Because of its small size I really only use it for grinding up nuts, spices, onions, you know, small items. I wouldn't recommend using it for all of your cooking needs. Sometimes if I want to make a small amount of guacamole or hummus I'll use this to get it going. Power This is definitely not as powerful as the big processors, but you get what you pay for, and it would be crazy to assume that this little one would have the same power as the larger ones. Ease of Assembly Pretty easy to assemble, it only becomes a pain when you don't have all the pieces in the same place. Ease of Cleaning It is a pain to clean, the blades suck. But in all fairness I do think most processors are a pain to clean. The whole taking it apart, all the different pieces, keeping track of them when my boyfriend tries to help and put clean items away. Durability Very durable, it has lasted months of use and while it showing some slight signs of wear, it still runs great.

chewylk

USA

I use this chopper and grinder to grind fresh herbs and spices. I like to grind fresh black pepper, cinnamon sticks and other various herbs and spices to use when I do my daily cooking. I save a lot of money when I grind my own foods. When I need to chop onions, garlic cloves, bread pieces to make meat loaf and nuts I use this mini chopper and grinder to complete this task. This mini chopper and grinder has only two settings that perform these tasks. When grinding or chopping foods, I always make sure not to put too much food into the machine. It is made for small batches of food at a single time. I wish there were more than two settings. This product doesn't take up a lot of counter space so there is no need for storage. The cleaning up process can be a bit of a task since foods can get stuck underneath the blades. Overall this is a handy gadget and I am pleased with the results I have had.

JT2013

USA

This Cuisinart Mini-Mate Plus Chopper and Grinder is great for small jobs in the kitchen. I love that it's so compact. It stores easily. It's easy to clean, too. Just take apart, rinse the parts, and throw them in the dishwasher. Reassembling is a cinch, too. One of the best parts of this Mini-Mate is that the blade is reversible, so it's sure to do a good job chopping. I would recommend this in addition to a full-size food processor. This little guy cannot handle much, but it's great for small sauce batches (like pesto) or nuts for a dessert recipe. It's especially handy for breaking down spices and herbs. What a great item to have on hand for fresh spices or herbs from your garden!

meeulk

Raleigh, NC

I love this little chopper. When I was registering for my wedding, a similar chopper was the one appliance my mother said she couldn't be without in her kitchen. She was so right. This mini chopper takes care of any flavorful contribution to a dish such as mincing garlic, herbs, seeds, orange peel, and hot peppers. I've also used it for creating relishes and salsas. Power 2 power levels are very helpful to have. Safety The chopper won't grind unless the motor is pressed down all the way, completely hiding the blade. Ease of Assembly 3 pieces, no fuss. Ease of Cleaning The motor part only ever needs a simple wipe down, and the bowl and blade are both dishwasher safe. However, I use it so much that I usually just clean it by hand, so I don't have to wait for the dishwasher! Durability I've used this item for 7+ months now, at least every other day, and never had any problems.

hrm

USA

For the price, you really can't beat the quality of this item. I wouldn't suggest putting very large food items in it, but I use it for baby food and it works great for my needs. Plus it helps me save money and I know what I'm feeding my child. If you need something small, and are going to use it for smaller jobs, then this is a great processor for you! It also works great for chopping nuts. So if you like to make muffins or brownies with nuts, it will come in handy for you! As far as cleaning it, I think because it's a smaller processor it's much easier to clean - which is a great advantage! Overall, if you are looking for something small, something to do smaller jobs, something easy to clean, and a trustworthy product - this is a great pick! Power It's small, but good enough for me! Safety I have no safety issues with this product. Ease of Assembly Super easy assembly-wise. Ease of Cleaning Couldn't be easier to clean! Durability Still going strong for me :)

sugr91587

Wilmington, NC

Good for chopping up vegetables easier than cutting. Its easy to store. Power The power is good. Safety Just be careful when washing. The safety when chopping is easy your in no contact with the blade. Ease of Assembly Very easy to assemble Ease of Cleaning Easy to clean, just have to clean the blade in a certain way. Durability Good durability

LaurenBryant

Elizabeth City, NC

This product is one I definitely recommend to others. It chops very quickly and is very fast. it does not slow or get messed up and it is very easy to clean. It is easy to get the food out of it. This product comes in several different colors depending on which one you are looking for.

MarissaMiller

USA

Cuisinart Mini Mate Plus chopper is fantastic for small jobs. i love the little spatula that comes with it, for scraping the bottom of the canister. I love making chutney and it requires a fine grinding of cilantro. We also make a few middloe Eastern dishes that call for a food mill and this is the right size. The pro chefs I know avoid food processors, and use manual slicers or knives. But I am not a professional chef.   It has been the difference betwen cooking or ordering out, for me to use the cuisinart Mini Mate. I can mince a piece of onion, make pastes or chopped onion/celery mix to start familiar dishes. I can get the prep done and then decide whether to cook or wait for help! This is so very easy to clean. It lacks the power of the seen on tv products, but is actually better for smaller jobs, because the pieces are smaller, and it does not require the chopper itself to be prepped or assembled.

AngelaHamon

Charlotte, NC

I have a full-size Cuisinart food processor, but when a recipe just asks you to make breadcrumbs or something, I hate to get it all out. I know it is safe for the dishwasher, but there are fifty little parts (okay, maybe like five) and I hate pulling it all out, putting it all together, taking it all apart, putting it all away -- for something that could be done in a much simpler appliance. This is why I love my mini chopper! My mom gave it to me when I moved into my first apartment by myself and did not have much space. But even now that I have a large kitchen, I continue to find uses for it. Whether I am chopping nuts, making breadcrumbs, or creating a pesto sauce, it fits the bill. The base has one blade inside, and the whole thing is safe for the top of the dish washer. It works by putting the lid on top (with the motor in it), twisting and pushing down to pulse or continuously chop. I used it again last night, and certainly saved at least 15 minutes over using my regular food processor. If you cook at all, this is a great tool!

BiZMama

Omaha, NE

The Mini Prep Processor is ultra-convenient for a busy diva like myself.  I love good food, but I do not love spending half my evening chopping onions and garlic fine enough for my favorite recipes.  Instead, I quarter a small onion, toss it into the mini chopper, and lightly press a button.  It is so quick, I do not even have time to admire my manicure. The blade is adjustable.  Flip it over depending if you want your food chopped "finely" or rough.  There are also two speeds to control the cut.  The motor is quite powerful, so it takes only a moment to puree food. I appreciate my Mini Prep Processor most when I am preparing to entertain.  Everything goes into the chopper:  onions, garlic, carrots, peppers.  It is fabulous for the small, but time-consuming jobs.  It is not good for large foods like leeks.  I do those by hand.  Cleaning the Mini Prep Processor is a breeze.  It all goes in the dishwasher.  Put the in the top rack.  Put the reversable blade in the silverware bin, but place it lightly.  Mine got jammed in there once, and it was a chore to dislodge.  Many times I wash it by hand, because to do so is no big deal.  Nothing sticks.  No scrubbing is required. Because I live in a small home, storage is a major issue for me.  If my husband had his way, every appliance we own would be on display clogging up counter space.  I cannot live that way.  I store my Mini Prep Processor on my lazy susan underneath the counter.  It keeps the olive oil company. Convenient, efficient, powerful, and easy to clean.  If only husbands came this way!

ChardonnayQueen

Manchester, NH