The Cuisinart MSC 800 and the MSC 600 cater to very different cooks, with their primary differences being power, capacity, and price. The MSC 800 is a professional-grade food processor with a large 16-cup bowl and a powerful 2.5-horsepower motor for heavy-duty tasks, while the MSC 600 is a more compact, budget-friendly 12-cup model designed for everyday home use.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Cuisinart food processor for your kitchen.
Cuisinart MSC 800
The Cuisinart MSC 800 is a high-performance food processor built for home chefs who need power and capacity. Featuring a heavy-duty motor and a generous 16-cup work bowl, this machine is designed to handle demanding jobs like kneading tough dough, processing large quantities of nuts, or preparing food for a large family or dinner party.
- What it is: A large, powerful 16-cup food processor for serious home cooks or small commercial kitchens.
- Key features: 2.5-horsepower motor, 16-cup work bowl, a wide feed tube for whole ingredients, multiple stainless steel blades and discs, variable speed settings with a pulse function.
- Price: Around $300 - $350.
- Style: A professional, industrial design with an impressive countertop presence and brushed metallic accents.
- Materials/Construction: Heavy and stable die-cast metal base with a BPA-free plastic work bowl and stainless steel attachments.
- Pros: Extremely powerful motor that handles any task with ease. Large 16-cup capacity is perfect for batch cooking. Durable and stable construction. Versatile with multiple speeds and attachments.
- Cons: A more expensive price point. Its larger size and heavy base require dedicated counter or storage space. Can be too large for small, everyday recipes.
This model is ideal for those who regularly cook in large volumes and require a durable machine that won't struggle with tough ingredients.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping-appliances/food-processors/msc-800/
Cuisinart MSC 600
The Cuisinart MSC 600 is a versatile and efficient food processor designed for the typical home kitchen. It strikes a great balance between performance and convenience with its 12-cup work bowl and straightforward one-touch controls, making it perfect for daily tasks like chopping vegetables, making sauces, or shredding cheese.
- What it is: A compact 12-cup food processor designed for simple and reliable everyday meal prep.
- Key features: 0.75-horsepower motor, 12-cup work bowl, straightforward one-touch control system for pulse and continuous processing, and a useful assortment of standard blades and discs.
- Price: Around $80 - $120.
- Style: Sleek, lightweight design that fits seamlessly into modern home kitchens without taking over the countertop.
- Materials/Construction: Lightweight plastic base, BPA-free plastic parts, and stainless steel blades.
- Pros: Affordable and budget-friendly. Compact footprint is easy to move and store. Simple controls make it very user-friendly. Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
- Cons: Less powerful motor may struggle with very dense bread doughs. Plastic base is less stable than the MSC 800's metal base. Smaller capacity is less suitable for large-batch cooking or entertaining.
The MSC 600 is perfect for home cooks who need a dependable, space-saving processor for daily food preparation and don’t require commercial-level power.
Shop this product: cuisinart.com/shopping-appliances/food-processors/msc-600/
Cuisinart MSC 800 vs. MSC 600 Comparison
Power & Performance
The most significant difference lies in their motors. The MSC 800 packs a 2.5-horsepower motor, giving it the raw power to knead heavy dough, grind nuts into butter, and process dense vegetables without stalling. It also offers variable speed settings for precise control over your tasks.
The MSC 600 operates with a 0.75-horsepower motor which is more than adequate for most daily chopping, slicing, and pureeing needs. This model runs on a simpler, one-touch continuous/pulse system. While reliable for its intended tasks, it lacks the sheer force to handle extremely demanding jobs as effortlessly as the MSC 800.
Capacity & Footprint
The MSC 800 comes with a generous 16-cup work bowl. This makes it ideal for batch cooking or preparing large portions of a recipe like double batches or family-sized casseroles at once. However, this larger capacity means a larger countertop footprint, and its heavy base makes it a more stationary appliance.
In contrast, the MSC 600 provides a 12-cup bowl - ample for everyday family meals. Its more compact and lightweight design allows it to be easily stored in a cabinet or on a shelf, making it an excellent choice for kitchens with limited space.
Materials & Construction
Both models rely on quality materials like stainless steel blades and BPA-free plastics for their parts. But their base construction reveals key differences. The MSC 800 features a heavy die-cast metal base which provides exceptional stability and prevents the machine from moving during vigorous tasks.
The MSC 600 has a lighter plastic base designed for convenience and easy mobility. While still sturdy enough for normal uses, it may not offer the same rock-solid feeling as the MSC 800 when handling heavier loads.
Price & Value
There is a substantial price gap between the two models. The Cuisinart MSC 800 typically retails for $300 - $350 and is positioned as a premium investment in performance and longevity. For those who could use it at a professional capacity, the price is justified.
On the other hand, the MSC 600 offers excellent value at $80 - $120. It makes a reliable food processor accessible to the average home cook who doesn't need commercially-graded features and wants to save money.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the MSC 800 and the MSC 600 are strong contenders but serve distinctly different kitchen needs.
Choose the Cuisinart MSC 800 if:
- You frequently cook in bulk for a large family, entertaining, or meal prepping.
- You regularly make bread, pizza, or pasta doughs and require a motor that won’t struggle.
- You value professional-grade performance and need an appliance that can withstand heavy, frequent use.
- You have ample counter space and don’t mind a heavier appliance.
Choose the MSC 600 if:
- You’re on a tighter budget and want an affordable yet reliable appliance.
- You have limited storage space and prefer a lightweight, compact design.
- Your primary use for a food processor is daily tasks like chopping, slicing, and shredding.
- You prefer simple, one-touch controls over variable speed settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the MSC 800 and MSC 600?
The biggest differences are power, capacity, and price. The MSC 800 has a powerful 2.5 HP motor, a 16-cup bowl, and a premium price. The MSC 600 is a compact, affordable model with a 0.75 HP motor and a 12-cup bowl.
Can the MSC 600 handle making dough?
It can deal with softer, smaller batches of dough, but the MSC 600’s less powerful motor might strain with heavier, denser bread doughs. The MSC 800 is specifically designed for that kind of heavy task.
Are both models easy to clean?
Both models are designed for easy cleaning. Most of their parts, including the work bowl and blades, are dishwasher safe, making cleanup straightforward for both.
Is the Cuisinart MSC 800 too big for a regular kitchen?
This depends on your available space. It has a larger footprint than an average food processor, so it's best to measure your countertops before purchasing. If space is a concern, the MSC 600 is a much better fit.
How much more food can the MSC 800’s 16-cup bowl hold than the MSC 600’s 12-cup?
The 4-cup extra capacity in the MSC 800 is significant for larger recipes. It means you can easily double a recipe like hummus or coleslaw without having to work in multiple batches.
Is the metal base on the MSC 800 worth the extra cost?
For heavy jobs like kneading dough or grinding meat, absolutely. The heavy metal base prevents any vibration or walking across the counter, ensuring stability and safety. For lighter chopping and slicing, it may not be as necessary.
Are attachments interchangeable between the MSC 800 and MSC 600?
Generally, no. Most Cuisinart food processor accessories are model-specific. The blades and discs for one model will not fit the other due to differences in bowl shape and size.
Which Cuisinart food processor offers better value for money?
Value is subjective. The MSC 800 offers immense value for serious cooks who need power and capacity. However, for most home cooks, the MSC 600 provides excellent value with its all-around performance at a fraction of the cost.
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