Takes The Work Out Of Chopping ? Sometimes I Guess

Author's Rating:

Pros: works great for coffee beans and nuts

Cons: short cord, uneven chopping, have to make pieces smaller before putting in

The Bottom Line: 
For those who only need a small amount of something and do not mind having to do chopping before hand not a bad thing.

Author's Review
A little over a year ago my husband thought that I needed something to help cut my prep time in half for making meals. However things did not really work out as my well meaning husband had hoped. I think I spent as much time cutting up things before sticking them into the mini-prep as I did cutting them up on my own. I still use if for certain things, but only the things that are a bigger pain than not me trying to do them myself.

The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Processor is a nice small six inch size that has a 3 cup bowl size. It has a very simple touch pad system with only two options chop or grind. This can easily be kept on your counter if you need to mince an onion, garlic, etc., for your daily cooking needs. I do love that this is simple to clean. All of the parts can be put in the dishwasher except the base. You can find this in white, black, red, or silver in most stores for around $40.

- Likes -
1.) small size so can be kept on counter without taking up a lot of space
2.) does not work without being in locking position
3.) smart power blade that has auto reversing
4.) chops garlic, nuts, and herbs nicely

- Dislikes -
1.) have to cut up onion in to diced size then it will chop otherwise it gets stuck on blade
2.) short cord 2 ft.
3.) have to hold down button to keep it going
4.) no pulse option
5.) Things like garlic, onion, green pepper, need to be chopped before put into machine or they stick to the blades and do not get chopped smaller.
6.) Some pieces are minced and some left large.

I just found with this mini-prep that my time was still spent doing what I was trying to get out of doing more often than not. I was left having to try and get larger pieces out and cut them smaller by hand. It was just easier for me to start chopping by hand and save the hassle of having to clean up one more thing. If you are single or only need small amounts of smaller items such as chocolate or nuts this does work great. Though you need to really watch how long you hold the button down or you will end up with a paste which may not be what you are looking for.

For myself though I stick to using my knife and cutting board with the exception of coffee beans and nuts. I did purchase one of these for my mother a while back at a garage sale and she said she uses it a lot for dips such as guacamole for herself or a quick ranch type of dip for veggies.