Cuisinart Custom 14 Review

The Cuisinart Custom 14 has been a staple in American kitchens for years, and for good reason. It offers a generous 14-cup capacity, a powerful motor, and straightforward controls that make food prep faster. But is it the right choice for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review.

Design and Build Quality

The Custom 14 features a sturdy die-cast metal base that adds stability during operation. The work bowl is made of BPA-free plastic, which is lightweight but can show scratches over time. The lid locks securely with a simple twist, and the wide feed tube is a standout feature, allowing you to process whole tomatoes, onions, and even small apples without pre-cutting.

The controls are basic: High, Low, Pulse, and Off. There is no digital timer or preset programs, but that keeps the operation intuitive. The base has rubber feet that grip the counter well, and the unit is relatively quiet compared to some competitors, though it is not silent.

Performance and Real-World Use

In our analysis of user feedback, the 720-watt motor consistently delivers. It chops vegetables evenly, slices cucumbers and carrots with precision, and shreds cheese without turning it into mush. The dough blade handles bread and pizza dough up to 2 pounds, though some users note that the motor labors on very stiff dough, so patience and pulse bursts are key.

The slicing and shredding discs are reversible, giving you two thickness options. The chopping blade is sharp and produces consistent results for salsas, pesto, and nut butters. One common praise is that the wide feed tube reduces prep time significantly, as you can drop in whole ingredients.

Ease of Use

Assembly is straightforward: the bowl sits on the base, the blade or disc fits onto the center post, and the lid twists to lock. The feed tube has a pusher that is comfortable to hold, though it does not lock into place, which some users find slightly inconvenient. The controls are responsive, and the pulse function gives you precise control over texture.

One minor issue is that the lid does not have a locking indicator, so you need to ensure it is fully twisted or the machine will not start. This is a safety feature, but it can be a bit finicky if not aligned perfectly.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The work bowl, blades, and discs are dishwasher safe, which is a plus. However, the lid and feed tube must be hand washed, as the manufacturer warns that dishwasher heat can warp them. Many users find this slightly annoying, but hand washing the lid takes only a minute. The bowl has a smooth surface that rinses clean, and the blades are easy to wipe down.

One recurring complaint is that the center post can leak if the bowl is overfilled or if the seal is not seated properly. To avoid this, ensure the bowl is firmly locked and do not exceed the maximum fill line.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the Custom 14 earns high marks overall, some buyers report a few issues. The plastic bowl can develop a cloudy appearance or scratches after heavy use, though this does not affect performance. A few users mention that the feed tube pusher does not stay in place, so you have to hold it while processing. There is also no storage case for the discs and blades, so you need to find a drawer or container to keep them organized.

Another minor gripe is that the cord is relatively short (about 2.5 feet), which may require a nearby outlet. Finally, some users wish the lid were dishwasher safe, but that is a design choice to prevent warping.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11, the Custom 14 offers a larger capacity and a more powerful motor, but the Pro Custom 11 has a slightly more compact footprint and includes a storage case. The KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor is a close rival with a similar motor, but it has a more modern design and a wider feed tube, though it is often priced higher. The Hamilton Beach 10-Cup is a budget option, but it lacks the power and durability of the Cuisinart.

For most home cooks, the Custom 14 strikes the best balance of performance, capacity, and price. It is not the cheapest, but its reliability makes it a long-term investment.

Value and Verdict

The Cuisinart Custom 14 is a solid choice for anyone who cooks regularly and wants a dependable food processor. It excels at basic tasks and even handles dough, which is a bonus. The lack of a few modern conveniences, like a lid lock indicator or dishwasher-safe lid, is a minor trade-off for its robust performance.

If you need a machine for occasional use and have limited storage, a smaller model might be better. But if you have the counter space and want a processor that can handle big batches, the Custom 14 is hard to beat. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it chop nuts and make nut butter?

Yes, the chopping blade can chop nuts finely or coarsely, depending on pulse duration. For nut butter, run the machine on High for a few minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. The motor handles it well, but avoid overfilling.

Does it come with a spatula?

Yes, the Custom 14 includes a spatula that is designed to scrape the bowl and help remove processed food. It is not dishwasher safe, so hand wash it.

Can I use it to grind meat?

No, the Custom 14 is not designed for grinding raw meat. It can chop cooked meat or vegetables, but for raw meat, a dedicated meat grinder is safer and more effective.

Is the bowl truly 14 cups?

The bowl holds 14 cups when filled to the brim, but the working capacity is about 10 to 11 cups for most tasks. The manufacturer recommends not exceeding the max fill line to avoid leaks and ensure even processing.

How loud is it?

It is moderately loud, comparable to other food processors in its class. Users report it is not excessively noisy, but it is not whisper-quiet either. Using the pulse function can reduce noise.