Cuisinart Expert Prep Pro | 2 Bowl Food Processor With 3L Capacity | Stainless Steel | FP1300SU Silver

Product Information

There was very little to complain about with the slicing and grating though, but only one size makes its uses limiting. The light stainless-steel blade performed well and chopped through onions, carrots and celery without struggle, and blending a soup was as straightforward as it comes. Pastry fared less well, and it needed much more processing than is right to create a light and crumbly finished dough. It’s powerful enough to grind up 500g / 18o diced beef without jamming. But unlike in a larger model, we had to stop it and stir the pieces to ensure it was all evenly ground. Again, we used the pulse button for this and kept a hand on the lid to stop it moving. The Tefal processor has an impressive range of attachments, which at this price is a bargain. It’s sturdy and even on top speed there was little vibration, meaning a very quiet machine. There is also an in-bowl storage box and the cord winds neatly away, making this an excellent space-saving processor. The included booklet will have you prepping like a pro in no time. The bowls, blades and discs are simple to fit, and with just four buttons on the control pad – high, low, pulse and off – it couldn’t be easier to use.

The complete Ninja system also includes a large 2.1-litre blender and an even more fearsome-looking six-blade knife for making healthy smoothies, juices and frozen drinks. Impressively, the machine knows what jug you’re using (food processor, blender or single-size drinks cup) and intuitively adjusts speed and processing accordingly. Buy a processor that’s too small and it will be frustrating, too big and you will not get the best out of it. Do you need all those attachments? The base of the Prep Pro was lighter than expected when compared to similarly priced machines, but that in no way affected the rigours of the testing, which were all tip-top with no complaints at all. The processor sits well on the counter with little vibration, meaning it’s also quiet.We whip cream and blend homemade mayonnaise and, finally, we mix pastry dough and cake batter to see how well the processor kneads and mixes, before baking both to analyse the texture of the finished product. This good-looking, solid machine comes in five colours and with not one but three bowls, which nest neatly one inside the other. The large blades and discs are interchangeable with the main (three-litres), medium (2.6-litres) and mini (1.2-litres) bowls. The three sizes of bowl give greater flexibility in quantities, from chopping herbs through to large batches of pastry and even 1kg bread without strain.

There is no storage with this processor though and with so many attachments – jugs, bowls etc. – it requires a lot of space. The blades and the slicing discs, as would be expected, are super sharp and with no distinctive safe storage, accidents can happen, as a cut finger here bears testament. We’ve broken down the features worth considering when you’re shopping around for one of these multi-tasking machines. The Magimix is the quietest of the processors tested too, as its solidity holds it firmly on the worktop with little or no vibration. This solidity, however, makes the processor one of the largest and heaviest but, if you have a large family to feed, are a fervent baker or avid cook, you’re going to love this machine. Key specs – Size: 17 x 21 x 43.5 cm; Bowl size: 1.1 litres; Power: 1100w; Attachments: 1 reversible slicing and grating disc, double dough blade, stainless steel 4 blade knife, 2-part pusher,large feeder tube; Additional notable features: 3 speeds, touch pad control panel, 2.1-litre vacuum blending pitcher, 2.1-litre vacuum blending pitcher lid and valve, FreshVac technology vacuum blending pump, 2 x 600ml lidded drinking cupsThere are just three operating push buttons on the base, with a pulse, stop and auto button, where usually there would be at least two speeds. Pushing auto, the processor runs in a continuous mode, which gave better and more even results and created the best pastry of all the processors tested. The 950w motor was supremely efficient and made light work of producing even slices and grating with no wastage. When mixing up cake batter to make a dozen small cupcakes it moved across the counter despite being on the low-speed setting, so it’s best to keep a hand on the lid to hold it in place. We also had to stop it and scrape down the sides twice to ensure all the ingredients were fully incorporated, but it did the job. In the small bowl (UK model only) we milled hazelnuts using the high-speed setting, which was slower than we expected. Subsequently, the result was a little uneven with some powder mixed in with larger pieces. Do not, however, dismiss this food processor, it has its place, and for someone who will only expect it to perform light duties and doesn’t want to over-challenge it with large quantities, the Tower delivers good results, even if it does take a little longer than others. Key specs – Size: 23 x 41.5 x 23 cm; Bowl size: 2.4 litres; Power: 800w; Attachments: 8 with 4 grating/slicing discs, blades, whisks, coffee grinder, citrus press, spatula and large 2-part plunger; Additional notable features: 1.5-litre blender