Okay, fellow kitchen adventurers, let’s dish about food processors. I’ve been putting the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Duo Plus 12 Cup Food Processor (aka model 70580) through its paces, and I’m here to give you the lowdown.
Full disclosure? I’m a bit of a food processor skeptic. I’ve had fancy, expensive models that fizzled out after a few uses, and budget-friendly ones that barely lasted a season. So, yeah, I approached this review with a raised eyebrow.
The “Big Mouth” Promise:
First up, that “Big Mouth” feed chute. Let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. I’m all about saving time in the kitchen, and the thought of chucking in whole tomatoes, potatoes, even onions, without chopping them first? Pure genius! And guess what? It actually delivers. Last week, I whipped up a huge batch of salsa, and the time savings were unreal. No more onion-induced tears for this cook!
Double the Bowls, Double the Fun:
Another feature I’m totally digging is the dual-bowl setup. The 12-cup bowl? Perfect for big jobs, like shredding cheese for a monster lasagna – a Sunday night tradition at my place. And the 4-cup bowl? Ideal for quick tasks like chopping herbs or whipping up a small batch of pesto. Plus, they nest together for storage, which is a godsend in my kitchen that’s, shall we say, “cozy.”
Power and Performance:
That 500-watt motor? It’s surprisingly capable. I’ve shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and even kneaded a simple pizza dough. It handled everything like a champ. And with two speeds plus a pulse option, you’ve got pretty good control over how your food turns out.
Easy-Peasy Cleanup:
Cleaning? Mostly a breeze. The touchpad wipes down in seconds, and most parts are dishwasher-safe. Though, I did notice some sneaky food bits getting stuck in the lid’s nooks and crannies, so a little extra elbow grease might be needed there.
A Few Little Quirks:
Okay, no product is perfect, right? I’ve seen some folks online mention the plastic drive shaft being a bit fragile. Haven’t had that happen to me yet, but I’ll be keeping an eye on it. Also, word to the wise: don’t try making soup in this thing. It tends to leak if you fill it with too much liquid. Stick to 2 cups or less, and you’ll be fine.
The Final Verdict:
All in all, the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Duo Plus 12 Cup Food Processor is a solid, versatile kitchen buddy, especially when you factor in the price. Is it the most powerful or fancy food processor out there? Nope. But it gets the job done, saves you time, and doesn’t cost a fortune. If you’re after a reliable workhorse that’ll make your meal prep a whole lot easier, this one’s definitely worth a look. Just treat those plastic parts with a little love!
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.