Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor Review 2026: Worth Buying?

If you love spending time in the kitchen but hate the long hours of chopping, slicing, and shredding, the Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor might be the answer you need.

This machine has been a favorite among home cooks and food bloggers for years. But does it still hold up in 2026?

In this review, we break down everything about the Breville BFP660SIL Sous Chef 12. We cover its motor power, build quality, blade system, ease of use, and real user feedback.

By the end of this post, you will know if this Breville model deserves a spot on your countertop. Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

• The Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor features a powerful 1000-watt induction motor that handles tough ingredients like root vegetables and bread dough with ease. This motor runs quieter than many competing models in the same price range.
• It comes with an adjustable slicing disc with 24 settings, giving you full control over the thickness of your slices. This single disc replaces multiple fixed discs that other brands include in their boxes.
• The 5-inch wide feed chute is one of the largest in the 12-cup category. It fits whole tomatoes, potatoes, and other large produce, so you spend less time pre-cutting ingredients.
• Build quality is excellent. The work bowl, lid, and blades feel solid and durable. The micro-serrated S-blade is razor sharp and delivers consistent chopping results.
• The machine is easy to clean because the work bowl, lid, and blades are all dishwasher safe. The simple two-button interface (Pulse and Auto) makes operation straightforward.
• At its current price point, it sits in the premium segment. Budget shoppers may want to consider alternatives, but for serious home cooks, the investment pays off in performance and longevity.

Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor Overview

Last update on 2026-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor (model BFP660SIL) is a mid-size machine built for serious home cooking. It sits between the smaller Sous Chef 9 and the larger Sous Chef 16 in Breville’s lineup. The 12-cup capacity suits most households that cook for two to six people.

Breville designed this model with a direct-drive, 1000-watt induction motor. This motor type delivers consistent power without the belt-driven vibrations found in cheaper models. It stays quiet even under heavy loads, which is a welcome feature during early morning or late night cooking sessions.

The processor comes with a stainless steel micro-serrated S-blade, a reversible shredding disc, an adjustable slicing disc, and a dough blade. The adjustable slicer alone offers 24 thickness settings. This range covers everything from paper-thin cucumber slices to thick-cut potato rounds.

The overall footprint measures 7.5 x 8.5 x 17 inches, and the unit weighs about 16.5 pounds. It is compact enough for countertop storage but heavy enough to stay stable during use.

Motor Power and Performance

The heart of this food processor is its 1000-watt induction motor. This motor delivers high torque at low RPM, which means it can process hard ingredients without stalling. Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes are no challenge for this machine.

Induction motors last longer than standard motors because they have fewer moving parts. They also produce less heat during extended use. This matters if you plan to process large batches of ingredients in one session.

During testing, the motor handled frozen fruit smoothie bases, thick nut butters, and dense bread dough without slowing down. The pulse function gives short bursts of power for more controlled chopping. The auto function runs the blade continuously for purees, dips, and sauces.

The motor also includes a safety braking system. It stops the blade within seconds of opening the lid. This feature protects your fingers and gives you confidence during use. For a 12-cup food processor, this level of motor performance is hard to beat.

Build Quality and Design

Breville is known for premium build quality, and the Sous Chef 12 delivers on that reputation. The base is made from die-cast metal with a brushed stainless steel finish. It feels solid and looks stylish on any kitchen counter.

The 12-cup work bowl is made from BPA-free Tritan plastic. This material resists scratches, stains, and odors over time. The bowl features clear measurement markings on the side, so you can measure ingredients directly inside the processor.

The lid locks into place with a firm twist-and-click mechanism. It seals tightly to prevent leaks and spills during processing. The wide feed chute sits on top of the lid and includes three different pusher sizes for various ingredient shapes.

All the blades and discs are made from stainless steel. They maintain their sharpness through hundreds of uses. The overall build gives you a machine that feels like a professional tool rather than a basic kitchen gadget.

Top 3 Alternatives for Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor

Last update on 2026-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-09-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-08-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Adjustable Slicing Disc

One of the standout features of the Breville Sous Chef 12 is its adjustable slicing disc. This single disc replaces the multiple fixed-thickness discs that come with most other food processors. You can dial the thickness from paper thin to 8mm thick using 24 precise settings.

This disc works great for slicing cucumbers for salads, potatoes for gratins, and onions for caramelizing. The results are consistent and uniform. Each slice matches the last one, which makes for better cooking and better-looking dishes.

The disc folds flat for easy storage. This saves drawer space compared to owning three or four separate slicing discs. The adjustment dial sits on the top of the disc and clicks into each setting with a satisfying notch.

During testing, the disc handled both soft tomatoes and hard carrots without tearing or jamming. This versatility is a big time saver in the kitchen. If you value precise, uniform slices, this feature alone can justify the price of the Breville.

The Wide Feed Chute

The Breville Sous Chef 12 features a 5.5-inch extra-wide feed chute. This is one of the widest chutes available in the 12-cup food processor category. It fits whole tomatoes, small potatoes, and large chunks of cheese without pre-cutting.

The feed chute system includes three different pushers. The large pusher covers the full chute opening. A smaller pusher fits inside the large one for medium items. An even smaller pusher nests inside that one for items like carrots and celery sticks.

This nesting design keeps all three pushers together and organized. You won’t lose them in a drawer because they stack neatly into one unit. The pusher system also means your hands stay far away from the blades at all times.

The wide chute dramatically reduces prep time. You spend less time cutting ingredients down to size before feeding them into the machine. For busy weeknight dinners, this feature makes a real difference in your overall cooking speed.

Chopping and Pureeing Performance

The micro-serrated S-blade is the main chopping and pureeing attachment. Breville designed this blade with tiny serrations along the cutting edge. These serrations grip food and pull it into the blade, which results in cleaner, more even cuts.

For chopping tasks like dicing onions, mincing garlic, or breaking down herbs, the S-blade works fast. A few short pulses give you a rough chop. Longer processing creates a fine mince. The blade delivers consistent results without turning ingredients into mush.

Pureeing soups, hummus, and baby food is smooth and easy. The 12-cup bowl gives you enough room for large batches. The powerful motor ensures that even thick mixtures like nut butter and thick bean dips blend into a smooth consistency.

The blade also handles salsa, pesto, and pie crust dough. It chops and mixes without overworking the ingredients. For anyone who values precision in texture, this blade system delivers reliable performance every time.

Shredding and Grating Capabilities

The included reversible shredding disc offers two grating options in one attachment. One side produces a fine shred, and the other side produces a coarse shred. You flip the disc over to switch between settings.

Fine shredding works well for Parmesan cheese, chocolate, and hard vegetables like carrots. Coarse shredding is ideal for cheddar cheese, zucchini for baking, and cabbage for coleslaw. Both settings deliver uniform results.

The disc connects to the stainless steel spindle inside the bowl. It sits securely and does not wobble during use. The motor’s consistent speed ensures that every shred comes out the same size and shape.

For households that shred cheese frequently or make large batches of coleslaw, this disc saves a lot of hand-grating time. The results are cleaner and faster than a box grater. Cleanup is easy because the disc is dishwasher safe.

Dough Kneading Ability

The Breville Sous Chef 12 includes a dedicated dough blade for kneading bread and pizza dough. This blade is shorter and duller than the S-blade. Its design folds and stretches dough without cutting it.

The 1000-watt motor provides enough power to knead dense bread doughs without stalling. You can mix and knead a standard loaf of bread in about 60 seconds. Pizza dough, pasta dough, and pastry dough all work well in this machine.

The 12-cup bowl handles dough made from up to five cups of flour. This is enough for one large loaf or two small loaves. For larger batches, you would need to process the dough in two rounds.

While a stand mixer is still the best choice for heavy-duty bread baking, the Breville does a solid job for occasional dough work. If you bake once or twice a week, this processor can replace a stand mixer for most basic dough recipes.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning a food processor can be a chore, but the Breville Sous Chef 12 makes it simple. The work bowl, lid, feed chute, pushers, and all blades are dishwasher safe. You can place them on the top rack and let the machine do the work.

For hand washing, the wide bowl opening makes it easy to reach inside with a sponge. The bowl has no hard-to-reach crevices where food can hide. A quick rinse under warm water removes most residue.

The blades are extremely sharp, so handle them with care during cleaning. Breville includes a spatula tool that helps you remove food from the bowl without touching the blade. This tool also works well for scraping thick mixtures like hummus or dough.

The motor base only needs a wipe with a damp cloth. It should never be submerged in water. Overall, cleanup takes about three to five minutes, which is reasonable for a full-size food processor.

Noise Level

The Breville Sous Chef 12 is quieter than most food processors in its class. The induction motor runs at lower RPM with higher torque, which reduces the loud whirring noise common in belt-driven models.

During soft food processing like chopping tomatoes or making hummus, the noise level stays moderate and comfortable. You can hold a conversation nearby without shouting. Hard food processing like shredding carrots or kneading dough produces more noise, but it remains below the level of many competing models.

The heavy die-cast metal base absorbs vibrations well. The machine does not walk across the counter during use. The rubber feet on the bottom grip the surface and keep the unit in place.

If you live in an apartment or have young children napping nearby, the lower noise output of this Breville model is a practical advantage. It won’t wake anyone up during early morning meal prep sessions.

Breville Sous Chef 12 vs Breville Sous Chef 12 Plus

Many shoppers wonder about the difference between the Sous Chef 12 and the Sous Chef 12 Plus. The answer is straightforward. The 12 Plus includes a few extra accessories that the standard 12 does not.

The Plus model adds a small processing bowl that nests inside the large 12-cup bowl. This mini bowl is great for small tasks like mincing garlic, making salad dressings, or grinding spices. It comes with its own serrated mini S-blade.

The Plus also includes a blade and disc storage case. This case holds all the attachments in an organized tray. It protects the blades from damage and keeps everything in one place.

The motor, main bowl, slicing disc, shredding disc, and dough blade are identical in both versions. The Plus is not a 16-cup model. It is the same 12-cup processor with added accessories. If you want the extra mini bowl and storage case, the Plus is worth the small price bump.

Who Should Buy the Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor

Last update on 2026-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This food processor is best for home cooks who value precision and build quality. If you cook meals from scratch several times a week, the Breville Sous Chef 12 will save you significant prep time. Its adjustable slicer, powerful motor, and sharp blades handle almost any kitchen task.

It is also a great choice for anyone who is tired of replacing cheap food processors every two or three years. The Breville is built to last. Its induction motor, stainless steel blades, and solid construction mean this machine will serve you for many years.

Budget-conscious shoppers may find the price steep. If you only use a food processor once or twice a month, a less expensive model may suit your needs better. But for daily or weekly use, the Breville Sous Chef 12 offers strong value through durability and performance.

Families, meal preppers, and home chefs who enjoy making salsas, soups, slaws, and doughs will find this machine indispensable. It earns its place as one of the best 12-cup food processors available in 2026.

Pros and Cons of the Breville Sous Chef 12

Every product has strengths and weaknesses. Here is an honest look at both sides of the Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor.

On the positive side, the 1000-watt induction motor is powerful and quiet. The adjustable slicing disc with 24 settings gives you excellent control. The wide 5.5-inch feed chute fits large ingredients. The build quality is top-tier with die-cast metal and stainless steel components. All removable parts are dishwasher safe.

On the downside, the price is higher than many competitors. The standard model does not include a small processing bowl. The 12-cup capacity may be too small for large families or batch cooking. There is no built-in timer, which the Sous Chef 16 offers.

Overall, the pros heavily outweigh the cons. The few missing features are available if you upgrade to the Plus model or the 16-cup version. For most home cooks, the standard Sous Chef 12 offers everything you need in a compact and powerful package.

Final Verdict

The Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor remains one of the best options in its category in 2026. It combines a powerful motor, premium build quality, and smart design features into a reliable kitchen tool. The adjustable slicer, wide feed chute, and sharp S-blade make food prep fast and enjoyable.

If you are serious about cooking and want a food processor that will last for years, this Breville model is a smart investment. It outperforms most competitors in motor power, noise level, and slicing precision.

We recommend this processor for anyone who cooks at home regularly. It handles everything from quick weeknight dinners to weekend meal prep sessions. The Breville Sous Chef 12 earns a strong 4.5 out of 5 rating from us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor dishwasher safe?

Yes. The work bowl, lid, feed chute, pushers, and all blades and discs are dishwasher safe. Place them on the top rack for best results. The motor base should only be wiped with a damp cloth and should never be submerged in water.

What is the difference between the Breville Sous Chef 12 and the Sous Chef 16?

The Sous Chef 16 has a larger 16-cup work bowl, a built-in timer with auto-stop function, and additional processing discs. It also has a higher price. The Sous Chef 12 is more compact and costs less while sharing the same 1000-watt motor.

Can the Breville Sous Chef 12 knead bread dough?

Yes. It includes a dedicated dough blade and the 1000-watt motor provides enough power to knead standard bread and pizza dough. It can handle dough made from up to five cups of flour in a single batch.

Is the Breville Sous Chef 12 worth the price?

For regular home cooks, yes. The powerful motor, adjustable slicer, premium build quality, and long lifespan make it a strong value over time. If you only use a food processor occasionally, a budget model may be a better fit.

How loud is the Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor?

It is quieter than most food processors in its class. The induction motor runs at lower RPM, which reduces noise. It is comfortable to use without disturbing others nearby, though processing hard ingredients will naturally produce more sound.

Does the Breville Sous Chef 12 come with a warranty?

Yes. Breville offers a limited warranty on this food processor. Check the Breville website or your retailer for the most current warranty terms and coverage details in your region.