Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper or Grinder CH-4 Introduction

The Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper or Grinder CH-4 is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to make food preparation easier and more efficient. Launched in recent years, this product has quickly gained popularity among home cooks and professional chefs alike. With its powerful motor and robust design, it can handle a variety of tasks from chopping nuts to grinding meat. The estimated price range for this product is between $100 to $150, making it an affordable addition to any kitchen.

The CH-4 model is part of Cuisinart's Elite Collection, known for its high-quality materials and advanced features. This chopper/grinder is perfect for those who need a reliable tool for various kitchen tasks. Its compact design and easy-to-use interface make it a must-have for anyone looking to streamline their cooking process.

Detailed Specifications 

The Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper or Grinder CH-4 comes with several key features that set it apart from other kitchen appliances. Here are some of the detailed specifications:

• Powerful Motor: 1000-Watt motor for efficient chopping and grinding.
• Capacity: 4-cup work bowl with measurement markings.
• Blades: Stainless steel chopping blade and grinding blade.
• Speed Control: One-touch operation with pulse function.
• Materials: BPA-free Tritan work bowl and lid.
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.5 x 12 inches.
• Weight: Approximately 5 pounds.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. With the base unit on the table, place the work bowl firmly on the motor base.
   The opening at the back of the bowl should face the column at the back of the chopper/grinder.
2. Turn the work bowl counterclockwise to lock it into the base.
3. CAREFULLY lift the blade by its hub and place it onto the center stem until it drops to the bottom of the stem. Push firmly to ensure the blade is locked into position.
   IMPORTANT: HANDLE WITH CARE – BLADE IS NOT PERMANENT.
4. Add the food ingredients.
5. Place the lid on the work bowl with the long tab to the right of the rear column.
6. Turn the cover counterclockwise (towards the column) to lock it firmly onto the locking post.
7. Plug the unit into the wall outlet.
8. It is ready to chop/grind.
9. All materials that come into contact with food or liquids are BPA free.

Description

The Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper or Grinder CH-4 is built with durability and functionality in mind. The stainless steel blades ensure sharpness and longevity, while the BPA-free Tritan work bowl provides a safe and easy-to-clean environment for your food. The one-touch operation with pulse function allows for precise control over the chopping or grinding process. The compact design makes it easy to store in any kitchen, and its lightweight construction allows for effortless transportation.

This appliance also includes a recipe book and a storage case to keep all parts organized. Whether you're preparing a salad, making salsa, or grinding coffee beans, the CH-4 is a versatile tool that will become a staple in your kitchen.

TIPS FOR FOOD PROCESSING

Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper or Grinder CH-4  Preparing food

Size
Always cut large pieces of food into smaller pieces of uniform size, about 1 ⁄2 inch (12 mm) per side or as specified under Operation/Technique on pages 6 and 7. If you do not start with small, uniform pieces, you will not get an even cut.

Quantity
Do not overload the work bowl. Overloading causes inconsistent results and overloads the motor. As a general rule, remember that most foods should reach no more than 2 ⁄3 of the way up the bowl. Use the quantities listed in the tables and recipe section as a guide.

Note: Due to the powerful motor provided with this unit, it is recommended that one hand be used to hold the Cuisinart Elite Collection® Chopper/Chopper during operation.

Selecting the Proper Operating Control

• Use the Chop function for chopping, pureeing and blending. It is the right choice, for example, for chopping soft, fragile foods such as herbs, celery, onions, garlic and most cheeses. It is also the right choice for pureeing cooked vegetables, making mayonnaise, and mixing salad dressings.
• The pulse action is best when you are using the Chop function. Two or three pulses are usually enough. Make sure to check the food frequently to avoid over-processing. If you over-process, you are likely to get a watery paste instead of a fine chop. Use the Grind function to grind spices and chop hard foods like peppercorns, seeds, chocolate, and nuts.
• Continuous detent action is best when using the Grind feature. You may need to operate the Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Chopper for several seconds with some foods to achieve desired results, or up to 20 seconds for some seeds.
• When operating the unit for longer than 10 seconds, use a pulse action every 10 seconds or so to allow the food to fall to the bottom of the work bowl. This provides more consistent results.
• Never operate the Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Chopper continuously for more than 1 minute at a time.

Note: The bowl and lid may become scratched when used to grind grains and spices. This does not affect the performance of the Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Chopper.
However, you may wish to reserve the original bowl for grinding and purchase an additional bowl and lid set for other uses. 
Adding Liquid
You can add liquids such as water, oil, or flavoring while the machine is running. For example, you might want to add oil when making mayonnaise or salad dressing, or you might add vanilla or alcohol when making frozen yogurt. Pour the liquid through one of the two openings in the lid.

IMPORTANT: Add liquid through only one opening at a time. The other opening must be left free to allow air to escape. If both openings are blocked, liquid cannot flow smoothly into the bowl.

Removing Food from the Sides of the Bowl Occasionally, food will stick to the sides of the bowl while processing. Stop the machine to remove the food. AFTER THE BLADE STOPS MOVING, remove the lid and use the spatula to scrape the food from the sides of the bowl toward the center. Do not put your hands in the bowl unless the unit is unplugged.
Note: Handle with care the blade is not permanent.

PROCESSING FOOD

1. Place the work bowl firmly onto the motor base. The opening in the back of the bowl should face the column on the back of the Cuisinart Elite Collection® Chopper/Mixer. Turn the bowl counterclockwise to lock it into place.
2. Insert the blade assembly. Carefully lift the blade by its axis and place it on the center stem until it drops to the bottom of the stem.
   • Push firmly to lock the blade into position.
   • NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE ITSELF AND NOTE THAT THE BLADE IS NOT PERMANENTLY LOCKED.
3. Place the food in the work bowl. Make sure the food is cut into small pieces and the bowl is not overloaded.
4. Lock the lid into position.
5. Press the appropriate Chop or Grind control, depending on the food you are processing.
6. When you have finished processing the food, stop the machine by releasing the control button.
7. WHEN THE BLADE STOPS MOVING, unplug the unit. Remove the lid and work bowl.
   1. Turn the work bowl lid clockwise to remove it.
   2. Turn the work bowl clockwise to unlock it and lift it off the base.
      NOTE: Thicker ingredients can be removed while the work bowl is still on the base.
8. To remove liquids and sauces from the bowl: Simply pour ingredients out of the work bowl. Our convenient BladeLock system keeps the blade securely in place.
9. To remove thicker ingredients from the bowl: Carefully remove the blade assembly by holding the handle at the top of the housing and gently pulling up to disengage the blade lock. Remove food with a spatula.

NOTE: HANDLE WITH CARE BLADE IS NOT PERMANENT.

Tips: Always process foods in order, from dry to moist, to avoid having to clean the bowl and blade between tasks.
Never operate the Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Mincer without ingredients in the work bowl.

Setup Guide

To set up and operate the Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper or Grinder CH-4, follow these steps:

1. Assembly: Attach the work bowl to the base by aligning the tabs on the bowl with the slots on the base and twisting clockwise.
2. Blade Installation: Choose between the chopping or grinding blade and insert it into the work bowl, ensuring it is securely locked in place.
3. Operation: Place your ingredients into the work bowl, close the lid, and use the one-touch operation to start chopping or grinding. Use the pulse function for added control.
4. Cleaning: After use, disassemble all parts and wash them in warm soapy water or place them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Important information

For your safety and continued enjoyment of this product, always read the instruction book carefully before use.

IMPORTANT UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

This package contains one Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Chopper and its standard parts: SmartPower® Metal Chopping/Grinding Blade with BladeLock System, Spatula, and Instruction/Recipe Booklet.

WARNING: THE CUTTING BLADE HAS VERY SHARP EDGES.

To avoid injury when unpacking, follow these instructions:

1. Place the box on a table or kitchen counter. Make sure the box is face up.
2. Lift and remove the cardboard cover from the work bowl lid.
3. Grasping the handle on the work bowl, lift the unit out of the box and place it on the table.
4. Turn the work bowl clockwise to unlock it from the base of the unit. Lift up and remove.
5. CAREFULLY REMOVE THE METAL BLADE BY HOLDING THE CENTER WHITE HUB AND LIFTING STRAIGHT UP. NEVER TOUCH THE BLADE, BECAUSE IT IS SHARP.
6. Please read the instructions carefully before using the machine.

NOTE: We recommend that you visit our website, http://www.cuisinart.com/  for a quick and efficient way to complete your product registration.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all instructions.
2. To protect against risk of electric shock, do not immerse the motor base in water or other liquid.
3. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
4. Always unplug the unit from the outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, before cleaning, and before removing food from the bowl. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet. Never yank on the cord.
5. Avoid contact with moving parts.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug after the appliance fails to operate properly, or if the appliance has been dropped or damaged in any manner.
   Return the appliance to the nearest authorized customer service center (see Warranty for details) for examination, repair, and electrical or mechanical adjustment.
7. Use of accessories not recommended or sold by Cuisinart may cause fire, electric shock or injury.
8. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Keep hands and utensils away from the moving blade while processing to avoid the risk of serious injury to persons or damage to the chopper/grinder. A scraper may be used, but should only be used when the chopper/grinder is not running.
11. The blade is extremely sharp. Handle with care when removing, inserting or cleaning.
    Always allow the blade to stop moving before removing the cover.
12. To reduce the risk of injury, never place the cutting blade on the base without first placing the work bowl properly in place.
13. Make sure the cover is securely locked in place before operating the appliance. Do not attempt to remove the cover until the blade has stopped rotating.
14. Do not attempt to defeat the cover locking mechanism as serious injury may occur.
15. Before use, check that the work container does not have foreign objects.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOME USE ONLY

NOTICE
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.

CLEANING AND STORAGE

• To simplify cleaning, rinse the work bowl, lid and blade immediately after each use, so food does not dry on them. Wash the blade assembly, work bowl, lid and spatula in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry. Wash the blade carefully.
• Avoid leaving the blade in soapy water, where it could disappear from view. The work bowl, lid, blade assembly and spatula are dishwasher safe on the top rack of the dishwasher. Insert the work bowl upside down and the lid up.
• Place the blade and spatula in the silverware basket.
• Unload the dishwasher carefully to avoid contact with the sharp blade. Wipe the motor base with a damp sponge or cloth. Dry immediately.
• Never immerse the motor base or plug in water or other liquid.
• The Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Chopper stores neatly on the countertop in minimal space. When not in use, be sure to leave it unplugged. Concealed cord storage beneath the motor base will help keep excess cord off the counter. Store unit assembled to prevent lost parts. Store blades as you would sharp knives, out of reach of children.
• The Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Mincer is intended for HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

MAINTENANCE: Any servicing other than normal user cleaning and maintenance should be performed by an authorized Cuisinart service representative.

OPERATIONAL TECHNIQUES

With the Cuisinart Elite Collection® Chopper/Grinder you can chop, grind or puree a variety of foods. See the Operation/Technique chart on the following pages.

Any surface scratches that may occur will not affect the operation of the Cuisinart Elite Collection® Chopper/Mince. You may want to consider purchasing a second work bowl specifically for these tasks.

Recipes

GUACAMOLE

This popular Mexican specialty is delicious with chips and crudités of vegetables, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Makes about 2 cups

Place garlic, scallions, and jalapeno peppers in work bowl. Pulse in Chop 10 times; scrape down bottom and sides of work bowl. Add avocados, lime juice, cumin, cilantro, and salt. Pulse in Chop 10 times, then process in Chop continuously for 15 seconds; scrape down work bowl. Process in Chop for another 15 to 20 seconds until smooth and creamy. Transfer to serving bowl. Stir in chopped tomatoes before serving. toes before serving.
Nutritional Information per serving (3 tablespoons): Calories 90 (71% from fat)

• carbohydrates. 6g
• professional. 1g
• fat 8g
• sat down. fat 1g
• chol. 0 mg
• grass. 180 mg
• calc. 14 mg
• 4g fiber

Tapenade

A favorite from the Provence region of France.

Makes approximately 1½ cups

Chop garlic for 5 seconds; scrape work bowl. Add anchovies, olives, and capers; pulse 10 times in Chop. Scrape work bowl. Add mustard, lemon juice, herbs, and pepper. Process for 15 seconds in Chop; scrape work bowl. Process for an additional 15 seconds; scrape work bowl again, then add olive oil. Process until a thick paste forms, about 20 to 30 seconds. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

Nutritional information per serving (2 tablespoons): Calories 80 (88% from fat)

• carbohydrates 2g
• Pro. 1 g
• fat 9g
• sat down. fat 1g
• chol. 0 mg
• grass. 280 mg
• Calcium 27 mg
• fiber 1g

Hummus

Add a roasted red pepper and 1 teaspoon of Provencal herbs for variety.

Makes about 2 cups

Chop parsley for 5 seconds; remove and set aside. With machine running, drop garlic through feed tube. Process until finely chopped, about 5 seconds. Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, water, cumin, and reserved parsley to bowl; process until smooth, 1½ to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape bowl as needed once or twice. With machine running, add olive oil in a steady stream and process until mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. *Tahini is a sesame seed paste available in most grocery stores.

Nutritional information per serving (2 tablespoons): Calories 80 (56% from fat)

• carbohydrates 6g
• Pro. 2 g
• fat 5g
• sat down. fat 1g
• chol. 0 mg
• grass. 60 mg
• Calcium 21 mg
• fiber 2g

Pesto

A favorite for dressing pasta, and also wonderful on steamed potatoes and vegetables. You can vary your pesto by using other herbs such as cilantro, mint or parsley and by using other nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pecans.

Makes about ¾ cup

Place cheese in work bowl; pulse on Chop 5 times; process continuously on Mince until finely ground, about 10 seconds. Remove and set aside. Add walnuts to work bowl; pulse on chop 5 times. Remove and set aside with cheese. Add garlic and salt to work bowl; process 5 seconds on Chop. Scrape down work bowl. Add basil leaves and half of olive oil. Pulse Grind 10 times, then grind continuously for about 15 seconds; scrape down bowl. With machine running on Grind, add remaining oil slowly, in a steady stream, through one of the holes in the recessed area of ​​the lid. After all oil is added, process on Grind for 10 more seconds. Add reserved cheese and walnuts to mixture; pulse 10 times on Chop to blend. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. The pesto will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen.

Nutritional information per serving (1 tablespoon): Calories 120 (91% fat)

• carbohydrates 1g
• Pro. 2 g
• fat 13g
• sat down. fat 2g
• chol. 5 mg
• grass. 200 mg
• calc. 52 mg
• fiber 0g

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Use this dip for vegetables or meats, or try our creamy variation to use as a dip for fresh vegetable crudités or pita chips.

Makes about 2 cups

Add garlic, zest, salt, and herbs to work bowl; chop for 5 to 10 seconds. Scrape down bottom and sides of work bowl. Add lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and peppers. Pulse on Chop 10 times, then process for 15 to 20 seconds until smooth. Transfer to a resealable container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. The sauce will keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. Roasted Red Pepper Dip Variation: Make half the recipe. Add 2 ounces regular or low-fat cream cheese and ¼ cup drained sour cream or plain yogurt; pulse for 10 to 15 seconds until smooth.

Nutritional information per serving (2 tablespoons): Calories 21 (40% from fat)

• carbohydrates 3g
• Pro. 1 g
• fat 1g
• sat down. fat 0g
• chol. 0 mg
• grass. 1092 mg
• Calcium 28 mg
• fiber 1g

MANGO SAUCE

Mango salsa is excellent served over grilled fish such as salmon, tuna, swordfish or scallops, and grilled chicken, duck or pork loin. It can also be served as a traditional tomato salsa with tortilla chips.

Makes 4 cups

Place red pepper in the bowl of your Cuisinart® Chopper/Chopper fitted with the chopping blade. Pulse 4 to 6 times or until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl; set aside. Add garlic, jalapeno, and onion to work bowl. Pulse 6 to 7 times to chop. Remove and add to bowl with reserved red pepper. Add half the mango and cilantro to the bowl and pulse until the mango is coarsely chopped, about 10 pulses. Transfer to the bowl with the reserved vegetables; set aside. Repeat with the remaining mango. Combine the lime juice, vinegar, and honey; stir well into the reserved mixture. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate.

Nutritional information per 2 tablespoon serving: Calories 11 (3% from fat)

• carbohydrates 3g
• Pro. 0 g
• fat 0g
• sat down. fat 0g
• chol. 0 mg
• grass. 5 mg
• calc. 2 mg
• fiber 0g

Basic Vinaigrette

This recipe can be easily modified by changing the oils and vinegars used.

Makes 1½ cups 

Place garlic or shallot in a bowl; pulse on Chop 5 times. Scrape down work bowl. Add vinegars, mustard, salt, and pepper. Process on Chop until smooth, about 5 seconds. With machine running on Chop, add oils slowly, in a steady stream, through one of the holes in the recessed area of ​ the lid. After all oil is added, process on Grind for 10 more seconds. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. It's best to prepare this dressing at least half an hour before serving. The vinaigrette will keep well for a week if it's in the refrigerator, covered. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving; it may need to be reprocessed if separation has occurred.

Nutritional information per serving (1 tablespoon): Calories 80 (99% from fat)

• carbohydrates 0g
• Pro. 0 g
• fat 9g
• sat down. fat 1g
• chol. 0 mg
• grass. 55 mg
• calc. 1 mg
• fiber 0g

Creamy roasted garlic and herb dressing

Try this tasty dressing on a crisp romaine salad.

Makes approximately 1 cup

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the garlic with the oil and wrap loosely in foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the cloves are tender. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Place cooled garlic in bowl with basil and parsley. Pulse Grind 10 times; scrape work bowl. Add yogurt, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Process on Grind until smooth and blended, about 30 seconds. Scrape work bowl; prop up work bowl; process Transfer to an airtight container. The dressing will keep for a week in the refrigerator.

Nutritional information per serving (1 tablespoon): Calories 35 (65% fat)

• carbohydrates 2g
• Pro. 1 g
• fat 3g
• sat down. fat 0g
• chol. 5 mg
• grass. 60 mg
• calc. 34 mg
• fiber 0g

Asian Marinade 

This marinade is equally good for pork, chicken or salmon.

Makes about 2 cups 

Place ginger root and garlic in work bowl. Pulse Chop 5 times. Scrape down sides and bottom of work bowl. Add remaining ingredients; chop until smooth, about 15 seconds. Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate if not using immediately. Marinate meat or seafood for about 2 hours before grilling or roasting.

Cooking Tip: Pour ²⁄³ of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag and add two 1-pound trimmed pork tenderloins. Coat meat tightly with marinade and refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove tenderloins from marinade and place on a wire rack; discard marinade. Roast in a preheated 475°F oven for 20 to 22 minutes, turning after 10 minutes. Rem ve from oven. Temperature of meat should be about 150°F; it will rise to 160-165°F as it rests. Let rest for 10 minutes; slice and serve with remaining reserved marinade drizzled over meat.

Nutritional information per serving (1 tablespoon): Calories 45 (84% from fat)

• carbohydrates 2g
• Pro. 0 g
• fat 5g
• sat down. fat 0g
• chol. 0 mg
• grass. 170 mg
• calc. 2 mg
• fiber 0g

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Motor doesn’t start or blade doesn’t rotate.
  • Check that plug is securely inserted into outlet.
  • Check that work bowl and cover are securely locked into place.
  • Be sure to press only one operation control button at a time.
• Food is unevenly chopped.
  • Try cutting food into smaller, even-sized pieces.
  • Try processing smaller amounts of food per batch.
• Food is chopped too fine or is watery.
  • The food has been overprocessed. Use brief pulses, or process for a shorter time. Let blade stop completely between pulses.
    Food collects on work bowl cover or sides of prep bowl.
  • This is normal; turn machine off. When blade stops rotating, remove cover and clean bowl and cover with spatula.
• Food catches on blade.
  • You may be processing too much food.
    Carefully remove blade. Remove food from blade with spatula and start over again.

18-MONTH Warranty of Grinder CH-4

This warranty is available to consumers only. You are a consumer if you own a Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Chopper that you purchased at retail for personal, family, or household use. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, this warranty is not available to retailers or other commercial purchasers or owners.
We warrant that your Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper/Chopper will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use for 18 months from the date of original purchase.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful Motor: Efficiently handles tough ingredients.
• Versatile Blades: Includes both chopping and grinding blades for various tasks.
• Ease of Use: One-touch operation with pulse function ensures precise control.
• Durable Materials: Built with stainless steel blades and BPA-free Tritan work bowl.
• Compact Design: Easy to store in any kitchen due to its compact size.

Cons

• Noisy Operation: The motor can be quite loud during use.
• Blade Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning to avoid clogging.
• Limited Capacity: The 4-cup capacity might be insufficient for large quantities.

Customer Reviews

Customers praise the Cuisinart Elite Collection Chopper or Grinder CH-4 for its ease of use and powerful performance. However, some users note that it can be noisy and requires frequent blade cleaning. Here are some common complaints:

• Noisy Operation: Several users have mentioned that the appliance is louder than expected.
• Blade Maintenance: Users find that regular cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal performance.