Using a Cuisinart mini food processor can certainly make life easier in the kitchen. But with the 3-cup Little Pro Plus model's suggested retail value approaching $140.00, is there a more affordable alternative?
In our search for a discount food processor, a number of options caught our attention. The Kitchen Aid 3-cup Chef's Chopper is only $35.00. Hamilton Beach offers a 3-cup mini chopper for only $26. Does more money always mean a better food processor?
The Cuisinart Little Pro Plus is ideal for chopping, mincing and slicing. All blades are stainless steel, including the chopping blade and three discs for slicing and shredding. This processor also offers a chute attachment for ongoing shredding and slicing jobs. The Little Pro Plus comes with a juicer attachment and a spatula for bowl scraping. The powerful 600 watt motor provides two processing speeds for maximum control when preparing ingredients for cooking or baking.
Kitchen Aid offers a mini processor with a heavy, stable base and a housing to reduce noise. Although it has pulse control, which the Cuisinart does not, it only comes with one chopping blade. This processor contains a 240 watt motor and has one set speed. There are no attachments to slice, shred or mix your ingredients. This Kitchen Aid machine is good for chopping, pureeing and blending. The bowl, blade and lid are all removable and dishwasher safe, while the base can be wiped down.
The Hamilton Beach Shortcut 3-cup processor comes with a chopping blade and a slicing/shredding disc. It has a chute for easy ongoing work as the Cuisinart did. This processor offers two speed settings but only 135 watts of power. Use it to chop vegetables or fruits, or puree a homemade soup.
For maximum versatility and power, the Cuisinart Little Pro Plus processor is great for small cooking and baking ingredient preparation. Hamilton Beach and Kitchen Aid also offer great products if you don't need all of the features offered in the Little Pro, or are looking for a more affordable alternative.