If you’re one of the few people where your Cuisinart food processor won’t start, then this article is for you.
If your machine has been sitting there on the counter all day and hasn’t made a sound yet, don’t worry! You’re not alone. It’s time to take action.
This article outlines what might be going on with your appliance and how to fix it so you can get back to chopping.
Why Won’t My Cuisinart Food Processor Start?
There are a few things that could be going on with your machine if it won’t start. Most of them are simple things that you can usually fix yourself.
The Power isn’t on
Make sure the Cuisinart power switch is in the “on” position. If it is, make sure the outlet switch is also turned on.
The Power Cord is not Plugged in
Check to make sure the plug is pushed in all the way. If it is, try plugging it into a different outlet.
The Power Cord is Broken
If you have another appliance that uses the same outlet and it works fine, then your cord probably isn’t plugged in completely or has become severed. Check both ends of the power cord for any nicks, cuts, or frays in them.
Fuse or Outlet Problem
Try plugging something else into the outlet or replacing the fuse if it’s a fuse-based outlet.
The Button is Stuck Down
Try pushing down the button while turning on the machine. You may have something stuck underneath it that you need to remove so the button can pop back up. This often happens when someone pours food inside without removing a large seed or pit beforehand.
Turn the appliance upside down and shake it gently from side to side. Take off any attachments that may be attached and try again. It usually takes some force for this button to engage and if food particles get lodged in between the button and casing, then the Cuisinart food processor will not start up properly or at all. Sometimes, I’ve even had to take off the bottom plate to get something unstuck.
The Button Might be Broken
If all else fails, you might need to buy a new button. Replacements are available on Amazon or eBay. Sometimes they’re sold as part of a larger power cord kit which can come in handy if your cord is frayed or severed.
The Safety Feature Tripped
Sometimes when you try to start your Cuisinart food processor, the safety feature will trip and the machine won’t turn on. This is usually caused by a foreign object such as a coin or small button getting lodged in the chute or feed tube.
Remove any attachments that are attached to the food processor. Look through the feed tube and chute for any obstructions. If you see something, try using a chopstick or other thin utensil to remove it. If you can’t reach it or if it’s too deep inside, then you might need to take the machine apart.
The Motor is not Running
There are a few things that could be causing the motor not to run. Try some of these tips to get your food processor up and running again:
- Make sure the bowl is locked in place properly
- Check that the blades are assembled correctly and are tight
- Make sure the feed tube is inserted all the way into the lid
- Try running water through the feed tube to clean it out
If you’ve tried all of these things and your machine still isn’t working, then it might be time to call Cuisinart customer service or take your food processor in for repair.
Cuisinart Food Processor Won’t Start – Final Thoughts
The Cuisinart food processor is a great appliance to have in your kitchen. It can help you chop, mix, shred and puree just about anything with ease. However, sometimes it doesn’t work properly or won’t start at all. If this happens to you then don’t worry.
I’ve compiled some of the most common problems that cause a Cuisinart not to start and what you should do if yours doesn’t. If any of these sound like your issue take a look through them until you find one that matches what’s going on with your machine.
Hopefully, by following my advice on how to fix an unresponsive Cuisinart food processor, you will get back up and running again quickly so you can continue enjoying its many benefits.