Cuisinart DLC-10C Food Processor Review: 30 Years of Daily Use

This machine has been an absolute workhorse. I've shredded more cheese and potatoes than I can possibly count. Hashbrowns? Perfect every time. The shredding disc makes quick work of what would take 15 minutes by hand. **What I've used it for:** Cheese shredding (countless pounds over 30 years, consistently even results), Hashbrown prep (weekend staple, makes perfect shreds every time), Potato processing (from latkes to gratins, handles any volume), and Time savings (what takes 15 minutes by hand takes 2 minutes with this).

While shredding is the primary use, this processor excels across applications: **Chopping nuts:** Peanuts for sundaes done in 30 seconds, perfect consistency. **Salsa making:** Handles thicker salsas beautifully, better texture control. **Pesto preparation:** Quick, even processing of herbs and garlic. **Slicing vegetables:** The slicing disc makes prep for mushrooms, cucumbers, and potatoes fast and consistent—real time-saver when you're not in the mood to risk your fingers with a mandoline.

In three decades, I've only had two issues—and both are still functional: **Cracked bowl:** After countless uses, the bowl developed a crack. It still works perfectly fine—I just keep using it. **Broken stem:** I broke a stem once—entirely my fault. My grandmother used to say, "never force it," and she was absolutely right. I forced it, it broke. Lesson learned. But even broken, it still functions. **Motor condition:** The 600-watt motor runs exactly as smoothly as it did 30 years ago. Zero degradation in power or performance. This kind of longevity is remarkable. Modern appliances simply aren't built like this anymore. When something lasts 30 years with minimal issues, you know it's exceptional quality.

I can't even put a precise timeline on when I got this Cuisinart—it's been that long. My parents had one when I was a kid, and I remember thinking it was amazing watching it work. When I was in my early 20s, my dad got me one for my birthday. That was over 30 years ago. Having used commercial food processors like the Robot Coupe R2 Dice in professional kitchens for over two decades, I can confidently say this home model delivers comparable results for everyday tasks. The difference? This review reflects real-world home cooking—the kind of daily use that truly tests durability.

My grandmother's advice about never forcing it has proven invaluable. This machine is powerful and capable, but it still requires respect. Don't jam ingredients in, don't force the lid, don't overload the bowl. Treat it right, and it will outlast you. That one broken stem taught me this lesson permanently. Since then, I've been more careful, and the machine has rewarded that care with continued flawless performance.

Cleaning is straightforward and becomes second nature: **My routine after 30 years:** • Disassemble all parts immediately after use • Rinse bowl and blade under running water to remove food • Wash with warm soapy water (bowl, blade, and lid are dishwasher safe) • Dry thoroughly before storing • Wipe down the base with damp cloth (never immerse motor base) **Pro tip:** Clean immediately while food is fresh—dried-on food is much harder to remove. The whole process takes 3-4 minutes.

After 30 years and one broken stem (my fault), here's what to avoid: • **Never force the lid:** If it doesn't fit easily, something is misaligned • **Don't overfill:** Respect the max fill line for best results • **Avoid hot liquids:** Risk of pressure buildup and splashing • **Don't process extremely hard items:** Not designed for ice or frozen ingredients • **Never force assembly:** Parts should fit together smoothly Treat it with basic respect, and it will last decades.