Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar Review

What the Reviewers Like:
Some owners say the Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar does a good job with basic tasks, such as shredding vegetables for salads and stir-fries.

What the Reviewers Don’t Like:
Although it's inexpensive, expert testing shows that the Hamilton Beach food processor isn't much of a competitor; it has trouble with cookie dough and cheese. Many owners complain of breakdowns.

Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar review highlights

Unfortunately, the 7-cup Hamilton Beach PrepStar failed most of Cook's Illustrated's tests and earned an overall rating of "Not Recommended." (The only thing it did well was make bread crumbs). Owners say this machine is best for easy tasks. Heavy dough and firm cheeses can cause it to choke. Although it costs much more, we found far better reviews for the Cuisinart DLC-10S (*est. $100).

The inexpensive Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar food processor has been put through a variety of chopping, slicing, kneading and grating tests at Consumer Reports and Cook's Illustrated. In addition, dozens of owners have posted reviews of this model to Amazon.com and Epinions, which help round out reviews.

Also see full report: Food Processors

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Cook’s Illustrated
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Food Processors Review
Editors of Cook's Illustrated
Sept. 2005

Testers put eight food processors through a battery of tests, including evaluations for chopping, puréeing and dough-making. The Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar earns an overall rating of "Not Recommended." Editors downgrade it for "mediocre-to-fair performance" on all tests but grinding breadcrumbs.

2. Consumer Reports
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Processors & Choppers Review
Editors of Consumer Reports
Dec. 2006

Consumer Reports editors test two dozen food processors by comparing performance in kneading, chopping and shredding tests. Editors test inexpensive models, including the Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar, along with food processors that cost up to $400.

3. Amazon.com
Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

At Amazon.com, about 50 reviewers report on the 7-cup Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar food processor. Many say it is best for light duty, because heavy cookie dough or nuts can cause it to choke. Some owners note that the food chute is too small. We also found several reports of breakage.

4. Epinions
Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar Review
Contributors to Epinions

Only one owner has posted a review at Epinions of the PrepStar food processor, which is largely positive. The reviewer says this processor has a large capacity and a strong motor.

Also see full report: Food Processors

Hamilton Beach 70550RL PrepStar Review