This is my first food processor, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is easy to use, to clean and to store. As a result, my meals look more attractive and cooking time is more uniform. As a single person, I find the Cuisinart most useful for casseroles, stews, and for making large dishes for leftovers for the week (very helpful for busy working people like me). I even like it as a substitute for my blender, which has now been relegated to my basement storage. The Cuisinart takes up about the same counter space as the blender, and yet it is far more versatile and efficient!