When it comes to food processors, price isn’t always commensurate with quality. As proof, consider my 12-cup capacity, $250 Cuisinart food processor. It bit the dust last week, after less than three years of use! Rather than buy another expensive processor, I decided to give the low-cost Black and Decker 8-cup model a try. Would you like to see what this $37 baby can do?
Unlike the current crop of high-end food processors, the Black and Decker is really easy to assemble and use. It’s easy to clean, too. The work bowl and lid are free of annoying nooks and crannies where food particles like to hide. And how does it perform? I gave it the following workout:
To test the chopping blade, I dumped a 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes into the processor’s work bowl…
And received a perfect tomato puree in about 5 seconds.
Then I grabbed a bunch of parsley stems and leaves…
And stuffed them into the work bowl.
A 5-second blitz produced finely-minced parsley!
To test the slicing ability, I simply peeled and quartered a big onion…
And then sliced it up on the slicing disk.
The slices were thicker than I’d usually want, but that’s okay. I can always use my mandoline (or a sharp knife) to make ultra-thin onion slices.
Onto the shredding disk, which, rather conveniently, is the reverse slide of the sliding disk! Here, I took a brick of Cheddar cheese…
And fed it through the machine’s feed tube.
The Black and Decker shredded the cheese as well as — if not better than — my pricey Cuisinart did. In other words, it did not leave big chunks of un-shredded cheese atop the slicing disk.
How’d the Black and Decker handle pie crust? To test, I threw some flour, salt, and butter into the work bowl…
And then pulsed the machine exactly 5 times.
Next, I sprinkled some water over the butter and flour mixture…
And let the machine run until a crumbly mass emerged (about 30 seconds). Unlike my Cuisinart, the new machine did not leave any dry (read: unincorporated) flour at the bottom of the bowl. Hallelujah!
Anyway, I formed the crumbly dough into a ball…
And then rolled it out on my pastry cloth.
The dough is currently residing in my freezer, pressed into a removeable-bottom tart pan. Later, I will fill it with…something.
Because of its incredibly low price, I’d always assumed that the Black and Decker was a piece of junk. Boy was I wrong! (Then again, I thought the TV series Schitts$ Creek was a piece of Schitt$ until I got to Season Two. By the final season, I was madly in love with the series, and cried inconsolably when it came to an end.)
So perhaps we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover-price. If the $37 Black and Decker (model #FP4200B) lasts half as long as my $250 Cuisinart did, I won’t complain!
So what size and brand of food processor do you currently own? Does it live up to your expectations? Talk to me in the comments field below. I’m all ears!
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Jacki says
My old Cuisinart lasted about 45 years! My daughter gifted me a new smaller Cuisinart. Certainly isn’t made as well as the older model. So far so good.
Kathy says
I too have a Black and Decker 8 cup food processor. It does everything I ask it to do. I suggest anyone who needs a food processor give this one a try. It will not disappoint.
Cheryl says
My Cuisinart went out about five years ago. I have not replaced it, but I have missed it. I have been looking online at new ones so your review is perfect timing for me. I’ll be getting one of those black and decker’s also. Thanks!
Sandy Staples says
Ever since I lost my husband (who always checked into everything before we purchased), I use consumer reports to guide me. I love that it gives you the very best rated, and then the recommended (which frequently costs less but still has a rating)! My processor is a Ninja which I love. I do have the cuisinart ice cream maker which is great. Thanks for the excellent review.
Bette says
I have a Cuisinart. I think it is a 9 cup model. My first first food processor was a Cuisinart and was about 40 years old when I decided to get a larger model. I probably don’t use mine as much as you do so my “newer” one is holding up well. It is 7 years old. I also have a 4 cup one as well. I recently watched America’s Test Kitchen video for food processors and Cuisinart was their top rated model. I loved Schitts$ Creek!
Kay says
I’ve had 2 food processors in the last 40 years and I rarely used them and as a matter of fact I gave my most recent one to my ddil. I just don’t use them and they were hard to assemble and get apart. By the time I did all that, I could have whatever sliced, chopped, blended, shredded with my cutting board & knife, immersion blender or by hand, or by hand with the 4-sided shredder/slicer. And have those things washed and put away too. Just not a fan, but I’m glad you found one you like.
Rhonda E Strahler says
Have had the B&D one you just bought for about a year. Before that, I had another one just like it – for about 3 years – which still worked fine except that the slicer/ shredder blade broke away from the plastic center. At that price, I like it.
Raine D. says
I have a 20 year old Braun 2 cup mini-processor I use a lot & an 8 cup B&D I use less often that belonged to my late mother & is I have no idea how old — I’ve had it for 16 years & she had it for many years before that. Both are going strong. My husband & I are both engineers & tend to overthink things when we buy new appliances. We research them to death & both of us prefer Braun and Black & Decker to any other makes, including the supposedly high-end stuff. Unless there is some specific function you need that you can’t get anywhere else, I don’t see the point in spending 5 times the price just for a name. Want an even less expensive option? Thrift store. I pick up brand new (or next to) appliances for pennies on the dollar. People get them as gifts or buy them on sale, never use them & finally just ditch them. My blender, waffle iron, veggie steamer & solid stainless steel electric kettle (retails for $165, still in its box, I paid $9) all come from my local hospital auxiliary thrift store: the money goes to a good cause & the items are always pristine.
Pam in Virginia says
Hi, Kevin:
I am astonished! But what good news and thank you so much for testing this out. I expect a run on this appliance; better get mine now!
In other news: I have ordered your cookbook from Book Baby and am all aquiver till it gets here. Too much excitement!
Pam
Lyn says
My $25 Black and Decker (from Caldor’s) is still going strong at probably 30 years, maybe more like 40. Anyone know if/how the blades can be sharpened?
Rose says
Cuisinart DLC8, over 40 years old. I have replaced the bowl. Unfortunately parts are expensive too.
Paula says
I wish you had included the actual pie crust recipe.
Diana Irwin says
I have a 12-cup Cuisinart. It’s about 7 years old. I rarely use it because it is difficult for me to assemble, plus it just doesn’t do the job I want it to do when shredding or mixing. It is a huge disappointment and I actually wish it would bite the dust so I can get something easier and better. Love your review on the B&D and would certainly consider it.
kath parran moriarty says
Moulinex La Machine II , which is ancient and probably second-hand. I use it mostly for chopping, pie crust, and gazpacho. Perfectly happy.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Paula – Click here for the crust recipe: Pate Brisee (French Pastry Dough)
Janice says
I have a 40 year old cuisinart 7 pro and it has never let me down. Had to replace the bowl about 10 years ago but think it will last me until I no longer want to process anything. Agree that the new ones probably aren’t as well made and may treat my daughter (who covets my cuisinart) one of the B and D you mentioned.
Annette Guilfoyle says
I have had my 8 cup Cuisinart for 38 years. I was given a new blade a few years back when they did a blade recall. Mine gets used almost daily, which goes to prove that daily exercise improves health. I dread the day when mine gives up the ghost. But it shows no signs currently.
Barbara says
I’ve never owned a food processor. I might have to look into buying one at this price.
Christine Hurd says
I still use my old Cuisinart – it works, but there are so many parts to clean.
I might switch it out for that Black & Decker model!!
Pat C says
I have had my food processor for about 10 years now. I use it fairly often, usually more often during harvest time for my garden but it still gets a good amount of use overall. I previously owned a much more expensive model, although I can’t really remember what brand, but it had a ton of attachments. It stopped working after maybe 4 or 5 years so I purchased my Black and Decker bargain for less than $20. (price after a sale and several store coupons). I couldn’t pass up the deal. It works beautifully and except for the fancier attachments, I don’t miss my old, much more expensive one at all. It’s basic, it slices, shreds and processes with the blade. That’s all I need it to do.
Kate says
I have a 35+ year old Moulinex that I bought extra blade holders and spindles for while they were still available. I’m hoping it’ll take me to my grave!
Betty Jane says
I had a B&D for most of my kids’ school years. Gave it to my daughter when she married. She’s had it for about 15 years now, and still cranking right along. She has a garden, and every fall that processor turns out yummy salsa, rotel,. pesto, chow chow and other pepper relishes. I wish I had kept it! Using a Ninja now but I’m just not as comfortable with it. I think I’ll splurge and get that B&D you seem to love.
Gale D. Dickert says
Love your recipes; you’re the BEST. Going right out to buy Black & Decker food processor you recommended. Thanks for the tip!
Holly says
How loud is the Black & Decker one? I have really sensitive ears (ear ringing) and our crappy Hamilton Beach food processor is so loud that when my hubby uses it, I have to go to a different room and close the door! I’d love to get one that I can actually use and doesn’t sound like a jet plane landing on our roof.
Elizabeth Fox says
We have an 8-cup Robot Coupe purchased in 1980. What brand is that you ask? It is the company that made the Cuisinart (renamed for the American market) in France. They sold the Cuisinart name, but continued to make the processor in France, while the Cuisinart was made in China. I had to replace the bowl about 10 years ago. It costs more than the Robot Coupe did in 1980 ($89).
Pat D says
Thank you thank you for the review!! I have no food processor and have been contemplating getting one for a year but didn’t know if cheap or expensive or what was best. Now I know that black and decker is a good one and will take your recommendation and get one. Love you and your recipes! Thanks again …..
Cynthia says
Kevin, you are a true gem. Thanks for all your reviews. Guess I’m a purist. My inherited large heavy duty Cuisinart went to Goodwill. By the time I assembled it, peeled and cut produce to specifications, pulsed, dissembled and washed it, I can hone my knife sk
ills and have 15 minutes left over. Admittedly I’m not much of a baker. Favorite tool: KitchenAid ( yes I hate the dishwasher too) immersion blender.
Kathy says
I have one of the Cuisinarts from the 1970s that I love. The switch is finicky so I replaced with a newer cuisinart about 10 years ago. I don’t care much for the new one. I keep thinking I’ll meet someone who can fix that switch on the old one. It’s the only reason I haven’t gotten rid of it.
Susan M. says
I have a Bosh Universal that I use for making home made bread weekly, so when I wanted a good processor I simply bought the food processor attachment. It works great for my needs! I have had my Bosh around 21 years so far, probably my food processor attachment around 10 or so years….
Suzanne K says
I’ve been making big batches of things like lasagna, spaghetti sauce, red cabbage… and really need a new food processor! This is very timely and I’m thrilled with the onion and cheese abilities! I just did a search and found it at Walmart for $29.92.
I had been looking for a larger bowl but for this price, I’ll empty the bowl to prep for second go if I’m really doing that much volume!
Thanks!
Stay well everyone!
Cathy Dellinger says
I am seriously disenchanted with Cuisinart. I did have a food processor of theirs that became obsolete after 30+ years only because the bowl became irreplaceable. The motor still rocked. Alas I got back on their bandwagon again. A blender by C bit the dust after less than three years, a good thing as it was under warranty. For two months I battled with them. After leaving far from enchanting comments on social media, and heated emails they replaced it with their highest end model which is total overkill, but who am I to complain. . A week after I finally received it, the bowl to my food processor cracked, a,so under warranty. I think, think being the operative word here, I should see a replacement within two weeks. If not they will have hell to pay. But, should I need to replace either down the road, and I’m sadly confident that will be soon than later, I’ll go your route. Thanks for the info!!
Betsy Williams says
Thanks for the great review Kevin. I had a Cuisinart that was @ 45 years old. It was big, heavy and complicated to use. I gave up on it years ago and finally gave it away last fall. I’ve been considering the small food processors but, thanks to covid, haven’t been shopping for one. You just gave me the greenlight to order a $37.00 B&D online. Many thanks!!
Sandra says
Thanks for the review, Kevin. I’ll keep this one in mind if my
old gal goes on the blitz.
Donna says
Does anyone own and use a Sunbeam food processor? I do.
Pat Crouse says
I have had a B&D small food processor for over 30 years. I use it weekly to chop veggies for my soup. Never have had any problems with it.
Patty Buscaglia says
My 1984 JCPenney 8340 is still going strong. It was a Consumer Report “Best Buy” at the time, a real workhorse and considerably less expensive than the pricey Cuisinart. Sounds like you’ve found a great replacement which I will keep in mind if mine bites the dust. Take care Kevin!
Jay says
I have an ancient Little Oscar and have been hemming & hawing over buying a bigger machine. Now I can do so with no guilt about the price! Great review, Kevin. Thanks!
kathleen Passie says
Good Morning Kevin,
I have 2 processors, a 4 cup Kitchen Aid, and an 8 cup Hamilton Beach.. combined under $60.
I use the small one every day , several years now and the larger one less often. I have found that most less expensive small appliances work better than the high priced ones and are the best work horses. Thanks for info!
Jean says
I bought a B & D handheld mixer a few months ago and I love it. It came with several attachments and the little plastic case it sits in. It works at least as well as much more expensive ones I have had, for a fraction of the price. It was around $30 ( would be even less in the U S, I am in Canada). I also loved Schitts Creek. I thought the romance between David and Patrick was one of the most touching I have ever seen on TV. Favourite scene: when David lip-synched ‘ Simply the Best’ for Patrick. Made me misty!❤️
Betty says
I am on my third Black and Decker (over a 10-12 year period). My issue on the first two was the plastic parts – the center post and the plastic piece in the center of the slicing/shredding disc. On my first 2 machines either or both cracked and broke. The bowl was fine, the machine was fine, but you couldn’t do anything with it. This time I am not putting any part of it in the dishwasher, wondering if the heat of the dishwasher makes the plastic brittle. . My only complaint is that you can’t get replacement parts, or if you can they are more expensive than replacing the unit – hence 3 machines. But, at $10.00 a year, I’m okay with it.
Lynn says
I have two food processors – a big heavy expensive KitchenAid and a small light cheap Kenwood mini-processor. I use the Kenwood almost every time I cook. It doesn’t have a slicer/grater attachment but I have a fab mandoline and a couple of good graters. The big bulky KitchenAid is very good at its job but way too much effort. It really only comes out of the cupboard if I’m making pastry or falafel or something similar that needs lots of mixing/chopping.
Maraya says
Kevin, “the reverse slide of the sliding disk” ??? Hahaha! Are you doing the electric slide while typing?
I have an original DLC 7 from the 70’s. I believe it’s a 14-cup, but, of course, you can’t fill it up with liquid because it will overflow. I can *just* manage to chop/puree a 28-ounce can of tomatoes with juice, and you seem to be able to do that in an 8-cup?
My processor still works fine, though I’ve replaced a broken stem (found one used on ebay) and purchased various disks and a plain lid, without the tube, for use when I’m just processing. All the parts have been in the dishwasher.
I, too, hate the “nooks and crannies” and those leftover pieces on top of the disks. The white body of the machine is yellowing, and has a few cracks. I can’t seem to find an excuse to replace it. I did buy a 5-cup for smaller jobs.
I think you made a wise purchase. Even if it lasts 3 years, it’s worth the price. Do they make any other slicing (or sliding ) blades?
Peggy says
I have 2 sizes of attachments for my Bosh mixer and they do a very good job. They have two thicknesses of slicing blade and shredding blade. For small jobs I use my grater and knife for slicing. I have an attachment for my old Oster blender that I use for small jobs like bread crumbs which also works well.
Abbe E says
I’ve agree w the above, expensive & nooks & crannies hard to clean – why the 8 cup version vs larger capacity? …never needed larger? or B&D only comes one size? think I’m gonna go w it 🙂
Helene Reid says
My cuisinart is 40 years old. It gets a work out.
Lainey says
I have a 30+ year old Braun – still going strong!
SarahBeth says
My Cuisinart DL7 Super Pro was purchased almost 37 years ago, and heavily used for years! I have replaced bowl, pusher, blade and most recently the stem. But it has been an absolute workhorse. It was a gift from my grandmother when my twins were born. They never tasted store bought baby food. I will cry big tears if it ever dies.
I’m very happy to know there is a cheaper option.
Jeri Erman says
Hi Kevin -I have an eleven year old Cuisinart 9 cup that has been great for me. It mostly gets used in the summer during garden harvest – making pesto (early in the season using your scape pesto recipe that I have shared with countless friends), basil pesto later in the summer since the basil is always ready before the tomatoes are. Then fresh salsa until tomato season is finished. I prefer using the immersion blender for pureeing the roasted tomato spaghetti sauce I seem to make (and freeze) almost daily during tomato season. But then the food processor sits mostly unused the rest of the year. I know I could use it more often, but clean up seems more of a hassle than if I just chop whatever I need chopped up for most recipes. We loved watching Schitt’s Creek also and didn’t get hooked right away, but fell in love with it and hated to see it end.
Terry Cox says
The reviews indicate the blade is positioned such that the bottom is macerated and the top uncut. Did you test this angle? Otherwise looks like a good deal.
Kim Miller says
I have a kitchen aid. Works but a little stubborn to put together. And not an easy quick clean up. I too love Schitt’s Creek. Sad to see it end. I truly enjoy watching and learning from you. Very organized also.
Robert Lesko says
Kevin, did you contact Cuisinart? We’ve had excellent customer service from them.
Cornelia Vick says
Thanks for telling me about the food Processor. My grand daughter got married last year, and she loves coking. I think I will get her a processor, since that one is so cheap. I send her recipes all the time and she loves to try new things. Thanks for your good ideas……….
A Eaton says
Did you consider – Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper with Bowl Scraper, Stainless Steel – it’s also i expensive and higher ranked on Amazon? Suggestions anyone?
Pam R says
You are the king, Kevin!! Thank you for the suggestion!!
Louise says
My Cuisinart bit the dust- burned out- as I turned dry heels of gluten-free bread into bread into breadcrumbs. It had replaced one I’d had 17+ years. And it was about 3 years old.
I read lots of reviews and Consumer Reports, and got a Breville food processor. It’s great. It replaced my expensive blender.
Lane says
We’ve all used that saying… They don’t make them like they use to –
I bought my mom a Cuisinart Food Processor, the big one, when they came out in 197…? For granted, she didn’t use it a whole lot, but used it.
So after she moved to asstd lving in 2008, I moved it to our kitchen.
Actually use it often. Yep… like I used it yesterday for cheese!
They definitely don’t make them like they use to 🙂
Carolyn Yost says
I have the original Cusinart which I dearly love, however, I need a new work bowl. This was made by Robot Coupe in France. I have the new French model, but it has so many parts. Would love to be able to replace the original work owl.
Linda H. says
Looks as if I’m the only one here with a Sunbeam “Le Chef” food processor! I inherited it from my Dad. It has to be at least 35 years old, but it looks very 1970’s in its decoration, so it might be more like 40 to 45. Still rocking, but I’m glad to know there is an economy-priced replacement available if I need it!
Michelle Collins says
Perfect timing for your review! I’m in the market for a larger food processor and have been reluctant to press ‘buy’ on the fancy pricy models. I wish you could get a commission on all the units you have sold this week from your review! Love your recipes, too!
Michelle
Jo-Anne Collis says
My Cuisinart, bought in 1982 , made in France, is still working if I turn it on and off by plugging and unplugging. So I decided to buy another one but have been humming and hawing for a few months now……. Thank you, Kevin….I will march down to the store tomorrow….confidently, and make the purchase!
June Pickering says
I had to buy a new food processor when I moved to England 17 years ago. I bought a British brand which wasn’t too expensive, and I really got out of the habit of using one. Last year, I treated myself to a Magimix . It’s red, which I love. I made the mistake of not buying their largest model, and I sometimes find it difficult to easily shred or slice larger pieces of zucchini or cabbage etc. Size does matter. All in all, it does what I need it to do but I sure wish they sold Black and Decker over here. You were so smart to try it, Kevin.
Robert says
$29.92 at Walmart – headed there soon to pick one up. Thank you, Kevin !
Chris says
I have a Cuisinart Super Pro. Probably 20 years old. The blades and other parts are crazy hard to change out. I don’t use it much.
Elaine says
Hi Kevin, thanks for the review. I’ve always wanted one of these but make do with my immersion blender, cutting board & knife but at that price I may try it. Do you think it would work on scones, I usually just use my hands to blend the butter & flour.
Your site really helps me get thru these winter months.
thanks
Helen says
I have a Cuisinart food processor I bought at a thriftstore for $20. I don’t think it had ever been used, looked it up and it was $300 new! So far it works great.
Judy says
I’m new to this site and love it already! Grateful for the Thrift Store idea and happy to hear I’m not the only one with sensitive ears! And I don’t even use a food processor much. But I learned a lot, anyway!
Marly says
I have a Cuisinart and rarely use it because it is so hard to clean – those nooks and crannies you mentioned. Since it is just me and my husband now, I use my old Little Oscar to most. I got it as a gift some 30 years ago and it is still working great. And, it is so easy to clean and doesn’t take up nearly as much space as the Cuisinart. I wonder if they still sell the Little Oscar?
Annie says
I have been using my beloved large cuisanart for 36 years….a fantastic wedding gift. Love this baby….it has a crack but I will not dump it…..functions perfectly. My MIL gave me her large Cuisanart before she died so I do have a back up if needed. I must say the weight of mine is heavy duty….so very different than the cuisanart’s of today….so much plastic in everything that is made today.
I really appreciate Kevin’s review….never in my wildest dreams would I have thought about trying any other maker than Cuisanart. Black and Decker….WOW!!
Schitts Creek….love it!!
Phyllis McDaniel-Cook says
I use my attachment that are used with my kichen aide mixer. Is the processor easier than my attachments??? May need to reavaluate .
Suzanne K says
Kevin, I’m wondering about onions. The slicing blade makes lovely slices but what if I want diced? Do you think the shredding side would work? Or would that just make onion mush?
Thanks!
Suzanne K says
I applied some logic to my question about dicing (onions). I just made the segments much narrower (than the quarters that Kevin described). And, I stayed with the slicing blade instead of shredder. I got a very quick result – kind of a ‘rough dice’ with some pieces larger and some smaller. But, that is perfectly fine for what I was cooking so I’m happy! And, loving the new food processor! Thanks again Kevin!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Suzanne – I’m glad the FP is working out for you! Although I own a nifty little veggie dicing gadget (click here to see it), I usually dice onions the old fashioned way: by hand!
Marsha Millikin says
I had a B&D 2 cup processor. I loved it for the reasons you like the 8 cup. I paid $10 for it about 20 years ago before it died. This is one time that price doesn’t guarantee quality.
Deborah says
Hi Kevin! I just ordered a BD 8-cup food processor and really hoping for the best. Just wanted to eliminate the chopping and grating aspect to get a perfect tuna salad, egg salad, etc. As a chef you love being in touch with your ingredients, but some things become tedious don’t they. Problem was I just never was in touch with my food processor. Bulky, hard to deal with, cumbersome, scraping around the blade to get the precious product out, part of it is left in the bowl. Scraping around the blade and then the cleaning. Ugh. I just did not like food processors. I donated my last Cuisinart a few years ago to a charity. I hope it found its soul mate!
Just not a gadget person, but looking forward to new food processor and perfect union, dinosaur and technology. Love ya.
Adeline says
Hamilton Beach 8 cup!! Love it. I’m 63 and my hands are tired of cutting and shredding by hand!!!!
Sue Perry says
I had a kitchenaid food processor that in the middle of using it the third time quit. My first use was grating carrots for a cake, the second time was for a pie crust and the third time was grating cheese for pimento and cheese dip. While grating the cheese that processor quit and won’t even make a noise much less process anything. It was over a year old so out of warranty of course. I was looking at the black and decker because I don’t use them enough to spend a lot of money on one but I’m getting older with arthritis in all my joints so grating in really hard for me. So thank you for posting these results of your test of the black and decker food processor.