The Cuisinart Custom 14 and the Elemental 13 are two of the brand's most popular food processors, but they cater to very different kitchen needs. The Custom 14 is a larger, heavy-duty workhorse with a powerful motor designed for serious home chefs, while the Elemental 13 is a more compact, versatile, and budget-friendly model perfect for everyday family cooking.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Cuisinart food processor for your kitchen.
Cuisinart Custom 14 Food Processor
The Custom 14 is a classic, robust food processor built for power and performance. With its large 14-cup bowl and powerful 720-watt motor, it’s designed to handle heavy-duty tasks like kneading bread dough, processing large batches of vegetables, and making sauces without stalling or struggling.
- What it is: A high-capacity, heavy-duty 14-cup food processor designed for serious cooks and large families.
- Key features: 14-cup work bowl, powerful 720-watt motor, extra-large feed tube to reduce pre-cutting, simple paddle controls for on, off, and pulse.
- Price: Around $200 to $250.
- Dimensions: Approximately 7.5" L x 9.75" W x 15.75" H. It has a larger footprint and needs more storage space.
- Materials/Construction: Features a heavy die-cast metal base for stability and a durable, BPA-free plastic work bowl.
- Style: A classic, substantial appliance with a modern stainless-steel finish that conveys power and reliability.
- Pros: Excellent power for demanding tasks like kneading thick dough. Large 14-cup capacity is perfect for batch cooking. Simple, intuitive paddle controls are very durable. Built to last with a heavy, stable base.
- Cons: More expensive than other models. Larger and heavier, making it difficult to move and store in smaller kitchens. May be overkill for those who only cook small-to-medium-sized meals.
The Custom 14 is the go-to choice for avid home cooks, bakers, and entertainers who need consistent power and large capacity.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/custom-14-cup-food-processor/
Cuisinart Elemental 13 Food Processor
The Elemental 13 is a versatile and user-friendly food processor that offers excellent performance for everyday cooking tasks. Its 13-cup capacity is more than enough for most family meals, and its slightly more compact design makes it a better fit for kitchens with limited counter space.
- What it is: A mid-sized, 13-cup food processor that balances power, size, and value for everyday home use.
- Key features: 13-cup work bowl, ~550-watt motor, multiple speed settings (High/Low) plus Pulse, comes with a range of accessories including multiple discs.
- Price: Typically costs between $150 and $200.
- Dimensions: Roughly 8" L x 10.5" W x 16" H. It offers a slightly more compact footprint for easier storage.
- Materials/Construction: Solid build with a stainless steel-accented base and a BPA-free plastic work bowl.
- Style: A sleek, modern design with electronic touchpad controls that fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchens.
- Pros: Great price for its capacity and performance. Sufficient power for common tasks like chopping, shredding, and pureeing. Compact design is easier to store. Comes with useful slicing and shredding discs.
- Cons: The motor is less powerful than the Custom 14's, potentially struggling with very thick doughs. The 13-cup bowl can feel small when preparing for large gatherings. Can feel slightly less stable during heavy use compared to the Custom 14.
This model is ideal for home cooks who need a reliable, all-in-one appliance for daily meal prep and don't require the industrial-strength power of a larger processor.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/elemental-13-cup-food-processor/
Cuisinart Custom 14 vs. Elemental 13 Comparison
Capacity & Size
The most obvious difference is the bowl size: 14 cups for the Custom 14 versus 13 cups for the Elemental 13. While a one-cup difference might seem minor, it can be meaningful when batch cooking soups, making dough, or prepping for a large family meal. The Custom 14's extra space allows it to handle larger quantities more efficiently without overcrowding the bowl.
Physically, the Custom 14 is heavier and has a larger, more imposing footprint on the counter. Its die-cast metal base gives it substantial heft. The Elemental 13 is lighter and slightly more compact, making it a better choice for smaller kitchens or for those who plan to store their food processor in a cabinet when not in use.
Power & Performance
The Custom 14 is built for power, sporting a robust 720-watt motor and simple, mechanical paddle controls that are practically indestructible. This setup excels at tough jobs like kneading heavy bread or pizza dough and guarantees consistent power. It’s a true workhorse intended for frequent, demanding use.
The Elemental 13 has a capable motor (around 550 watts) that handles everyday chopping, shredding, and pureeing with ease. However, it might strain with very stiff doughs or large, tough vegetables. Its push-button controls (High, Low, Off, Pulse) offer more speed variation than the Custom 14's simple on/off, which some users might prefer for more delicate tasks.
Materials & Construction
Both food processors are well-made and feature BPA-free plastic for all food-contact parts. However, the Cuisinart Custom 14 clearly feels more industrial. Its heavy die-cast metal base provides exceptional stability, preventing the machine from "walking" across the counter during intense processing. The Cuisinart Elemental 13 is lighter but still feels solid, just not as rock-solid as its larger counterpart.
Price & Value
The Elemental 13 typically retails for about $50 less than the Custom 14, making it a stronger value proposition for the average home cook. It provides ample capacity and power for 90% of kitchen tasks at a more accessible price point. The Custom 14 positions itself as a long-term investment for those who view their food processor as an essential, frequently used tool. Its higher price is justified by its superior power, larger capacity, and more durable construction.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Elemental 13 shines for small-to-medium households and enthusiastic home cooks who need a versatile assistant for daily meal prep. It’s perfect for chopping vegetables for salads, making pesto or hummus, and shredding cheese. Its compact size and lower price make it an easy choice for kitchens with limited space and budgets.
The Custom 14 is built for the serious food enthusiast. If you regularly cook for a crowd, bake bread from scratch, or engage in large-batch meal prepping, its power and capacity will be invaluable. It’s the kind of machine that a passionate home cook buys once and uses for years without needing an upgrade.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Cuisinart food processors are excellent, but they are designed for different priorities and cooking styles.
Choose the Custom 14 if:
- You regularly cook for five or more people or do extensive meal prepping.
- You frequently make your own bread or pizza dough and need a motor that won't strain.
- Durability and raw power are your top priorities over extra features or a lower price.
- You have dedicated counter space or ample storage for a larger, heavier appliance.
Choose the Elemental 13 if:
- You typically cook for a household of two to four people.
- You need a versatile processor for everyday tasks like chopping, slicing, and pureeing.
- You value a more compact design that's easier to store.
- You're looking for the best performance and features for a budget under $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Cuisinart Custom 14 and Elemental 13?
The main differences are power, capacity, and build. The Custom 14 has a larger 14-cup bowl, a more powerful 720-watt motor, and a heavier, more durable base. The Elemental 13 is slightly smaller at 13 cups, has a less powerful motor, and is designed to be a more compact, budget-friendly option for everyday use.
Which Cuisinart food processor is better for a small kitchen?
The Elemental 13 is the better choice for small kitchens. Its lighter weight and slightly more compact footprint make it easier to move from a cabinet to the counter and store away after use.
Can the Elemental 13 handle kneading dough?
The Elemental 13 can handle occasional light dough mixing, but it is not designed for frequent or heavy dough-kneading. For recipes requiring extensive kneading, the Custom 14 and its more powerful motor are far better suited to the task.
Is the Custom 14 worth the extra money?
If you're a serious cook who consistently needs large capacity and high power - especially for doughs - then yes, the Custom 14 is a worthwhile investment. For the average user who primarily chops and shreds, the Elemental 13 offers more than enough performance for a lower price.
How do you clean these food processors?
Both models are designed for easy cleaning. All the removable parts, including the bowl, lid, and blades/discs, are top-rack dishwasher safe. The motor base should never be submerged in water and should be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
What accessories are typically included?
Both models typically come with a standard S-blade for chopping/mixing, a dough blade, and at least one disc for slicing and shredding. The specific attachments can vary, so always check the product listing for what's included in the box.
Which one is quieter?
All powerful food processors generate a good amount of noise due to their high-speed motors. While there isn't a dramatic difference, the Custom 14's heavier, more stable base may absorb slightly more vibration, but its more powerful motor can also be loud under heavy load. Neither is considered a "quiet" appliance.
How large is the feed tube on each processor?
The Custom 14 is known for its extra-large feed tube, which allows you to process larger potatoes, tomatoes, and blocks of cheese with minimal pre-cutting. The Elemental 13 also has a substantially sized feed tube, but the Custom 14's is generally wider.
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