So far I am very happy with my new Cuisinart SmartPower Duet 500 Watt Blender, but I have not used the attached food processor yet. I have made smoothies and have done some other regular cooking jobs, but generally do not use a blender to crush ice, since my refrigerator/freezer does that. It is also much lighter than the old blender I was replacing, so it is much easier for me to get it in and out of its storage cabinet. That is a plus! I have been washing all parts by hand, and have had no problems. Happy so far! I would buy this product again.

I got this as a housewarming gift a little over three years ago. I’d had cuisinart food processors before, both mini-prep and full-size (9-cup), but I was outfitting a new small kitchen from scratch and didn’t currently have either a food processor or a blender, so I figured this would take care of both and have a small footprint, since counterspace is at a premium. Well, it performed very well in both roles, unlike many hybrid devices that don’t do either job really well. Granted, as a food processor it is limited by the smaller bowl size, but I live alone but have a tendency to prepare too much food so the size actually encouraged me to make smaller portions of things. It has the basic blades: cutting/mixing in the bowl, and then a disc (it rides on an add-on disc stem shaft, which is unfortunately easy to misplace) that grates in one position and slices when flipped over. Unlike Cuisinart’s full-size processors, no other accessories (like the thin-slice and thick-slice discs, or a plastic dough blade) are available for this model, but it was good enough for most basic work. The Duet really shines, however, as an outstanding blender. The heavy, thick glass jar is more indestructible than you might think a glass jar would be; I gasped a few times when my clumsy hands dropped it on the kitchen linoleum or in the metal sink, but was surprised each time to find it unscathed, without even a crack. (Nonetheless, neither I nor Cuisinart recommend dropping the jar). The base and top fit well so there is no leaking of liquids; the plastic inset in the top is easily removed to facilitate adding liquids during blending, which works really well for adding warm/hot oil for blender mayonnaise/hollandaise. Alas, I should have realized that the glass blender jar was much better suited to hollandaise making than the plastic food processor bowl, and either the hot oil or my dishwasher ended up distorting the center upright tube of the bowl that fits over the spindle, from circular to oval; the exterior circumference of the bowl warped ever so slightly too, making it just a bit harder to lock the lid in place to operate it. It still worked, but it was a bit more difficult to close and open the bowl. I figured if it got too bad I would just order a replacement bowl. However, I didn’t get a chance, because a little over three years after the purchase, the motor burned out. This was just beyond the warranty period, naturally. I didn’t realize that this model only has a three-year limited warranty with no extra years of protection for the motor, as most of Cuisinart’s full-size food processors do (one I am eyeing right now has a 5-year warranty for most things, with 10 years on the motor. Of course, those models are more expensive, with heavier-duty motors, and in all likelihood they will outlive even that more generous warranty — my mom had a bare bones 10-cup model hat lasted more than 20 years without a problem). Maybe I strained it too much trying to pulverize vegetables with pulpy, stringy stalks — I don’t remember if it was celery for soup or some herb — but if it had been one of their more standard food processors, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t have harmed it. So I’m torn now: should I limp along with a fairly decent blender (different brand) I got used cheap, and spend more for a 9-cup single-use processor, or get another Duet for $30 less? (I have spare blades/discs and blender jar in case of breakage/loss)

Excellent blender, however we have sometimes overloaded the motor triggering its safety and had to wait 5 min or so for it to reset. Prefer that behavor to burning out the motor. If we initially use pluse for those heavy smoothies unit is fine. Have not tried the processor, however its construction looks to be good.

I've only used it twice and while i live the design and size I'm still not sure if xcx i like how it works. I tried crushing ice and it was disappointing as it was inconsistent. I also pureed pumpkin and that took forever. I usually love my Cuisinart products but this one so far has not worked as well as my cheap old blender.

Unfortunately I made a mistake. I thought the name was good and so was the product. Why would anybody redesign the blender, I'll never know. This design doesn't allow the food to slide down easily. I do hope when I crush ice the plastic gears don't break. All I wanted was to replace a blender that I had for 30 years, that the motor burned out. Only time will tell if this machine last as long or not.

We had the same model in white for nearly 20 yrs! and just got a replacement but in chrome this time. We make smoothies every day for our grandsons and my husband is a fantastic chef so the food processor is used often also. It’s really convenient to have that all in one appliance. The only issue keeping it from a 5 Star rating would be the noise level on the food processor. Seems like it could be better insulated perhaps. Bottom line, it lasts a long time, does a great job, and looks good while doing it!

This is not a luxury, it’s a necessity!! We replaced this blender with a similar one, since that finally gave up on us after 17 years of service & loyalty!! In our household we use it almost everyday, specially in the summer. My brothers & myself grew up with our Mom having a blender used so frequently in her warm kitchen & taught us it's wonders! I definitely want to past this on to my boys.... the joy of being creative with this awesome product!! Thank you Cuisinart!

It broke in a couple of months. I love cuisinart products. But my experience with this particular product is unpleasant. If i tell anyone it's not working, they wouldn't believe. The product looks new, barely used and yet, a total waste. I must get a refund or replacement.

It's been a joy to have this dual function in the home. Not having two small appliances but one and its durability of getting puree with blender and or slicing/shredding with food processor. Good weight and stainless steel blades I can keep it on the countertop minimum space, while only having to remove processor work bowl from cabinet. Convenience is everything in the kitchen. Thanks Cuisinart!!

So far so good. Love the blender but have yet to try the food processor, although it looks solid & to be a good tool. I like the glass blender container; although it is a bit heavy, I like it as my prior plastic one cracked as soon as I put it in the dishwasher. Love the various options. This food processor does not have as many blade options as my last & I'll miss the julienne blade. After use it has cleaned up easily enough by hand & some parts I have put in the dishwasher successfully.