There are no confusing programs or displays.
Versatility
- With different blades and discs, you can chop, slice, shred, mix, knead, puree, and even emulsify sauces.
Reliable Design
- Known for its durability, many users report their Cuisinart 14-cup food processor lasting for years—sometimes decades.
Challenges to Consider
No kitchen appliance is perfect, and the Cuisinart Pro Custom 14 is no exception.
Large Size
- The 14-cup bowl means the appliance is fairly big and can take up significant counter or cabinet space.
No Variable Speeds
- Only “On” and “Pulse” modes are available, which might limit ultra-fine control.
Noisy With Hard Ingredients
- While generally quiet, chopping hard items (like nuts or root vegetables) can make some noise.
Accessory Storage
- Some users wish for built-in storage for the various blades and discs, as these must be stored separately.
Limited Dough Handling
- While it does have a dough blade, extremely heavy doughs may challenge its limits.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
To make the most of your Cuisinart Custom 14, try these expert strategies:
Preparing Ingredients
- Cut ingredients into uniform sizes for even processing.
- Remove pits, hard seeds, and thick skins to avoid damaging the blades.
Using the Pulse Function
- For coarser results (like pesto or salsa), use pulse instead of running the machine continuously.
Avoid Overfilling
- Don’t fill past the “max” line to prevent leaks or uneven chopping.
Handling Dough
- Use the plastic dough blade for bread or pizza dough, and don’t overload the bowl.
Cleaning Tips
- Rinse parts immediately after use to prevent food from drying.
- For stuck-on dough or cheese, soak parts in warm, soapy water before placing them in the dishwasher.
Storing Blades
- Store sharp blades and discs in a dedicated container or caddy to prevent accidents.
Cost Considerations & Shopping Tips
If you’re considering purchasing a Cuisinart Custom 14, keep these points in mind:
Price Range
- Prices typically range from around $180 to $250, depending on retailer, promotions, color options, and inclusion of extra attachments.
Where to Buy
- Widely sold at kitchen retailers, department stores, and large online marketplaces.
- Check local options for in-store pickup to save on shipping.
Shipping Tips
- Ordering directly from a retailer can sometimes offer free or discounted shipping.
- Look for bundled deals with bonus accessories or extended warranties for added value.
Refurbished Models
- Certified refurbished units can be a cost-effective alternative, providing a warranty at a lower price.
Accessories & Replacement Parts
- All parts, including bowls, lids, and blades, are usually available for replacement. Check with the manufacturer or authorized retailers.
Real-World Use Cases
Wondering how actual users put their Custom 14 to work? Here are some ideas:
- Meal prepping: Chop and shred veggies for the week in minutes.
- Baking: Mix dough for bread, pizza, or pastries.
- Entertaining: Make large batches of hummus, salsa, or guacamole.
- Healthy eating: Prepare homemade nut butters or energy bites.
- Holiday feasts: Slice potatoes for casseroles or quickly grate cheese for toppings.
Its adaptability means it works just as well for a busy family as for singles who prefer to cook in batches and freeze portions.
Keeping Your Cuisinart Custom 14 in Top Shape
To ensure your food processor has a long, productive life:
- Clean promptly after each use.
- Inspect the blades regularly for dullness or damage.
- Store parts safely to avoid losing small pieces.
- Occasionally check the motor base and cord for wear.
Warranties are often included, and replacement parts are readily available, making long-term maintenance straightforward and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I avoid food getting trapped in the lid or handle?
Food can sometimes accumulate in the lid or handle during processing. To avoid this, be sure not to overfill the bowl, use the pusher tool for soft ingredients, and clean the lid and handle thoroughly after each use. If buildup occurs, soaking the parts in warm, soapy water can help loosen debris.
Can I put the work bowl and blades in the dishwasher?
Yes, all removable plastic and metal components (work bowl, lid, pusher, blades, and discs) are typically top-rack dishwasher safe. However, washing by hand can help preserve their longevity, especially for sharp blades. Always dry thoroughly to prevent water spots and wear.
What should I do if the processor won’t start?
If your food processor doesn’t start, check that all parts are correctly aligned and locked into place. The safety mechanism prevents operation unless fully assembled. Also, ensure the outlet works and the power cord is undamaged. If problems persist, consult the warranty or contact customer service.
Which foods shouldn’t I process in the Cuisinart Custom 14?
Avoid using the processor with boiling hot liquids (let them cool first), hard bones, very thick dough, or whole coffee beans. These can damage the motor or blades, or cause safety issues. Always refer to the user manual for a full list of recommended and restricted foods.
Is the Cuisinart Custom 14 good for making nut butters or dough?
Yes! The powerful motor makes it excellent for nut butters and standard bread or pizza dough. For nut butters, expect several minutes of processing. For very heavy dough, keep recipes within capacity guidelines to avoid straining the machine.
In Summary
The Cuisinart Pro Custom 14 Food Processor stands out for its robust performance, straightforward controls, and large capacity. Ideal for everything from daily meal prep to ambitious baking projects, it’s a favorite in home and professional kitchens. With a bit of care, some thoughtful ingredient prep, and regular maintenance, this machine can serve you for years—making cooking less of a chore and more of a joy. If you’re ready to invest in a food processor that combines simplicity with power, the Custom 14 is a tried-and-true choice.