The commercial food processor has come a long way in the last twenty years, evolving to become more versatile and more powerful. The number of tasks a modern processor can perform in a restaurant kitchen has grown during this evolution, as has the amount of output capacity a single food processor can handle.

This is good news for restaurateurs because using a food processor can save significant labor costs and improve the efficiency of your prep process greatly. The more versatile the processor, the more this holds true.

Of course, there is added investment involved in a more powerful and more versatile food processor, and the amount you invest should be weighed against the amount of output you need and the types of jobs you need to perform. This is especially true for capacity because saving some money up front to buy a smaller unit can mean headache down the road when that unit can’t keep up with demand.

There are several different types of food processors, and each type has different features. Having a selection of models and features is good because you can customize the type of food processor you buy based on the tasks you need it to perform. Understanding the differences between a combination model, a vegetable prep model, a Blixer and a vertical cutter mixer will help you purchase the right unit for your operation the first time.

Once you’ve made the investment in a quality food processor, proper maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan of the unit. Thankfully these units are not high maintenance. Aside from washing and sanitizing attachments and bowls, there is very little maintenance needed for a commercial food processor. Replacement parts are also very easy to find and usually fairly easy to install.

More than likely you’re not new to buying a food processor – they’ve become a staple piece of equipment in many kitchens – but when you look to buy a new one, the tips in this guide can help you make a more informed decision. If you are a newbie, start from the top and read all the way through before you make a final decision!