The Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 Food Processor DLC-8S simplifies food prep tasks such as chopping, slicing and shredding.

Two large control levers are situated on the front of the unit: On and Off-Pulse. The first lever activates the motor for continuous processing, while the second provides short bursts of power and then shuts the unit off. This model comes with a clear 11-cup Lexan work bowl, which is shatterproof and heat resistant.

An extra-large feed tube can fit many whole fruits and vegetables, such as apples and onions, although oversize items, such as tall cucumbers and Beefsteak tomatoes, still need to be cut. A smaller feed tube fits inside the larger tube. The relatively quiet yet powerful motor can easily knead bread dough in a fraction of the time it would take with a mixer, let alone by hand. A dough blade is included for this purpose but we found the metal blade works equally well.

Additional accessories include two stainless-steel (2mm and 4mm) slicing discs, plus a medium shredding disc with a detachable disc stem. Both slicing discs create uniform slices of potatoes or apples for casseroles and desserts. The shredding disc works wonders on carrots and cheeses. For chopping, we found that the pulse lever works best since it allows you to control the consistency. The Pro Custom 11 also comes with a sturdy plastic spatula.

The Pro Custom 11 Food Processor has built-in safety features to ensure that the motor will not operate unless the cover and the pusher assembly are properly engaged. Assembly and disassembly are fairly straightforward; the only tricky part is remembering to remove the food pusher, which prevents the cover from locking in place. All parts, except for the housing base are top rack dishwasher safe.

The instruction/recipe book provides step-by-step directions for using the machine. For a visual how-to, an instruction video is included.

This versatile food processor will work hard so you won't have to. Keep this out on the counter where you'll use it often.


Pros: Large capacity, expanded feed tube
Cons: Complicated feed tube assembly

Warranty
3 years, limited; 5 years, motor