Breville Sous Chef 16 Review

The Breville Sous Chef 16 is a name that comes up often when serious home cooks talk about food processors. It promises professional-grade performance, and it delivers. But is it the right choice for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review. We'll cover who it's for, standout features, real-world performance, ease of use, cleaning, value, and how it stacks up against close alternatives.

Design and Build

The Sous Chef 16 is a substantial machine. It stands over 17 inches tall and weighs nearly 19 pounds, so it's not something you'll tuck away easily. The body is made of die-cast metal and heavy-duty plastic, giving it a premium feel. The work bowl is BPA-free and clear, so you can see what's happening inside. The base has a sturdy footprint with non-slip feet, and the feed chute is wide enough to accommodate whole fruits and vegetables.

One standout design feature is the feed chute. It's angled so you can add ingredients while the machine is running without removing the lid. This is a huge convenience when you're making vinaigrettes or need to add liquids slowly. The lid locks securely, and the interlocking mechanism ensures the machine won't start unless everything is properly assembled.

Performance

The 1200-watt motor is the heart of this machine. It powers through tough ingredients like nuts, hard cheeses, and even frozen fruit with ease. The chopping blade produces consistent results, and the shredding disc handles carrots, potatoes, and cheese without shredding them to mush. The adjustable slicing disc is a game-changer: you can dial in thickness from paper-thin to thick, which is perfect for salads or gratins.

Dough kneading is a highlight. The dough blade and motor can handle up to 2 pounds of bread dough, and users report smooth, elastic results in about a minute. The machine also comes with three bowls: the 16-cup main bowl, a 12.5-cup bowl (which fits inside the main bowl), and a 2.5-cup small bowl for tasks like chopping herbs or making pesto. This versatility means you can process small amounts without having to scrape down a huge bowl.

Ease of Use

Setting up the Sous Chef 16 is straightforward, though the lid alignment can be a bit finicky at first. Once you get the hang of it, it's smooth. The controls are simple: a push-button pulse and a dial with off, low, high, and pulse settings. The feed chute is wide, so you can drop in whole tomatoes or apples without pre-cutting. The adjustable slicing disc is easy to operate, and you can change thickness mid-task.

The included spatula is designed to scrape the bowl while the machine runs, which is a nice touch. However, some users find that the spatula doesn't reach all the way to the bottom, so you may need to stop and scrape manually for thick mixtures.

Cleaning

Cleaning is a mixed bag. The work bowls, lids, and most accessories are dishwasher safe, which is convenient. However, the slicing and shredding discs are recommended for hand washing to preserve their sharpness. The discs have small crevices that can trap food, so they need a bit of scrubbing. The main bowl is easy to rinse, but the lid has a gasket that can collect debris, so you may need to remove it for thorough cleaning.

Overall, cleaning takes a few minutes, but it's not a deal-breaker. Many users say it's easier than cleaning a blender, but not as simple as a basic food processor with fewer parts.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the Sous Chef 16 has overwhelmingly positive reviews, there are some recurring complaints. The most common is the price: it's significantly more expensive than many competitors. Some users also mention the size and weight as a drawback, especially if they have limited counter space. A few users have reported issues with the lid cracking over time, though this seems to be rare. Another minor complaint is that the feed chute pusher doesn't have a hole to allow air to escape, which can cause ingredients to stick when processing dry items.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to the Cuisinart Custom 14, the Breville offers more power, a larger bowl, and the adjustable slicing disc. The Cuisinart is lighter and less expensive, but it lacks the finesse of the Breville. The KitchenAid 13-Cup is also a strong competitor, but it has a smaller motor and doesn't include the extra bowls. The Magimix 5200XL is a direct rival with similar capacity and power, but it's even more expensive and harder to find in the US.

For most home cooks, the Breville Sous Chef 16 is the best balance of power, precision, and versatility. If you're on a budget, a mid-range model like the Cuisinart might be a better fit, but you'll miss out on the advanced features.

Value and Verdict

The Breville Sous Chef 16 is not cheap, but it's an investment that pays off for serious cooks. It can replace multiple appliances: a food processor, a mandoline (for slicing), and even a stand mixer for dough tasks. The build quality suggests it will last for years, and the 2-year warranty provides peace of mind.

If you're someone who loves to cook from scratch, entertains often, or simply wants a reliable workhorse in the kitchen, the Sous Chef 16 is worth every penny. If you're a casual cook who only needs to chop an onion occasionally, you can save money with a simpler model. But for those who demand performance and precision, this is the one.

FAQ

Is the Breville Sous Chef 16 dishwasher safe?

Most parts are dishwasher safe, but the discs should be hand washed. Check the manual for the specific list.

Can it knead bread dough?

Yes, it handles up to 2 pounds of dough with ease.

How does the adjustable slicing disc work?

You turn a dial on the side to change slice thickness from 0.3mm to 6mm.

Is it noisy?

It's comparable to other high-powered processors, not excessively loud.

What's the difference between the Sous Chef 16 and 12?

The 16 has a larger bowl, more power, and includes the small bowl and adjustable disc.