What’s inside this buyer’s guide
- Introduction
- Types of food processors
- Food processors vs blenders
- Food processor motors
- Other features to consider
- Types of food processor discs and blades
- Best commercial food processors
- Frequently asked questions
- Food processors glossary
- Keep your cash, use ours!
What happens when you blend versatility, efficiency, and speed?
You get a commercial food processor — the backbone of every successful kitchen.
This multitasker slices, chops, grinds, dices, kneads, and more, ensuring seamless culinary operation.
For a winning kitchen strategy, finding the right fit is vital.
Unlock the secret to choosing the best with our tailored buyer's guide, your roadmap to a high-performing food processor that meets your unique business needs.
Let’s dive in!
Types of food processors
Let’s begin by looking at the various types of industrial food processors.
Understanding these categories is the first step to finding the right fit for your needs.
Batch bowl
- Processes food in a spacious, enclosed bowl, typically with capacities ranging from 2 to 5 quarts.
- Equipped with a variety of functions, such as chopping, grating, slicing, and shredding, thanks to the availability of multiple blade/disk attachments.
- Renowned for delivering consistent and uniform results, which is crucial for maintaining culinary excellence in a commercial kitchen.
- Ideally suited for recipes that require precise processing times or seamless blending of ingredients, making it an indispensable tool for crafting exquisite soups, sauces, and marinades.
Continuous feed
- Enables seamless food processing as it is fed through a chute, efficiently directing the output into a separate container, streamlining the workflow.
- Revered for its rapid processing speed, it ensures consistent cuts while handling significant amounts of food effortlessly.
- Especially ideal for repetitive tasks such as shredding cheese or slicing vegetables for large-scale batches, maximizing efficiency in a high-volume culinary setting.
Combination (batch bowl & continuous feed head)
- This ingenious hybrid design combines the best features of batch bowl and continuous feed processors, providing unrivaled versatility to meet a wide range of culinary requirements.
- The ability to switch seamlessly between batch and continuous processing allows for efficient handling of varying volume needs.
- Commercial kitchens with diverse menus benefit significantly from this valuable asset, as it efficiently accommodates the demands of different food processing tasks.
Bowl choppers (Buffalo choppers)
- With its rotating bowl and purpose-built horizontal blades, this design excels at precise chopping and blending operations.
- It operates at high speeds, granting exceptional control over the desired coarseness or fineness of the chopping process.
- These powerful choppers feature generous capacities, often reaching up to 14 quarts, effortlessly handling heavy-duty chopping tasks for meats, vegetables, and coarse spreads or pâtés.
Vertical cutter mixers (VCM)
- With its spacious vertical mixing bowl and powerful high-speed rotating blades, this machine is widely recognized for its exceptional performance.
- It excels in efficiently chopping, pureeing, blending, and mixing substantial quantities of ingredients, delivering outstanding results every time.
- Featuring impressive capacities of up to 30 quarts, it is the ideal choice for preparing generous batches of foods, whether creating delectable salad dressings or kneading dough in commercial bakeries and pizzerias.
- Many Vertical Cutting Mixers (VCMs) offer adjustable speed settings and a versatile "pulse" function, allowing precise control over processing tasks to achieve culinary perfection.
Food processors vs blenders
Making informed decisions about choosing equipment is vital for efficient and precise food preparation in commercial kitchens.
While blenders and food processors may share some functionalities, the table below compares their features and capabilities comprehensively.
|
Features |
Food Processors |
Blenders |
|
Functionality |
Versatile enough to easily handle a multitude of functions including chopping, slicing, grating, pureeing, and kneading. |
Primarily used for blending, pureeing, and emulsifying ingredients. |
|
Blade types |
Comes with interchangeable blades for versatile functionality. Certain models also provide supplementary attachments for kneading dough or preparing in-house pasta. |
Typically, equipped with a fixed blade, powered by a high-speed motor specifically designed for blending. In some cases, select high-end models may provide the option of interchangeable blades. |
|
Capacity |
Available in various sizes, often larger than blenders, with capacities ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 quarts in most models. |
Typically smaller than food processors, with capacities ranging from 1 to 2 quarts in most models. |
|
Consistency |
Capable of handling a broad spectrum of textures, ranging from coarse chopping to fine mincing or pureeing. |
Perfectly tailored for achieving silky and fluid textures, making it ideal for soups, smoothies, and sauces. |
|
Food type |
Versatile enough to process both tender and tough ingredients, including vegetables, nuts, and dough. |
It excels at efficiently processing liquids and softer ingredients, but it is not recommended for hard items like coffee beans or nuts, unless it’s a high-power model. |
|
Design |
With its wider and shorter build, this type of processor is designed to accommodate larger food items. |
Typically designed with a taller and narrower shape, these blenders encourage ingredients to be drawn down towards the blades, for a seamless blend. |
|
Cleaning |
For convenient cleaning, most parts of these appliances are detachable and dishwasher-safe. |
With a simpler construction, these appliances are generally easier to clean, although it's important to give proper attention to cleaning around the blades for thorough maintenance. |
Food processor motors
The motor power of industrial food processors plays an important role in determining their performance and efficiency, making it a key factor to consider in their selection and operation.
With power ranging from 0.5 to 3 horsepower (370 to 2000 watts), higher wattage enables efficient processing of various ingredients.
Refer to the table below for a comprehensive summary of the motor power ranges commonly found in industrial food processors:
|
Motor power range |
Horsepower range |
Wattage range |
|
Low |
0.5 - 0.75 horsepower |
370 - 560 watts |
|
Medium |
0.75 - 1.5 horsepower |
560 - 1125 watts |
|
High |
1.5 - 3 horsepower |
1125 - 2000 watts |
Other features to consider
When selecting a commercial food processor, every element counts.
From the bowl material and hopper style to the controls, speeds, RPM, and noise level, each factor plays a vital role in optimizing performance and cultivating a harmonious kitchen environment.
Explore these features to make an informed decision and select the perfect equipment with confidence.
Speed settings and RPM
Commercial food processors in the USA come equipped with a range of speed settings and revolutions per minute (RPM) options.
These features are thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of chefs and kitchen professionals, ensuring precise and consistent results in culinary preparations.
By understanding the nuances of speed settings and RPM options, you can unleash the full potential of your commercial food processor, taking your culinary creations to new heights of excellence.
Speed Settings
Variable speed
Commercial food processors often come with adjustable speed settings, allowing chefs to tailor the processing speed to meet the specific demands of each recipe.
This versatility provides greater control and precision, enabling you to achieve desired textures and consistencies with finesse.
Fixed speed
Certain models offer fixed speed settings, typically including two or three pre-set speed levels.
These options prioritize simplicity and user-friendliness, guaranteeing reliable performance at a consistent speed throughout your culinary preparations.
Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
RPM range
The RPM range of commercial food processors typically spans from 1500 to 2600, representing the rotational speed of the processor's blades or discs, which significantly influences its performance.
Fine chopping and blending
Higher RPM settings, ranging from 2000 to 2600, excel in tasks requiring fine chopping and blending.
These speeds ensure precise processing, resulting in smooth textures and finely chopped ingredients that meet the highest culinary standards.
Coarse cutting
Lower RPM settings, usually around 1500 to 1800, are better suited for coarse cutting tasks.
This speed range enables the processor to handle tougher ingredients, delivering coarser cuts and textures that align with specific recipes and culinary preferences within commercial kitchens in the USA.
Bowl material
As a chef, making the right choice for the bowl material in your commercial food processor is a crucial decision that can greatly influence the quality and consistency of your dishes.
Each bowl material possesses unique advantages, and it is essential to have a clear understanding of these benefits to make an informed decision.
Clear plastic bowl
Clear plastic bowls provide the advantage of transparency, enabling you to visually monitor the progress without needing to lift the lid.
This feature proves especially beneficial when aiming for precise textures or consistency in culinary creations.
Widely used in commercial kitchens, clear plastic bowls excel at tasks such as emulsifying dressings, creating smooth purees, and preparing visually appealing layered desserts.
Grey plastic bowl
Grey plastic bowls are renowned for their exceptional durability, versatility, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Crafted from top-quality food-grade materials, they can withstand the rigorous demands of busy food preparation environments.
Their resistance to stains and odors guarantees long-lasting performance and effortless clean-up, making them a reliable choice for commercial kitchens.
Stainless Steel Bowl
Stainless steel bowls offer the advantage of safely handling hot or acidic ingredients without leaching any chemicals.
They provide excellent heat retention and showcase a sleek and professional appearance. With effortless cleaning and low maintenance requirements, stainless steel bowls ensure longevity while exuding a polished aesthetic.
Chefs seeking durability and elegance often prefer these bowls for their culinary pursuits.
Bowl capacity
The bowl capacity of a commercial food processor plays an important role in optimizing efficiency and productivity within restaurant kitchens.
Here's why it holds such significance:
Handling volume
A generous bowl capacity reduces the need for multiple batches, saving precious time and enhancing overall productivity.
Time and labor savings
With a spacious bowl, chefs can process larger quantities of ingredients in a single operation, streamlining food preparation and minimizing manual labor.
Consistent results
Ample bowl space ensures even processing, promoting consistent texture and quality across batches.
Task-specific capacities
Consider the capacities that align with your specific culinary tasks.
Smaller capacities (approximately 1.6 to 2.6 quarts) excel in sauces and dressings, while larger capacities (approximately 3.2 to 6.3 quarts) prove ideal for dough kneading or processing larger quantities in bulk.
Hopper style
The hopper plays a crucial role in commercial food processors, influencing processing efficiency and ingredient compatibility.
It determines how ingredients are handled during processing, making it an integral part of the machine.
Consider the following hopper styles when selecting the ideal food processor for your specific needs.
Bulk feed hopper
Known for its generous capacity and wide opening, the bulk feed hopper allows you to process a significant amount of ingredients in one go.
This hopper style excels in high-volume food preparation, making it ideal for processing large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and more.
With its efficient and continuous feeding capability, the bulk feed hopper minimizes the need for frequent ingredient reloading, providing a significant advantage in busy commercial kitchens.
Full moon hopper
Referred to as a round hopper or full moon hopper, this hopper style stands out with its wide, circular opening.
It is purposefully designed to accommodate larger or bulkier ingredients, such as whole fruits or vegetables.
With ample space for effortless loading and processing, this hopper style is widely utilized in commercial food processors for tasks that involve slicing or grating large fruits or vegetables, or preparing bulk quantities of salad ingredients.
Half moon hopper
Also known as a crescent hopper, the half moon hopper exhibits a semi-circular shape with a narrower opening compared to the full moon hopper.
This design facilitates controlled feeding and precise processing of smaller or delicate ingredients.
It proves particularly suitable for tasks that demand precision slicing, dicing, or julienning of ingredients.
The half moon hopper offers stability and control when processing smaller or irregularly shaped ingredients, making it an excellent choice for achieving uniform cuts and attaining fine textures in commercial food preparation.
Noise levels
Tired of food processors that roar like a jet engine, overpowering all other sounds?
Well, the good news is you no longer have to endure it!
The key to a quieter food processor lies in understanding the factors influencing noise levels.
The motor power, blade design, and overall construction all play pivotal roles in determining the noise produced.
Higher-powered motors and high-speed blades tend to generate more noise, while vibrations and resonances can amplify it.
To address this, manufacturers incorporate sound-dampening materials, anti-vibration mechanisms, and improved motor designs to reduce noise levels.
Additionally, regular maintenance, lubrication, and inspections of the food processor also contribute to noise reduction.
Types of food processor discs and blades
Now that you have a grasp of the diverse food processor types and essential features to consider, let's turn our attention to another important aspect: blades and discs.
These components are pivotal to the performance and versatility of food processors, enabling precise cutting, chopping, slicing, and more.
In this section, we will delve into the different types and styles of blades and discs and explore their specific applications.
Smooth blades
These primary blades are ideal for a wide range of chopping, pureeing, and blending tasks.
They excel in creating velvety smooth sauces, flavorful dips, and delectable dressings.
Serrated blades
With small, sharp teeth along the edge, these blades expertly slice through tougher ingredients such as bread or fibrous vegetables.
They deliver clean and precise cuts without crushing the food, resulting in optimal texture and presentation for your culinary creations.
Perforated blades
With evenly spaced holes, perforated blades guarantee precise slicing while preventing sticking or jamming.
They are best used for delicate foods like tomatoes or soft fruits, enabling clean and effortless slicing without compromising the integrity of the ingredients.
Slicing discs
Slicing discs are equipped with adjustable or interchangeable blades, providing precise control over thickness.
They effortlessly slice through a wide range of ingredients, guaranteeing consistent and uniform results in your culinary preparations.
Julienne discs
Julienne discs are designed with evenly spaced, sharp blades that make it easy to create thin strips or matchstick cuts effortlessly.
These discs are perfect for preparing uniform vegetable strips, which are ideal for salads, stir-fries, or garnishes.
They enable you to add a touch of elegance and consistency to your culinary creations.
Grating/shredding discs
Grating/shredding discs are available in various sizes, allowing for quick processing of ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or chocolate.
They offer remarkable versatility in creating different textures, making them invaluable for a wide range of recipes.
Whether you need fine shreds for delicate toppings or coarse gratings for robust flavors, these discs deliver consistent and efficient results.
Brunoise discs
Brunoise discs are designed specifically to create small, uniform cubes and also, dice with precision and consistency.
They are ideal for achieving immaculate cuts and are commonly used for fruits, vegetables, or garnishes.
Whipping discs
Whipping discs unleash the full whipping potential of your food processor, turning it into a powerhouse for creating perfectly whipped cream, beating airy egg whites, or achieving light and fluffy mousses.
With these discs, you can effortlessly achieve the desired consistency and incorporate air into your culinary creations, elevating your desserts and recipes to new levels of delight.
Gaufrette/waffle discs
Gaufrette or waffle discs are specifically designed to create waffle-cut slices or crinkle-cut edges, adding visual appeal to your dishes.
These discs are often used for firm vegetables such as potatoes or carrots, offering an extra touch of creativity and texture to your culinary creations.
Dicing kits
Dicing kits comprise a combination of blades and grids, enabling quick and effortless dicing of ingredients.
With these kits, you can achieve consistent cube shapes that are perfect for salads, stews, or casseroles, ensuring uniformity and precision in your culinary creations.
Crimping discs
Crimping discs are designed to create decorative crimped edges on dough, lending a professional and elegant touch to pies, pastries, or tart shells. With these discs, you can effortlessly enhance the visual appeal of your baked goods.
French fry kits
French fry kits streamline the process of making perfect French fries by swiftly cutting potatoes into uniform sticks, ready for frying or baking.
Different models offer varying numbers of discs and blades, typically ranging from 0 to 16 or more.
These discs and blades possess unique capabilities, enabling you to process a wide variety of ingredients.
This versatility makes the food processor an essential and invaluable tool for your kitchen, expanding your culinary possibilities and simplifying your food preparation tasks.
Best commercial food processor brands
Robot Coupe
Founded in the 1960s, Robot Coupe introduced the world's first food processor, revolutionizing the landscape of commercial kitchens.
This trailblazing spirit continues to drive the brand, which is celebrated for its sophisticated engineering, precision, and unrivaled speed.
The robust nature of Robot Coupe's food processors, coupled with their intuitive operation, positions them as trusted assets in commercial kitchens, transforming raw ingredients into culinary masterpieces across the USA.
We recommend the Robot Coupe CL 50E for large scale operations; it's a consistent feed food processor featuring a single-speed operation running at 425 RPM, empowered by a potent 1.5 HP motor.
Alternatively, for more compact requirements, the Robot Coupe R2B is an excellent choice, boasting a 3-quart capacity, a user-friendly handle, and a smooth 'S' blade assembly.
Shop Robot Coupe food processors now.
Hobart
Originating in 1897, Hobart has been an essential part of the American culinary landscape for over a century.
Hobart's food processors are built on a rich heritage of innovation, reliability, and robustness, delivering exceptional efficiency in high-pressure commercial environments.
This brand prides itself on its American craftsmanship, a seamless blend of time-honored tradition and state-of-the-art technology.
Hobart's unwavering commitment to quality and service makes it a trusted ally in commercial kitchens.
We recommend the FP100, a high-performance continuous-feed food processor with a large, removable half-size feed hopper and durable all-aluminum construction.
It prioritizes safety with an interlock switch.
Another excellent option is the FP400i, a versatile continuous-feed food processor featuring a two-speed motor for enhanced control.
It offers a triple hopper/cover interlock system and convenient mobility with four legs, including casters.
Shop Hobart commercial food processors now.
Sammic
Established in 1961, Sammic is a global leader in commercial kitchen equipment.
Known for their advanced technology and superior quality, Sammic's food processors provide efficient, robust solutions for professional kitchens.
Combining Spanish craftsmanship with innovative design, Sammic offers dependable, high-performance equipment that caters to the demanding needs of commercial kitchens across the USA.
Highly recommended models are the Sammic KE-5V, a versatile variable-speed emulsifier with a powerful 3 HP motor for efficient chopping and mixing.
It features adjustable speeds, a stainless steel motor block, a 5.5-litre stainless steel hopper, a serrated 'S' blade, and a "cut and mix" scraper.
Another excellent choice is the Sammic CK-5V, a robust countertop vegetable prep slicer processor equipped with brushless technology and a reliable 3 HP motor.
Shop Sammic food processors now.
Waring
Founded in 1937, Waring pioneered the foodservice industry with its innovative blender.
Today, it's recognized for robust, high-quality commercial appliances including food processors.
Waring products are renowned for their reliability, versatility, and cutting-edge technology.
Their blend of heritage, innovation, and dedication to customer satisfaction makes Waring a trusted choice for commercial kitchens across the USA.
Top recommended models include the Waring Commercial WFP11S, a versatile batch bowl food processor with slicing, shredding, puréeing, and chopping capabilities.
Its 2.5-quart sealed bowl is perfect for soups, sauces, and marinades.
Another option is the Waring Commercial FP2200, designed for high-volume kitchens, capable of processing up to 1,400 pounds per hour with 5 discs and an "S" blade for exceptional versatility.
Shop Waring commercial food processors now.
Avamix
Founded in the 21st century, Avamix revolutionized commercial food processing with efficient, high-quality appliances.
The brand is lauded for its durable and high-performing food processors, designed for the rigors of high-volume kitchens in the USA.
Avamix combines longevity, performance, and affordability, backed by exceptional customer service and product support, making it a top choice for commercial kitchens nationwide.
Top picks include the Avamix CFBB342DG, featuring a continuous feed attachment for faster prep, and the AvaMix CFP7D Dice Continuous Feed Food Processor with 7 discs for ultimate versatility.
Shop Avamix commercial food processors now.
Commercial food processor frequently asked questions
What is a food processor used for?
Despite the seemingly straightforward nature of the question, it continues to be frequently asked due to varying levels of familiarity with the full capabilities of commercial food processors.
This powerful kitchen appliance holds untapped potential that even experienced restaurateurs may not fully explore.
Beyond their basic functions, food processors offer remarkable versatility that enhances efficiency and unlocks creative culinary possibilities.
Here are some key capabilities to consider:
Dough kneading
Food processors efficiently knead dough for bread or pastries, saving valuable time and effort.
Emulsifying ingredients
They excel at emulsifying ingredients to create smooth vinaigrettes, aioli, or mayonnaise, ensuring consistent texture.
Fresh juice extraction
Certain food processors come with attachments for extracting fresh juice from citrus fruits, providing preservative-free options.
Texture control
With adjustable speed settings, chefs can effortlessly achieve desired textures, from coarse chopping to fine mincing.
Additional attachments
Food processors can be equipped with attachments for tasks such as grating cheese or shredding vegetables, to streamline your meal prep.
Harness the full potential of your commercial food processor and explore the wide range of capabilities it offers, revolutionizing your culinary creations and enhancing efficiency in your kitchen.
Can food processor be used as a blender?
Yes, a food processor can function as a blender with the appropriate attachments.
However, it's important to note that their intended functions differ.
Food processors excel in chopping, slicing, and grating, while blenders specialize in achieving smooth textures and fine purees.
When seeking consistent blending results, a dedicated blender is recommended, especially for establishments that prioritize fine purees.
For those prioritizing versatility and space-saving, a food processor with blender capabilities can be a practical solution.
Consider your specific needs and priorities to make the best choice for optimal culinary results.
What features should I look for in a commercial food processor?
When searching for a commercial food processor, prioritize distinctive features that align precisely with your kitchen's unique requirements.
These include:
Speeds
Look for processors with on/off and pulse settings for precise control.
Some models even offer high and low pulse settings for efficient chopping tasks.
Multifunctional accessories
Ensure the processor comes with shredding and slicing disks, and check for additional attachments like a juicer or interchangeable blades to enhance versatility in food processing.
Dough blade
If you frequently work with dough, opt for a processor with a dedicated dough blade to enhance performance and consistency in kneading tasks.
Touchpad controls
Choose processors equipped with touchpad controls for a sleek and modern interface that is easy to clean.
Liquid 'max' line
Select processors that feature a distinct 'Max' line on their mixing bowl to prevent overfilling and potential leaks.
Storage case
Consider models that provide a storage case, offering a practical to keep blades and accessories organized and easily accessible.
Feed tube
Save time and effort by choosing processors with a wide feed tube, allowing you to process larger food items without the need for pre-cutting.
Choose a commercial food processor with these essential features to elevate your kitchen's performance, achieving culinary excellence and unmatched efficiency that sets you apart from the competition.
Commercial food processor glossary
Pulse function
A function found in commercial food processors that delivers short bursts of power for precise control during processing.
It is commonly used for rough chopping ingredients or blending delicate items.
S-blade
The predominant blade type found in food processors, characterized by its curved 'S' shape.
It is specifically designed for efficient chopping, mincing, and pureeing of ingredients.
Dough blade
A unique type of blade, featuring short blunt arms, specifically designed for kneading dough.
Unlike other metal blades, it is typically made of plastic to ensure proper dough consistency and prevent over mixing or shredding.
Feed tube
The designated opening through which food is added into the food processor. It is available in various styles and sizes, depending on the model of the processor.
Induction motor
A robust and durable motor type commonly used in food processors.
It is recognized for its quiet operation and extended lifespan compared to universal motors.
Direct drive motor
A motor configuration where the motor is positioned directly beneath the bowl, enabling efficient power transfer.
This design enhances the performance of the food processor, ensuring consistent and reliable operation for a wide range of culinary tasks.
Clutch
A mechanism that automatically disengages the motor when the lid of the food processor is open or not properly secured.
This serves as a critical safety feature, preventing accidental operation and ensuring user protection.
Keep your cash. Use ours!
Hospitality equipment can be expensive and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.
Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it helps generates.
Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it also gives you unrivaled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.
You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.
If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 60% of the net rent you paid in the first year and 20% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.