Check Overstock.com - they have a good selection, although I have not done a price comparison. I used to have a large and inexpensive Hamilton Beach, and I was okay with it, but it did not have a very powerful motor and therefore was somewhat limited when it came to pureeing, but it did have variable speeds. I eventually replaced it with a fairly expensive Cuisinart which runs at one speed - Ludicrous Speed, and so it is difficult to control and to keep things from being overmixed or overchopped. I like the slicer attachment because it is adjustable (the only thing that is), and the grater works okay, except for Mozzarella.

For cookie dough, I use my Kitchenaid mixer.

Lars

Keep your eyes peeled on Craigslist, at goodwill and thrift stores for a used cuisinart or KitchenAid. you could even run a "wanted" ad on CL. Maybe someone who never uses theirs would part with it for some holiday cash.

Here is a link that might be useful: I'd buy this in a heartbeat.

On Craigslist you can find Cuisinart DLC-7 and DLC-8 machines with plenty of accessories for $60-80, I see a dozen on my local CL. These are the last models of Cuisinart FP that were not made in China. They are made in Japan, are very high quality, better than current models , all the bowls and blades are available new, they will handle cookie dough fine. Just have the seller demonstrate that it works, and you're good to go. The only thing cooler is the first models made in France by RobotCoupe.

So Cuisinart or KitchenAid are the best choices.

Alfred doesn't mind CL hunts, so I'll have him check it out for me.

Thanks.

Betty

betty, I have a KitchenAid and it's been a workhorse of a machine but like Lars' it only has one speed. "Ludicrous Speed", kind of reminds me of "Space Balls", LOL.

I can't manage to chop vegetables in it, I end up with mush or puree or big chunks of unevenly sized vegetables. I also don't make pie crust in it because it takes only a few seconds to over process to the point where the dough is too warm to handle and then I have to chill it for an hour longer to handle it at all. Plus it over develops the gluten and I get tough crust. So, back to the good old pastry cutter for me.

It's great, though, for grinding a bit of pork for breakfast sausage, for grating cheese or carrots for carrot cake, for slicing potatoes for scalloped potatoes and for making hummus. I think it use it most for making hummus and other dips, and for Jessica's Lime Chipotle Marinade.

Annie

How many are you cooking for? I had quite a big model that was too big for 2 people. The food just waved around the blade a bit. Now, just for DH and me I have a smaller one like this.

Here is a link that might be useful: mixer

Jerry found a Cuisinart at an estate sale for $25.00. If you have time to hit estate sales, that's where I'd look first. You never know what you'll find, though.

I use mine occasionally, but not very often. I don't remember needing one for cookies. I'll have to check out the recipes you're talking about.

Sally

Hi Betty, if you think you may do a great deal of cooking you may want to purchase a larger one rather than smaller, or one that has different size bowl options. It's nice to have the larger size work bowl sometimes.

I've had various food processors over the years and was less than thrilled with them all, and shoved them in a cupboard....... until I bought the Magimix. It is fantastic. I've had mine about 3 years now. Extremely easy to use, and easy to clean. My last Cuisinart was like putting together a puzzle. I hated it.

The new Magimix has a 30 year motor warranty. However, it's quite expensive. If you will use it frequently, I would highly recommend it if it's in your budget at all. It slices about as evenly as a food processor is capable of, and is great for shredding cheese, veggies, etc. and pureeing. It chops onions nicely. I do pie crust by hand.

Thanks to all of you for advising me of your experience with various food processors.

I may just keep chopping finely with my knife & cutting board until we can find one on Craigslist or a yard/estate sale.

For just the 2 of us I have the patience to wait.

I do think I need to run into Bed Bath & Beyond to grab a mandolin the next time I'm in town. I've been admiring the thinly cut veggies here long enough.

We roast a lot of carrots, sweet potatoes & such and I would like them to be more uniform in size without taking so long with a knife.

Thanks again,
Betty

Sounds like a good plan. Food processors are pricey, and it's a good idea to try one out for a minimal amount of money before investing in one. You may find you wouldn't use it enough to make it worth it. I love my food processor, but I don't bother with it for small jobs. I can dice up a single onion and a couple of carrots fast with my knife and cutting board, with less to wash up.

However, for large meals and putting extra food up, the food processor saves a lot of time. I want to put some apple slices in the freezer for future pies, so my food processor gets used for things like that, or if I'm making a huge pot of sauce and need several onions chopped. It also wonderful for grating cheeses, so I'll usually grate a lot of cheese at once and then store it in the fridge so it's handy.

I'd be interested in hearing how you like a mandolin. And good luck with your food processor search. If you can find one of the old original Cuisinart's in good shape, you'd have yourself a good food processor. Newer isn't always better. I found an old Hobart built dishwasher in wonderful shape and got rid of my new one. Nothing cleans dishes as well as the older KitchenAids. I can handle the noise. In 45 minutes I have spotless dishes with no crud on them.

Sandy, Thanks for sharing your pros & cons.

The more I think about it, I'm not so sure I would use a food processor enough to justify the expense as well as having to find storage space for it & have the hassle of clean up.

I'm allergic to onions, so would never need it for that. With my allergies to mold in the hard cheeses, I won't be needing it to shred cheeses.

I'm buying a grinder attachment for my KitchenAid to handle preparing the peppers for hot pepper jelly and other things that need grinding.

So, there you have it. Thanks to all of you, I know what to look for & if I find one of the better older Cuisinarts for a great price it will probably come home with me.

Otherwise, I'm ok without it. I'm so glad I asked for help here first, so I won't have an expensive piece of junk sitting on my counter. I can take my time & enjoy the hunt.

Betty

Yes! Keep up the hunt!

I have a workhorse Cuisinart that I received as a hand-me-down about 25-30 years ago. A few years ago I found the same model at a thrift store! I bought it just to have spare parts. It actually runs fine.

It is like a puzzle though. DBF finally learning after 15 years. My brother cracked it trying to get it together. Just a tiny crack, but now I have a spare. I just put the bowl and everything in the dishwasher (no high heat dry).

Great shredder for coleslaw, zuchinni, potatoes and carrots. Slicer blades are pretty good too, not always perfectly even as a mandolin, but still, it's faster and safer.

Love to make my own mayo in it. It purees beautifully. I don't have a blender, and don't need one.

Happy hunting!

When we moved here 7ish years ago, we were busy and had most appliances still in boxes downstairs. I did not miss most of it for some time. We so love this kitchen that we went back to basics without any electric appliances. More rustic and hands-on. I use my madoline all-the-time. Danish dough whisk is 10 dollars on Amazon. Scary good for mixing dough.

That said, i did use my Cuisinart little ProPlus, (a wedding gift 24 yrs ago), last night for a few salsas, sauces, and a chowder. A shame we need so many appliances but they all do their own thing so well. I knew what it could do, needing just the right mince and fast.
My mother has a little chopper new one that is a tin can compared to my vintage heavy little beast.
Estate sales are a good place to look if you are patient. Often entire vintage kitchen appliances are for sale. A shame the older models are better made.
Sounds like you are patient to find an older bargain.
I did use mine all the time 15-20 yrs ago as it does have all the puzzle-piece attachments for slicing quantities, etc. And i like having it, knowing what it does. Just a few times a year though, when i need to process all the garden harvest.

I got mine at Kohl's a few years ago...on sale w/30% coupon.

It's a Kitchen Aid Ultra Power KFP600, 3 blades, 3 discs, 11 cup, white.
I am very happy with it.

Here is a link that might be useful: KitchenAid KFP600 11-Cup Ultra Power Food Processor

Bumping up.