Kitchen Chaos Turned Calm: Why I Finally Invested in a Food Processor
I’ll be honest: for the longest time, I saw food processors as one of those fancy gadgets for pro chefs or cooking show hosts. But after countless hours chopping onions, shredding cheese, and hand-kneading dough, I had to ask myself — why am I working this hard in the kitchen?
After testing, comparing, and living with multiple models, I’ve found a clear winner for everyday cooks like you and me: the Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor.
Let’s get into the meat and potatoes of why I call this the best food processor for home cooks — my honest take.
The Breville Sous Chef 12: Your Right-Hand Kitchen Hero
There’s something comforting about a tool that just works. That’s how I feel every time I pull out my Breville food processor. It’s not flashy for the sake of it — it’s functional in a way that feels like it was designed by someone who’s cooked real meals on weeknights with crying toddlers or looming deadlines.
Here’s what stood out immediately:
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1,000-watt motor that powers through anything
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12-cup dry / 8.5-cup wet capacity, perfect for family-sized batches
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Wide feed chute — no more pre-chopping carrots or halving onions
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Sleek, blender-style bowl attachment, with no twisting or locking hassles
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Adjustable slicing blade with 24 settings from paper-thin to thick slices
It feels like a professional-grade processor that’s been tamed for home use.
But my love for the Breville Sous Chef 12 goes beyond specs. It’s how it feels when I use it. The ergonomic handle? Comfortable. The bowl markings in both cups and milliliters? A small detail that saves big time. Even the pour spout is designed for zero mess transfers.
I used it to slice zucchinis for lasagna, chop garlic for chili, and even make homemade hummus — and every time, it just worked.
A Quick Comparison Table: Breville vs Others I Tried
Let’s be real — you don’t just buy the first food processor you see on Amazon. I tested several top contenders before settling on Breville. Here’s how it stacks up:
Feature | Breville Sous Chef 12 | Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup | Hamilton Beach Big Mouth |
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Motor Power | 1,000 watts | 720 watts | 500 watts |
Capacity | 12-cup dry / 8.5-cup wet | 14-cup dry | 12-cup dry |
Adjustable Slicing Blade | Yes (0.3mm to 8mm) | No | No |
Feed Chute Width | Extra-wide | Medium | Wide |
Dishwasher Safe Components | Hand-wash recommended | Yes | Yes |
Noise Level | Very Quiet | Moderate | Noisy |
Price Range | (around $300) | (around $280) | (under $90) |
Ease of Use | Very intuitive | Average | Basic |
While Cuisinart food processors hold a legendary status and Hamilton Beach wins on budget, neither felt as balanced, powerful, and thoughtfully engineered as Breville.
Where Breville Nails It: Intuitive Design That Feels Like Magic
Have you ever tried to lock a food processor bowl into place, only to twist and twist and still get it wrong? That doesn’t happen with the Breville Sous Chef 12-Cup Food Processor.
Instead of the frustrating “twist-to-click” method, the bowl simply snaps onto the base like a blender — secure, smooth, and no guesswork. The same applies to the lid and feeding chute. No wrestling, no leaks.
The wide feed chute alone feels like it was made for me. I once pushed an entire medium onion through in seconds, no knife required. That’s a game-changer on taco night. The variable slicing disc also helps with prepping veggies just the way you like — paper-thin for potato chips or thick for stew.
Here’s the real kicker: it’s so quiet, I can process hummus while my baby naps in the next room.
The Honest Cons: No Rose Without a Thorn
Alright, let me be completely upfront. The Breville Sous Chef 12 isn’t perfect.
Here’s what might give you pause:
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It’s heavy — the base weighs about 16 pounds. Moving it isn’t fun.
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Hand washing is best — although dishwasher-safe, regular dishwasher use may damage parts over time.
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No storage case included — you’ll need to buy one or organize your kitchen drawer creatively.
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It’s pricey — at around $300, it’s not an impulse buy.
But in my opinion, these are small sacrifices for a kitchen tool that saves time, reduces effort, and actually makes cooking feel more joyful.
How It Changed My Cooking Routine
Before I had this processor, chopping veggies was my least favorite part of cooking. It took forever, made a mess, and often ended with uneven pieces.
Now?
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Prep is faster: I can chop, slice, or shred in seconds.
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My results are more consistent: Everything from salsa to pesto looks pro-level.
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It makes me want to cook more: Because it’s no longer a hassle.
One time, I hosted a last-minute dinner party. I threw together dough for tart crusts, shredded three types of cheese for mac and cheese, and whipped up a quick herbed dip — all in under an hour. Without the Breville food processor, that would’ve taken me all day.
This isn’t just a tool. It’s a partner in the kitchen.
When a Blender Won’t Cut It
There’s a common misconception that blenders and food processors do the same thing. They don’t.
Here’s how I break it down:
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Use a blender when you’re working with liquids — smoothies, soups, or sauces.
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Use a food processor when you need texture — chopped veggies, grated cheese, or thick dips like hummus.
I tried making pie dough in a blender once. Huge mistake. It turned into glue. The Breville, on the other hand, mixes butter and flour into perfect flaky crumbs.
Things I Didn’t Love About the Breville Sous Chef 12
Let’s be honest—no product is perfect, and the Breville Sous Chef 12 is no exception. The first thing you’ll notice when unboxing it is its weight. At nearly 16 pounds, this machine is a beast. Sure, that means it won’t wobble or shift during use, but if you’re someone who needs to tuck it away after every session, your arms might get a workout. This isn’t the processor you casually slide in and out of a cabinet daily.
Another point of concern is dishwasher safety. While some food processors proudly advertise their dishwasher-friendly components, Breville recommends hand-washing. Sure, that’s manageable—but it’s not the quickest cleanup, especially when you’re rushing through weeknight dinners. Also, the attachments don’t come with a storage case. You end up with blades and discs that can easily get misplaced or worse, nicked. And if you’re anything like me, finding rogue blades in a drawer is a recipe for a near-injury.
Still, these cons are manageable. I found that organizing the parts in a small storage bin kept things tidy. And since the machine is so powerful and easy to use, I was willing to deal with hand-washing to maintain its longevity. It’s a small trade-off for a long-term kitchen ally.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
I’ve tried other models in the past—including a few from Cuisinart, KitchenAid, and even Hamilton Beach—but none felt quite as refined as the Breville Sous Chef 12. Let’s break it down quickly in a comparison table:
Feature | Breville Sous Chef 12 | Cuisinart 14-Cup | Hamilton Beach Big Mouth | KitchenAid 13-Cup |
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Capacity | 12 cups | 14 cups | 12 cups | 13 cups |
Power | 1000 watts | 720 watts | 500 watts | 500 watts |
Adjustable Slicing Disc | Yes (0.3 to 8mm) | No | No | Yes |
Ease of Assembly | Very easy | Moderate | Easy | Moderate |
Dishwasher Safe | Not fully recommended | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Storage Case for Attachments | No | No | Integrated | Yes |
Price Range | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ |
Even though Cuisinart is the default name when it comes to food processors, I feel Breville outshines it in areas like build quality, user-friendliness, and design innovation. For example, I never had to wrestle with the lid to lock it in place. It clicked on like a charm—no twisting, pressing, or praying involved.
The Hamilton Beach is great if you’re on a budget or just need something basic. But if you’re a frequent cook, investing in the best food processor for home cooks means thinking long-term. I’d pick quality over savings when it comes to something I use almost daily.
Why Breville Wins for Everyday Home Cooks
Cooking at home isn’t just about speed; it’s about making the experience easier and more enjoyable. That’s what the Breville Sous Chef 12 offers. It bridges the gap between beginner convenience and professional power. The wider feed chute saves you time. The intuitive controls save your brain from overload. And the stable, sturdy design ensures you’re not chasing it across the countertop.
Here are some of the reasons why I think it’s ideal for everyday kitchen warriors like us:
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No-fuss assembly: Easy click-on parts—no twisting or jamming.
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Quiet motor: Doesn’t scream like a jet engine.
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Consistent results: Whether you’re chopping herbs or making pesto, it gets it right.
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Minimal scraping: Thanks to even blending and sharp blades.
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Great ergonomics: The handle is smooth, the spout is perfect, and everything feels just right in the hand.
Honestly, the Sous Chef 12 feels like the professional food processor that just gets home cooks. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s not basic either. You feel like you’re using serious equipment, without the intimidation.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s talk money. At around $300, this isn’t a cheap appliance. But the value you get is hard to ignore. When I considered how often I used my old processor—and how often it let me down—the Breville felt like a worthy upgrade. Plus, it saves time, which is priceless in a busy household.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t hesitate to buy a premium knife or a good frying pan, right? This is the same idea. A food processor like this becomes an essential tool. It handles all the tough tasks—slicing, dicing, grating, blending—so you can focus on the actual cooking. And unlike budget models, it won’t quit after six months of heavy use.
So if you’re the kind of person who loves making your own sauces, doughs, or prepping in bulk for the week, investing in a high-quality food processor pays off fast. The Breville Sous Chef 12 isn’t just a gadget. It’s a game-changer.
Final Thoughts: My Honest Take
When I set out to find the best food processor for home cooks, I didn’t expect to become a Breville fan. But after months of using the Breville Sous Chef 12, I can say without hesitation—it’s earned a permanent spot on my countertop.
Sure, it’s heavy. And no, it’s not the cheapest option. But the power, precision, and ease of use make it a joy to work with. It’s the kind of tool that makes you look forward to prep time, instead of dreading it.
In my kitchen, it’s replaced my box grater, my manual chopper, and sometimes even my blender. And honestly, that kind of versatility is rare. So if you’re on the fence, take it from someone who’s tried too many food processors to count—this one’s the real deal.
If you’re looking for an appliance that delivers pro-level performance but fits right into your home kitchen routine, the Breville Sous Chef 12 is hands-down the one to beat.

Hey, I’m Nandoza Ahammad, passionate food enthusiast and creator of narzcookingcave.com, shares delicious recipes and cooking tips worldwide.