Breville Kitchen Wizz Peel Dice BFP820BAL: What to Know
The Breville Kitchen Wizz Peel Dice BFP820BAL is a 1200-watt food processor with a built-in peel-and-dice system that lets you process whole onions, apples, potatoes, and similar round produce without pre-cutting. Before buying, know that it excels at large-volume prep but has a bulky footprint, a learning curve for the peel-and-dice attachments, and a price that sits above basic food processors. This article explains how the system works, what it does well, where it falls short, and how it compares to alternatives so you can decide if it fits your kitchen.
Background: Where the BFP820BAL Fits in Breville’s Line
The BFP820BAL is part of Breville’s Kitchen Wizz range, which has been sold under the “Kitchen Wizz” name in some markets and “Food Processor” in others. The “BAL” suffix typically indicates a specific color (often brushed stainless steel or black) and may vary by region. The 1200-watt motor is significantly more powerful than the 600–750 watts found in most standard food processors, which is what allows it to drive the peel-and-dice attachments without stalling. The unit comes with a 3.5-liter work bowl (about 14 cups) and a 2.5-liter processing bowl, plus a 1.25-liter mini bowl for smaller tasks. It also includes a citrus juicer, a 4mm shredding disc, a 2mm slicing disc, a kneading blade, and the signature peel-and-dice kit.
How the Peel-and-Dice System Works
The peel-and-dice feature is the main reason people consider this model. It works in two stages, both driven by the same motor:
- Peeling: You place a whole onion, apple, or similar round item into the peeling chamber, add water (about 500ml), and lock the lid. The chamber has a spinning abrasive disc that rubs the skin off as the item tumbles. The water catches the peel and keeps the produce from bruising. After 30–60 seconds, you remove the peeled item.
- Dicing: The peeled item is then dropped into the dicing cone, which pushes it through a grid of stainless steel blades. The resulting dice is uniform—about 8mm (⅓ inch) for the standard grid, though some versions include a 4mm grid for finer dice. You push the produce down with the included plunger; the motor does the cutting.
For onions, the peeling process is quick and reduces tear gas exposure because you don’t cut the onion before peeling. However, the dicing stage still exposes you to the onion’s vapors. The system works best with produce that is roughly round and firm: onions, apples, pears, potatoes, and similar. Soft or oddly shaped items (like tomatoes or bell peppers) do not work well—they get crushed or jam the mechanism.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before purchasing, consider these practical points that are often overlooked in marketing materials:
- Counter space: The base is about 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep, and the full unit with the peel chamber attached stands over 15 inches tall. You need a permanent spot or a deep cabinet.
- Dishwasher safety: Most parts (bowls, lids, discs, peel chamber) are dishwasher safe, but the dicing grid and the peeling disc are sharp and can be damaged by the dishwasher’s water jets. Hand washing is recommended for those parts, which adds cleanup time.
- Water usage: The peeling function requires about 500ml of water per batch. If you peel multiple items, you’ll use several liters—consider that if you have a low-flow kitchen or want to conserve water.
- Noise: At 1200 watts, the motor is loud, especially when dicing. It’s not a quiet appliance; you’ll hear it over conversation.
- Warranty and parts: Breville offers a 1-year limited warranty in most regions. Replacement parts (like the dicing grid or peeling disc) are available but can be pricey—check availability in your country before buying, as some regions have limited stock.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Owners report a few recurring issues. Knowing them beforehand helps you decide if they’re deal-breakers:
- Peeling unevenly: If the produce is too large (e.g., a large potato), it may not tumble properly, leaving patches of skin. Solution: cut the item in half if it’s larger than the chamber’s opening (about 4 inches diameter).
- Dicing jams: The dicing grid can clog if you push too fast or if the produce is too soft. Solution: use firm pressure but not force, and cut larger items into chunks that fit the cone (about 2 inches).
- Water leaks: The peel chamber has a rubber gasket that can wear out over time. If you see leaks, check the gasket for debris or damage; replace it if needed.
- Motor overheating: Running the peel or dice function for more than 2 minutes continuously can trigger a thermal cutoff. Solution: process in batches, letting the motor rest for a minute between loads.
Comparing to Alternatives
The BFP820BAL is not the only way to get diced produce. Here’s how it stacks up against common alternatives:
- Standard food processors (e.g., Cuisinart, KitchenAid): These typically cost less and have a smaller footprint, but they require you to peel and pre-cut produce manually. They also produce less uniform dice—usually a rough chop unless you buy a separate dicing kit.
- Manual dicers (e.g., Vidalia Chop Wizard): These are cheap (under $20) and take up little space, but they require significant hand pressure and are slow for large batches. They also don’t peel.
- Stand mixer attachments (e.g., KitchenAid food processor attachment): These save counter space if you already own a stand mixer, but they lack the peel function and often have lower power.
- Dedicated onion peelers (e.g., manual peelers): These are small and cheap, but they only peel—you still need to dice by hand.
The BFP820BAL’s unique selling point is the combination of peeling and dicing in one machine. If you frequently process large quantities of onions or potatoes, it can save significant time. If you only occasionally dice, a manual dicer may be more practical.
Costs and Value
As of 2025, the BFP820BAL typically retails between $250 and $350 USD, depending on the retailer and region. This is 2–3 times the price of a basic 600-watt food processor. The value depends on how much you use the peel-and-dice feature. If you batch-cook soups, stews, or salsas weekly, the time savings can justify the cost. If you only use a food processor a few times a month, the price is harder to justify. Also factor in the cost of replacement parts: a new dicing grid can cost $30–50, and a peeling disc $20–30. These are not cheap consumables, so handle them with care.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Like any powerful food processor, the BFP820BAL has sharp blades and a strong motor. Follow these safety guidelines:
- Always unplug the unit before assembling or disassembling, especially when cleaning the blades.
- Never put your hands near the dicing grid or peeling disc while the unit is plugged in.
- Use the provided plunger to push produce—never use your fingers.
- Do not process hot liquids or foods; let them cool to room temperature first.
- Clean the unit immediately after use to prevent food from drying on the blades.
- Check the power cord for damage regularly; if it’s frayed, stop using the unit and contact Breville support.
For maintenance, hand-wash the sharp parts, and periodically check the rubber gasket on the peel chamber for wear. Store the unit with the bowl and discs in a dry place to prevent rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the BFP820BAL peel and dice without water?
No, the peeling function requires water to catch the peel and reduce friction. Without water, the produce will bruise and the peel won’t come off cleanly. The dicing function does not require water, but the peeled produce should be dry to prevent slipping.
Does it work on carrots or celery?
Carrots work if they are thick enough (about 1 inch diameter) and firm. Celery is too fibrous and stringy—it will jam the dicing grid. Stick to round, firm produce for best results.
How do I clean the dicing grid?
Rinse it immediately under warm water and use a small brush (like a bottle brush) to push out any food bits. Do not put it in the dishwasher, as the high-pressure water can bend the blades. Dry it thoroughly before storing.
Is the BFP820BAL the same as the BFP800?
No, the BFP800 is an older model with a lower wattage (800W) and a different bowl design. The BFP820BAL has a more powerful motor and a slightly larger bowl, but the peel-and-dice system is similar. Check the model number on the base to confirm what you’re buying.
Can I use the dicing grid for grating cheese?
No, the dicing grid is designed for firm produce, not cheese. Use the shredding disc (included) for cheese, but note that soft cheeses may clog it. For hard cheeses like parmesan, use the fine shredding disc if available.
What is the warranty and where can I get parts?
Breville typically offers a 1-year limited warranty on this model. For parts, check Breville’s official website or authorized dealers in your country. Some third-party sellers offer compatible parts, but they may not fit perfectly—stick to genuine parts for safety.
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