Handy Mini-Sized Food Processor

Author's Rating:

Pros: Perfect for quick everyday chopping and grinding of small quantities. Easy to use and clean.

Cons: None.

The Bottom Line: 
Ideal daily use companion to our Cuisinart PowerPrep Plus. Easily processes those frequently small quantities where a larger food processor is overkill. Great value for the inexpensive price.

Author's Review
Over the years we have become accustomed to using little food processors for small daily chopping and pureeing tasks. Most were inexpensive and underpowered with containers and lids that easily cracked or broke (particularly if accidentally dropped).

Becoming rather frustrated with constant breakage of some type with the inexpensive models, we were pleased when we ran across the Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus DLC-2A.

The first thing that caught our eye was it's 3 cup work bowl size. Much larger than any other small food processor, but not too large. Ideal for quick daily prep work and washing.

Overall the appearance is quite striking. The design is beautifully engineered with the chop and grind switches placed at a very convenient location. We selected the white color to match all our other Cuisinart appliances.

Operating the Mini-Prep is straight forward. Place the work bowl on the base and turn clockwise to lock in. Insert the blade assembly securely on the center stem of the work bowl. Add ingredients to be processed. Finally, put on the cover and turn to lock in position. Because of the powerful motor it is recommended to use one hand to hold the Mini-Prep when operating.

There are only two operating modes - chop and grind. Each switch has to be held down to operate. Either mode should not be used continuously for longer than 1 minute at a time. This is the reason there is no switch to continuously run. The unit usually performs it's function easily within the 1 minute time limitation. If not, process another minute.

The Mini-Prep uses a Smart Power Blade exclusive to Cuisinart. Provides excellent auto-reverse chopping and grinding qualities.

Warning: The blade is extremely sharp and can easy cut a finger with minimal touching. When cleaning we suggest always holding by it's hub and using a brush to clean the blades. Even then be careful. Not something to let kids wash.

Other than taking extreme care when washing off the blade, the work bowl and cover are easy to clean. Wiping spillage from the base unit only requires a sponge then drying with a towel.

Included within the instruction manual is a section on operating techniques for processing specific types of foods along with a handy recipe section.

After over a year's worth of high use, the Mini-Prep still looks and operates like new. The only appearance warning Cuisinart provides is that the bowl and cover may become scratched when grinding coffee, grain and spices. However, cosmetic blemishes will not affect performance.

This is really a quality little food processor that any cook will find indispensable. Even though we also have Cuisinart's exquisite PowerPrep Plus 14 Cup Food Processor DLC-2014 the Mini-Prep gets the most use. Having both provides great help in the kitchen.