Thanks Becky, those are good points points to consider. I agree the Cuisinart locking method is a PITA and, indeed, it took me quite some time when I first got the thing to learn how to lock/unlock it as it took a lot of force and the shredding disks never have worked properly. I've read a lot of good reviews about Kitchen Aid...I want to get something that is versatile enough for my purposes. I don't need a 16 cup monster, but I like the 2-bowl approach. I've also read that some sizes (from all brands) are difficult to get replacement parts for so that is also a consideration. I also want dishwashable, something else I couldn't do with my Cuisinart...