What Is a Commercial Food Processor?

A commercial food processor is distinguished from a regular home food processor by its size and strength. Typically found in restaurants and factories, the machine is made from a durable material, usually high-grade stainless steel, and plastics. The electric motor of a commercial food processor tends to be a lot more powerful than regular processors as they have to deal with a larger quantity of food, as well as chop, puree and blend food items that are frozen and tough. The processors often have heavy bases that are sometimes bolted to the floor to prevent movement. They are also able to run at high speeds for longer periods of time than the smaller home processors.

The machines can range in size from small restaurant food processors to larger more industrial-type processors. They are able to process a wide variety of foods and are each slightly modified depending on the food items. The processors typically are able to accept a number of cutting attachments, such as blades as well as crushing and mixing devices. The bowls tend to be larger than regular processes and often have chutes that allow food to be filtered into the bowl in a sustained manner. They can sometimes be automated, especially the larger commercial devices.

Commercial food processors may also have wheels so that they can be easily moved. They can have wide feeders to allow larger amounts of food to be funneled into the processor bowl at any given time. The machines are usually water proof so that they are more easily hosed down after use.

Some of the food preparations that these devices are able to chop, grate, dice or mix include whole potatoes, flour solutions, soups, and meat products. They are able to process large amounts of food over a short period of time. The commercial food processor is able to reduce food that is uncut and in raw form, alleviating the need for chefs to cut up the items themselves.

A commercial food processor can also be found in counter top form, yet they are still substantially sturdier than the regular machines. They are able to chop and mince food items in seconds and this helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the food. Many times the machines will come with twin paddle blenders, batch fryers and vegetable dicers. Depending on the size of the commercial operation, attachments and devices used in food preparation can either be added or removed to comply with the type and quantity of food being processed.