FP250

Overview

The Hobart FP250 is a continuous-feed food processor for commercial kitchens that need to prepare produce and other suitable ingredients in volume. Hobart lists a production capacity of up to 17 lb per minute and describes the unit as capable of processing up to 800 meals per day in its food processor calculator. The processor has a large, removable full-size feed hopper, a feed tube for long or smaller items, and a side discharge for directing processed food into a receiving pan or bowl.

A 3/4 HP motor drives the cutting plate at 420 RPM. The planetary drive, decoring screw and available cutting tools support a range of preparation tasks, including slicing, dicing, julienne cutting, shredding and grating. The FP250 has an aluminum hopper and housing with an anodized finish, a compact footprint, and a front angled at 50 degrees to make loading easier.

Key Features

• Continuous-feed design: A full-size hopper supports processing larger quantities and long products. The hopper is removable.
• Feed tube: Processes long, narrow items such as carrots, cucumbers, celery and scallions. It can also accommodate smaller irregular items such as mushrooms, shallots and garlic cloves.
• Productivity: Hobart specifies capacity of up to 17 lb per minute, with a 420 RPM plate speed.
• Cutting versatility: Available tools include slicer, dicing, julienne, shredder and grater options. Accessories are available at extra cost.
• Decoring screw: Deflects product away from the plate hub to support complete processing.
• Powerlink lever and Ergo Loop pusher plate: The Powerlink lever reduces the downward pressure needed for dense products. The Ergo Loop can be used with either hand.
• Operator safeguards: A double interlock prevents operation when the pusher plate is swung away or the feed hopper is open. No Volt Release prevents the unit from automatically restarting after a power loss.
• Motor protection: The 3/4 HP motor has overload protection.
• Controls: Red OFF and green ON buttons.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart FP250 continuous-feed food processor.
• Motor: 3/4 HP with overload protection.
• Electrical: 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase; 8 amps.
• Power cord: Three-conductor cord, 6 ft long; 18 AWG.
• Plug: NEMA 5-15P, two-pole, three-wire grounding plug; straight configuration. The spec sheet identifies a molded plug on the cord.
• Plate speed: 420 RPM.
• Production capacity: Up to 17 lb per minute. Hobart’s food processor calculator also describes capacity of up to 800 meals per day.
• Construction: Aluminum hopper and housing with an anodized finish.
• Hopper details: Maximum width 6 3/8 in; usable depth 7 in.
• Feed tube: Diameter 2 5/16 in.
• Maximum slice size: 3 in.
• Weight: 39 lb net; 46 lb shipping weight.
• Standard equipment: Basic unit with deflector plate and cleaning brush.
• Listing stated in the spec sheet: NSF rated.
• Warranty stated in the spec sheet: One year on parts, labour and mileage against manufacturer’s defects.

The specification sheet lists accessories available at extra cost, including plate packs, individual cutting plates, a three-peg wall rack, a machine table, an adjustable-height stainless steel lug cart, and stainless steel or plastic receiving pans. The 3-plate pack includes 1/16 in and 5/32 in slicer plates, a 3/16 in shredder plate and one wall rack. The 6-plate pack includes 1/16 in, 5/32 in, 7/32 in and 3/8 in slicer plates, a 5/16 in shredder plate, a 3/8 in dicer plate and two wall racks.

Installation & Requirements

Before installation, check that the electrical service agrees with the specifications on the machine data plate, located on the back of the processor. Place the FP250 on a sturdy, level surface. The manual calls for enough space around the unit for the operator to use the controls and to place and remove pans or bowls under the discharge chute; it does not specify a clearance measurement.

The power cord has a three-pronged grounding plug and must connect 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. The spec sheet identifies the electrical supply as 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase, 8 amps, and lists a NEMA 5-15P plug. The manual instructs operators to lift and move the processor by grasping the handle at the back of the base with one hand and the discharge chute at the front with the other.

Operation

Feed hopper

To load the hopper, raise the pusher plate and move it to the left, then place product in the hopper. Hobart advises against overfilling. Small round items such as tomatoes, potatoes, beets and onions can be stacked against an inner support wall. When the product is loaded, press the green ON button, move the pusher plate to the right and lower it into the hopper. The processor starts when the pusher plate enters the hopper. Apply light pressure to keep product in contact with the cutting plate; Hobart notes that light pressure gives the best product quality.

Feed tube

Use the feed tube for long, thin produce and small irregular items. Position the pusher plate over the feed hopper and lower it to the bottom. Turn the feed tube pusher to unlatch and remove it, load the item into the tube, then place the pusher on top. Press ON and apply light pressure. The manual cautions that removing the feed tube pusher does not stop the processor from running.

Cutting tool selection

Choose the cutting plate for the desired preparation. Hobart’s manual describes a 3/8 in standard slicer for firm produce and a 3/16 in crimping slicer for ripple cuts. Fine slicers are available in several thicknesses for firm or fragile products; the one-blade versions can also process soft or juicy items such as tomatoes, lemons and bananas. Julienne cutters produce salad toppings or shoestring and standard French-fry cuts. Dicing requires a compatible slicer and dicing grid: the grid dimension must be equal to or larger than the slicer dimension. Shredder plates handle items such as cheese, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, dry bread and nuts; the fine grater is for hard Parmesan or Romano cheese. Refer to the cutting plate guide for the stated plate-and-grid combinations before dicing.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning after use

Unplug the machine before cleaning. The manual says removable parts should be washed with warm water and soap, rinsed thoroughly and dried with a clean, soft cloth. Remove the feed tube pusher; lift and swing the pusher plate to the left and remove it; unlock and lift the feed hopper off its hinge pins; remove the decoring screw with the wrench; then remove the cutting plate, any dicing grid and the ejector plate. Use the brush to clear food remaining in the dicing grid. Remove food waste from the discharge chute and cutting plate chamber.

Wipe the cutting plate chamber, discharge chute and motor housing with a clean cloth and warm soapy water, then wipe again with clean water. Keep liquid out of the pusher plate mounting hole. Dry cutting plate blades with a clean cloth. The manual warns not to spray the processor with a bottle or hose and not to scrape its metal surfaces with metal objects. It also warns that automatic dishwashing detergent or hot water can form black aluminum oxide on aluminum parts. Nickel-coated parts stamped DW and the feed hopper may be washed in an automatic dishwasher.

After cleaning, reinstall the ejector plate on its shaft coupling and turn it counterclockwise to lock. The manual says to place the decoring screw on the shaft and turn it counterclockwise, hand-tightening it only for storage. Return the feed hopper, pusher plate and feed tube pusher to their operating positions.

Weekly checks and service

The FP250 manual calls for a weekly check of the safety interlock switches with the power cord connected. Unplug the machine before the remaining checks: inspect the cord for cuts, fraying or cracking; check that the pusher plate shaft moves freely; and inspect the cutting plate blades for sharpness. If the shaft needs attention, clean and dry it and apply several drops of mineral oil. Have dull blades sharpened or replace the cutting plate. The manual states that the planetary gear transmission is maintenance-free. Cutting plates can be replaced, and all except dicing grids can be sharpened. It says dicing grids should be replaced every 8 to 18 months, depending on use. For service, the manual directs users to a local Hobart Service Center and lists 1-888-4-HOBART.

Troubleshooting

• Processor does not start: If the pusher plate is raised, move it over the feed hopper and lower it. If the hopper is not in its operating position, put it in position. If the branch circuit protector has tripped, check the premises fuse or circuit-breaker panel.
• Processor stops and does not restart: If the pusher plate has been raised and moved left, move it over the hopper and lower it. Check the premises fuse or circuit-breaker panel if the branch circuit protector has tripped. If the motor has overheated, let it cool; the manual says it will restart automatically.
• Food is cut poorly or slowly: Check that the correct cutting plates are installed. Sharpen or replace dull or nicked plates. Use light pressure on the pusher plate handle.
• Cutting plate cannot be removed: Food particles may have built up, or the ejector plate may not have been used. Wearing protective leather gloves, rotate the cutting plate clockwise to release it.
• Decoring screw cannot be removed: Food may have built up. Turn the screw clockwise with the wrench.
• Scraping noise: The dicing grid may not be seated in its coupling. Remove it, clear debris from the walls and ledge of the cutting plate chamber, and reinstall it. The manual also lists an uninstalled decoring screw as a possible cause; install the screw.

Applications

The FP250 supports repetitive produce preparation for restaurant kitchens, institutional foodservice and other commercial operations. With the appropriate cutting tools, it can slice firm or delicate produce, ripple-cut root vegetables, julienne vegetables, dice compatible ingredients, shred cheese or cabbage, prepare potatoes for hash browns, and grate hard cheese. The feed tube is useful for processing long vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, celery and scallions, while the full-size hopper accommodates a broad range of product shapes and sizes.