The Breville Sous Chef 12 and Sous Chef Plus food processors share a premium build quality but are sized for different kitchens and cooks. The Sous Chef 12 is the larger, more powerful model with a 16-cup capacity and a 1200-watt motor designed for big batches, while the Sous Chef Plus offers a still-powerful 1000-watt motor in a more compact 12-cup unit for everyday tasks.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right Breville food processor for your needs.
Breville Sous Chef 12
The Breville Sous Chef 12 is a high-capacity, high-performance food processor aimed at serious home cooks and those who frequently prepare large meals. Its powerful motor and generous 16-cup bowl make it capable of handling heavy-duty tasks like kneading thick doughs, processing big batches of vegetables, and preparing food for family gatherings with ease.
- What it is: A large format, premium food processor for heavy-duty kitchen prep.
- Key features: Powerful 1200-watt motor, a large 16-cup main processing bowl, and multiple feed chute options for different ingredient sizes.
- Price: $399 - $449
- Dimensions: Approximately 11" x 8" x 18"
- Materials/Construction: Durable die-cast metal base, BPA-free plastic for the bowl and lid, and high-quality stainless steel blades and discs.
- Pros: Excellent power for tough ingredients. Large capacity is perfect for batch cooking and entertaining. Robust, heavy base stays stable on the counter. Comes with a wide array of versatile attachments.
- Cons: Larger footprint takes up considerable counter space. Higher price point may not be justifiable for casual cooks. Its size and weight can make it cumbersome to move and store.
This model is the ideal choice for those who routinely cook for crowds, do extensive meal prep, or simply want a machine that will not bog down on any task.
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Breville Sous Chef Plus
The Breville Sous Chef Plus packages much of the performance and quality of its larger sibling into a more compact and slightly more affordable unit. With a 12-cup capacity and a 1000-watt motor, it is more than capable of handling daily chopping, slicing, and shredding tasks for couples or small families, without taking over the entire countertop.
- What it is: A compact yet powerful food processor for everyday chopping, slicing, and mixing.
- Key features: Strong 1000-watt motor, a versatile 12-cup processing bowl, and an included storage caddy for accessories.
- Price: $349 - $399
- Dimensions: Approximately 10" x 7.5" x 16"
- Materials/Construction: The same high-quality materials as its larger counterpart, including a die-cast metal base, BPA-free plastic components, and stainless steel attachments.
- Pros: More compact footprint is great for smaller kitchens. Powerful enough for most common food processing needs. Slightly lower price than the larger model. Easier to handle and store.
- Cons: Smaller bowl capacity isn't ideal for large batch cooking. The 1000-watt motor, while strong, is slightly less robust for exceptionally tough jobs like kneading heavy doughs.
This food processor is perfectly suited for smaller households that need professional-grade appliance performance for daily cooking without sacrificing counter space.
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Breville Sous Chef 12 vs. Sous Chef Plus Comparison
Capacity & Power
This is the biggest distinction between the two models. The Sous Chef 12 comes with a 16-cup bowl and a 1200-watt motor. This allows you to process large quantities of food at once, making it incredibly efficient for meal prepping or preparing dishes for parties. The power ensures it can handle fibrous vegetables, nuts, and thick doughs without hesitation.
The Sous Chef Plus has a 12-cup bowl powered by a 1000-watt motor. While that's four cups smaller, it's still a generous capacity for most day-to-day recipes. The motor is plenty strong for all standard tasks like slicing, dicing, and pureeing. You may only notice a difference with very large or demanding jobs, like kneading multiple batches of stiff bread dough back-to-back.
Dimensions & Footprint
The larger capacity directly translates to a larger footprint. The Sous Chef 12 stands taller and wider at 11" x 8" x 18", requiring dedicated counter space. It’s also heavier at around 14 pounds, making it an appliance you'll want to leave in one spot.
In contrast, the Sous Chef Plus is more manageable at 10" x 7.5" x 16" and roughly 12 pounds. This smaller size makes it a much better fit for kitchens with limited counter space or for cooks who prefer to store their appliances in a pantry or cabinet when not in use.
Materials & Construction
Breville doesn't compromise on quality with either model. Both food processors are built with a heavy, stable die-cast metal base that prevents walking or vibrating during use. The processing bowls, lids, and pushers are all made from durable, BPA-free plastic, and the blades and discs are crafted from sharp stainless steel. Both are designed to feel substantial and last for years of frequent use.
Price & Value
There is usually a price difference of about $50 to $100 between the two. The Sous Chef 12's higher price is justified by its larger bowl and more powerful motor. If you regularly use that extra capacity, the time savings and convenience offer significant value. However, if your needs are more modest, that extra cost is unnecessary.
The Sous Chef Plus provides excellent value by delivering professional-level build quality and performance sufficient for the vast majority of home cooks at a more accessible price point. You are getting the core Breville experience without paying for capacity you may never use.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models are excellent kitchen tools, but they serve different users and kitchen environments.
Choose the Breville Sous Chef 12 if:
- You often cook for a large family or entertain guests.
- You frequently do large-scale meal prep or batch cooking.
- You need maximum motor power for demanding tasks like kneading dense bread doughs.
- You have permanent, dedicated counter space for a large-format appliance.
Choose the Breville Sous Chef Plus if:
- You're cooking for one or two people or a small family.
- You have limited counter real estate or plan to store the processor in a cabinet.
- Your processing needs are focused on daily prep like chopping vegetables, making sauces, and shredding cheese.
- You want Breville's premium quality at a slightly more budget-friendly price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Sous Chef 12 and Plus?
The primary difference is capacity and power. The Sous Chef 12 has a 16-cup bowl and a 1200-watt motor, while the Sous Chef Plus has a smaller 12-cup bowl with a 1000-watt motor and a more compact design.
Is the 1200-watt motor in the Sous Chef 12 noticeably more powerful?
For everyday tasks like chopping onions or slicing cucumbers, you likely won't notice a difference. However, for continuous, heavy-duty work like kneading dense doughs or pureeing very fibrous vegetables, the 1200-watt motor provides extra torque that prevents stalling and ensures smoother, faster results.
Do they come with the same attachments?
Both models come with a starter set of stainless steel discs and blades suitable for most tasks. However, the exact attachments may vary by retailer, so it's always best to check the product description to see what's included in the box. Often, higher-end models may include additional discs.
Can both models knead bread dough?
Yes, both units are capable of kneading dough. The more powerful motor and larger capacity of the Sous Chef 12 make it better suited for larger, heavier dough recipes. The Breville Sous Chef Plus is best reserved for smaller batches of softer dough.
Are the parts dishwasher safe?
Generally, the BPA-free plastic bowls, lids, and pushers are top-rack dishwasher safe. To preserve their sharpness, it's highly recommended that you hand wash the stainless steel blades and discs.
Which one is better for a small kitchen?
The Breville Sous Chef Plus is the clear winner for small kitchens. Its more compact footprint and lighter weight make it far easier to accommodate on a crowded counter or move in and out of storage.
How is the build quality on these models?
The build quality is excellent on both. They each feature a heavy, sturdy die-cast metal base which gives them a premium feel and keeps them completely stable during operation. Breville is known for its durable construction, and both of these models live up to that reputation.
Is the Breville Sous Chef 12 worth the extra money?
If you'll consistently use the extra four cups of capacity for batch cooking or entertaining, then yes, it's absolutely worth the investment. For smaller households, that additional capacity and power is likely overkill, making the Sous Chef Plus a more sensible and cost-effective purchase.
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