How To Use Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor?

Short answer: To use the Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor, first ensure the bowl and lid are locked into place, then add your ingredients. Choose the blade or disc appropriate for your task, secure the lid, and select your desired operation mode.

Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner, a Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor can be an invaluable addition to your kitchen. This versatile tool can simplify various tasks, from chopping vegetables and grinding spices to kneading dough and pureeing soups. The 14-cup capacity makes it ideal for large batches, while its range of blades and discs offers an impressive variety of cutting options.

Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor

Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup Vegetable Chopper

This food processor comes with a base, a 14-cup work bowl, a cover with an extra-large feed tube, small and large pushers, and a host of accessories including a stainless steel slicing disc, shredding disc, and a chopping/mixing/kneading blade. This kitchen marvel doesn’t just save you time and effort but also redefines your cooking experience. Here’s why it deserves a prime spot on your counter:

  • Power: Boasting a 720-watt motor, this food processor handles hard, soft, and everything in between with ease.
  • Versatility: From chopping veggies and kneading dough to making breadcrumbs and pureeing fruits, it does it all.
  • Large capacity: Perfect for large-scale cooking, it can process large volumes of food in one go.

How To Assemble Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor?

Place the Work Bowl on the Base
Place the Work Bowl on Food Processor

Step 1: Place the Work Bowl on the Base: Carefully align the work bowl with the base of the food processor. There will typically be a mark or a groove to help you position it correctly. Once aligned, gently push down until it clicks into place.

Insert Your Chosen Blade
Insert Blade

Step 2: Insert Your Chosen Blade: Depending on what you’re using the processor for, you’ll need to choose the appropriate blade. For example, if you’re chopping or pureeing, you’ll use a metal blade. If you’re kneading dough, you’ll use the dough blade. Once you’ve chosen your blade, hold it by the central hub and place it over the shaft in the center of the bowl.

Lock the Cover in Place
Lock the Cover in Place clockwise

Step 3: Lock the Cover in Place: Take the lid of the food processor and align it with the top of the bowl. Again, there will typically be a mark or a groove to help you position it. Once aligned, turn it in the locking direction (usually clockwise) until it clicks into place.

Insert the Small and Large Pushers into the Feed Tube
Insert the Small and Large Pushers

Step 4: Insert the Small and Large Pushers into the Feed Tube: The feed tube is the opening in the lid of the food processor. The large pusher is used to feed larger ingredients into the processor, and the small pusher is used for smaller ingredients. Slide the large pusher into the feed tube first, then slide the small pusher into the hole in the large pusher.

How To Use Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor?

Chopping Raw Veggies And Fruits

Step 1: Cut the produce into 1-inch pieces for even chopping.

Step2: Place up to 3 cups of food into the processor’s bowl.

Step 3: Put on the lid and make sure it’s locked.

Step 4: Use the pulse button to coarsely chop the food.

Step 5: Hold down the ‘on’ button for finer chopping. Don’t forget to check frequently to prevent over-processing.

Pureeing Fruits And Blanched Vegetables

Step 1: Chop the fruits and vegetables into 1-inch pieces.

Step 2: Add up to 3 cups of food into the processor’s bowl.

Step 3: Pulse until coarsely chopped.

Step 4: Run the processor until you get a smooth puree.

Kneading Bread Dough

Using a Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor for the kneading dough is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to guide you:

Step 1: Attach the Dough Blade: The Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor comes with a plastic dough blade specifically designed for dough preparation. Attach it to the food processor base before starting.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients for your dough recipes, such as flour, salt, sugar, or dry yeast, into the food processor bowl. Secure the lid and pulse a few times to mix these ingredients together.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients: While the machine is running, slowly add the wet ingredients, such as water or oil, through the feed tube.

Step 4: Knead the Dough: Continue processing until the mixture forms a ball that travels around the bowl. This should take around 1-2 minutes. If the dough does not form a ball, add more water or flour as necessary and continue processing.

Step 5: Check Dough Consistency: Stop the food processor, remove the lid, and check the dough’s consistency. It should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour and process again. If it’s too dry, add a bit more liquid and process again.

Step 6: Remove the Dough: Once the dough has reached the right consistency, stop the processor, remove the blade, and take out the dough. Place it on a floured surface and knead it a few times with your hands to bring it together.

Step 7: Let it Rest: Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest in a greased bowl, covered with a towel, for the time specified in your recipe.

FAQs

How do I clean the Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor?

All removable parts are dishwasher safe, except for the base which contains the motor and should be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Can I process hot ingredients in the Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor?

Hot ingredients should be cooled to room temperature before being processed to prevent damage to the plastic components.

What should I do if my food processor doesn’t start?

Make sure the work bowl and lid are properly locked in place. The food processor will not start unless it is correctly assembled for safety reasons.

What should I do if my food processor doesn’t start?

Make sure the work bowl and lid are properly locked in place. The food processor will not start unless it is correctly assembled for safety reasons.

Conclusion

Understanding how to effectively use the Cuisinart 14-cup food processor can truly revolutionize your culinary experience. This appliance is not only versatile, allowing for a variety of food preparations, but also highly efficient, saving considerable time and effort in the kitchen. By following the proper assembly and usage guidelines, you can ensure maximum functionality and longevity for this food processor. Furthermore, it’s convenient size and user-friendly features make it an essential tool in any modern kitchen, serving both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike.