Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Cuisinart Core Custom 13-Cup Food Processor
Best UpgradeHamilton Beach Bowl Scraper 10-Cup Food Processor
Best BudgetPrice
$90-$180
$40-$70
Summary
More versatile than the classic Cuisinart with an adjustable slicing blade, multiple pusher sizes, and stackable storage — all for a modest price premium. Wirecutter's top pick for those who want extra features.
Punches well above its price class — Tom's Guide testers found it chopped onions in seconds and handled dough without issue. The built-in bowl scraper is a genuinely useful feature most budget processors skip.
Pros
- Adjustable slicing disk slices far thinner than standard one-size disks
- Reversible grating disk included for more versatility
- Multiple food pusher sizes for different ingredients
- Accessories stack on included spindle for tidy in-bowl storage
- Available refurbished on Amazon for around $90
- Chopped onions in seconds in Tom's Guide testing
- Handled cookie dough without problems — a tough test for budget models
- Built-in bowl scraper reduces need to stop and manually scrape
- Significantly cheaper than full-size Cuisinart or Magimix
Cons
- More complex controls than the simpler classic Cuisinart
- 13-cup capacity slightly smaller than the 14-cup model
- More parts to clean due to additional accessories
- Smaller 10-cup capacity limits batch sizes
- Less durable long-term compared to premium brands
- Fewer speed settings and accessories than higher-end models
Our take
If the classic 14-cup feels too bare-bones, this is the smarter buy — the adjustable slicer alone is worth the upgrade for anyone who does serious prep work.
If you're not ready to spend $200+ on a Cuisinart, this is the honest budget pick — it actually performs, and the bowl scraper saves you from constantly stopping to push food down.
Buy
