Buying Guide: How to Choose Food Processors for Your Foodservice Establishment

Food processors and blenders are not one in the same, as blenders require some sort of liquid to keep food moving through the blades. Food processors, on the other hand, have a flat bottom and thus do not need additional liquid.

Choose Based on Task

Batch Bowl Processor

Capacity: typically between 1-6 quarts, although some industrial units may come in larger sizes.

Typically features a Sebatier or ‘S’ blade, and the bowl is detachable. Bowls typically made of plastic with some stainless steel.

Primary Task: chopping, kneading, pureeing, grating, slicing, shredding.

Continuous Feed Processor

Capacity: continuous feed allows for limitless capacity.

Dispenses food into a separate container, allowing for quick preparation.

Primary Task: shredding, larger volume slicing and processing

Dual Processor (batch and continuous)

Capacity: can be continuous or will be limited by the bowl size you opt for with batch capabilities.

Uses both a bowl and continuous feed capabilities depending on whether or not you utilize an add-on unit.

Primary Task: multi-tasking abilities of both batch bowls and continuous feed processors through the use of interchangeable heads.

Vertical Mixer Cutter

Capacity: 3-60 quart

Built to save space with removable bowl and tilting seal.

Primary Task: meat processing, grinding, kneading, emulsifying, mixing.

Blixer

Capacity: a wide range of capacities from 2 to 60 quarts.

Combines features of a blender and a mixer and is best at pureeing and thickening

Primary Task: pureeing, mixing/ blending liquids.

Revolving Bowl-Type Cutter

Capacity:bowls ranging from 5-15lbs. capacity.

Utilizes a rotating 14” or 18” s/s bowl to mince items via a multi-bladed, vertically-revolving knife at the rear of the bowl.

Primary Task: mincing meats, blending and emulsifying proteins, chop vegetables.

Vegetable Slicer

Capacity: continuous feed allows for limitless capacity.

Operates as a mixer hub attachment designed specifically for vegetable slicing capabilities. Can either connect to a 12 or 24 sized hub and will need to be verified prior to purchase.

Primary Task: vegetables.

Meat Grinder

Capacity:

• Hub Attachment: continuous feed allows for limitless capacity but with a slower output.
• Stand-Alone Unit: continuous feed best for high-volume meat grinding outputs.

Operates as a mixer hub attachment designed specifically to grind meat. Available as a hub attachment and can either connect to a 12 or 24 sized hub. Can also be purchased as a stand-alone unit.  
Primary Task: meats.

Make sure to choose a processor that also comes with (or has available for purchase) blades and discs to tend to all of your processing needs. Some may only have a few attachments available while others may include a wide range of blades and discs to tend to almost any food processing need.

Size/Capacity

Small

Typically not ideal for restaurant use, these are reserved for small batches and softer foods. Liquid ingredients require about half the capacity for the processor.
Best for small batches of sauce, blending/chopping herbs, chopping nuts, liquid ingredients, garnishes.

Large

Best for restaurants, hospitality, and institutions. For large-volume outputs, consider the continuous feed processor.
And best for cheeses, bulk veggies and batch salsas.

Size also comes into play in regards to the chute, which is your main alley for adding ingredients into the main cavity.

Horsepower Rating

Processors with the same batch bowl sizes can vary in horsepower ratings, rendering some more useful for coarser foods than others. Consider higher horsepower ratings for your processor if you plan to utilize it for: 

• Kneading Stiff Dough
• Chopping Raw, Hard Veggies (like Carrots)
• Shredding Hard Cheese
• Long Running Times

If you know you’re utilizing your processor for rougher jobs but opt for a low horsepower rating, you run the risk of:

• Not chopping foods completely
• Foods not uniformly processed
• Motor burning out

A good rule of thumb is that for food processors of 9 quarts or higher, opt for at least a 600 horsepower rating.

Attachments and Accessories

Hoppers, bowls, and pushers may be available as well as different choppers and discs.

‘S’ Blade

Included with your purchase of a batch bowl, the ‘S’ blade sits at the bottom of the bowl and combines ingredients together.
Best for salsas, hummus.

Discs

Positioned at the top of the bowl and slices food into different shapes and slices. These are best for visible foods, as the presentation is key.
Best for sandwich pickles, mushrooms for pizza, curled chocolate or cheese slices.

Hoppers

Holds food before it’s funneled into the cavity of the processor.
Best for multiple ingredients.

Pushers

Helps to push food through the opening and into the cavity. This keeps fingers safe and acts as a lid.
Best for larger foods.

Bowls

Is the receiving container for food as it’s cut.
Best for choose size based on the input.

Shop our extensive line of food processors at CKitchen.