Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor review versatile kitchen appliance tested

Description

A Versatile Kitchen Workhorse: Breville BFP660SIL Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor

I’ve had the opportunity to test out the Breville BFP660SIL Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor, and it’s safe to say this sleek silver appliance has earned its spot on my countertop. From its 12-cup capacity to its 1000-watt heavy-duty induction motor, this machine handles food prep like a pro. However, not everything was perfect, and there are a few quirks worth mentioning.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed was how solid this food processor feels. Weighing in at nearly 16 pounds, it’s not going to wobble around your counter during use. The silver finish gives it a premium look, and the design is intuitive. With three feed chute options—a 5-inch large feed chute, a 2 ¾-inch mid-feed chute, and a 1 ½-inch mini chute—it’s clear that Breville aimed to make food prep as versatile as possible. I found the larger chute particularly handy for feeding whole vegetables, like potatoes or zucchinis, without having to pre-cut them.

One feature I appreciated was the safety braking system, which stops the blades instantly if the lid is removed. This is especially reassuring if you’ve got kids running around while you’re cooking. However, the non-dishwasher-safe components were a bit of a letdown since washing everything by hand after a big meal can feel like a chore.

Performance and Features

The performance of this food processor is where it truly shines. Its micro-serrated S-Blade system made quick work of everything I threw at it—nuts, onions, garlic, and even dense vegetables like carrots. I even tried kneading dough, and the motor handled it without breaking a sweat. With 24 variable slicing settings, ranging from 0.3mm paper-thin slices to 8mm thick cuts, the level of control is impressive and genuinely useful for recipes requiring precise cuts.

The overload protection is another thoughtful addition. During one of my more ambitious cooking sessions, I accidentally overloaded the unit, and instead of overheating, it simply shut down temporarily. This feature not only protects the motor but also spares you from having to replace the whole unit prematurely.

Key Benefits

• Powerful Motor: The 1000-watt induction motor ensures consistent performance, even with heavy-duty tasks like kneading dough.
• Versatile Chutes: The three feed chute options accommodate vegetables of all shapes and sizes.
• Precision Cutting: The 24 slicing settings allow for incredible customization in food prep.
• Safety Features: The safety braking system adds peace of mind during use.

Areas for Improvement

Not everything about this food processor is perfect, and I did run into a few issues that might be dealbreakers for some.

• Handwashing Required: The non-dishwasher-safe components can make cleanup tedious.
• Weight: While the sturdy build is great for stability, its 15.9-pound weight makes moving it around inconvenient.
• Plastic Blade Material: The plastic blade construction feels less premium compared to metal alternatives.

Competing Products

Comparing this food processor to others on the market, it holds up well against competitors like the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY and the KitchenAid 13-Cup Processor. The Cuisinart has a slightly larger bowl capacity at 14 cups, but it lacks the variable slicing disc feature that sets the Breville apart. On the other hand, KitchenAid offers more dishwasher-safe components, which might appeal to those who prioritize convenience over versatility.

Where the Breville excels is in its powerful motor and precision slicing options, which neither competitor matches. That said, those looking for a lighter, more portable option might lean toward the KitchenAid.

Affordable Quality

In terms of cost efficiency, this processor feels like a worthwhile investment. While it might be priced higher than some entry-level models, the 10-year motor warranty and 1-year limited product warranty offer reassurance about its durability. Considering the multiple chute options, powerful motor, and wide range of slicing settings, it’s a product that delivers excellent value for the price. It feels like a tool built for serious home cooks and those who want to save time in the kitchen without compromising on quality.

Overall, the Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor stands out for its robust performance and versatility, even though it has minor downsides like the lack of dishwasher-safe parts. For anyone in the market for a reliable and feature-packed food processor, this one is definitely worth considering.

Additional information