Food Preparation Equipment for Professional Kitchens

1. What is the difference between a spiral mixer and a planetary mixer?

The spiral mixer (kneader) is designed specifically for hard and heavy doughs (bread, pizza) and only the hook rotates. The planetary mixer includes whisks, paddle, and hook, and performs an orbital movement, making it ideal for pastry (whipping whites, sponges) and soft doughs.

2. Should I choose belt or gear transmission for the slicer?

For a bar with moderate use (cooked ham, soft cheese), belt transmission is quieter and cheaper. If you are going to slice a lot of cured ham, very hard cheeses, or have a butcher shop with intensive use, we recommend gear transmission to prevent the blade from stalling due to resistance.

3. What maintenance do vacuum sealers require?

The most important thing is changing the pump oil every certain number of hours (depending on the manufacturer), as it degrades with moisture. You should also check the condition of the sealing bar and change the Teflon if burnt, as well as keeping the lid gasket clean to ensure vacuum.

4. Can I mince bones with a standard meat grinder?

No. Standard meat grinders are designed only for lean meat and fat. Attempting to mince bones or frozen meat can break the gears or the machine head. To cut bones, you must use a specific bone saw.

5. How do you clean vegetable cutters?

Never use a hose directly on the motor. Remove the lid, pusher, and cutting discs, which can be washed with soap and water (some in dishwashers). Clean the motor body with a damp cloth and food-safe disinfectant.

6. Why is my vacuum sealer not achieving full vacuum?

It is usually due to three causes: lack of oil in the pump, the lid gasket is dirty or cracked, or the bag is not well placed over the sealing bar. Also ensure the product is not hot, as steam interferes with the vacuum.

7. Which discs do I need for my vegetable cutter?

The basic kit usually includes: slicing discs (2mm and 4mm) for cucumber or tomato, and grating discs (3mm) for carrots or cheese. For French fries or dice for salads, you will need specific discs and a dicing grid.

8. Can a planetary mixer be used for pizza dough?

It can be done occasionally with the hook attachment, but it is not its main function. If you force a planetary mixer with hard pizza doughs daily, you will end up damaging the transmission shaft. For pizza, a spiral mixer is always better.

9. How much juice does an automatic juicer produce?

It depends on the model. A basic manual feed model can do 10-12 oranges per minute. Automatic models with a feeder basket can process between 20 and 25 oranges per minute, filling a liter jug in less than 60 seconds.

10. Is cooling necessary in a meat grinder?

If you are going to grind meat continuously for a long time or in very hot environments, cooling prevents the meat from heating up at the outlet, reducing bacterial proliferation and maintaining a bright red color. For discontinuous restaurant use, it is usually not mandatory.