Cuisinart Prep 9 DLC-2009CHB

Performance

Performs well at a variety of tasks. Good Housekeeping Research Institute reviewers say it "excelled at everything -- even tricky jobs like slicing tomatoes and shredding carrots." Owners at Amazon.com and Viewpoints.com describe using their machines for a wide variety of recipes, from piecrust to baby food to meatloaf. However, we did find some reports that the Prep 9's performance can be uneven. A couple of users say their machines sometimes turn grind of the food to pulp while leaving other parts in big chunks. Arranging the food carefully in the bowl seems to be the best solution to this problem. Also, one user at Amazon.com notes that when shredding cheese and slicing scallions, it tends to pull food under the lid rather than processing it.

Ease of use

Intuitive design a plus. Owners say assembly is simple and the push-button controls are easy to use. The wide feed tube is also a plus. One owner at Viewpoints.com notes that the machine won't start unless the top is seated exactly right, but concedes that this is actually a useful safety feature. Most users find cleanup a simple task as well, with all the removable parts being dishwasher-safe. Only a couple of owners say cleaning the machine is too big a hassle to make it worth using for small jobs. Several users like the fact that the machine is compact and therefore easier to store than a full-sized food processor, but a few say it's still heavy and bulky enough to be awkward.

Durability

Sturdy and solid. Reviewers praise the sturdy stainless-steel blades and the heavy base that keeps vibration to a minimum. A few users report problems with broken parts (the handle of the bowl in one case, the pusher in another). The Cuisinart comes with a warranty that covers the whole machine for three years and the motor for 10, but users say getting repairs is a hassle; Cuisinart requires you to ship the machine back at your own expense. Dealing with customer service is also frustrating, according to owners. We read accounts of reps who ignored complaints, disconnected callers and refused to replace parts that were missing on shipment.

Noise

No noise complaints. Professional tests at Good Housekeeping did not cover noise, but owners have no problems with it. One calls it "incredibly quiet," and another says it is "as quiet as a sleeping baby."

Bottom line

The Cuisinart Prep 9 DLC-2009CHB is the only food processor in its size class to get solid reviews from both professionals and users. Its decent all-around performance, solid construction, quietness and ease of use makes it a good choice for a compact model.