The Cuisinart Handy Prep 3-Cup Food Processor DFP-3 is a hybrid of sorts. It is smaller than a standard food processor, yet larger and better equipped than a mini mincer.

The Handy Prep comes with a sturdy power base, 3-cup clear plastic work bowl, with cover, feed tube and food pusher, a continuous feed chute, stainless-steel chopping blade, medium shredding disc, slicing disc, adapter stem and plastic spatula.

The unit's small size makes it ideal for anyone with space issues. The base measures 5.25 inches wide by 7.5 inches deep and stands just less than 13 inches tall when fully assembled. The clear work bowl can accommodate up to 3 cups of dry ingredients, or 1-1/2 to 2 cups of semi-liquid ingredients. A continuous processing chute lets you continuously slice, shred or grate ingredients directly into a separate waiting bowl.

With the continuous feed chute, there is virtually no limit to the amount of sliced and shredded produce you can create. Tasks are completed faster and more efficiently than if you did them by hand. The only limitation is the width of the feed tube. Whole foods, such as tomatoes, potatoes and cucumbers, need to be cut into pieces that will fit inside the chute. Even so, you'll be so impressed with the thin, even slices, that you won't mind that they are half slices.

The Handy Prep is perfect for chopping small quantities of nuts, vegetables, herbs, or spices or cheeses. The powerful motor can also mix and knead up to 1 pound of bread, pizza or cookie dough.

The Handy Prep features Cuisinart's staple three-position control bar. Flip the switch up to activate the machine for continuous processing. The switch will remain in the up position until you move it back to the "off" (middle position). Pressing the switch down activates the pulse setting. On pulse, the blade will start to spin for a short time and then stop, allowing the bowl's contents to settle. For short pulses, depress and then immediately release the switch. For longer pulses, you can hold the switch down. When you release it, the switch automatically returns to the off setting.

We found the Handy Prep to be not only convenient and efficient, but also economical in terms of owning a full-function -- albeit limited capacity -- machine.


Pros: Compact size saves space, handles full range of processor tasks, continuous feed chute for unlimited slicing & shredding
Cons: Limited (3-cup) work bowl capacity

Warranty
3 years, limited; 5 years, motor