Whether you run a small cafe or a large-scale restaurant, food processors are a valuable addition to any commercial kitchen. They streamline the prep process to save you time and labor while ensuring consistency in your dishes.

If you're just launching a new eatery or want to upgrade your kitchen, you may not know where to start when choosing a model. We're going to share our top food processors reviews and a helpful buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What to Look for in Commercial Food Processors

The best food processors will make your kitchen more efficient, but it's important to choose a model that will meet your needs and goals.

When comparing your options, consider:

The Types of Processors

There are five main types of commercial food processors:

  • Batch or bowl: These have blades mounted near the bottom of the bowl that are attached to a vertical shaft that can rotate discs to handle additional tasks. They're great for pureeing, whipping, chopping and mincing.
  • Continuous-feed: These units have blade discs that can slice, grate, julienne, shred, dice and crimp food. They expel food directly into a container or pan, which makes them ideal for processing large quantities without interruption.
  • Buffalo choppers: Named after the town they were first manufactured (Buffalo, NY), these processors operate at a single speed and can cut through tough ingredients. They're ideal for firm vegetables, meats and dense mixtures.
  • Combination: Hybrid units that offer both batch and continuous-use operation. They have interchangeable attachments, so you can easily switch between both types of operation. These models are ideal for high-volume preparation.
  • Vertical cutter mixers: These are high-capacity, freestanding machines that process foods rapidly. They make quick work of chopping, mixing and emulsifying dense, heavy ingredients. They're commonly used in hospitals, schools and catering operations.

Consider your daily volume and menu when choosing a food processor type.

Blade Styles

Along with different types, you'll also find a variety of blades to help you achieve your desired cut style or texture.

Some of the most common options include:

  • Slicing discs: These create uniform slices of ingredients at various thicknesses based on the disc size.
  • S-Blade: Perfect for chopping, mixing, grinding and pureeing medium-density foods.
  • Dicing: Cuts ingredients into small and consistently-sized cubes. Commonly used for salad toppings or salsa.
  • Shredding/grating discs: Great for preparing vegetables, nuts and cheese to achieve consistent results.
  • Julienne discs: Renders long and thin cuts for stir-fry and garnishes.
  • French fry discs: Cuts root vegetables, like potatoes, into thick strips that are ideal for frying.

Many models have interchangeable discs to maximize versatility.

Power Ratings

One of the most important specifications to consider when choosing a food processor is its horsepower rating.

The higher the horsepower, the greater the volume and denser the ingredients it can handle without overheating.

Along with the motor HP, check the rotations per minute (RPM) to gauge how quickly the blade rotates around the shaft. Lower RPMs are better suited for cutting through tough ingredients, while higher RPMs are ideal for processing lighter foods.

These are some of the most important things to keep in mind when weighing your options. To help you make a more informed decision, we're going to share our top food processors reviews below.

6 Best Food Processors for Commercial Kitchens

1. Univex UFP13

The UFP13 is a countertop food processor that packs a big punch. This model can prepare 290-485lbs of food per hour, making it ideal for larger operations. The aluminum alloy and stainless steel construction make this unit highly durable, and the heavy-duty ventilated 0.7 HP motor allows for continuous operation.

Thanks to the built-in feeding system, it's easy for this model to process soft foods like mozzarella cheese.

The UFP13 also has safety mechanisms. The motor stops when the lever is lifted, and the machine won't start if the cover is not properly in place.

The compact design of this unit allows for easy installation in any commercial kitchen.

Learn more about the Univex UFP13.

2. Nemco CC-32S

Nemco's CC-32S is a two-speed food processor with a 3-quart stainless steel bowl that can process up to four pounds of food per minute.

The unit offers a continuous feed and two discs to process fruits and vegetables, making it quick and easy to prep for soups and sauces. Its heavy-duty design includes an all-metal motor shaft and blades that can withstand continuous commercial use.

Learn more about the Nemco CC-32S.

3. Nemco CC-34

Four speeds and two discs pack the power that your kitchen needs to process ingredients. The CC-34 has a durable base and an all-metal motor shaft and blades that hold up to commercial use.

Although this unit is heavy-duty, it has a compact design and a light weight of 25 lbs., making it ideal for any commercial kitchen.

Learn more about the Nemco CC-34.

4. Nemco VCB-32

Ideal for restaurants, bakeries, fast food outlets and cafes, the VCB-32 is one of the most reliable and durable commercial food processors out there.

Use to chop, grind, mix, puree and more. It can easily handle meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, onions, nuts, mushrooms, cheese and more.

The 1 1/3 HP motor gives you the power to handle large quantities of food. Plus, this unit has two functions: cutting and blending.

To make your life easier, all components are easily disassembled and dishwasher-safe.

Learn more about the Nemco VCB-32.

5. Prepline PFP-4D

The PFP-4D is one of the best rated food processors for eateries that want to maximize versatility. This model comes with four discs to easily:

  • Slice
  • Shred
  • Grate

The unit comes equipped with a 1HP motor and safety protection features to streamline prep while keeping your staff safe.

The hopper-style processor makes it easy to prep continuously, and the compact design makes it a perfect fit for even small kitchens.

Learn more about the Prepline PFP-4D.

6. Prepline PCFP-3B

If you're looking for combination commercial food processors, the PCFP-3B is a great option. It offers a 3-quart stainless steel bowl and continuous feed capability to make food prep a breeze. Four versatile discs are included for slicing, shredding and grating ingredients.

The 1HP motor ensures that this unit can withstand commercial use.

Learn more about the Prepline PCFP-3B.

These are some of our top-rated commercial food processors, each offering advantages for a variety of eateries. Use our buying guide and reviews to choose a unit that will meet your volume needs and help streamline your kitchen prep.