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Food Processor - Old Cuisinart, New Cuisinart, Used Robot Coupe?

John Liu
13 years ago

I am thinking about getting a Cuisinart food processor.

I see that the old ones, that were made in France by Robot Coupe, and the not-quite-as-old ones made in Japan, can be found on eBay and elsewhere for rather less than a new Cuisinart.

Being a sucker for old stuff - vintage, if you will - I wanted to ask if there is any reason to prefer a 1970s Cuisinart, a later one, or a brand new one. Were the old ones built better, more solid, better blades, more metal, or anything like that? Did the old ones have less safety interlocks (less would be good, as far as I'm concerned). Are the new ones better designed, did they fix weak spots?

I also suspect that if I hunted long enough, I could maybe find a used Robot Coupe for a price that is not prohibitive, though still a heck of a lot more than a Cuisinart. I realize Robot Coupe makes many different models, but in general what is the advantage, if any, for a home cook? This may sound silly, but isn't the opaque bowl of most Robot Coupes an inconvenience? You can't see what consistency the food has achieved.

Planned use: I'd like to use this to shred potatoes and vegetables when I need a lot, to julienne (matchstick) veggies, to cut french fries, and to fine dice (small cubes, brunoise) if it can do that. To chop meat. I don't own a stand mixer, so the food processor will be used for any dough tasks that it can manage. As well as emulsions, sauces, pesto, nuts, etc. Hopefully it will be the last food processor I buy.

I have a 20 year old Braun now, which still works fine, but it only has a couple of blades, no ability to julienne or dice. And it is rather light duty - last time I made lobster bisque, I tried to grind up the shells and my Braun could barely turn.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Comments (129)

  • Mary Ann Fido
    6 years ago

    Thanks venmar, that may be it. My DLC7 shows the same volts and Hz as the SuperPro, but shows 560 watts...doesn't show amps. Also, my mistake - feed tubes are the same. It does seem that the older DLC7 is heavier. Now I need to justify having two food processors taking up 'real estate' lol!

  • Starfishmanor
    6 years ago

    Well, I am really glad that I stumbled onto this informative blog. I had an original 1970's Cuisinart, which I replaced with a DLC-7 made in Japan in the 80's. I acquired some stem and removeable stem disc, and I used it so much it was yellowing and even acquired a melt spot being too close to a stove pan. This bothered me aesthetically, so I bought a new DLC-7 Custom which has served me well with all the previous various discs. In moving recently, I discovered the old Japan DLC-7 and was just about to sell it for peanuts until I read this blog info. I think I will keep my old one if for no other reason than it is better than the new ones, if I ever need a back up. It seems what's old is new again!

  • CMS MN
    6 years ago

    Does anyone know the difference between the Cuisinart DLC8 and DLC8 Plus? Thanks

  • Starfishmanor
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    As I have recently moved I have re-discovered my DLC-7 Made in Japan model with almost every blade. I am not sure what to do with it as I have a newer one and a new KitchenAid Pro mixer. My kitchen is full of appliances!! Any suggestions other than ebay for re-homing this for a great price? If anyone has interest, plmk. Apologies if this question is out of bounds. thx

    . .

  • CMS MN
    6 years ago

    My Cuisinart DLC8 is missing from our recent move. I have all the cutting blades, juicer and pasta maker but worthless without the motor unit and bowl unit. The one on eBay is in worse condition than the one I owned. Does anyone have any ideas of other sources to replace my machine? Thanks.

  • Starfishmanor
    6 years ago

    Sorry to hear that; does your insurance cover the loss?


  • Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Does anyone sell refurbished Cuisinarts bases? Maybe that could be an avenue to explore. Perhaps your local cookware store like WS or SLT could point you toward a vintage source. And there is always persisting on eBay- setting up an alert and waiting for the right unit to show up.

    Good luck. I am sure yo will find what you are looking for.

  • CMS MN
    6 years ago

    Thank you for the suggestions! Insurance might cover but the deductible is high. I'll keep searching.

  • tgs7272
    6 years ago

    Hi everyone. Very informative discussion! I have a CFP 5A and need to find a replacement shredder blade. These had a fixed stem on them. Is there any suitable replacement that is not the original part? They are very difficult to find. Thanks for any help you can give!

  • calahan5
    6 years ago

    I purchased a robot coupe early in my marriage. It is an RC 2000. The bowl started fitting very tightly and this week broke around the handle. I called robot coupe parts and they said they only carry commercial parts. Other places list the bowl as over $100? I still have all the parts that came with it and hate to get rid of it Any suggestions? Is there a market on eBay if I can't find a bowl?

  • julie235
    5 years ago

    Hi starfishmanor. I am interested in your old dlc-7. Wish I had seen this earlier.

  • amy
    4 years ago

    I was just given a DLC8 (11 cup) machine with cracked bowl and lid for my daughter. It has a 2 piece pusher which I hate. I have a very old DLC7 (14c) with an amber "replacement" lid which has a smaller (3") pusher opening and doesn't require the sleeve pusher to turn on the machine. I am trying to find bowl and a lid for this DLC8 with the smaller 3" oval tube which doesn't require the 2 part sleeve.


    Do you know which models are interchangeable and whether any of the following would work? These are available on Ebay with the pusher I prefer:


    1. Amber bowl and lid on eBay for aDLC-104TX


    2. Amber bowl lid diameter measures 6½” and feed tube opening of lid measures 3” across but doesn't know model. (I would need a bowl to "match".)


    3. Amber bowl, lid and blades are replacement parts for the Cuisinart DLC-5TX. Lister says, "I think the DLC 5 and DLC 10 are interchangeable." (BTW the blades have stems attached which seems odd to me...)

    THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!


  • HU-352432384
    4 years ago

    I'm looking for a mixing bowl for a Robot Coupe which is some 30-40 years old and probably came from France but bought in Canada (QC)

    The only reference numbers I see on he bottom are: RC3500 & RC7

    I've made extensive web searches but no luck so far???

    Richard

  • rmsnews
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I have two CFP-9 Cuisinart food processors, both say "France" on the bottom, one from the early-to-mid-70's, the other a bit newer.

    They are both unusable, one because the detachable stem sheared off, the other because the bowl cracked and the replacement bowl I bought fits so tightly I can't get it off without risk of breaking it. I have contacted Cuisinart and searched the internet, but cannot find the replacement parts I need.

    Can anyone suggest where I can find a stem and a bowl for these machines, or suggest where I could sell the functional parts?












  • John Liu
    Original Author
    4 years ago

    Search eBay for stuff like this. Set up a Saved Search and have it email you when something gets listed. Eventually, everything and anything turns up on eBay.

  • dan1888
    4 years ago

    Since you have a bowl that works, I'd consider modding it by sanding to change the fit. You can't lose anything.

  • Anne Duke
    4 years ago

    My 1986 Cuisinart was a workhorse until the bowl cracked one too many times. I couldn’t find a replacement anywhere so bought a new one. That was 5 years ago and I haven’t had a problem.

  • rmsnews
    4 years ago

    Thank you all for you your comments.

  • Kate X
    4 years ago

    Have you found a bowl yet? I have a cracked but functional one I could send you.

  • HU-982864181
    3 years ago

    Guys guys

    looking for a manual for robocoupe rc1

    any links ?

    thanks alot !

  • larisaberson
    3 years ago

    I have a CFP 4..the original! It was my mom's. I remember when she got it how excited she was. Anyway the bowl and lid are so close to completely breaking. Cracks like crazy. Anyone know where I can get a replacement that fits?

  • Andryea
    3 years ago

    I wish! I have the same model and would LOVE a new bowl or two! Good luck finding one!

  • anneb831
    3 years ago

    Ii have a CFP5A from 1978. It was made in France. I love it and I would never replace it with a new model. Mine is made from solid metal and it is a workhorse. I once wanted a replacement blade which found on Ebay. Hang on to thee vintage models!

  • nataliaros
    3 years ago

    Unfortunately, while quarantining I broke the bowl on my partner's Robot Coupe RC2100. I have followed all the leads on replacement bowls, to no avail. Am I correct that the Cuisinart CFP 5 or CFP 9 bowl should fit too?

  • Clara Kilgore Wynkoop
    3 years ago

    I have a Cuisinart CFP 5a and the blade has broken. Can't find a replacement. Mine was made in France by Robot Coupe. Will one of the Robot Coupe blades work for my cuisinart and if so, which one?

  • Jonathan Anderson
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I have a Cuisinart CFP 9 which was accidentally dropped. The white plastic housing / enclosure cracked so the shaft is bent but the motor and blades are all in good working order. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement housing / enclosure? If someone was selling a base with a burned out motor, I perhaps could just buy the plastic housing from them. It comes off easily with just 5 screws and is much lighter to ship without the motor. But these models are so well built, I don't know if a motor has ever burned out on anyone.

  • valvechick
    3 years ago

    Thanks so much for this thread! I have an older CFP-5a model, very functional and though I'm the original owner (from the early 90s) I just started using it. I just bought a DLC7 at an estate sale this morning complete with all optional accessory blades. John Liu, your comparison (from years ago) of the two units is supremely helpful, thank you!!

  • Rachel
    3 years ago

    I have a very old Cuisinart (maybe 30 years old?) that is very reliable. But if I were buying new today, I'd purchase a Breville.

  • Leticia Hixon
    3 years ago

    I have a Cuisinart CFP 9A. I am looking for a replacement work bowl. From what I read in previous comments there are other older models that fit? "A Cuisinart cfp4, 5, 9, 9a, will fit as well as Robot Coupe RC1A, 2000 bowls."

    Also does anyone know if a bowl can be recreated using a 3D printer?

  • HU-693879532
    3 years ago

    i have a 1970’s Cuisinart, RCI, made in France that I inherited from my mom. I’ve enjoyed it for over 35 years but am in need of a new work bowl. Not impressed with new models, cuisinart or other brands. Any ideas?

  • Industrious Jane
    3 years ago

    Anyone know where I can find owners manual for CFP-9?

  • rlkocher
    3 years ago

    i have a Robot Coupe Grand Opening and need a Robot Coupe bowl that I can use on my Cuisinart DLC-10. When I bought the Grand Opening I was told which bowl I would need but have lost the information. Thanks.

  • mgrimesguy
    3 years ago

    I have a CFP9 and the main blade‘s shaft broke recently. It’s such a good old machine I hate to throw it out! Does anyone k ow where I can get a new blade?

  • HU-337986820
    3 years ago

    Looking for a replacement bowl for the robot coupe food processor, type RC-7, made in France purchased new circa 1980. All I have on unit plate is Type RC-7, and another nr as R 1909953 and RC 350C. I assume at this point, no OEMs, but is there a suitable replacement from later models? From reading the blogs, I need to go to History Channel lol!

  • Jill Hersh
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I have a 1980's Robot Coupe RC2000 that I am searching for a new grating attachment. I have been scouring Ebay for several weeks. Does anyone know if the Cuisinart CFP-5 tools and blades will fit. As I have read in various blogs they were all made in France by Robot Coupe back them. Thankful for any information!




  • venmar
    3 years ago

    Yes the Cuisinart cfp4, 5,9 blades and grater, slicing discs will fit. Also the Robot Coupe rc1a which I see is the type designation from the bottom of your machine, these were all made by Robot Coupe and sold under their name and Cuisinart name.

  • Jill Hersh
    3 years ago

    Thanks so much very helpful!

  • venmar
    3 years ago

    The Robot Coupe RC7 and RC3500 are the same, as well as the KitchenAid KFP 700 so you might source either a good bowl or whole unit via EBay or a thrift store, I don't know if any other later bowl fits. Maybe one of us should contact Robot Coupe in France to see if new bowls can be ordered, just like new Bowls for Cuisinart DLC 7 they would not be cheap.

  • rmsnews
    3 years ago

    My two CFP-9 Cuisinart food processors (see comment with photos above, originally posted "last year") are still available. Contact me if you can use them or any of the parts.

  • Samantha Georgia
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    The in-laws just gave this to us. Any idea where I can find a manual? I've spent time searching online but no luck.


    I've never used a food processor!


  • venmar
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    @samantha Georgia, message me and I could send you a photocopy of the early Cuisinart version which operates the same except your model has the additional side mounted on-off switch. Basic operation-always unplug power cord when fitting/removing blade or discs, the bowl locks on by first placing the vertical bump out, which houses the safety switch plunger, slightly to the left of the switch button on front top of motor unit such that it fully drops down on base then turn it counterclockwise to lock in position. Place blade or disc on shaft also slightly twisting until drops down, place cover with feed tube also slightly left of centre and turn counterclockwise to turn unit on, turn clockwise to turn off. Your RC1a probably has extra on/off switch on the side but the twisting of the cover releases the safety interlock. Never mount any blade/ disc without the bowl in place. ALWAYS wait for blade or disc to completely stop before removing lid, don't immerse base in water, just damp cloth to clean, rinse / wash bowl etc right after use for easy cleaning. Do not store unit with the lid locked on, it will damage the safety switch. Again repeating ROBOT COUPE / CUISINART cautions unplug power cord while placing/removing blades and discs and use caution they are very sharp.

  • Lindsay
    2 years ago

    @HU-982864181 are you still looking for a manual for RCI? I have one that I can copy for you.

    Anyone else, the shaft on my grating disk for my RCI just broke -- does anyone have an intact grating disk they'd like to sell me?



  • Jill Hersh
    2 years ago

    I purchased one recently on eBay.

  • Andryea Natkin
    2 years ago

    Has anyone had any luck repairing an original bowl? While mine has several stress cracks around the bottom edge they're not serious enough to where the bowl leaks (whew!) BUT I did just discover a crack in the collar of the bowl where it attaches to the machine. Once this goes I think that'll be death! Anybody have a success story? Tips? Advice? Thanks.




  • User
    2 years ago

    Does anyone have both a DLC-5 and a DLC-10 or DFP-7? I am wondering what the differences in are in the part of the stem that connects to the base. I wonder if it would be possible to modify the later to fit the former.

  • Christine Ross
    2 years ago

    I have both, a basic model Cuisinart made in Japan and a Robot Coupe made in France. Both vintage. Both machines are heavy duty and should be able to handle any duties required in the home. Interestingly the parts from the Cuisinart fit and work on the Robot Coupe but not vise-versa.

    I suggest that all parts and blades be washed by hand. Do not place these parts in the dishwasher. The heat of the dishwasher drying mode will weaken the plastic of the parts. Also be careful when twisting the lid on and off the bowl to prevent the locking/power engagement pin from breaking. Most importantly DON'T DROP IT!

    If you have a machine with a malfunctioning locking/power engagement pin you could manually depress the button using a pen or knitting needle. Be careful though as you no longer have the safety measures of the power engagement pin to protect you.

    The question about 3D printing your own bowl....This is not a viable solution for many reasons including: the plastic used has to be food safe. The bowl needs to be strong enough to handle the torque and stress of day to day use. And the plastic needs to be able to handle heat especially if you use the machine to puree hot items.

    Finding parts for these machines is difficult. Take good care of them and you should be enjoying your smoothies etc. For many many years.

    Happy cooking!

  • Angela Caringi
    last year

    Hello, does anyone know if DLC8 discs are usable with the DLC7? I'd be using the dlc7 stem. Thank you

  • Flora Lau
    last year

    Can anyone let me know where can I get a user manual for RC1a? Electronic copy will do.

  • Cindy
    last year

    RE: Robot Coupe 3500 made in France 1981. I have two still functional bowls although aging and repaired and extra spring and stem for the motor pin. It works fine and I have been fence sitting for about 3 years toying with replacement. Anyone remember the capacity of this dearly beloved machine? I am toying with a Breville as a replacement. Anyone have thoughts?

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