Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor BFP800XL: A Kitchen Powerhouse?
Looking to ditch the knife and chopping board grind? The Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor BFP800XL might be your new kitchen best friend. This machine promises to handle all your food prep needs with ease, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and take a look.
Spacious Capacity and Power
One of the first things that stands out about the Sous Chef Pro 16 is its size. With a huge 16-cup (3.8L) capacity work bowl, it can tackle large sets of ingredients, ideal for family meals or entertaining. The 1200-watt motor provides enough power to chop, puree, shred, and mix with ease, so you don’t have to worry about stalling it down with tough duties.
Versatility is King
The Sous Chef Pro 16 isn’t a one-trick pony. It comes with different kinds of discs and blades, offering a range of functions:
- Slicing disc: Adjustable from paper-thin to thick cuts, for perfectly smooth slices of vegetables and fruits.
- Shredding disc: Makes easy work of cheese, potatoes, and more.
- French fry disc: Ideal for homemade fries, that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Dough blade: Mix bread dough effortlessly, saving you time and arm ache.
- And more: Additional accessories may be available for purchase, like a julienne disc or a dicing kit.
Convenience Features
The Sous Chef Pro 16 boasts some features that make it a user-friendly equipments:
- Large feed chute: Minimizes the need for pre-cutting most fruits and vegetables.
- Double processing bowls: A large 16-cup bowl for big jobs, and a smaller 2.5-cup bowl for those smaller chopping duties.
- LCD display: Shows timer functions and helps keep track of processing time.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: Makes cleanup a breeze (although always double-check the manual for specific instructions).
Is it Right for You?
The Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 is a powerful and multifunctional food processor that can save you a lot of time and effort in the kitchen. If you’re someone who cooks often, in large groups, or enjoys trying out new recipes, this could be a great investment.
However, keep in mind its size and price tag. This is a significant appliance that takes up counter space, and it comes with a premium price compared to some more basic food processors.
Final Verdict
The Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor BFP800XL is a high-quality appliance that offers power, multifunctionality, and convenience. If you’re looking for a kitchen workhorse to handle all your food prep needs, this could be a great option. But, if you’re a casual cook or limited on space and budget, a more basic food processor might suit you better.
Key Features
Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor BFP800XL: Feature Breakdown
The Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor BFP800XL boasts a range of features designed to make food prep a breeze. Here’s a quick brief of the key highlights:
Capacity and Power:
Large Capacity: 16-cup (3.8L) work bowl allows processing big sets of ingredients.
Powerful Motor: 1200-watt motor tackles tough tasks like chopping nuts or mixing dough.
Versatility:
- Multiple Discs and Blades:
- Slicing disc (adjustable thickness)
- Shredding disc (for cheese, potatoes, etc.)
- French fry disc (for homemade fries)
- Dough blade (for effortless bread dough mixing)
- Additional accessories available (julienne disc, dicing kit, etc.)
Convenience Features:
- Large Feed Chute: Minimizes pre-cutting of most fruits and vegetables.
- Dual Processing Bowls: Large 16-cup bowl for big jobs, and a smaller 2.5-cup bowl for smaller duties.
- LCD Display: Shows timer functions and processing time.
- Dishwasher-safe Parts: Easy cleanup (always check the manual for specific instructions).
How to Use your Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor
Here’s a general guide on how to use the Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor BFP800XL:
Before You Start:
1. Read the Manual: This is vital for ensuring safe and proper use. The manual will have specific instructions on using each attachment and for different functions.
2. Wash and Dry Parts: Make sure all the blades, discs, and bowls are clean and dry before reattaching the food processor.
Assembly:
1. Attach the Work Bowl: Put the work bowl on the motor base and twist it clockwise until it locks securely.
2. Insert the Blade or Disc: Choose the Suitable Blade or disc for your task. Place it on the drive shaft in the work bowl, Making sure it sits flat.
3. Lock the Lid: Place the lid on the work bowl and turn the top section clockwise to lock it into place.
Using the Food Processor:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut bigger fruits and vegetables into bits that can fit comfortably through the feed chute.
2. Pulse or Process: The Sous Chef Pro 16 offers two processing options:
- Pulse: Use the pulse function for tasks where you want more control over the chop, like achieving a coarse or fine chop. Short bursts of pulsing give you more accuracy.
- Process: Use the process function for continuous chopping, shredding, or kneading.
3. Use the Feed Chute: Add your ingredients gradually through the feed chute while the processor is running.
4. Timer (Optional): The LCD display allows you to set a timer for processing. This is helpful for tasks that require Constant processing time, like mixing dough.
After Use:
- Turn Off and Unplug: Always turn off the food processor and unplug it before detaching.
- Disassemble: Take off the lid and work bowl. Remove the blade or disc carefully, as they will be sharp.
- Cleaning: Wash the blades, discs, and bowls with warm soapy water. You can put most parts in the dishwasher (refer to the manual for specifics). Wipe down the motor base with a damp cloth.
Safety Tips:
- Never operate the food processor without the lid securely locked in place.
- Always handle the blades and discs with care, as they are very sharp.
- Don’t overload the work bowl. Process ingredients in batches if necessary.
- Don’t use the food processor for hot liquids. Let them cool before processing.
- Unplug the machine before making an attempt to clean it.
Additional Tips:
- Check the manual for specific instructions on using each attachment and for different recipes.
- Pulse briefly for a coarse chop and longer for a finer chop.
- Use the small bowl for tasks requiring smaller quantities.
By following these guidelines, you can safely and efficiently use your Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor to optimize your food prep tasks in the kitchen.
Tips and Recipes Suitable for the Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor
Tips and Tricks for Your Breville Sous Chef Pro 16:
- Master the Pulse: This is your friend for achieving the perfect texture. Pulse chopping vegetables gives you more control over the final consistency, whether you want a coarse salsa or a smooth blend.
- Embrace the Mini Bowl: Don’t underestimate the small bowl! It’s perfect for chopping herbs, garlic, nuts, or processing smaller quantities of ingredients.
- Pre-cut Wisely: While the feed chute is generous, pre-cutting bulky vegetables like potatoes or large onions will ensure more even processing and prevent jamming.
- Shred Like a Pro: Use the reversible shredding disc. The larger holes facing up create a coarser shred, perfect for coleslaw. Turn it over for finer shreds for cheese or potatoes.
- French Fry Fanatic? The French fry disc is a game-changer for homemade fries. Use russet potatoes cut into even sticks and avoid congesting the feed chute for ideal crispy results.
- Doug Does: The dough blade is a lifesaver for bakers. Simply toss your bread dough ingredients in the bowl and let the machine do the mixing. No more sweaty palms!
- Cleanup Champion: Take advantage of the dishwasher-safe parts! This makes cleaning a breeze (always double-check the manual for specific instructions).
Recipes Perfect for the Sous Chef Pro 16:
Main Courses:
Homemade Hummus: Whip up a creamy group of hummus in minutes using the mini bowl and pulse function. Ideal for pita bread and veggie dippers.
Slaw Sensations: Use the shredding disc to create colorful slaws for tacos or sandwiches. Try out with different vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.
Falafel Fun: Pulse chickpeas, herbs, and spices in the large bowl to create the base for delicious falafel.
Pizza Perfection: The dough blade makes homemade pizza dough a breeze.
Sides and Snacks:
Guacamole Glory: Pulse avocados, lime juice, onions, and cilantro in the mini bowl for a fresh and coarse guacamole.
Salsa Sensation: Use the pulse function to create your favorite salsa recipe, from coarse pico de gallo to a smooth restaurant-style salsa.
Quick Pickles: Thinly slice vegetables using the slicing disc and transform them into sharp pickles in minutes.
Dipping Delights: Prepare a different kind of dips and spreads using the food processor, from baba ghanoush to creamy spinach and artichoke dip.
Desserts:
Pie Crust Magic: The dough blade lets you create brittle pie crusts in no time. Simply pulse together flour, butter, and water for a perfect pastry base.
Nut Butter Nirvana: Make your own peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter in the mini bowl. Customize the texture with the pulse function.
Cake Batter Blitz: Skip the hand mixer! Use the food processor to mix dry cake ingredients and cream butter and sugar for a smooth and soft batter.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With the Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor, the possibilities are endless! Remember to check your manual and explore recipe websites for even more inspiration.
A Cleaning Guide
Keeping your Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor clean is vital for maintaining its performance and hygiene. Here’s a breakdown of the cleaning process:
Before You Begin:
- Unplug the machine: Always ensure the food processor is unplugged before detaching and cleaning.
- Consult the manual: Double-check the Breville manual for specific cleaning instructions for any accessories you might have.
Disassembly:
- Remove the lid and work bowl: Twist the top section of the lid counter-clockwise to unlock it, then lift it off the work bowl.
- Take out the blade or disc: Carefully detach the blade or disc from the drive shaft in the work bowl. Remember, these parts are sharp, so handle them with caution.
Cleaning the Parts:
Blades and discs: Wash these parts by hand with warm, soapy water. You can use a soft bristled brush to remove any food particles stuck on the blades. Never submerge the blades or discs completely in water.
Work bowl and lid: These parts are dishwasher safe (top rack only). However, it’s recommended to occasionally hand wash them, especially for stubborn food remnants.
Motor base: Wipe down the motor base with a damp cloth to remove any spills or splatters. Do not submerge the motor base in water or any other liquids.
Drying:
- Air dry all parts completely before reattaching the food processor. This will prevent any moisture build-up that could lead to mold growth. You can also use a clean dish towel to pat them dry.
Additional Tips:
- To remove stubborn food remnants from the work bowl, you can fill it with warm soapy water and let it soak for a while before washing.
- For particularly tough cleaning jobs, you can add a few drops of white vinegar to the soapy water.
- Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scouring pads on any part of the food processor. These can damage the surfaces.
By following these cleaning steps, you can ensure your Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor stays clean, hygienic, and functions perfectly for a long time.
What to avoid while Using the Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor
Here are some things to avoid while using your Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor to prevent damage, injury, and ensure smooth operation:
Don’t Overload:
- Respect the capacity: The 16-cup bowl is spacious, but resist the urge to overstuff it. This can strain the motor and lead to uneven processing.
- Process in batches: For large quantities, work in sets to ensure the food processor performs perfectly.
Wrong-Sized Ingredients:
- Pre-cut wisely: While the feed chute is generous, pre-cutting cumbersome vegetables or fruits into manageable bits helps prevent jamming and ensures even processing.
Putting in the Wrong Things:
- No hot liquids: The food processor isn’t designed for handling hot liquids. Let them cool completely before processing to avoid damaging the bowl or motor.
- Frozen ingredients: Avoid processing frozen solid ingredients or ice cubes. The blades are not meant for such heavy-duty use and can become dull or break.
- Unsuitable tasks: The food processor isn’t a replacement for everything. Avoid using it for tasks like grinding spices or blending smoothies. These are better suited for a dedicated spice grinder or blender.
Forgetting Safety:
- Pulse with care: While the pulse function is great for achieving desired textures, be mindful not to continuously pulse for long periods. This can overheat the motor.
- Sharp blades: Remember, the blades are very sharp. Handle them with care during assembly, detaching, and cleaning to avoid cuts.
- Never operate without the lid: Always ensure the lid is securely locked in place before turning on the food processor to prevent injuries and spillages.
General Misuse:
- Don’t force it: If the food processor struggles to process something, stop and check for any blockages or if the ingredients are too large. Forcing it can damage the motor.
- Take breaks: Large batches or continuous processing can strain the motor. Check the manual for recommended usage times and allow the machine to rest periodically to prevent overheating.
- Not reading the manual: The manual is your friend! It contains valuable information on using specific attachments, recommended processing times for different ingredients, and proper care instructions.
By following these tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 Cup Food Processor serves you well for a long time.
In conclusion, the Breville Sous Chef Pro 16 is a powerful food processor with a large capacity and several attachments. It can be a great time-saver in the kitchen, but its size and price tag make it a better fit for serious cooks than occasional ones. If you cook a lot and want an all-round tool, this could be a worthwhile investment.
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