Food processors are very useful kitchen appliances to have in your kitchen. They have a lot of features and apart from being beneficial, they help you save on a lot of prep time and effort. Since they do a little more than your average kitchen appliance, they also need more repairs.
If you go to make breadcrumbs or chop veggies and you find out that your Cuisinart food processor isn’t working, it can be very frustrating if you don’t know what to do. So, how do you repair your Cuisinart food processor? The first thing you need to do is identify the problem with your food processor plus the parts and tools you’ll need to fix the problem. This way you can find a simple method on how to repair or replace the part that is damaged or worn out.
How to identify your Cuisinart food processor problem
- Before you can say your Cuisinart food processor has a problem, first check to see if it’s connected to a power socket and the power is on, then check the electric cable, motor, and fuse to see if they’re all working in order.
- If your food processor runs intermittently, you’ll need to check to see if there’s any wire connection that needs repair. Also, check the motor and the condition and tension of the drive belt. Make adjustments or replacements where necessary.
- If your food processor doesn’t run at some speeds, use a multimeter to check the multi-speed switch and wiring.
- If the motor is turning but the blades aren’t if the blades are damaged repair or replace or clean and lubricate them. Also, check to see if the gears are worn out or broken and need replacement or if the drive belt is broken and needs replacement.
- If the processor bowl is leaking, ensure it’s tightened at the base and check if the seals are broken and need to be replaced.
How to repair your Cuisinart food processor
When it doesn’t turn on
If the reason why your food processor won’t turn on is that it’s improperly assembled, this can be an easy fix. Some safety features might be wrongly assembled that’s why your food processor isn’t turning on. To know if you’ve properly assembled the food processor, check the user manual assembly diagram to see if the bowl, lid, and plunger are properly placed and everything properly clicks in.
Most Cuisinart food processors come with a bowl with ridges at the bottom that help the bowl to click in place when properly placed. Ensure that the cutting blade goes into the bowl. Wiggle it slightly to slide it down properly. The little handle on the lid helps to snap it in place. If the safety switch isn’t activated when you put the lid on, the processor won’t turn on. Check if something is preventing it from closing all the way.
Broken blades
The metal blades could be broken or not functioning properly. You need to first make sure you unplug it from the power source and be careful when handling the sharp blades, especially if they’re broken.
If the blades are dull, you’ll need to sharpen them by repeatedly striking both sides of the blades on a whetstone until they’re sharp again, but first, wear protective gloves. In case the blades are loose, simply tighten the rivets using a small rivet gun to keep the blade firmly attached to the plastic casing. If the blades are broken, it’s best to find a replacement part from Cuisinart, buy it from their website or an online retailer.
Damaged motor
If the blades aren’t spinning but there’s come sound coming from the motor, the motor could be damaged.
You’ll need to first unplug it and disassemble it to check if the motor is damaged or not. There’s a motor replacement guide that comes with the appliance that will guide you on how to replace or repair the motor. Also, check if your food processor is still under its warranty period or not. You may also need to replace some parts like the motor power switches, burned engine coils, and magnetic field spins that drive the non-electric rotor core which might make it impossible to repair the motor.
Rusty food processor
You must clean your food processor after use. If the blades start to rust, you need to clean the entire machine thoroughly.
Take your food processor apart and you might find food particles stuck under the blade, around the motor, and on the bowl. Disassemble it and wash each part thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinse with running water. Be careful when cleaning the sharp blades and if they’re rusted, use a scratchpad to remove the rust. Use a damp cloth to wipe the motor. Make sure every part is completely dry before re-assembling the food processor.
Other repairs you can do
Problem |
How to repair |
Unresponsive buttons |
The buttons mechanism could be broken. Remove what is stuck and restart |
Light on but no power |
The internal temperature or power cord could cause the machine to run slow, locking up, or jamming. Clear the ventilation system |
Broken current |
Check the power cord if it’s unsecured or frayed. Use electric tape to cover the exposed wires |
Broken bowl |
Fluid could be leaking down to the motor that can cause damage. Needs to be replaced |
Conclusion
Repairing your Cuisinart food processor can be a simple process if you first identify the problem so you can find the right solution. Keeping your food processor clean and avoiding overuse, you can reduce the repairs or replacements needed to be done frequently on your appliance.
FAQ
How do I clean my Cuisinart food processor lid?
The easiest way to clean the lid is to fill the container halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing soap, then put the lid on and let the machine run for a few seconds. Drain out the soapy water and rinse with running water.
How do I remove a stuck Cuisinart food processor lid?
You can lubricate it using cooking spray, oil, or butter and apply it around the seams. This will allow the lid to slide more smoothly so it’s easier to remove.
