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Question: What made my machine stop while slicing and before I could shut it off the stem flew apart. I can replace the stem but will it happen again?
Document: The machine is exactly what I wanted--a duplicate of one we had before and for a good price. My only problem was with the Cuisinart customer relations--they referred me to the merchant to replace missing parts. In this case, it was the detachable stem used with the various slicing/grating disks. When I tried to make the request for just that one part at Amazon, it seems I could only get that part replaced by sending back the whole machine and getting a whole new machine.
They were all severely cracked and were not far from flying apart. It seems they knew of the problem and offered to replace the parts on warranty. All I had to do was give them a credit card number to charge the shipping to. AND, nothing would happen UNTIL I sent the old pieces back...again at MY expense.I sent the parts back promptly, but they didn't ship for another two weeks. And, here is the highlight of the episode...
Cuisinart -  DLC-8S pro 11 cup food processor. Great machine. But the handles and locking plastic clip on the large working bowl cracked, and the shedding stem, broke off when shedding carrots. I am contacting someone to replace these parts. But it is a fast food processor. Over all I am pleased with this product and am sure these parts will be provided to me.
After using a Braun food processor for about 20 years--well made German product--the machine finally stopped working. I had no complaints until then, but the Cuisinart is in a category all by itself. The motor is more powerful; more flexible control of the machine yielding truly equivalent of chopped, or minced vegetables; it grinds meat too. It's easy to clean, take apart & put back together.
Both the detachable stem and bottom stem over the motor shaft suddenly shattered. When I called to get a replacement part, I was told that the bottom stem piece was not available, rendering the entire machine a useless brick. The locking mechanism for the bowl on the new model is both archward makes even simple tasks difficult. I had an original unit (when they were made by robot coupe) and it worked flawlessly for over 20 years. On this model you can't even get the parts to repair it.
I loved my mother's Cuisinart food processor from the late 1970s. She still has it. It works perfectly. It made chopping vegetables a breeze. It was simple, easy to use. So I registered for this item for my wedding so I could have my own. It is the most finicky, impossible machine, no matter what I do. With all the trouble it has given me, I could have chopped vegetables by hand faster and better, and without my blood pressure hitting the roof.
Replaced my older machine with this one to get updated.I had tried to replace just the bowl as it was cracked but when it arrived it was made for the newer machines so I said what the heck I'll just return the bowl and get the newer machine. It has just arrived and comes with a video so now I must re-educate myself. Seems a bit more complicated but once I learn it I'm sure it will come naturally. The parts are nice and beefy.
I am so glad that I did not let the negative comments stop me from purchasing this product.I keep it on my counter and use all the time...it saves me so much time. Easy to clean.I could not be happier with this purchase!
But I think it was important to at least try to fix the problem. I did call Cuisinart about this new stem problem, and they said I could spend another $30.00 to ship it back to them.Next time I buy a food processor, it'll be from a store that has a 180 day return policy, like Macy's. Kitchenaid food processors also have several bad reviews, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
Sure it's strong and effective when it works, but overall, I'm not at all pleased.Biggest complaint is this: when using the steel blade, food ALWAYS gets caught between it and the bowl causing the blade to pop up and off the stem. This requires you to EMPTY THE BOWL, replace the blade, and start over.
Answer: This happened to me also. I believe that the metal piece that supports the stem is not quite straight but I'm not sure about that. I did notice, before that happened, that I had difficulty getting the pieces to separate...could be the reason. I have not had any more trouble with breakage but the tightness is still there. I wouldn't be surprised if it happened again. I have ordered a new processor, same model, but wanted the same size so that I could still use all my various blades & bowls. Time will tell if that fixes the problem.