Breville Sous Chef 12 Food Processor Review Powerful Features and Precision Performance Explored

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Powerful Performance and Versatile Functionality

Testing the Breville BFP660SIL Sous Chef 12 Cup Food Processor, Silver in my kitchen was quite an experience. The heavy-duty induction motor really stands out, delivering consistent power without overheating or faltering, even when handling tough ingredients like nuts and dense vegetables. This processor handled everything from chopping garlic to kneading bread dough effortlessly, which honestly surprised me. The 1000-watt motor combined with the direct drive control system provides a smooth and reliable performance that makes food prep feel less like a chore.

The multiple feed chutes are a thoughtful addition. There’s a 5-inch large feed chute, a 2 ¾ inch mid feed chute, and a 1 ½ inch mini feed chute, which made feeding in different sizes of vegetables or fruits much easier. For example, the mini chute worked perfectly for small items like garlic cloves and prevented carrots from tipping over during slicing. This variety in chute sizes speeds up prep time and reduces the need to pre-cut ingredients.

Highlights: What Makes It Stand Out

• Precision slicing with 24 adjustable settings, from a paper-thin 0.3mm cut to a thick 8.0mm slice — perfect for everything from delicate garnishes to chunky salads.
• The micro-serrated S-blade chops, mixes, and processes ingredients consistently, avoiding uneven textures.
• A safety braking system instantly stops the blades if the lid is opened unexpectedly, which gave me peace of mind while juggling kitchen tasks.

It’s clear this machine was designed with both function and safety in mind, which is a big plus in a busy kitchen.

Downsides to Keep in Mind

• The plastic blade material feels less durable compared to metal blades found in some competitors; I noticed it dulled slightly after heavy use, especially with tougher ingredients.
• Despite the dishwasher-safe claim for some components, the main bowl and blade require careful hand washing, which can be a bit tedious after extensive use.
• The whole unit is quite heavy, tipping the scales at 15.9 pounds, making it less portable if you prefer moving appliances around your kitchen often.

These drawbacks don’t ruin the experience but are worth considering if you expect to use the processor daily or need something lighter.

Ease of Use and Design

The intuitive controls and robust build make using this processor a straightforward affair. I appreciated the clear labeling on the variable slicing disc, which allows fast switching between thickness settings without guesswork. Also, the three different feed chutes help avoid the usual frustration of forcing oversized chunks into narrow openings. This thoughtful design minimizes prep time and enhances safety.

However, the processor’s footprint is somewhat larger than others, measuring 8.5 inches deep, 7.52 inches wide, and 17.01 inches high. It requires a decent amount of counter space, so if your kitchen is cramped, this might be a consideration. On the bright side, the sleek silver finish gives it a modern aesthetic that fits well with most kitchen decors.

Comparing to Market Rivals

This food processor holds its own against well-known competitors like the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY and the KitchenAid KFP1466CU. The Breville’s motor offers superior power and quieter operation, which really impressed me during heavy-duty tasks. Its adjustable slicing disc with 24 settings surpasses the fixed or limited options on many rivals, offering more versatility.

On the flip side, some competitors feature metal blades that tend to last longer and have slightly larger bowl capacities, which can be a deciding factor for users preparing large meals regularly. The Breville’s price point feels justified by its advanced motor and safety features, but some may prefer a lighter or more compact model from other brands.

Value Proposition: Is It Worth the Investment?

This food processor represents a solid value for money, especially if you’re looking for a machine that can handle a wide range of kitchen tasks without struggling. The 10-year motor warranty is reassuring and suggests the manufacturer’s confidence in durability. While the upfront cost might be higher than some entry-level models, the combination of robust construction, power, and safety features justifies the expense in my opinion.

Keep in mind that the attachment options and variable slicing adjustments add to the processor’s versatility, making it suitable not only for chopping or slicing but also for kneading dough and shredding vegetables. This breadth of capabilities means fewer gadgets cluttering your kitchen, which is always a bonus.

Practical Insights from Daily Use

My family quickly noticed the difference this food processor made in meal prep. My partner, who usually finds chopping tedious, enjoyed the consistent results and the easy-to-use feed chutes. The kids even got involved making pizza dough with the kneading function, which was surprisingly easy to activate and effective. One minor hiccup was the noise level during prolonged use, which is louder than some quieter models I’ve tried, but not excessively so.

The safety braking mechanism did come into play once when I accidentally lifted the lid mid-cycle, halting the blades immediately. This feature prevented what could have been an injury or mess, which definitely boosted my confidence in the machine.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning the food processor is mostly manageable, though the plastic blades require gentle handling to avoid damage. I found that the bowl and attachments fit nicely in the dishwasher’s top rack, but the main blade assembly needs hand washing. This isn’t a huge inconvenience but worth noting for those who prefer fully dishwasher-safe appliances.

The robust construction materials suggest the unit will stand up to regular use, but I recommend taking care to avoid abrasive cleaners or rough scrubbers. The shiny silver finish cleans up easily with a damp cloth, maintaining its sleek appearance without much effort.

Reviewing this kitchen powerhouse was eye-opening, revealing a machine that’s as reliable as it is versatile, with a few quirks that every user should consider. The precision, power, and safety features make it a standout choice for serious home cooks, while the weight and blade material might deter some looking for ultra-light or metal-blade options. Overall, it’s a robust, thoughtfully designed food processor that brings professional-grade capabilities into the home kitchen.

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