The Cuisinart 60 and Cuisinart 65 food processors primarily differ in capacity, power, and features. The Cuisinart 60 is a classic 7-cup model with a less powerful motor and basic functions, making it a great budget-friendly choice for smaller households. In contrast, the Cuisinart 65 is an upgraded 8-cup version with a stronger motor, multiple speeds, and more versatile attachments designed for frequent cooks and larger recipes.
Here’s a detailed look at both Cuisinart models to help you decide which food processor is the right fit for your kitchen.
Cuisinart 60 Food Processor
The Cuisinart 60 is a reliable, no-frills food processor that has been a kitchen staple for years. It's designed for simplicity and efficiency, focusing on core food prep tasks without complicated settings. Its compact size and straightforward operation make it a perfect entry point into the world of food processors.
- What it is: A classic 7-cup food processor designed for everyday chopping, shredding, and slicing tasks.
- Key features: 7-cup work bowl, simple on/off/pulse controls, and a single reversible disc for medium slicing and shredding.
- Price: Typically ranges from $50 to $80.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8" x 7" x 9", making it ideal for smaller countertops.
- Materials/Construction: Durable plastic housing, BPA-free plastic work bowl, and stainless steel blades and discs.
- Style: A functional and compact design, usually available in neutral colors like white or black to fit any kitchen decor.
- Pros: Very affordable, incredibly easy to use with its simple controls, compact footprint saves space, reliable for basic daily tasks, easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Cons: Smaller 7-cup capacity isn't ideal for large-batch cooking, and the less powerful motor (~550 watts) may struggle with thick doughs or tough vegetables. It is limited to one speed and basic blade and disc.
This model is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families who need a dependable machine for fundamental food prep and value simplicity over advanced features.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/cuisinart-60/
Cuisinart 65 Food Processor
The Cuisinart 65 is the more advanced sibling, offering a larger capacity, more power, and greater versatility. It’s built for the home cook who tackles a wider variety of recipes, from kneading bread dough to precisely slicing vegetables, and needs a machine that can keep up with more demanding tasks.
- What it is: An upgraded 8-cup food processor with enhanced power and features for more versatile kitchen tasks.
- Key features: 8-cup capacity work bowl, a more powerful motor (~600-700 watts), multiple speed settings, a reversible slicing/shredding disc, and often includes a dedicated dough blade.
- Price: Generally priced between $70 and $120.
- Dimensions: Roughly 9" x 8" x 10", requiring a bit more counter and storage space.
- Materials/Construction: Sturdy plastic base, BPA-free work bowl, and high-quality stainless steel blades designed to handle tougher jobs.
- Style: Sleek and modern design that retains Cuisinart's functional aesthetic, often in brushed chrome or black finishes.
- Pros: Larger capacity handles bigger batches, a more powerful motor tackles dough and dense ingredients with ease, multiple speeds and attachments offer more control and versatility, great for frequent use.
- Cons: Higher price point, larger size takes up more space, and it can be more complex than a beginner needs.
The Cuisinart 65 is built for larger families and avid home cooks who will benefit from the extra capacity, power, and features to take on new and challenging recipes.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/cuisinart-65/
Cuisinart 60 vs. Cuisinart 65 Comparison
Capacity & Size
The most immediate difference is the work bowl capacity. The Cuisinart 60 has a 7-cup bowl, which is plenty for chopping onions and herbs, making a small batch of salsa, or shredding cheese for a weeknight dinner. Its smaller physical footprint (around 8" x 7" x 9") is a significant advantage in kitchens with limited counter space.
In contrast, the Cuisinart 65 features an 8-cup bowl. While one cup may not seem like a huge jump, it makes a practical difference when preparing meals for a family of four, batch-cooking sauces, or making dough. This extra capacity comes with a slightly larger size (approximately 9" x 8" x 10"), so you'll need a bit more room to store it.
Power & Performance
Power directly impacts what a food processor can handle. The Cuisinart 60's motor, typically around 550-600 watts, is perfectly adequate for standard tasks. It excels at softer foods but may labor when processing things like firm bread dough or shredding very hard root vegetables.
The Cuisinart 65 steps up with a motor usually rated between 600-700 watts. This additional power provides the torque needed to knead stiff dough without overheating, smoothly puree thick mixtures, and power through tough ingredients. The 65 also often includes multiple speed settings, giving you more precise control over the texture of your food - a feature the single-speed-plus-pulse Cuisinart 60 lacks.
Features & Attachments
Simplicity is the Cuisinart 60's strength. It typically comes with an S-blade for chopping and pureeing and a reversible disc for medium slicing and shredding. The controls are dead simple: on, off, and pulse. For many users, this is all that's necessary.
The Cuisinart 65 offers much more flexibility. In addition to the standard blade and disc, it often includes a dedicated dough blade, and its multipurpose discs might offer varying thicknesses for slicing and shredding. The inclusion of multiple speed settings further expands its capabilities beyond what the basic 60 model can accomplish.
Price & Value
Priced between $50 and $80, the Cuisinart 60 offers tremendous value for a reliable, brand-name food processor. It performs its core functions extremely well and is built to last, making it a smart and affordable investment for casual cooks or budget-conscious shoppers.
The Cuisinart 65, ranging from $70 to $120, justifies its higher price with increased capacity, superior power, and enhanced versatility. If you're a serious home cook who will frequently use the extra functions for bread making, large-batch prepping, or diverse recipes, the 65 represents a better long-term value for a modest additional cost.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Cuisinart 60 is for the practical minimalist. It suits small households, beginners who don't want to feel overwhelmed by features, those with tight kitchen spaces, cooking for small batches, and anyone who primarily needs to automate the basic, time-consuming tasks of chopping, slicing, and shredding.
The Cuisinart 65 caters to the enthusiastic home cook. It’s ideal for larger families, meal-preppers who handle bigger quantities, bakers who want a reliable machine for kneading dough, and anyone looking for a versatile appliance that can grow with their culinary skills. Its ability to handle a broader range of tasks makes it a true kitchen workhorse.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both food processors are quality appliances, but they are designed for different kitchen needs and cooking habits.
Choose the Cuisinart 60 if:
- You're cooking for one or two people most of the time.
- Your primary needs are chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, and making simple sauces.
- You have limited countertop and storage space.
- You prefer straightforward, easy-to-use controls without extra settings.
- Budget is your top priority, and you want excellent performance for basic tasks.
Choose the Cuisinart 65 if:
- You frequently cook for a family, entertain guests, or enjoy batch prepping.
- You want the ability to knead bread dough or work with dense ingredients.
- You value having multiple speeds and attachments to have more control over your food's texture and thickness of a cut.
- You are a confident home cook who wants some additional bells and whistles.
- You're willing to invest a little more for a more powerful and versatile appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Cuisinart 60 and 65?
The main differences are capacity, power, and features. The Cuisinart 60 has a 7-cup bowl and basic controls, while the Cuisinart 65 has a larger 8-cup bowl, a more powerful motor, and additional features like multiple speeds and extra attachments for dough.
Which model is better for a small apartment?
The Cuisinart 60 is the better choice for a small apartment due to its more compact footprint. It takes up less counter and cabinet space while still handling all the essential food prep tasks.
Can the Cuisinart 65 knead bread dough?
Yes, the Cuisinart 65 typically comes with a more powerful motor and a dedicated dough blade, making it well-suited for kneading bread and pizza dough. The Cuisinart 60 does not have a powerful enough motor, so you risk burning it out by kneading heavy dough with it.
Is the price difference between the 60 and 65 worth it?
It depends on your needs. For daily simple tasks, the 60 provides excellent value. If you bake, cook for a larger family, or want more control and versatility, the added features and power of the 65 make the price difference well worth it.
Are the bowls and blades interchangeable between the two models?
No, the work bowls, lids, and blades are designed to fit their specific models and are not interchangeable due to the differences in size and locking mechanisms.
How easy are they to clean?
Both models are designed for easy cleanup. The work bowls, lids, blades, and discs are all typically top-rack dishwasher-safe, making the process quick and simple for either model.
What is the build quality like?
Both processors are made by Cuisinart, a brand known for durability. They feature sturdy plastic bases, shatter-resistant BPA-free work bowls, and sharp stainless steel attachments designed for long-lasting performance.
Which one is more durable long-term?
Both are built to last, but the Cuisinart 65’s slightly more robust motor may offer better longevity if you plan on frequently tackling heavy-duty tasks like kneading dough, which could strain the smaller motor of the 60 over time.
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