It wasn’t long ago that my kitchen routine felt like a never-ending cycle of tedious chopping, mincing, and grating. Every elaborate recipe I wanted to tackle seemed to require an army of pre-preparation, eating into valuable cooking time and leaving my countertops overflowing with cutting boards and knives. This constant battle with manual food prep was not only draining but also limited my culinary ambitions, making me shy away from complex dishes. If only I had known about the Breville BFP660SIL The Sous Chef 12 Food Processor, Silver sooner, it would have saved me countless hours and a significant amount of frustration in those earlier days. The sheer scale of the problem meant that without a powerful, versatile solution, my passion for cooking would remain constrained, unable to truly flourish.
Before diving headfirst into the world of sophisticated kitchen gadgets, it’s crucial to understand why a food processor might be an indispensable tool for you. A quality food processor is designed to liberate you from the mundane, repetitive tasks of chopping, slicing, grating, pureeing, and even kneading, allowing you to focus on the art of cooking. It transforms daunting prep work into a matter of minutes, significantly speeding up meal preparation and opening up a world of new recipes, from homemade nut butters and finely minced salsas to perfectly shredded cheeses and professional-grade doughs.
The ideal customer for a high-performance food processor is someone who frequently cooks, whether for a large family, for meal prepping, or simply enjoys experimenting with diverse recipes that demand efficient ingredient preparation. Home cooks who frequently bake or make large batches of sauces, soups, or salads will find it invaluable. However, if your cooking is primarily limited to simple, one-pot meals, or if counter space is a premium and you only occasionally need to chop an onion, a full-sized food processor might be overkill. In such cases, a mini chopper or a compact blender might be a more suitable, space-saving, and cost-effective alternative.
Before making your purchase, consider several key factors: capacity (how many cups you typically need for your batch sizes), motor power (crucial for handling tough ingredients like dough or hard vegetables), the range and quality of included attachments (slicing discs, shredding discs, S-blades), ease of cleaning, material durability, and counter space footprint. Also, think about noise levels, warranty, and customer support, as these aspects significantly impact long-term satisfaction.
- Three feed chute options
- adjustable slicer with 24 settings
- 1000 Watt Induction Motor; 21.6 x 19 x 43.2 cm ; 7 Kg
Introducing Your Kitchen Workhorse
The Breville BFP660SIL The Sous Chef 12 Food Processor, Silver is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a promise of precision and efficiency for every culinary task. This robust unit aims to simplify and elevate your food preparation, tackling everything from precise slicing and dicing to heavy-duty chopping, shredding, and even kneading bread with remarkable ease. When you unbox this impressive machine, you’ll find the heavy-duty motor base, a generous 12-cup capacity processing bowl, multiple feed chute options, an adjustable slicing disc with a wide range of settings, and the versatile micro-serrated S-Blade. While it doesn’t always come with the mini bowl and blade attachments as standard in all packages, the core unit itself is designed for broad utility.
Compared to some market leaders, the Breville Sous Chef 12 often stands out with its powerful induction motor and its unique adjustable slicing disc, offering a level of precision that many competitors can only dream of. Its predecessor models paved the way, but the BFP660SIL refines the experience with its thoughtful design and robust performance. This specific food processor is ideal for the enthusiastic home cook or the aspiring chef who demands reliability, power, and versatility for daily meal prep or larger entertaining events. It’s less suited for someone with limited kitchen space or those who only need a basic chopper for occasional use, as its size and advanced features might be more than they require.
Here’s a quick look at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Powerful 1000-watt induction motor handles tough ingredients with ease.
* Large 12-cup capacity perfect for batch cooking and larger families.
* Highly versatile with three feed chute options and an adjustable slicing disc (24 settings).
* Heavy, stable base ensures minimal movement during operation.
* Efficient micro-serrated S-Blade for consistent results.
Cons:
* Plastic components (lid, handle, chute) can be prone to cracking or breaking.
* Some users report it can be quite noisy during operation.
* Cleaning can be tricky, with issues like water condensation in the bowl handle and certain parts not being truly dishwasher safe.
* The spindle for the blade has a surprisingly sharp metal top, posing a minor injury risk.
* Customer support experiences can be inconsistent, with some users reporting difficulties.
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Unveiling Its Core Capabilities and Advantages
Having lived with the Breville BFP660SIL The Sous Chef 12 Food Processor, Silver for a considerable period, I can attest to its transformative impact on my kitchen workflow. Let’s delve into the features that make this kitchen workhorse truly shine, and where it occasionally falters.
The Powerhouse 1000-Watt Induction Motor
At the heart of the Breville Sous Chef 12 is its formidable 1000-watt induction motor. This isn’t just a number; it translates directly into performance. I’ve put this machine through its paces, from kneading stiff bread dough to grating blocks of rock-hard Parmesan cheese, and it handles everything without a hint of strain. There’s a noticeable difference compared to less powerful processors; instead of bogging down or struggling, the BFP660SIL maintains a consistent, powerful rotation. This direct drive control and overload protection instill confidence, knowing the motor won’t fail or falter even under heavy loads.
For me, the primary benefit is reliability and efficiency. Making homemade hummus is a breeze – chickpeas are rendered smooth and creamy in moments. Shredding multiple pounds of cheese for a lasagna or a large batch of tacos used to be a major arm workout, but now it’s a task I look forward to, knowing it’ll be done in under a minute. While some users have noted a discrepancy between the 1000W advertised and a 700W label on some units (reportedly for specific markets), my experience consistently reflects the power and capability expected of a 1000-watt machine. It genuinely feels like a professional-grade appliance, capable of handling culinary challenges that would overwhelm lesser machines.
Generous 12-Cup Capacity
The 12-cup capacity of the Breville BFP660SIL is a game-changer for anyone who cooks for a family or enjoys meal prepping. Gone are the days of having to process ingredients in multiple small batches. When I’m making a large batch of salsa for a party, or slicing potatoes for a gratin, I can load a significant amount of produce into the bowl at once, saving considerable time. This large capacity isn’t just about volume; it’s about streamlining the entire cooking process. For instance, when I make coleslaw, I can shred an entire head of cabbage and several carrots simultaneously, rather than stopping to empty the bowl repeatedly. This makes the food processor incredibly efficient for larger recipes or for preparing components for several meals at once. It means less time spent washing and reassembling parts, and more time enjoying the cooking process.
Versatile Feed Chute Options
One of the stand-out features of the Sous Chef 12 is its ingenious triple feed chute system. You get a generous 5-inch large feed chute, perfect for whole potatoes or larger vegetables, a 2 ¾-inch mid feed chute, and a 1 ½-inch mini feed chute. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s incredibly practical. The ability to choose the right chute size means less pre-cutting of ingredients. I can drop in an entire bell pepper or a large onion into the wide chute, or use the smaller chutes for items like carrots or celery sticks without them tipping over or getting stuck.
This versatility provides immense benefit in terms of convenience and consistent results. When slicing cucumbers for a salad, using the smaller chute ensures they stand upright, resulting in perfectly uniform rounds. For larger items like cabbage, the wide chute is a godsend. It reduces the need to stop and cut ingredients down to size, making the entire processing flow seamless and efficient.
Adjustable Slicing Disc with 24 Settings
The adjustable slicing disc on the Breville BFP660SIL is, in my opinion, one of its most impressive innovations. With 24 settings ranging from an incredibly thin 0.3mm (paper-thin slices) to a robust 8.0mm (thick cuts), it offers unparalleled precision and control. This feature alone opens up a world of culinary possibilities. I can create perfectly uniform potato slices for a gratin, delicate cucumber ribbons for a refreshing salad, or thick-cut vegetable sticks for roasting, all with a simple turn of a dial.
The benefit here is not just about precision, but also consistency. Every slice comes out exactly as intended, which makes a huge difference in both the aesthetics and texture of your dishes. No more uneven slices that cook at different rates! It’s robust and incredibly easy to adjust, making transitions between different slicing needs quick and effortless. This level of customization allows for truly professional results in a home kitchen.
Micro-Serrated S-Blade for Consistent Results
The micro-serrated S-Blade that comes with the Breville Sous Chef 12 is a workhorse in itself. It’s designed for swift action, ensuring consistent chopping, mixing, and processing across a wide variety of ingredients. Whether I’m mincing garlic and herbs for a marinade, pureeing fruits for a smoothie, or creating a smooth batter, this blade delivers. The serrated edges seem to grab ingredients more effectively, resulting in a finer, more even chop without over-processing.
This consistency is vital for achieving desired textures in recipes. When making pesto, the basil, nuts, and cheese are perfectly incorporated. For breadcrumbs, stale bread is transformed into uniform crumbs rather than chunky bits and fine powder. This blade truly solves the core problem of uneven ingredient preparation, ensuring every dish benefits from uniform size and texture, which impacts cooking time and overall flavour distribution.
Design, Durability, and Maintenance Realities
The Breville BFP660SIL boasts a sleek silver design and a reassuringly heavy motor base. This weight contributes to its stability on the counter, preventing it from “walking” or vibrating excessively during operation, a common issue with lighter models. For the most part, the machine feels sturdy and well-built.
However, after extended use, I’ve encountered some of the durability concerns echoed by other users. While the motor is incredibly robust, the plastic components, specifically the lid, the processing bowl handle, and even the feed chute itself, seem to be the Achilles’ heel. I’ve heard stories and experienced personally that they can be somewhat prone to cracking if accidentally dropped or mishandled. This is a significant drawback given the premium price point; one would expect all components to match the motor’s robustness. The design also presents some cleaning challenges. While touted as dishwasher-safe, the large pusher piece explicitly states it’s not, and the 12-cup top unit is recommended for hand washing or only “occasionally” on the top rack – which it often doesn’t fit due to its height. Furthermore, water can get trapped and condense inside the processing bowl’s handle, posing a potential hygiene concern as it’s almost impossible to dry completely. A minor but annoying point is the sharp metal top of the spindle, which I’ve unfortunately cut myself on once or twice when removing it, as you don’t expect that part to be sharp. These issues don’t detract from its performance but do impact the overall user experience and long-term care.
Voices from the Kitchen: User Experiences
After scouring online communities and customer feedback, it’s clear that the general sentiment towards the Breville BFP660SIL The Sous Chef 12 Food Processor, Silver is largely positive, albeit with some consistent critiques. Many users rave about the sheer power of the motor, noting its ability to tackle demanding tasks like shredding hard cheese or kneading dough without faltering, a common pain point with lesser machines. The hefty base is frequently praised for its stability, giving a sense of solid, reliable construction. While some have found it a bit noisy, many appreciate its ease of assembly and intuitive operation. On the other hand, the durability of the plastic parts, particularly the lid and bowl handle, is a recurring concern, with several accounts of them cracking or breaking from minor mishaps. Despite this, some customers have had positive experiences with Breville’s customer service regarding replacements, while others have found support to be frustratingly unresponsive. Overall, it’s seen as a powerful kitchen aid that significantly streamlines food prep, though potential buyers should be mindful of the plastic component fragility and varied customer service experiences.
Final Thoughts on Elevating Your Kitchen
The never-ending chore of manual food preparation is a common hurdle for many home cooks, eating into precious time and limiting culinary creativity. Without an efficient solution, complicated recipes remain out of reach, and the joy of cooking can quickly turn into a monotonous grind of chopping and dicing. The consistent results and significant time savings offered by a high-quality food processor are essential for anyone serious about improving their kitchen experience.
The Breville BFP660SIL The Sous Chef 12 Food Processor, Silver stands out as an excellent choice to conquer this problem. Its powerful 1000-watt induction motor ensures it can handle any task you throw at it, from tough doughs to hard cheeses, without missing a beat. The generous 12-cup capacity and the incredibly versatile adjustable slicing disc, with its 24 settings, mean you can process large quantities with precision, greatly reducing prep time for family meals or entertaining. While its plastic parts require careful handling, the core performance and features of this Breville food processor truly set it apart, making it a powerful and efficient ally in any kitchen. To see how this machine can transform your cooking, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-08-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API