Here’s a detailed rundown of the Breville BFP660SIL Sous Chef 12‑Cup Food Processor — its features, pros & cons, and whether it might be a good fit for your kitchen:
Key Features & Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 cups for dry ingredients, ~8½ cups for liquids. |
| Motor Power | 1,000 watts induction motor with direct‑drive and overload protection. |
| Feed Chutes | Three sizes: • Large – ~13 cm (5 in) • Medium – ~7 cm (2.75 in) • Mini – ~4 cm (1.5 in) — for small or long items (e.g. carrots) so they don’t tip while slicing. |
| Slicing & Shredding Discs / Blades | • Adjustable slicing disc (24 settings), from very thin ~0.3 mm to thick ~8 mm. • Micro‑serrated S‑blade for chopping/mixing. • Reversible shredding discs (fine & coarse). • Dough blade included. |
| Controls / Speeds | Two modes: “On” (continuous) and “Pulse” for more control. |
| Safety / Other Design Features | • Safety‑interlock mechanism: unit only operates when bowl & lid are properly locked and feed chute pusher inserted. • Safety braking system: blade stops quickly if lid is opened. • Push‑in cord storage. • Non‑slip feet to keep stable. |
| Construction / Materials | • Bowl is BPA‑free high‑impact plastic. • Stainless steel spindle, disc/blade components. • Die‑cast and reinforced hub. |
| Size / Dimensions | Around 7.5‑8.5 in wide, ~17 in high, depth about 9‑10 in depending on how you measure (some sources say ~12.8 in depth including feed chute). Weight ~16 lbs (≈ 7–8 kg). |
| Voltage / Region | Model is 110‑120 V, so in places with 220‑240 V power you’d need a suitable transformer or ensure a compatible version is available. |
| Warranty | 1‑year limited product warranty; 10‑year warranty on the motor. |
What It Does Well (Pros)
- Powerful and efficient: The 1,000 W motor handles tough jobs like kneading dough, pureeing, slicing dense roots etc., without bogging down.
- Very versatile slicing: Adjustable slicing disc with 24 settings is quite rare / premium — gives a lot of control over slice thickness.
- Multiple chute sizes: Helps reduce prep work (cutting big pieces) and prevents issues with long items tipping.
- Good safety & build: Interlocks and safety braking reduce risk. Solid build (steel parts and reinforced hub) improves durability.
- Reasonable size for what it offers: Though heavy, it’s not excessively large in footprint compared to what some 16‑cup models are.
What Might Be Less Good (Cons)
- Weight / Bulkiness: At ~16 lbs and with a tall profile, it takes up space and can be heavy to move. If you have a small kitchen or limited counter space, this could be a factor.
- Voltage limitation: If you’re outside the 110‑120 V region and don’t have a version tailored for higher voltage, you’ll need a converter. That adds cost/complexity.
- Many parts to clean & store: Various discs, blades, chutes, etc., plus multiple parts in the lid/bowl — more cleaning and storage considerations. Some users report parts trapping moisture/food in crevices.
- Price: It’s more premium — you pay for quality, but cost is higher than simpler machines. If you don’t need all the features, a less feature‑rich model might suffice.
- Only two speeds: No variable speed control beyond On and Pulse. For some recipes, more speed settings could be helpful.
Is It a Good Fit For You?
Here are some questions to ask yourself; depending on your answers, this model may be excellent — or overkill.
- Do you often prepare large batches, big quantities, or hard/dense ingredients (e.g. root vegetables, dough, nut butters)? If yes → the power & capacity are useful.
- Do you have space (on countertop / storage) to accommodate it, and don’t mind moving a heavier appliance when needed?
- Will you use the extra attachments (adjustable slicer, multiple chutes, dough blade)? If you only chop occasionally, many of its “high‑end” features may be under‑used.
- Are you okay with more cleaning (washing several parts by hand, making sure parts dry properly)?
- Is voltage compatible (or are you okay buying a local version or using converter)?
