FP100C

Overview

The Hobart FP100C is a compact food processor for commercial kitchens. The Hobart operating manual describes the FP100 food processor as suitable for slicing, shredding, grating, julienne cutting and dicing vegetables, fruits and cheese. Its parts catalog identifies the FP100C model as ML-134179 and lists replacement components and cutting-tool parts for the FP100 food processor family.

The processor uses a large feed hopper for prepared products and a feed tube for long, narrow products or smaller items. Interchangeable cutters let operators select a cut suited to the food and preparation task. The operating manual calls for use on a suitable counter-height surface and allows a kitchen-use pan, not provided, to collect food at the exit chute.

Key Features

• Multiple preparation tasks: Slice, shred, grate, julienne cut and dice vegetables, fruits and cheese.
• Two feeding options: Use the large feed hopper for prepared produce and the feed tube for long, thin items or small products.
• Interlock switches: The machine is prevented from operating when the feed hopper is out of position or the pusher plate is raised.
• Start and stop controls: A green START button starts the processor; a red STOP button stops it.
• Removable cutting tools: The manual describes removing the feed hopper, cutting plates, dicing plate and flinger plate for cleaning.

Specifications

• Product type: Food processor.
• Model: Hobart FP100C.
• Model designation in parts catalog: FP100C, ML-134179; the catalog also lists FP100, ML-38962.
• Functions: Slicing, shredding, grating, julienne cutting and dicing vegetables, fruits and cheese.
• Controls: Green START and red STOP switches.
• Feed components: Large feed hopper, feed tube, feed tube pusher and pusher plate.
• Power connection: Electrical cord with a grounding-type plug; confirm the required electrical service against the data plate at the rear of the machine.
• Working surface: Suitable counter-height surface.
• Product collection: A kitchen-use pan can be placed under the exit chute; the pan is not provided.
• Cutting-tool sizes described in the manual: Slicer sizes include 1/16 inch (1.5 mm), 5/32 inch (4 mm), 7/32 inch (6 mm), 3/8 inch (10 mm) and 3/8 inch (10 mm) HD. Julienne cutter sizes include 3/32 inch (2 mm), 3/16 inch (4.5 mm) and 5/16 inch (8 mm). Dicing grid sizes include 9/32 inch (7.5 mm), 3/8 inch (10 mm), 5/8 inch (15 mm) and 3/4 inch (20 mm). Shredder sizes include 1/16 inch (1.5 mm), 3/32 inch (2 mm), 1/8 inch (3 mm), 3/16 inch (4.5 mm) and 5/16 inch (8 mm).
• Parts catalog examples: Dicer plates are listed in 3/8 inch (10 mm), 5/8 inch (16 mm), 3/4 inch and 9/32 inch sizes. The catalog also lists fine and extra-fine grater plates, shredder plates and slicer and julienne components.

Installation & Requirements

After unpacking, inspect the FP100C for shipping damage. The manual says to retain the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery if damage is found. Before installation, check that the electrical service matches the specifications on the data plate at the rear of the machine. The supplied manual does not state a voltage, amperage or wattage figure for the FP100C, so use the machine’s data plate for those requirements.

Set the processor on a suitable counter-height surface. Its electrical cord has a grounding-type plug and must be connected to a properly grounded receptacle. Do not remove the grounding prong. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, the manual directs the user to contact an electrician. Do not lift the machine by a hinged or extended part; lift it using the black carrying handle on top of the motor housing. A kitchen-use pan may be positioned under the exit chute to catch processed food.

Operation

Controls and interlocks

Press the green START switch to start the machine and the red STOP switch to stop it. Interlock switches prevent operation if the feed hopper is out of position or the pusher plate is raised. During operation, raising and turning the pusher plate fully stops the machine. When the pusher plate is rotated above the feed hopper and starts down, the machine restarts; pressing START again is unnecessary unless STOP was pressed. If the interlocks do not work as described, contact a Hobart service office. Always press STOP before changing cutters or cleaning.

Installing a single cutting plate

1. Raise the pusher plate using its pistol grip handle and turn it to the left.
2. Release the feed hopper lock by turning the finger paddle counterclockwise, then raise the feed hopper.
3. Lower the flinger plate onto the knife shaft until it seats on the shaft pin.
4. Select the appropriate cutting plate and place it on the shaft, turning it until it engages.
5. Lower the feed head. When the pusher plate is rotated and lowered, the feed head locks automatically.

This single-plate arrangement is used for slicing, shredding, grating and julienne cutting.

Setting up for dicing

Raise and turn the pusher plate to the left, release the feed hopper lock by turning the finger paddle counterclockwise, and raise the hopper. Seat the flinger plate on the knife shaft pin. Select the appropriate dicing plate and position it on the shaft above the flinger plate, then select and install the appropriate slicing plate. Lower the feed hopper; lowering the pusher plate locks the feed hopper automatically. The manual specifies pairing some grids with particular slicers: the 9/32 inch dicing grid is used with a 7/32 inch slicer, the 3/8 inch grid with a 3/8 inch slicer for firm chilled tomatoes, and the 3/8 inch HD slicer with the 3/8, 5/8 or 3/4 inch grids for hard products.

Using the feed hopper and feed tube

Place prepared products such as potatoes, carrots, onions, lettuce and cabbage in the large feed hopper. For French fries made with a julienne cutter, position potatoes in one pile at the lower-right corner of the hopper; several potatoes may be stacked for processing at one time. For round products such as lemons or tomatoes, position the product in the lower-right corner. The manual recommends removing the tops and tails from products such as lemons, limes and onions and placing them perpendicular to the desired cut.

For the feed tube, twist the knob to release the catch on the feed tube pusher and pull it out to expose the opening. Use the feed tube for long, thin products such as cucumbers or carrots, or to hold small items such as radishes. The machine does not stop when the feed tube pusher is removed, allowing continuous processing through the tube; always use the feed tube pusher to feed product.

Choosing a cut

• Slicing: The 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) slicer suits firm or fragile products, including pepperoni, mushrooms, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers and radishes. The 5/32 inch (4 mm) size suits potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, olives and citrus slices. The 7/32 inch (6 mm) slicer handles similar products and can make tomato slices for sandwich garnish; the manual suggests using firm, chilled tomatoes. The 3/8 inch (10 mm) slicer can cut lettuce or soft products such as tomatoes. The 3/8 inch (10 mm) HD slicer is for hard products, including firm fruit, carrots, turnips, beets and potatoes.
• Julienne cutting: The 3/32 inch (2 mm) cutter makes salad toppings. The 3/16 inch (4.5 mm) cutter makes shoestring fries, and the 5/16 inch (8 mm) cutter makes French fries. The manual notes that julienne cut length depends on the dimensions of the product and does not recommend these cutters for meat or cheese.
• Dicing: The 9/32 inch (7.5 mm) grid, used with a 7/32 inch slicer, makes small dice for fine cuisine, soups and vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions and potatoes. The 3/8 inch (10 mm) grid is suited to firm chilled tomatoes with a 3/8 inch slicer. With a 3/8 inch HD slicer, the 3/8 inch grid is a common choice for hard vegetables; the 5/8 inch (15 mm) grid dices apples and melon, while the 3/4 inch (20 mm) grid prepares potatoes for home fries or potato salad and dices apples or melon.
• Grating and shredding: The fine grater is for hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Romano. Shredder plates can prepare cheese toppings, cabbage for coleslaw, potatoes for hash browns or potato pancakes. The 3/32 inch (2 mm) shredder can make breadcrumbs and cracker crumbs; the manual says to use it when the machine and product are dry. The 3/16 inch (4.5 mm) shredder suits pizza toppings and salad-bar items, while the 5/16 inch (8 mm) size shreds cabbage and cheese.

The FP100 parts catalog lists replacement and accessory cutting components, including dicer plates 00-915697 (3/8 inch), 00-915704 (3/4 inch), 00-915705 (5/8 inch) and 00-477317 (9/32 inch); grater components 00-915524, 00-915686, 00-914226 and 00-435730; and shredder plates and inserts in several sizes. The catalog also lists slicer and julienne plates and replacement blade kits. Confirm cutter compatibility and the required pairing for the intended preparation task.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Turn the machine off and unplug the electrical cord before cleaning or performing maintenance. Clean the processor immediately after use. Remove the parts that detach from the machine and wash them in warm water and detergent, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth. Do not allow food juices to dry on the machine, as they may cause discoloration.

Do not wash the feed hopper, cutting tools or other aluminum parts in highly alkaline dishwashing solutions or excessively hot water; this may form black aluminum oxide. Do not use steel wool or sharp objects on machine surfaces, as scratched surfaces are harder to keep clean. To clean after dicing, use the nylon brush to push remaining food through the grid before removing it. The manual's cleaning sequence also calls for removing and washing the feed tube pusher, feed hopper, cutting plate, dicing plate and flinger plate. Place a pan under the exit chute and pour lukewarm water through the knife chamber; run a wet cloth through the feed tube, then wipe the machine dry. Return cutting tools to their wall rack if one is used, reseat the flinger plate on the knife-shaft pin, reinstall the feed hopper and replace the feed tube pusher.

Routinely inspect the machine to confirm it is in proper working order. Cutting plates should be clean, intact and sharp. Lubricate the pusher plate shaft with a drop of mineral oil, not cooking oil. The manual says dicing grids become dull with use, have an average life expectancy of 8–18 months depending on usage, and cannot be resharpened; replacement grids are available through a Hobart service office. A wall rack is available for hanging cutting tools and protecting blade sharpness.

Troubleshooting

The operating manual does not provide a troubleshooting chart. It does specify two checks for operating problems: the processor should not run when the feed hopper is out of position or the pusher plate is raised, and raising the pusher plate fully during operation should stop the machine. If these interlock functions do not work as described, contact a Hobart service office. For other problems, repairs or adjustments, the manual directs users to contact a Hobart service office.

Applications

Use the FP100C for repetitive produce and cheese preparation in commercial kitchens. The manual gives examples including slicing vegetables for salads, sandwich garnishes, pizza and beverages; shredding cabbage for coleslaw and potatoes for hash browns; making julienne strips or French fries from potatoes; grating hard cheese; and dicing vegetables for soups, firm chilled tomatoes, apples and melon for salads, or potatoes for home fries and potato salad. Select the cutting tool and feed method for the product and cut required.