The Breville BFP800XL Sous Chef Food Processor is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance designed for serious home cooks. Its robust motor, multiple attachments, and user-friendly design make it a popular choice, but is it the right food processor for you? This in-depth review will explore its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide.
What are the Key Features of the Breville BFP800XL?
The Breville BFP800XL boasts a range of impressive features that set it apart from less powerful food processors. Its standout feature is its 1200-watt induction motor, providing exceptional power and speed for handling even the toughest ingredients. This powerful motor enables the processor to seamlessly chop, slice, dice, shred, knead dough, and puree with ease. Beyond the motor, key features include:
- Extra-Large Capacity: The bowl is significantly larger than many competitors, allowing you to process large batches of food without multiple cycles.
- Multiple Discs and Blades: A wide array of included discs and blades offers unparalleled versatility for a vast range of culinary tasks. This reduces the need for additional purchases.
- Precise Controls: The digital controls allow for precise speed adjustments, ensuring optimal results for different ingredients and recipes.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, the Breville BFP800XL is designed for longevity and consistent performance.
How Does the Breville BFP800XL Compare to Other Food Processors?
Compared to other food processors in its price range, the Breville BFP800XL stands out due to its superior power and versatility. While some competitors may offer similar features, the Breville often boasts a more robust motor and a broader range of attachments, enabling it to tackle more challenging tasks. Its larger capacity is also a significant advantage for cooks who frequently process large quantities of food. However, its higher price point is a factor to consider. Competitors might be a better choice for those on a tighter budget, though those compromises may include weaker motor performance and fewer included attachments.
What are the Common Uses for the Breville BFP800XL?
The versatility of the Breville BFP800XL extends to a wide variety of culinary applications. This food processor is adept at:
- Chopping Vegetables: Quickly and efficiently chop vegetables for salads, soups, and stews.
- Slicing and Shredding: Create perfect slices and shreds for various dishes.
- Making Dough: Knead dough for bread, pasta, and pizza crust.
- Pureeing Soups and Sauces: Create smooth and velvety purees for soups, sauces, and baby food.
- Making Nut Butters: Process nuts into delicious and creamy nut butters.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Breville BFP800XL?
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Large capacity bowl
- Extensive range of attachments
- Precise digital controls
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Can be quite large and bulky for smaller kitchens
- Cleaning can be slightly more time-consuming due to the numerous parts.
Is the Breville BFP800XL Easy to Clean?
While the Breville BFP800XL's many parts may seem daunting, most parts are dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleaning process. However, hand washing some delicate parts is recommended for optimal lifespan. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to prevent damage.
Is the Breville BFP800XL Worth the Price?
The Breville BFP800XL's higher price tag is a significant consideration. However, for serious home cooks who value power, versatility, and durability, the investment is often worthwhile. Its superior performance and extensive capabilities make it a valuable addition to any well-equipped kitchen. If you frequently prepare large quantities of food or need a machine that can handle tough ingredients with ease, the Breville BFP800XL is likely a worthwhile investment. However, if your needs are less demanding, a less expensive model might suffice.
What are the most common problems with the Breville BFP800XL?
While generally reliable, some users have reported occasional issues with the motor overheating under prolonged heavy use. Proper use and allowing for adequate cooling periods are crucial to prevent such problems. Another infrequent complaint concerns the occasional difficulty in cleaning certain smaller parts.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the Breville BFP800XL Food Processor. Remember to consider your individual needs and budget before making a purchase. Happy cooking!
