The Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup and the Sous Chef 16 Cup are two of the best food processors on the market, but they differ primarily in capacity, countertop footprint, and price. The 16 Cup version is built for large families and batch cooking with a much larger work bowl and a slightly more powerful motor, while the 12 Cup model offers similar high-quality performance in a smaller, more budget-friendly package ideal for smaller households.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Breville food processor for your kitchen.
Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup
The Sous Chef 12 Cup is Breville's high-performance food processor designed for individuals, couples, and small families. It packs a powerful motor and precision engineering into a more compact and manageable size, making it a perfect fit for kitchens where counter space is at a premium but performance can't be compromised.
- What it is: A versatile, medium-capacity food processor for daily chopping, mixing, pureeing, and shredding tasks.
- Key features: Powerful 1000-watt induction motor, 12-cup BPA-free work bowl, safety interlock system, large 5-inch feed chute, and a storage case for attachments.
- Price: Around $200 - $250.
- Dimensions: Approximately 8.5" W x 9" D x 17" H.
- Materials/Construction: Heavy-duty die-cast metal base, a durable BPA-free plastic bowl, and high-quality stainless steel blades and discs.
- Style: Sleek brushed stainless steel finish that gives it a professional, modern look suitable for any contemporary kitchen.
- Pros: More compact footprint saves counter space. Lower price point makes it more accessible. Powerful enough for most everyday recipes, including small batches of dough. Simple, intuitive controls are easy to use.
- Cons: Bowl capacity may be too small for large batch cooking or entertaining. May not include as many specialized attachments as the 16 Cup model. Requires processing in multiple batches for bigger recipes.
This model is ideal for anyone with a smaller household or kitchen who needs a reliable, powerful machine without the extra capacity and cost of a professional-sized model.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/food-processors/bfp660.html
Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup
The Sous Chef 16 Cup is Breville's flagship food processor, designed for serious home cooks, large families, and anyone who loves to entertain or meal prep. Its massive capacity, ultra-powerful motor, and wide array of attachments make it capable of handling nearly any food preparation task you can throw at it, from dicing vegetables to kneading large batches of bread dough.
- What it is: A large-capacity, heavy-duty food processor for high-volume and complex food preparation tasks.
- Key features: A robust 1200-watt induction motor, a 16-cup main bowl, a 2.5-cup mini processing bowl, an adjustable slicing disc with 24 settings, and a comprehensive set of attachments.
- Price: Approximately $250 - $300.
- Dimensions: Approximately 9.5" W x 10" D x 18" H.
- Materials/Construction: Solid die-cast metal base for stability, durable BPA-free large and small work bowls, and precision-cut stainless steel blades.
- Style: Features the same professional-grade brushed stainless steel finish as the 12 cup, but with a larger and more commanding presence on the countertop.
- Pros: Extra-large capacity is perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. A more potent motor handles tough jobs like dense dough with ease. The included mini bowl adds versatility for small tasks. Comes with more attachments, including an adjustable slicer.
- Cons: Considerably larger and heavier, requiring more storage and counter space. Higher price point. For simple, small tasks, it can feel like overkill.
The 16 Cup model is built for the avid home chef who regularly prepares food in large quantities and needs maximum power and versatility from their appliances.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/food-processors/bfp800.html
Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup vs. 16 Cup Comparison
Capacity & Size
The most obvious difference is the bowl capacity. The Sous Chef 16 Cup can handle significantly larger quantities of ingredients, making it ideal for kneading dough for two loaves of bread or chopping vegetables for a large family meal. In contrast, the 12 Cup model is perfectly suited for smaller jobs, like making a single pie crust or a weeknight batch of salsa.
This size difference extends to the physical footprint. The 16 Cup model is taller, wider, and heavier due to its larger base and motor. It requires dedicated counter or cabinet space, while the 12 Cup is slightly easier to store and maneuver. If your kitchen storage is tight, this is a significant factor to consider.
Performance & Attachments
Both models boast powerful induction motors, but the 16 Cup has a slight edge with 1200 watts compared to the 12 Cup's 1000 watts. This extra power allows the 16 Cup to process dense, heavy mixtures like bread dough more effortlessly and for longer periods without straining.
The 16 Cup model typically comes with a more extensive attachment kit, including a mini 2.5-cup bowl for mincing herbs or garlic, and a highly versatile adjustable slicing disc. The 12 Cup appliance set is more than adequate for everyday use but lacks the specialized tools and the second mini bowl that make the 16 Cup so versatile.
Materials & Construction
Both food processors are built to Breville's high standards. They share the same premium die-cast metal base, which provides excellent stability and prevents the unit from "walking" across the counter during heavy use. The work bowls are made from thick, durable, BPA-free plastic that resists scratching and cracking.
While the materials are the same, the 16 Cup model's heavier base and larger components give it a slightly more robust feel. Both are durable machines designed for longevity, so quality is not a concern with either choice.
Price & Value
There's typically a $50-$100 price difference between the two models. The Sous Chef 12 Cup offers fantastic value for most users, providing professional-grade power and build quality at a more accessible price. For the average home cook, its performance is more than sufficient.
The extra cost for the Sous Chef 16 Cup is justified by its larger capacity, more powerful motor, and extra attachments. If you regularly cook in large volumes or want the flexibility of the mini bowl and adjustable slicer, that upfront investment delivers significant value over time by saving you prep work.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Sous Chef 12 Cup is the perfect choice for individuals, couples, or small families of three to four. It shines in kitchens with average cooking needs and limited space. Think weeknight meals, small baking projects, and everyday prep like slicing and shredding vegetables. It's a premium appliance without the bulk or price tag of a full-size professional model.
The Sous Chef 16 Cup is designed for households of four or more, avid entertainers, and dedicated meal preppers. If your weekends involve batch-cooking soups, making double batches of dough, or processing large amounts of produce from your garden, this machine is your workhorse. Its capacity and power are built to handle high-volume demands with ease.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Sous Chef 12 Cup and 16 Cup are excellent appliances, but they are tailored to different cooks and kitchens.
Choose the Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup if:
- You typically cook for one to three people.
- Kitchen counter and storage space is limited.
- Your budget is under $250, and you want the best performance for the price.
- Your primary needs are chopping vegetables, making sauces, and preparing ingredients for daily meals.
Choose the Breville Sous Chef 16 Cup if:
- You have a large family or frequently host dinner parties.
- You are serious about meal prepping or batch cooking for the week ahead.
- You need a machine that can expertly handle large, heavy batches of dough.
- You have ample kitchen space and want the most powerful, versatile option available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Sous Chef 12 and 16 cup models?
The three main differences are capacity (12 cups vs. 16 cups), motor power (1000W vs. 1200W), and physical size. The 16 Cup is larger, more powerful, and designed for bigger households, while the 12 Cup is a more compact version for everyday use.
Is the 16 cup Breville Sous Chef worth the extra money?
If you cook in large volumes, need to knead dense doughs, or would frequently use the included mini bowl and extra attachments, then yes. The extra capacity and power significantly reduce prep time for big jobs. For smaller households, the 12 Cup offers better value.
Can I use the 16 cup attachments on the 12 cup model?
No, the attachments are specifically sized for each model’s work bowl and drive shaft. They are not interchangeable between the Sous Chef 12 and 16 Cup food processors.
Which Breville Sous Chef is better for making dough?
The Sous Chef 16 Cup is superior for dough. Its larger bowl can accommodate double batches, and the more powerful 1200-watt motor kneads heavy bread or pizza dough more efficiently without straining.
How much counter space do these food processors take up?
The 12 Cup has a footprint of roughly 8.5" x 9", while the 16 Cup is larger at about 9.5" x 10". The 16 Cup is also taller, so it's important to measure below your upper cabinets if you plan to store it on the counter.
Are the bowls and attachments dishwasher safe?
Breville recommends hand-washing the blades and discs to maintain their sharpness. The BPA-free plastic bowls, lids, and food pushers are generally safe for the top rack of the dishwasher.
Is the Breville Sous Chef 12 Cup powerful enough for everyday use?
Absolutely. Its 1000-watt motor is extremely capable and can easily handle chopping, slicing, pureeing, and making small batches of dough for pies or cookies. It is more powerful than most standard food processors on the market.
Does the 16-cup model come with a smaller work bowl?
Yes, the Sous Chef 16 Cup typically includes a 2.5-cup mini bowl that fits inside the main bowl. This is excellent for small tasks like chopping herbs, making dressings, or grinding nuts without having to wash the massive 16-cup bowl.
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