There was a time when preparing elaborate meals felt like an insurmountable task, largely due to the sheer volume of chopping, slicing, and dicing required. I often found myself spending more time on prep work than on the actual cooking, leading to culinary fatigue and a reluctance to experiment. The absence of a truly efficient kitchen companion meant endless manual labour, inconsistent results, and the risk of dulling knives and tiring hands. If only I had discovered the Breville BFP820BAL The Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor sooner, it would have saved me countless hours and a significant amount of frustration in the kitchen.
- Peeling and Dicing Capabilities with LCD timer
- BPA free Shatter proof 16 cup large bowl plus 2.5 cup mini bowl included
- Comes with a separate accessory storage kit for all the stainless steel blades and accessories
Important Considerations Before Investing in a Food Processor
A food processor is an invaluable asset for anyone serious about cooking, designed to streamline tasks that would otherwise be laborious and time-consuming. It’s sought after for its ability to chop, shred, slice, dice, purée, and even knead dough, making it a cornerstone for meal prep, baking, and entertaining. The ideal customer for a high-capacity, versatile food processor is someone who cooks frequently, prepares meals for families or larger gatherings, or engages in bulk food processing for canning or freezing. This includes busy home cooks, aspiring chefs, and even small restaurant owners looking for a robust kitchen workhorse.
On the other hand, if you’re an infrequent cook, have very limited counter or storage space, or primarily make single-serving meals, a smaller, less powerful model or even a mini chopper might suffice. Over-investing in a machine with features you won’t use can lead to clutter and wasted money. Before committing to a purchase, consider the bowl capacity you genuinely need, the types of tasks you’ll perform most often (slicing, dicing, kneading), the motor’s wattage for power, and the available attachments. Don’t forget to think about ease of cleaning and overall durability, as these factors significantly impact long-term satisfaction.
- MOST POWERFUL KITCHEN FOOD PROCESSOR: The 850-peak-watt motor can process the toughest ingredients with ease. (under 9-cups, based on rated wattage and listed bowl capacity).
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Simply set the workbowl on the base and lock with the lid—no twisting needed! For safety, the processor won’t run unless the cover is securely locked, thanks to the built-in...
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Unveiling the Breville BFP820BAL The Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor
The Breville BFP820BAL The Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor is a premium kitchen appliance that promises to revolutionize your food preparation with its innovative peeling and dicing capabilities. Upon purchase, it comes equipped with a comprehensive array of accessories, including a 12mm Dicing Kit, Peeling Disc, Micro-Serrated S-Blade, Reversible Shredding Disc, Variable Slicing Disc, Julienne Disc, French Fry Cutting Disc, Whisking Disc, Mini Blade, and Dough Blade, all neatly organized within a dedicated accessory storage box. This model stands out from its predecessors and many market competitors due to its unique peeling function and sophisticated dicing mechanism, designed to deliver unparalleled precision and consistency.
This specific food processor is ideally suited for culinary enthusiasts and busy households who regularly prepare large quantities of food and demand professional-level results at home. It’s perfect for those who desire perfectly diced vegetables for soups, salads, or stews, or for simplifying the tedious task of peeling potatoes for a family dinner. It’s less suited for individuals with minimal kitchen space, those on a very tight budget, or someone who only needs basic chopping for single servings.
Here’s a quick look at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Peeling and Dicing Capabilities: Significantly reduces prep time for tedious tasks.
* Powerful 1200W Induction Motor: Handles tough ingredients with ease and quiet operation.
* Large 16-Cup Bowl & Mini Bowl: Accommodates both large and small batches.
* Extensive Accessory Kit & Storage: Versatile for many tasks, organized storage.
* Durable & High-Quality Construction: Built to last with a heavy, stable base.
Cons:
* Challenging Clean-up: The dicing kit and other sharp parts can be difficult and time-consuming to clean, trapping small food bits.
* Bulky & Requires Significant Storage: Its large size and numerous accessories demand considerable cabinet space.
* Learning Curve for Dicer: The dicing mechanism can be complex to set up initially and may require consulting the manual.
* Limitations on Dicing Size: The included dicing kit provides only one size, which may not be ideal for all culinary needs.
* Customer Service & Warranty Concerns: Some users have reported issues with Breville’s customer service regarding warranty claims for parts.
A Deep Dive into Key Features and Their Benefits
Having used the Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice for quite some time, I can attest to how its standout features truly make a difference in day-to-day cooking. This isn’t just another appliance; it’s a culinary partner that tackles some of the most frustrating aspects of food preparation.
Peeling and Dicing Capabilities with LCD Timer
This is, without a doubt, the flagship feature of the Sous Chef 16 Peel & Dice. The ability to peel vegetables automatically is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever faced a mountain of potatoes or endured the sticky process of peeling beets. You simply load up to seven potatoes at a time, or equivalent amounts of sweet potatoes or carrots, and the machine handles the hard work. While it truly shines with potatoes, making them ready for mashing or roasting in minutes, some users find the effort to set up and clean the peeler for smaller tasks, like a single carrot, might outweigh the benefit compared to a hand peeler. However, for batch cooking or preparing for a crowd, it’s an absolute lifesaver.
The dicing kit is equally impressive. It uses a two-step process that first slices and then dices, ensuring incredibly uniform 12mm cubes. This precision is invaluable for professional-looking salads, consistent cooking of vegetables in soups and stews, or even making large batches of salsa. The consistency in size also means even cooking, which directly translates to better flavour and texture in your finished dishes. This feature alone drastically cuts down on manual chopping, particularly for strong-smelling items like onions, allowing you to dice several pounds without shedding a single tear. The challenge, however, lies in the cleanup; the dicing grid can trap small food particles, requiring dedicated effort and the included cleaning brush to truly get it spotless.
The integrated LCD timer is a convenient addition, helping you keep track of processing times for optimal results, especially when following recipes that specify precise durations.
Powerful 1200-Watt Induction Motor
At the heart of this machine lies a robust 1200-watt induction motor. This direct-drive, high-torque motor is designed to handle the toughest ingredients without flinching. Whether you’re kneading stiff dough, processing hard root vegetables, or blitzing ice, the motor provides consistent power without bogging down. It runs quietly compared to many traditional food processors, which is a welcome relief in any kitchen. The induction motor technology, akin to that found in high-performance electric vehicles, ensures durability and efficiency without the wear and tear of brushes, contributing to the appliance’s overall longevity. This raw power allows you to process large quantities quickly, maintaining speed even when the bowl is full.
Generous Bowl Capacity with Mini Bowl
The main 16-cup (6-liter) BPA-free, shatter-proof bowl is exceptionally spacious, making it perfect for large-scale meal prep, entertaining, or processing garden harvests. You can shred a large block of cheese, knead dough for a few loaves of bread, or purée a big batch of soup without needing to work in multiple shifts.
Complementing the large bowl is a 2.5-cup mini bowl with its own mini blade. This thoughtful addition is perfect for smaller tasks that don’t warrant the large bowl, such as chopping herbs, nuts, garlic, or making small amounts of dressings or baby food. This dual-bowl system significantly enhances the machine’s versatility, preventing you from having to use the larger setup for a single onion or a handful of ingredients.
Extra-Wide Feed Chute and Three Chute Options
The extra-wide feed chute is a significant convenience, allowing you to insert larger pieces of produce without much pre-chopping. This means less time spent preparing ingredients before they even enter the processor. It’s particularly useful for slicing potatoes, shredding cabbage, or dicing whole onions. The safety stop mechanism ensures the machine won’t operate unless the chute is correctly assembled, prioritizing user safety.
Furthermore, Breville has designed the this food processor with three feed chute options. This innovative design caters to different ingredient sizes and desired outcomes, enabling more precise results. For instance, the larger dicing area allows the machine to create more cubes in a single push, and the 360º Dicing Grid can handle up to 10 cups of continuous dicing, which is impressive for high-volume tasks.
Versatile Blade and Disc System with Storage
The Breville BFP820BAL comes with an impressive array of stainless steel blades and discs, each designed for specific functions:
* Micro-Serrated S-Blade: This is your go-to blade for general chopping, mixing, and processing. Its design ensures swift and consistent action, turning ingredients into uniform textures, whether you need a coarse chop or a fine purée.
* Variable Slicing Disc: With 24 settings, you can precisely adjust the thickness of your slices from a paper-thin 0.3 mm up to a substantial 8.0 mm. This unparalleled control is fantastic for everything from delicate potato gratin slices to thick vegetable chips.
* Reversible Shredding Disc: This disc allows you to switch between fine and coarse shredding, ideal for cheese, carrots, or cabbage. Remember, for best results with cheese, it should be very cold and firm, or even partially frozen.
* Julienne Disc & French Fry Cutting Disc: These discs allow you to create long, thin strips for stir-fries, salads, or, theoretically, french fries. However, as noted by some experienced users, while the French Fry disc is included, for true, consistent french fries, a dedicated commercial-style cutter or a robust mandolin might yield better results, as this machine’s disc is not designed for the same output as an industrial setup.
* Whisking Disc & Dough Blade: The whisking disc can be used for light whisking tasks, such as incorporating air into batters or whipping cream. However, it’s important to note that, as some seasoned users point out, achieving stiff peaks for meringues with egg whites in a plastic bowl, or one with any trace of fat, can be challenging; a copper bowl is generally preferred for such delicate tasks. The dough blade efficiently kneads bread and pizza doughs, taking the manual labor out of baking.
All these accessories, including a cleaning brush and plastic spatula, fit neatly into a separate, convenient storage box. This dedicated storage system is a massive benefit, keeping your blades sharp, protected, and easily accessible, while preventing them from cluttering your drawers.
No-Slip Rubber Feet
Often overlooked, the small detail of non-slip rubber feet makes a significant difference. The machine stays firmly in place on your countertop, even when tackling tough ingredients or operating at high speeds. This stability enhances safety and confidence during use, preventing any unwanted movement or vibrations.
Overall Build Quality and Size Considerations
The the Sous Chef Peel and Dice feels incredibly robust and well-built. Its stainless steel and heavy-duty plastic construction gives it a substantial weight, indicating its quality and stability. This isn’t a flimsy appliance that will wobble under pressure. However, this robust build and extensive accessory set come with a caveat: its size. This machine is quite tall and takes up considerable counter space, and its dedicated accessory box also requires a large cabinet or pantry space for storage. For those with compact kitchens, this is a significant consideration. Additionally, some users, particularly shorter individuals, might find the height of the feed chute opening, when fully assembled, requires them to stand on a stool for comfortable access.
What Real Users Are Saying: Social Validation
I’ve perused numerous online discussions and reviews, and it’s clear that the general sentiment towards this Breville appliance is overwhelmingly positive. Many long-time food processor owners, including those who’ve used premium brands for decades, consider this machine to be superior in performance and versatility. People consistently praise its quiet operation, immense capacity, and the sheer speed at which it processes ingredients. The organized accessory storage case is a frequently mentioned highlight, as is the adjustable dicing disc and the wide feed chute. Users particularly rave about its precision in dicing smaller, pungent vegetables like Spanish onions, making quick work of large quantities without the usual tearing up. It’s often lauded as the best home food processor available, especially for tasks like making mayonnaise or shredding large amounts of cheese quickly.
However, some less positive experiences have also been noted. A few users encountered issues with parts, such as blades detaching from the dicing kit on initial use, and expressed frustration with Breville’s customer service regarding warranty claims for parts. Others found the extensive number of pieces and the dicing kit’s setup to be somewhat overwhelming and time-consuming, with tiny food bits stubbornly sticking in the sharp grooves, making cleanup a tedious chore despite the included tools. The tall profile and need for considerable storage space are also points raised by some, along with the observation that despite having a French fry disc, it doesn’t replicate the performance of a dedicated, industrial fry cutter.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Culinary Workhorse for You?
Ultimately, the Breville BFP820BAL The Sous Chef Peel and Dice Food Processor is designed to tackle the most time-consuming aspects of food preparation, from precise dicing to effortless peeling. The problem it solves is the manual, often tedious, labour involved in consistent chopping, slicing, and pureeing, which can deter even enthusiastic cooks from creating complex dishes or cooking in bulk. Without such a powerful appliance, home cooks face endless hours of knife work, inconsistent results, and potential kitchen fatigue.
This Breville Sous Chef Peel and Dice is an excellent fit for solving these problems because of its powerful 1200-watt motor that effortlessly handles tough ingredients, its innovative peeling and dicing capabilities that significantly reduce prep time for specific tasks, and its versatile array of blades and discs that cater to a wide range of culinary needs. While it has a few drawbacks, primarily around cleaning and its substantial size, its robust performance and comprehensive feature set make it a top-tier choice for serious home cooks. If you’re ready to elevate your kitchen game and minimize prep work, I highly recommend checking out this exceptional machine. To learn more and see if it’s the right investment for your culinary journey, click here.
Last update on 2025-08-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API