Conclusion
Pros
- Excellent performance across the board
- Unique leak-free bowl system
- Slicing disc adjusts from 1 to 6mm
- Dough feature lowers RPM for stiffer doughs
- Large capacity
- Powerful, quiet motor
Cons
- Expensive
- Shredding disc performance very good but not great
- Huge: at 17 1/2″, the tallest food processor we have tested to date (two smaller options are now available: see “Model Notes & Purchasing” on page 1)
The next generation?
The Cuisinart Elite brings a host of innovative functional and ergonomic features to the table and delivers excellent overall performance. While expensive, we believe that the total package is compelling–especially for the frequent food processor user–and this model is currently or highest recommended food processor.
The Cuisinart’s SealTight bowl/lid system presents a solution to an age old food processor problem: liquid handling and leaking. Not only does it succeed in sealing in liquids (which can be conveniently poured from each bowl’s pour spout), but it prevents solid ingredients from being transferred from smaller to larger bowls, thereby allowing jobs to be carried out sequentially without the need to clean in between. Other manufacturers’ multi-bowl systems offer this capability in theory, but the Cuisinart is the only one that really delivers.
Disc performance was very good to excellent. The stand out feature here is the adjustable slicing disc, which easily goes from 1mm to 6mm (with two steps in between each mm for a total of 16 possible adjustments). We found that it performed exceptionally well, delivering dry and even slices. In the context of the Cuisinart’s overall performance, the two-sided medium/fine shredding disc was ‘only’ very good, not matching the performance of the Magimix 4200XL in this capacity.
Blade performance was excellent. We have always like the great feedback provided by Cuisinart models when using the PULSE feature, and this model is no exception. Pulses start and stop immediately when the button is pressed or released. We found that the 16DCWS produced extremely smooth purees and blended liquids to a respectable consistency (we always recommend using a blender for applications where a very smooth product is desired). Once locked into place, all the blades stay attached to the stem, even when bowls are removed from the base and inverted, allowing for easy one handed pouring of liquids.
Another stand out feature is the unit’s dough capabilities: the DOUGH function which lowers the blades RPM in response to the larger loads encountered when processing large quantities of wet, heavy dough. Combined with the unit’s powerful motor and huge 16 cup capacity, we believe that this model is currently the best equipped to meet the demands of the serious baker.
There are numerous other ergonomic features that contribute to making this appliance easy to work with. The Supreme Wide Mouth feed tube allows large ingredients (like quartered cabbage) to be processed with reduced prep and represents an enormous improvement over the Extra Large feed tube found on some other Cuisinart models. A retractable power cord helps reduce countertop clutter. Thanks to cleverly designed plastic parts, the 16DCWS is easy to clean and dries out quickly. The blades and multitasking discs store neatly in an included storage case. The list goes on…
At $300, the Cuisinart Elite offers a huge amount of capability for the frequent food processor user, especially those who perform multiple, successive tasks. For the occasional user, or for the ’single task’ oriented user, there are other options available for under $200 that will offer similar performance in a smaller package.
In addition to price, we had several concerns. Potential buyers should be aware that the size and weight of this appliance are considerable: those with diminutive kitchens (or diminutive muscles) may object to the 17 1/2″ juggernaut, which fits under standard cabinets with less than 1″ to spare. We were also concerned about the long-term durability of some innovative parts, particularly the rear locking tab on the lid and the plastic/rubber gasket, both of which are crucial, high wear parts in this machine. The 3 year parts warranty helps assuage this latter concern somewhat, but considering the investment we would like to be sure that this model–and its replacement parts–are going to be around for a while.
Ultimately, the newly designed Cuisinart makes most of the competition look old, and we strongly recommend it for the targeted user. We hope that other manufacturers will take up the implicit challenge presented by this model; if they do, consumers are sure to benefit.
Highly Recommended
Please help support this site by purchasing your food processor through one of our trusted affiliates. The 16-cup model we tested is exclusive to Williams Sonoma (we have no relationship with Williams Sonoma). However, the 14-cup model is available at Amazon, Sur la Table, and Chefs Catalog: The 12-cup model is available at Amazon and Sur la Table.