KitchenAid 700-Watt 12-Cup Food Processors

A more accurate rating for this food processor, in my opinion, would be 4 and a half stars. It is truly a great machine. Sadly, this is my third food processor in 4 years, as I had two horrible experiences with other brands, before I finally bit the bullet and spent the cash on this one. I wish I had done that in the first place! I have used this processor for several applications and so far I am VERY pleased. It shreds cheese like a pro, chops veggies with ease, pulverizes nuts, is adept at making batters and doughs etc. It is a very powerful machine and can handle just about any task you throw at it. The smaller mixing bowl and blade attachment is very handy, too, and a welcome addition for those smaller jobs. Nobody likes having to wash a big bulky bowl for a little task like chopping a couple tablespoons of parsley. And I love the accessories case it comes with! Everything is neatly stored in one (somewhat) compact case for easy retrieval. The only downfalls to this machine (and why I felt I had to give it one less star) are the following:

1. It's gigantic size. This may be a non-issue for some people, but I have an older kitchen with lower cabinets. The machine is way too tall to fit under my cabinets. And even if it could fit, it's sheer bulk would probably prevent me from keeping it on the counter because it takes up very valuable counter space, another thing at a premium in my smaller, older kitchen. I am therefore forced to store mine in a cabinet, which takes away some of its convenience. Having to lug it out is not always a welcome chore.


2. As far as performance, my only complaint so far is that there is a significant delay when you stop the machine and when the actual blade stops rotating. This is an issue when making delicate pie doughs for example, because it makes it much easier to overprocess the dough, thus compromising its quality. I am trying to learn to compensate for this when processing pie dough, pulsing it fewer times than I normally would. But,the performance of this machine would be perfect if only the blade stopped rotating the second you turned it off.

Other than that, I whole-heartedly recommend this product to anyone in the market for a food processor. It's extra roomy size (though a pain physically) is a wonderful feature when preparing larger batches of things. And at a lower price than before, this machine is a steal.

Braun's PowerMax, Professional Blender in Elegant Desing

With 525 Watt power, 3-5 speeds for fineness control and large capacity jug it can make tall drinks, fruit purees, shakes and sorbets in seconds. Even frozen drinks are ready in no time, since its sharp blades can crush even hard frozen ice.Intelligent features facilitate mixing, pouring and cleaning, and with its elegant Design, the PowerMax becomes an eye catcher in your kitchen.Enjoy a cool ice shake during a hot and lazy summer-day, or prepare hot and spicy soups for ice cold winter evenings. Or become famous for creating your own fancy drinks.

Powerful motor

PowerMax combines 525 Watts of power, 5 speeds (MX 2050) and pules setting for better ice crushing and greater blending control. Large capacity jug (up to 2 L: MX 2000) allows preparing larger amounts at one time, e.g. making drinks and shakes or blending soups. Easy pouring shape, integrated scale and add-in lid make it convenient to use. Create tempting shake, hot soups or crush ice quickly and effortless. There are no limits for your creativity.

Easy to use and clean

Removable stainless steel blade for easier and safer cleaning. PowerMax blender can only operate if the blade is correctly inserted and the bowl is placed in the right position. Easy cleaning when switch is in "Clean-Position".Safe handling for removing the blade for cleaning.Bowls and all attachments are dishwasher safe.PowerBlend is sold in North America under the name Powermax; the Powermax Jug blender is rated 525 Watt.

You can buy Braun's PowerMax on Amazon.com.