The Breville Paradise 16 and Sous Chef 16 are two high-capacity food processors that share the same powerful 1200-watt motor and 16-cup bowl, but they target different home cooks. The Paradise 16 focuses on delivering robust, core performance with a minimalist aesthetic, while the Sous Chef 16 is aimed at culinary enthusiasts, offering more specialized attachments and pro-grade versatility for complex recipes.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these powerful kitchen appliances is the right fit for you.
Breville Paradise 16
The Breville Paradise 16 is a high-performance food processor designed to be a reliable workhorse for everyday cooks and families. It excels at managing large batches, from chopping pounds of vegetables for meal prep to mixing large quantities of dough. With its powerful motor and streamlined set of attachments, it simplifies demanding kitchen tasks without overwhelming the user with overly specific, single-use accessories.
- What it is: A high-capacity, versatile food processor ideal for families, entertainers, and serious meal preppers.
- Key features: Powerful 1200-watt induction motor, generous 16-cup BPA-free bowl, variable speed settings with a pulse function, and essential attachments including multiple blades and a dough hook.
- Price: $399–$429
- Dimensions: Approximately 8.5" W x 9" D x 17" H.
- Materials/Construction: A heavy and stable die-cast metal base, a durable BPA-free plastic bowl, and sharp stainless steel blades.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist, with clean lines and a modern matte finish that blends well into contemporary kitchen designs.
- Pros: Excellent power for handling tough ingredients and large batches. Durable, high-quality build. Simple to use with intuitive controls. Easier to store fewer attachments. Great value for its power and capacity.
- Cons: Lacks some of the highly specialized discs (like julienne) found in other premium models. Its large size requires significant countertop or storage space.
This model is purpose-built for home cooks who need dependable power and capacity for demanding, large-scale prep work.
Shop this product: breville.com
Breville Sous Chef 16
The Breville Sous Chef 16 is a top-tier food processor for the serious culinary enthusiast who wants professional-grade precision and versatility. It has the same formidable power and capacity as the Paradise 16 but comes with an extensive array of attachments that unlock advanced techniques - from perfect julienned vegetables to silky smooth emulsions. It's designed for cooks who view their food processor as a central hub for creative kitchen projects.
- What it is: A multi-functional, professional-grade food processor for avid home chefs who require maximum versatility.
- Key features: Robust 1200-watt motor, a 16-cup large bowl alongside a smaller 2.5-cup bowl, and a comprehensive set of accessories, often including julienne, French fry, and emulsifying discs.
- Price: $399–$459
- Dimensions: Approximately 8.5" W x 9" D x 17" H.
- Materials/Construction: Premium die-cast metal base for stability, high-impact BPA-free plastic for the bowls, and precisely engineered stainless steel blades and discs.
- Style: An industrial, professional-inspired look with sophisticated design accents that make a statement on the countertop.
- Pros: Extremely versatile thanks to its vast accessory kit. The dual bowls handle both large and small jobs efficiently. Exceptional power and precision for consistent results. Solid, long-lasting construction.
- Cons: Can be slightly more expensive. The large number of accessories requires considerable storage space. May be more machine than a casual cook needs.
This appliance is perfect for the adventurous cook who needs a wide range of functions to execute complex recipes with precision.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/food-processors/bfp800.html
Breville Paradise 16 vs. Sous Chef 16 Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Both the Paradise 16 and the Sous Chef 16 share a nearly identical footprint, measuring around 17 inches tall and 9 inches deep. Neither is a compact machine, both are designed for performance and require dedicated countertop or cabinet space. Their 16-cup capacity is excellent for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week but can feel oversized for tiny jobs like mincing a single clove of garlic (though the Sous Chef 16 often includes a mini bowl to solve this).
When choosing between them, physical size isn't a factor. The decision rests entirely on features and how you plan to use the machine, not on which one fits better on the counter.
Materials & Construction
Breville doesn't cut corners on quality with either model. Both are built with a heavy, durable die-cast metal base that prevents the machine from vibrating or "walking" across the counter during heavy tasks like kneading bread dough. The mixing bowls are made from high-quality, sturdy BPA-free plastic, and all cutting surfaces are sharp, durable stainless steel.
This shared commitment to premium materials means durability is a given with either choice. Both feel like long-term investments built to withstand years of demanding use.
Performance & Versatility
With identical 1200-watt motors, both processors deliver immense power. They can pulverize hard vegetables, shred dense cheeses, and knead stiff dough without straining. For core tasks, their performance is indistinguishable.
The key separation is versatility, which comes down to accessories. The Paradise 16 is equipped for all essential food processing tasks: chopping, slicing, shredding, and mixing. The Sous Chef 16 goes further by including specialized tools for advanced culinary techniques. It typically offers more slicing thickness options, a julienne disc for flawless vegetable matchsticks, and an emulsifying disc for homemade mayonnaise or vinaigrettes. If your cooking is creative and detail-oriented, the Sous Chef 16 provides a much broader toolkit.
Price & Value
The price points for these two models are very close, often overlapping depending on the retailer. The Paradise 16 typically represents a slightly better upfront value, giving you all the power and capacity for a little less money. Its value rests in its efficient execution of core, high-demand tasks.
The Sous Chef 16’s value is in its functionality. For a marginally higher price, it provides a much wider range of capabilities. If you were to buy separate tools for julienning or emulsifying, the cost could easily exceed the price difference. The right choice depends on whether you'll actually use the extra tools.
Style & Aesthetics
While sharing a premium feel, the two models have distinct design languages. The Paradise 16 features a minimalist, clean look. Its smooth surfaces and simpler profile allow it to blend into the background of a modern kitchen.
The Sous Chef 16 leans into a more industrial, professional aesthetic. With subtle accents and a slightly more complex silhouette, it's designed to look like a piece of serious culinary equipment, appealing to those who want their appliances to reflect their passion for cooking.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both food processors are excellent choices for cooks who need high performance, but they serve different priorities.
Choose the Breville Paradise 16 if:
- Your primary need is handling large volumes of food with simple tasks like chopping, shredding, and mixing.
- You are an avid meal prepper or cook for a large family.
- You prefer fewer attachments to keep track of and store.
- You appreciate a clean, minimalist design that doesn't scream for attention.
Choose the Breville Sous Chef 16 if:
- You are an adventurous home cook who loves trying new techniques.
- You need specialized professional cuts like julienne or crinkle-cut fries.
- You want maximum versatility and see your food processor as a creative culinary tool.
- You want to consolidate multiple single-use gadgets into one powerful appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Paradise 16 and Sous Chef 16?
The main differences are in their intended user and included accessories. They share the same motor and 16-cup capacity, but the Paradise 16 is designed for core high-volume tasks, while the Sous Chef 16 includes more specialized attachments for culinary enthusiasts who need greater versatility.
Which Breville model is better for kneading dough?
Both models are excellent for kneading dough. Their powerful 1200-watt motors and die-cast metal bases provide the strength and stability needed to handle heavy doughs without stalling or vibrating excessively. Both typically come with a dedicated dough blade.
Are the bowls and parts dishwasher safe?
Yes, on both models the bowls, lids, and attachments are generally made from BPA-free plastics and stainless steel and are top-rack dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Is the 16-cup capacity too large for smaller jobs?
A 16-cup bowl can be inefficient for processing small quantities like a single shallot or herbs. However, the Sous Chef 16 often includes a 2.5-cup mini processing bowl that sits inside the larger one, making it ideal for both large and small tasks.
Can parts be swapped between the Paradise 16 and Sous Chef 16?
No, accessory parts are model-specific and are not designed to be interchangeable. Always use the blades and discs that came with your specific unit to ensure safe and correct operation.
Is the Sous Chef 16 worth the extra money?
This depends entirely on your cooking style. If you will regularly use specialized attachments like the julienne slicer or French fry cutter, its value far exceeds the slight price increase. If you only need to chop, shred, and slice, the Paradise 16 offers better value.
How much noise do these machines make?
Any 1200-watt food processor will be loud during operation. However, a significant benefit of the heavy die-cast metal base on both units is that it dampens vibration and reduces excess noise, making them quieter than lightweight, all-plastic models.
Which one is more durable?
Both appliances share the same high-quality construction materials, including a die-cast metal base and robust BPA-free bowl. Neither holds a distinct advantage in durability, both are built to be long-term kitchen investments.
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