For added speed and efficiency, operators use food processors for numerous prep tasks in the back of the house.
When it comes to production in commercial kitchens, food processors are a back-of-the-house workhorse. These units can execute a variety of tasks, such as chopping, dicing, grinding, slicing, shredding, grating, pureeing and emulsifying. Along with these everyday duties, food processors can also prepare potato chips, pâtés, spreads, sauces and nuts.
Commercial foodservice operations use three main types of food processors. Bowl-style units with a closed bowl use a spinning blade to chop, mix or emulsify product. Continuous-feed or chute-style food processors have a grid design to precisely dice, slice, shred, grate or julienne. As the name implies, this type requires operators to feed product continuously into the unit. Combination food processors are a mix of both and have interchangeable heads. Similar to the bowl style but larger, food cutters or buffalo choppers run at slower revolutions per minute (rpm).
Food processors typically include plastic or stainless-steel bowls. Bowl cutter and combination food processor bowl capacities range from 2½ to 7 quarts, while vertical cutter-mixer capacities are between 8 and 60 quarts. For high-volume operations, floor models can prepare up to 1,400 pounds of vegetables per hour.
Food processing equipment includes an angled, serrated or straight knife or blade as well as on/off and pulse operation. Continuous-feed models include a base, a hopper and various-style plates for different prep needs.
Most food processors run at 320 to 350 rpm. The higher the rpm, the less precise the cut. Food processors are either belt- or gear-driven. While gear units have the bowl sitting over the motor, the bowl in belt-driven processors is situated away from it. These units have one-, two- or variable-speed controls.
Various disc designs allow different slicing and shredding sizes. Specialty machines that simultaneously rotate blades in two directions are also available. Some models offer new bowl designs, noise-reducing technology or one-touch features.
