Whether you run a quick-service or full-service restaurant, you will need trustworthy food prep equipment. A deli will need meet grinders and slicers, while a bar or smoothie shop will need blenders on hand. To save on food-prep labor, any commercial kitchen could benefit from having a food processor for chopping or dicing, or an immersion blender for pureeing soups and vegetables. With all food prep equipment, ease of maintenance is key. Also be sure the footprint is small enough for your counter space. If you get a model with the wrong horsepower or blade type, it could break down or even be completely unsuitable for your application.
 
For slicing meat, be sure the slicer’s knife diameter will cut a large enough slice size for you. The horse power will determine whether you can slice cheese, which generally requires a higher HP. Slice thickness and strokes per minute are also important factors. For grinding meat, let pounds per hour guide your decision. When processing or blending food, you will need to find a machine with the right capacity and functions. Some can even knead dough or puree vegetables.