The Cuisinart FP-12DC and the FP-12DCN are functionally identical food processors, offering the same powerful motor, 12-cup capacity, and build quality. The only significant difference between them is the color, the FP-12DC comes in classic finishes like stainless steel, while the FP-12DCN is available in a variety of modern colors like navy or matte black.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which stylish and powerful Cuisinart model belongs on your countertop.
Cuisinart FP-12DC Elite Collection 12-Cup Food Processor
The Cuisinart FP-12DC is a high-performance food processor designed for home cooks who need power and capacity. It’s known for its classic design, featuring a durable brushed stainless steel or black base that fits seamlessly into modern and traditional kitchens. This model is a workhorse, built to handle everything from heavy dough to delicate herbs with consistent, professional results.
- What it is: A versatile, large-capacity 12-cup food processor for a wide range of chopping, slicing, dicing, and kneading tasks.
- Key features: Powerful motor (typically 600-1000 watts), large 12-cup work bowl, wide-mouth feed tube, and stainless steel cutting blades and discs.
- Price: Around $150 - $200, depending on the retailer.
- Style: Classic and professional. Its typical brushed stainless steel and black finishes are timeless and coordinate easily with other standard kitchen appliances.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy base, a durable BPA-free plastic work bowl, and high-quality stainless steel blades for lasting performance.
- Pros: Powerful and reliable motor for tough jobs. Large capacity bowl is great for families and batch cooking. Timeless design blends easily into any kitchen decor. Built with high-quality, durable materials.
- Cons: Its significant footprint can be tough to store in smaller kitchens. Limited to standard, neutral color options.
This food processor is ideal for cooks who prioritize proven performance and a classic aesthetic over trendy colors, wanting a machine that looks professional and works reliably.
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Cuisinart FP-12DCN Elite Collection 12-Cup Food Processor
Functionally, the Cuisinart FP-12DCN is the direct counterpart to the FP-12DC, built on the same excellent platform. Its distinguishing characteristic is its availability in a range of contemporary colors, such as navy blue or matte red. This model is specifically for the home cook who sees their appliances as a part of their kitchen's overall style and wants a functional tool that also makes a design statement.
- What it is: A powerful 12-cup food processor that combines high performance with a vibrant, modern aesthetic.
- Key features: Same as the FP-12DC, with a strong motor, 12-cup BPA-free work bowl, and a full suite of stainless steel slicing/shredding discs and mixing blades.
- Price: Typically priced between $150 - $200, occasionally slightly higher for specialty colors.
- Style: Modern, bold, and personalized. Available in various colors that add a decorative touch to the countertop.
- Materials/Construction: Identical construction to its sibling model, featuring a durable base (in various finishes), a robust BPA-free work bowl, and sharp stainless steel attachments.
- Pros: Excellent performance and capacity identical to the FP-12DC. Offers a pop of color and personality. High-quality build ensures longevity. Versatile enough for any kitchen prep task.
- Cons: Specific colors might go out of style or be harder to match with other appliances. Can be difficult to find in certain color-ways. Occupies the same large countertop space.
The FP-12DCN serves users who refuse to compromise on performance but demand that their kitchen tools also reflect their personal style.
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Cuisinart FP-12DC vs. FP-12DCN Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the primary area of difference. The choice here comes down entirely to personal taste. The FP-12DC offers a professional, understated look with its classic brushed stainless steel and black options. It harmonizes effortlessly with other stainless appliances, creating a cohesive, modern kitchen environment.
The FP-12DCN is for those who want their appliances to be a focal point. With options like navy, red, or other trendy finishes, it allows you to inject personality and color onto your countertop. If you dislike the monolithic look of stainless steel and prefer a kitchen with more character, the DCN model is your clear winner.
Performance & Capacity
There is no meaningful difference in performance or capacity between these two models. Both are built around the same powerful motor, designed to handle tough ingredients like dense dough or hard vegetables without bogging down. They also share the same 12-cup work bowl, which provides ample space for preparing meals for a family or batch-cooking for the week.
Whether you choose the DC or the DCN, you are getting the exact same reliable Cuisinart engine and functional design. Your chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, and mixed dough will come out identically, regardless of the color of the machine's base.
Materials & Construction
The build quality is identical across both models. Cuisinart uses sturdy, BPA-free plastic for the work bowl and lid, ensuring safety and durability. The S-blades and slicing/shredding discs are made from sharp, resilient stainless steel that resists rust and stays effective through heavy use. The base on both units is heavy and well-constructed, providing stability during operation to prevent "walking" on the counter.
Price & Value
The FP-12DC and FP-12DCN are positioned in the same price bracket, generally retailing for $150 to $200. You may occasionally find the FP-12DCN priced slightly higher if a specific color is in high demand or part of a newer release, but the difference is rarely significant. From a value perspective, they are equal. You are paying for a high-quality, durable kitchen appliance, and the choice simply comes down to which color you are willing to pay for.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both food processors offer exceptional performance, but they cater to different aesthetic preferences.
Choose the Cuisinart FP-12DC if:
- You prefer the professional, timeless look of stainless steel or black appliances.
- You want your food processor to blend seamlessly with other kitchen tools.
- A cohesive and minimalist kitchen aesthetic is your top priority.
- You find the classic model at a slightly better price point.
Choose the Cuisinart FP-12DCN if:
- You love adding a splash of color to your kitchen decor.
- You view your countertop appliances as functional statement pieces.
- You want to coordinate your food processor with a specific kitchen color scheme (e.g., navy cabinets).
- You don't mind potentially paying a small premium for a unique finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the FP-12DC and FP-12DCN?
The only significant difference is the color and finish of the base. The FP-12DC comes in traditional finishes like brushed metal, while the DCN model number indicates a specific color variant, such as navy or red.
Is there any difference in motor power or capacity?
No. Both models feature the same powerful motor and the same 12-cup capacity work bowl. Their performance in chopping, slicing, shredding, and kneading is identical.
Do they use the same attachments?
Yes, all blades, discs, and bowl components are interchangeable between the FP-12DC and the FP-12DCN, as they are based on the exact same design platform.
Why is the FP-12DCN sometimes more expensive?
The price difference, when it exists, is usually minor and attributed to retailer pricing, demand for a specific color, or the cost associated with producing specialty finishes. For the most part, they are priced competitively with one another.
Which model is more popular?
The classic FP-12DC often sees higher sales volume due to its neutral design that fits into any kitchen. However, the FP-12DCN models are very popular among buyers who are specifically looking to create a personalized or color-coordinated kitchen.
How big is a 12-cup food processor?
A 12-cup model is considered a full-size food processor. It typically has a footprint of about 10x8 inches and stands around 15 inches tall. It's ideal for standard-to-large kitchens but may feel bulky in very compact spaces.
What does the "N" in FP-12DCN stand for?
In appliance model numbers, extra letters like "N" often refer to a new version, a specific color, or a retailer-exclusive variant. In this case, it simply distinguishes the color models (e.g., N for Navy) from the standard stainless option.
Are both the Cuisinart FP-12DC and FP-12DCN BPA-free?
Yes, Cuisinart specifies that the plastic components that come into contact with food, like the work bowl, lid, and pushers, are made from BPA-free materials in both models.
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