The only thing that prevents me to rate this product at max is the non-availability of service network. I realised this only after transfer to Tier-3 city of Ajmer from Ahmedabad.
I bought this nice and compact machine at Ahmedabad in Jun-06, after lot many demos of the market leaders like Usha, Morphy, Inalsa etc. The Siemens team exhibited the class of their processor blades when they chopped a fresh tomato into even non-messy slices. We saw the demo of tomatoes for other FPs, which could not do it so nicely even for cold tomatoes. It was a good Rs 2500 costlier than equivalent competitor models. We liked the smaller machine better which takes up lesser space on the slab. Its functionality is not compromised, as the body design is slightly curving around the FP jar to accomodate the grinder jar eccentrically.
The blade quality and edge is beyond compare, as Siemens is primarily a surgical equipment company, whose scalpels are used by surgeons with great precision. Slightest touch on the sharp edge while washing, slices the skin to ooze out few droplets of blood. Also Siemens is a great electrical company, so the motor also is of good quality.
However, I had an issue while under transfer from Ahmedabad to Ajmer, that the motor needed replacement. The warranty had just got over, and I could not find a service centre in Ajmer. On taking up the issue thru the dealer and Sales reps at Ahmedabad(who were very cooperative), I sent the machine to their Delhi Home Appliances office, which was repaired FOC. But I had to take the pain of sending the machine to and fro Delhi and some telephonic follow up for the warranty benefits.
The food processing activity is a joy on this machine. It can knead atta also, like other FPs, yet a bit better. The dough ball does not leave any remnants stuck on the jar walls. For all its activities, the effort is lesser due to the superior blades, as such the motor capacity is lighter, consuming less electricity for the same jobs. The juicer attachment also has a unique design for crushing the fruits, and gives out 100% juice in a jiffy. Its all very effortless, making me take up FP tasks in the kitchen quite often.
I recommend this machine or any Siemens product to the Metro/A-class city dwellers who do not foresee living in small towns, as the service backup is available there and the sales team is extremely customer oriented.