Food Processor Troubleshooting 101

Sometimes it is just better, time-efficient, and cost-reducing just to buy a new food processor. Fixing the old one takes time and focus, and in some cases requires almost the same as getting a new one.

My choices, for the ones that are more sturdy and more likely to save you the trouble, with direct links to their amazon pages:

  • Home food processor: Cuisinart DLC-8SY Pro
  • Commercial food processor: KitchenAid  KFP1642OB
  • Blender: Ninja Blender Professional 1000 BL610
  • Juicer: Omega J8006HDS Nutrition Center Juicer
  • Mini Chopper: Ninja Master Prep QB900B

Nevertheless, food processors have removable parts and a motor so it’s possible it could break down.  Usually, it’s a power issue. Something as simple as the top not being on correctly.

Food Processor Troubleshooting 101

Food Processor Parts and Accessories

Although it’s a small appliance, being without it can cause major problems.  Most of the time it can be quickly resolved. If you’re a skilled person and need some parts to fix your food processor you can browse food processor parts and accessories on Amazon.

We are never ready for breakdowns of any kind, and this occurrence is no different.  Well, to help eliminate worry, I’ve put together some common questions and answers.

Without further ado, I’d like to welcome you to Food Processor Troubleshooting 101.

Common Issues

For every problem, there is a solution, or so they said.  Let’s take a look at a few of the most common issues concerning the food processor.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with it.  I got it as a gift for Christmas, and I took it out of the box after a few months, and it won’t start.  Now my husband is going to think I broke it because he said I didn’t like it. Help!”  

Well, since it’s new, we can rule out burn-out.  Problems such as these are likely associated with the power supply. 

The fault could be with the power cord, the outlet, or the motor.  Check to see if the electrical outlet is in working order and reset it. The solution could be that the lid is not on correctly, preventing it from starting.

“I’ve been using my food processor for a few months now and recently, it shut down on me.  The light came on, but there was nothing.  I did everything correctly, I thought.  The bowl is locked in place, and I even reset my power supply.  What is wrong?” 

You should always check to see if the bowl and lid are correctly locked on their base.  If this is not the case, the problem could be with the internal temperature or the power cord itself. 

This could be especially true if the machine has been running slow or if it’s been jamming or locking up.  You may need to clear your ventilation system.

If your processor quits in the middle of an operation, it may be overheating.  The motor has an automatic turn-off switch to prevent damage. 

Turn your appliance off and wait at least 15 minutes before attempting it again.  If it doesn’t work still, wait a while longer.  If this doesn’t solve it, you may have to return it to the manufacturer.

“I’m trying to use one of my food processor’s accessories, but it won’t do anything.  It won’t start when I press the button.  I mean, the appliance will turn on its motor, but that’s it.  My god, why is this happening now?  Can you help?” 

It sounds like it could be the safety switch.  Look to locate a switch and see if you can tell if it’s activated when you put the lid on.  There could be something in its way, preventing it from closing all the way.  If so, remove the object and restart.

Is your blade stuck?  That could be a problem.  Luckily, it doesn’t take much to solve it.  You will need a channel lock to un-stick it.  Unplug your unit, first and foremost.  

With your locks, latch on to the part of the blade that fits over the shaft.  Next, tightly grab the plastic piece over the shaft while holding the food processor down.

Carefully, pull up on the blade, and it should move.  However, don’t feel bad if it takes you a few times to pull it off.  Sometimes food will get between the grooves and cause it to stick together.

Tips for a Clean Bill of Health

Always chop veggies and fruits.  Additionally, remove seeds that can get down in the crevasses and create havoc.  Cut your food down in size before dropping it in the food processor.

When you need to chop seafood or chicken, it’s best when the raw meat is freezing and pre-cut into one-inch chunks.  Only process around a pound at a time and use short pulses, about one to two seconds.

Pureeing works well when you add the right amount of liquid.  Use short pulses and chop until fine.  Add a quarter cup of liquid and process consistently until you’re satisfied with the texture.  Scrape the sides of your bowl if you must.

Jennifer Dumas

My name is Jennifer! Welcome to Dinners and Dreams. My goal here is to encourage you to try out recipes you never thought you could make at home. Furthermore, I also review products that I have used in the past or currently using to make every day buying decisions easier and to ensure you get the best value for your money.

14 thoughts on “Food Processor Troubleshooting 101”

  1. I have a kitchen aid food processor 14cups. It was working before but I haven’t used it for a while! I assembled everything and plugged in. It would not work! The bottom turns on but the motor is just not turning!what I mean is it has power it the motor wasn’t working! How can i fixit?

    Reply
  2. Correction to post: pets should read Parts. Also the machines fail to turn on never or if itcfors does not process.
    The bowls do fit and one bowl does not fit another processor of same model number, blades do not fit, we have already sent back some 20 machines. They request to cut cord— do not do this save machine as you got it as evidence of sales fraud.

    Reply
  3. My Braun was working fine and then made a few stops and starts and the motor was running but nothing was turning. I had the dough hook in as I was making buns and still had just the liquids in the bowl when it quit.

    Reply
  4. I have a Kitchen Aid processor. Haven’t used it for a long while, then I recently moved. The food processor was wrapped and packed in a normal moving box. Now it doesn’t start when I push any of the buttons. I’ve double-checked that the bowl is locked correctly and that the blade is installed correctly and the lid is locked correctly. All to no avail.

    Is there anything else I can check before either trying to find proper repair or replacing the unit? It is a KFP1333CU0 model from about the 2012-2013 timeframe.

    Reply
    • Hi there Jennifer. You should take it to a proper repair shop. There are some things you can do yourself, but I do not recommend you do that since you can also damage it further when trying this. Is better to have a professional looking at it. BTW, good choice for a commercial food processor. You should stick with this brand and eventually get a similar model since you like it because you’ll find all the things you enjoyed.

      Reply
  5. I have a Prep 11 Plus Cuisinart that has stopped working. I have found that the top guard which has to slide into the cover is not working. The slide cannot go into the guide which depresses the spring to attach to the cover, therefore the machine will not work. It was working fine on the batches of chilies I was chopping, but after about the third batch, the slide could not enter the guide. This only happens when I try to attach it to the machine, it does slide in when it is not attached, which of course is useless. Any suggestions would be helpful.

    Reply
    • The Prep 11 Plus Cuisinart food processor is one of the best on the market. I do not know what to say about your problem. Do you still have warranty from when you’ve bought it? I mean this food processing machines have a limited lifespan, but if yours is still in warranty that should be their problem.

      Reply
  6. The bowl is stick on my KA food processor. Works fine can’t remove bowl or blade. Lock/unlocks but unable to disassemble. HELP, PLEASE!

    Reply
  7. Thank you! I couldn’t get my vintage Sears Counter Craft food processor that I found at a thrift store to work and the problem was it wouldn’t work unless top and bottom was fully locked in place. Thanks to your troubleshooting it’s working now!

    Reply

Leave a Comment