Robots or Food Processors?

The word for food processor in French is "le robot". It's so easy to remember, as in, "my little robot" that chops up food.

I went on an exhaustive search for a "robot" a few years ago after trying to make a fig sauce (from fresh figs) without one. I had to strain the figs through a collander and it was messy and time-consuming.

I looked on the internet then went to a store and bought one that I thought would be OK. I brought home an enormous box, took out millions of pieces and tried to put it together and test it. One key piece was missing and it wouldn't work, so I had to re-pack it (of course it didn't fit back the way it came) and trudge back to the store with the huge box. I asked for a refund and went to another store, this time, BHV.

The second robot was a success. It is smaller, with less parts. It wasn't expensive, less than Euro 100 and it is a workhorse. It has the capability to shred, slice, chop, grind, puree and make juice.

After searching for a "robot", I realized that they are much less expensive than in the US, a pleasant surprise, since this usually isn't the case.

In the US, I have one of the original Cuisinart food processors. Perhaps it is 25 years old, I have no idea. It has all the features and blades that I need. But, it doesn't work as well as I'd like anymore, food gets stuck between the blade and the bowl. I think it's time for a new one.

This should be easy, right? At least it should be easier and maybe cheaper than in France? I thought so. Off I went to the store. Nothing. There are two choices, very big, very expensive food processors or a new, small version that doesn't do many of the things a real food processor should do. This small version is really a dressed-up blender. All the nice ones are at least $200.

I'm sticking with the old one that makes noise and isn't perfect anymore. At least for now.