User Manual for Cuisinart Classic Series 14-Cup Food Processor DFP-14NC Series

Quick Start and Safety

Before using your Cuisinart Classic Series 14-Cup Food Processor, ensure you have read all instructions. The cutting tools have very sharp edges; handle them with extreme care. When unpacking, remove the detachable stem, slicing disc, and shredding disc from the foam block first. The machine base and work bowl are at the bottom of the box. Always unplug the unit when not in use, before assembling or disassembling parts, and before cleaning. Do not operate the appliance in an appliance garage or under a wall cabinet.

Features and Benefits

The unit includes a housing base with a vertically projecting shaft and two large control levers, a 14-cup (3.5 L) work bowl, a cover with a large feed tube, and a pusher assembly. The pusher assembly consists of a small, removable clear pusher for narrow foods and a large pusher. The package also includes a sharp metal chopping/mixing/dough blade, a serrated slicing disc, a shredding disc, a detachable stem, and a plastic spatula.

Processing Techniques

Chopping and Puréeing: Cut food into 1-inch pieces for even results. Use the pulse technique to control texture. For hard foods like garlic or hard cheese, drop them through the small feed tube while the machine is running.

Slicing and Shredding: Use the pusher to guide food. Never use fingers or a spatula in the feed tube. Use light pressure for soft foods (bananas, mushrooms, tomatoes), medium pressure for most vegetables, and firm pressure for hard vegetables like carrots.

Kneading Yeast Dough: Do not process dough that is too stiff to knead by hand. Typical bread dough should be soft, pliable, and slightly sticky. If the dough cleans the inside of the work bowl, it is properly kneaded. Process for 60 seconds after the dough forms a ball.

Cleaning and Maintenance

All parts except the motor base are dishwasher safe; place the work bowl upside down. Rinse parts immediately after use to prevent food from drying. If washing by hand, be careful with the sharp blades. The base housing should be wiped clean with a sponge. Never store the blade or discs on the motor shaft; store them as you would sharp knives, out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting

If the blade does not incorporate ingredients, start the processor before adding liquids. If the blade rises in the work bowl, ensure it is pushed down fully on the shaft. If the motor stops, the pusher assembly may be unlocked, or the unit may have overheated; wait 5-10 minutes for the motor to cool. If the dough does not clean the inside of the bowl, it may be too dry (add water) or too wet (add flour).