FP41

Overview

The Hobart FP41 is a commercial, bowl-style food processor with a 4-quart bowl capacity. Hobart describes the bowl as stainless steel and the cover as see-through, so staff can monitor ingredients during processing. The unit is single speed, with a knife speed of 1,725 RPM and a separate pulse function. Its compact footprint suits countertop food preparation where batches of chopped, mixed, ground or pureed ingredients are useful.

The FP41 can process foods including vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, nuts, bread crumbs and dough. The manual also describes using it to mix sauces, aromatic butter, mayonnaise and soups. Batch size and processing time vary with the food’s consistency and the desired result; the capacity chart provides reference quantities and times.

Key Features

• Direct-drive motor: The 3/4 HP motor operates at 1,725 RPM knife speed. Hobart lists the motor as helping prevent stalling and slipping.
• Stay Sharp knife: The included cut/mix knife has wider blades, which Hobart says cut through more product in less time. The manual assigns it to cutting, pulverizing and blending meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as grinding nuts and bread crumbs and kneading or mixing dough.
• See-through cover: The Xylex cover and bowl gasket allow the operator to view the product during operation. A large feed tube makes it easier to add ingredients.
• Bowl scraper: The scraper returns food from the bowl sides to the cutting zone during processing and can stir or mix products that do not stick to the sides. Its four blades reach the bowl’s interior with a quarter turn. The manual says to keep the scraper fitted, since its blades guide product toward the cut knife even when the scraper is not being turned.
• Feed-tube splash guard: The splash guard is fitted to the scraper. Turning the scraper opens or closes the feed tube; the machine can operate with the tube open.
• Controls: Controls include ON, OFF and PULSE. Hobart lists a large control handle on the left side, leaving the operator’s right hand free to feed ingredients.
• Triple interlock system: The processor is prevented from operating unless the bowl, bowl cover and lid lock arm are in place.
• Countertop stability and handling: The anodized aluminum base has rubber feet to resist movement. Hobart also lists molded handles on both sides of the housing for moving the unit.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart FP41 bowl-style food processor.
• Bowl capacity: 4 quarts; Hobart’s export listing gives the capacity as 4 litres.
• Bowl material: Stainless steel.
• Motor: 3/4 HP direct drive.
• Speed: Single speed; knife speed 1,725 RPM.
• Controls: ON, OFF and PULSE.
• Electrical: 120/60/1; 8 rated amps.
• Power cord: Three-conductor, 18 AWG cord, 8 feet long, with molded plug.
• Plug: NEMA 5-15P; the spec sheet lists a 15-amp service-current requirement when plug connected.
• Dimensions: 10.2 inches wide x 17.2 inches high x 11.5 inches deep; 13.4 inches deep with the safety arm swung out.
• Base: Anodized aluminum.
• Cover: See-through Xylex cover with bowl gasket.
• Standard equipment: One cut/mix knife, a spatula and a bowl scraper with turnable splash guard.
• Optional items described in the manual: Whip knife, additional bowls and knives. A 4-quart bowl adapter kit is listed for the FP61 and FP62, not the FP41.
• Listing: The Hobart spec sheet describes the FP41 as NSF rated.
• Warranty stated in the spec sheet: One year on parts, labour and mileage against manufacturer’s defects.

Installation & Requirements

After unpacking, inspect the food processor for shipping damage. If damage is found, the manual says to retain the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery. Before installation, verify that the electrical service matches the specifications on the data plate at the rear of the machine.

The listed electrical requirements for this FP41 are 120/60/1 and 8 rated amps. The spec sheet specifies a three-conductor, 18 AWG, 8-foot power cord with a molded NEMA 5-15P plug, and a 15-amp service-current requirement when plug connected. The supplied manual excerpt does not provide additional clearance or ventilation requirements.

Operation

Use the FP41 for chopping and grinding meat, fish, fruits and vegetables; mixing sauces, aromatic butter, mayonnaise and soups; grinding nuts and bread crumbs; kneading and mixing dough; and pureeing. The manual lists a cut/mix knife as standard equipment. It describes the optional whip knife for blending products such as sauces, aromatic butter, mayonnaise and soups; if the whip knife works sluggishly because of the product’s consistency, the manual recommends trying the cut knife instead.

For best and most consistent results with firm foods such as meat, cheese and vegetables, cut pieces into roughly equal sizes no larger than 1 inch. The capacity chart advises using pulse at the beginning of chopping or mincing to reduce and distribute pieces uniformly without pureeing the bottom of the bowl. For hard cheese and bread crumbs, pulse to reduce the pieces, then run continuously to reach the desired consistency. For purees, run continuously and turn the scraper to help mix the food and return material from the bowl sides. For dough, add dry ingredients first, start the processor, then add liquid through the feed tube while it runs. The manual cautions against overfilling and notes that several smaller batches give more uniform results than one large batch.

The operating sequence in the manual is to assemble the components, add product according to the capacity chart, complete the setup steps, and use the pulse setting a few times at the start to cut food into smaller pieces before processing. Turn the scraper as needed to move food back into the cutting zone. The scraper can also be turned to open or close the feed tube; the machine can run with the tube open.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning: Turn the machine off and unplug the power cord. Clean it promptly after use, since dried food is harder to remove. Do not use steel wool or sharp objects, which can scratch surfaces, and do not clean the machine with high-pressure hosing equipment because it can cause electrical or mechanical damage.

For cleaning, dismantle the removable parts and wash them in warm water with detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.

Weekly inspection: The manual calls for a weekly inspection to check that the machine is in proper working order. Fit the cut or whip knife, then check that the machine stops within 4 seconds after the arm is swung away from the centre of the bowl cover, and that it cannot start with the bowl removed while the arm is swung into position above the cover centre. Unplug the cord and inspect it for cracks or cuts. Check that the knife blades are in good condition and have a sharp cutting edge. If a problem is found, contact a Hobart Service Office before operating the machine.

Troubleshooting

Machine will not start: The manual identifies an interrupted power circuit, a bowl that is not in place, or an arm that is not positioned over the centre of the bowl cover as possible causes.

• Fuse or circuit breaker interrupting power: Have an electrician check the circuit.
• Bowl not in place: Make sure the bowl locating pins are properly positioned in the grooves in the bowl recess, and that the bowl is seated on the base and locked in position.
• Arm not in position: Lift the arm, rotate it to the centre of the bowl cover, and lower it over the centre to secure it.

If the machine has another problem, the manual advises contacting a Hobart Service Office before operating it.

Applications

The Hobart capacity chart gives the following FP41 reference quantities and processing times. Actual time and maximum quantity depend on product consistency and the desired result; shorter processing produces a coarser result, while longer processing produces a finer one.

• Onions or carrots: 2 pounds in 20 seconds.
• Mozzarella: 2 pounds in 20 seconds.
• Fresh meat: 2 pounds in 30 seconds.
• Cooked meat: 3 pounds in 30 seconds.
• Salmon mousse: 2 1/2 pounds in 30 seconds.
• Steak tartare: 2 pounds in 30 seconds.
• Dough: 3 pounds in 1 minute.
• Bread crumbs: 1 pound in 10 seconds.
• Fine Parmesan: 1 pound in 1 minute.
• Aromatic butter: 3 pounds in 30 seconds.
• Mayonnaise: 1 3/4 quarts in 35 seconds.
• Tomato sauce: 1 1/2 quarts in 20 seconds.