Cuisinart DLC-4CHB Mini-Prep Plus 4-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel

Cuisinart DLC-4CHB Mini-Prep Plus 4-Cup Food Processor, Brushed Stainless Steel

Has its uses, but not quite as versatile as I'd hoped
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...

AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT I NEEDED ONE...
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...

Little powerhouse!
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!

Cook in Style

The Mini-Prep Plus is the perfect little helper for small food preparation. Finished with elegant brushed stainless steel, the Mini-Prep Plus is a fashionable fit for any kitchen.

The Cuisinart 4-Cup Mini-Prep Plus Processor handles a variety of food preparation tasks including chopping, grinding, pureeing, emulsifying and blending. The patented auto-reversing blade provides a super-sharp edge for the delicate chopping of herbs and for blending and pureeing other soft foods, while the blunt edge offers a powerful cutting surface to grind through spices and other hard foods. Pulse activation gives maximum control for precision processing, whether chopping or grinding.

The powerful high-speed motor works hard and fast to accomplish any small job with ease. Chop herbs, onions, garlic; grind spices, hard cheese; puree baby foods; blend mayonnaise and flavored butters, all with the same compact appliance. The Mini-Prep Plus Processor takes up minimum counter space and stores neatly on the countertop or in a cabinet.

Auto-reversing Blade Technology

The auto-reversing Smart Power Blade moves in one direction to chop and in the other direction to grind. The unit provides an easy-grip handle, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a snap.

The Everyday Food Processor

With a 4-cup capacity, this mini food processor comes in handy for everyday food prep in the kitchen. Simply add food to the work bowl, lock the cover into position, and press either the "chop" or "grind" control button. Small enough to keep on the counter for everyday use, the mini food processor measures 5-2/5 by 7-3/5 by 9-8/9 inches and carries an 18-month limited warranty.

Product Features

• Exclusive Auto-reversing SmartPower Blade
• Touchpad Controls
• Chops or Grinds
• Spatula
• 4-cup Work Bowl with Handle
• Instruction / Recipe Book
• Work Bowl Cover

• Dishwasher safe parts
• Limited 18-month Warranty

Delicious recipes are easy!

Accessories include a custom spatula and an instruction book with recipes for guacamole, hummus, pesto, roasted red pepper sauce, peanut butter, and more.

The chop function works great for chopping, pureeing, and mixing; use it to puree cooked vegetables, make mayonnaise, mix salad dressing, or chop foods like herbs, celery, onions, garlic, and most cheeses. Use the grind function for grinding spices and for chopping hard food such as peppercorns, seeds, chocolate, and nuts.

• Mini food processor with 4-cup capacity work bowl
• Touch-pad controls; auto-reversing blade for chopping or grinding
• Easy-grip handle; dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a snap
• Custom spatula and instruction book with recipes included
• Measures 5-2/5 by 7-3/5 by 9-8/9 inches; 18-month limited warranty