HCC34

Overview

The Hobart HCC34 is a combination food processor that supports two types of work: bowl-style processing with the cutter-bowl attachment and vegetable preparation with the vegetable-preparation attachment. This makes it suitable for kitchens that need one machine for tasks such as chopping or mixing in a bowl and repetitive slicing, shredding or dicing. The manual identifies the model as HCC34, ML-136342.

SureSense technology identifies the installed attachment and adjusts the machine speed for the processing task. The controls include off, low, high and pulse positions. The pulse position runs the machine at high speed while the switch is held; releasing it returns the switch to off.

Key Features

• Two processing modes: Use the cutter-bowl attachment for bowl-style food processing or the vegetable-preparation attachment for vegetable-preparation operations.
• Attachment-responsive speeds: With the vegetable-preparation attachment, the machine runs at 500 rpm on low and 800 rpm on high or pulse. With the cutter-bowl attachment, it runs at 1,450 rpm on low and 2,650 rpm on high or pulse.
• Bowl scraper: The scraper has three legs and three lid wipers. Its 180-degree motion wipes the bowl and lid; the removable rubber wipers can be taken out for cleaning or replacement.
• Multiple cutting options: The manual lists slicer, soft-slicer, shredder, grater, julienne and dicing accessories. Some plates have replaceable knives or cutting plates; other listed plates have fixed cutting components.

Specifications

• Product type: Combination food processor.
• Model: HCC34.
• Machine number: ML-136342.
• Processing modes: Cutter-bowl and vegetable preparation.
• Control positions: Off, low, high and pulse.
• Vegetable-preparation speeds: 500 rpm low; 800 rpm high and pulse.
• Cutter-bowl speeds: 1,450 rpm low; 2,650 rpm high and pulse.
• Electrical connection: Cord fitted with a three-pronged grounding plug; consult the machine data plate for the required electrical service.
• Installation location: An appropriate counter-height surface.
• Vegetable-preparation accessories listed in the manual: Slicer plates from 1/32 inch (1 mm) through 5/8 inch (15 mm), soft-slicer plates from 5/16 inch (8 mm) through 5/8 inch (15 mm), julienne plates, shredder plates, grater plates and dicing grids.
• Dicing grid sizes listed: 5/16 inch (8 mm), 3/8 inch (10 mm), 1/2 inch (12 mm), 1/2 inch (12 mm) low, 5/8 inch (15 mm) and 5/8 inch (15 mm) low.
• Cutter-bowl capacity examples: The manual lists 1 1/2 lb batches of onions or carrots and mozzarella cheese, with an approximate processing time of 20 seconds for each. Its chart also lists dough, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, aromatic butter, mayonnaise, tomato sauce and liquid, with batch quantities and processing times.
• Replacement cutting-tool life guidance: The manual gives an average life expectancy of 8 to 18 months for dicing grids and knife surfaces, depending on usage.

Installation & Requirements

Place the HCC34 on an appropriate counter-height surface. The manual notes that a kitchen-suitable pan, not provided, can be positioned to collect product from the exit chute. Allow adequate space around the machine for operating the controls and installing or removing the cutter-bowl attachment, vegetable-preparation attachment and accessories.

Before installation, check that the electrical service agrees with the specifications on the machine data plate, located on the bottom of the machine. The cord has a three-pronged grounding plug and must be connected to a properly grounded receptacle. Do not remove the grounding prong. If the receptacle is not the correct grounding type, the manual directs the user to contact an electrician. Lift or move the machine using the two handles on the sides of its base.

Operation

Using the cutter bowl

Set the bowl on the base with its centre post over the drive shaft and its outside tab fitted into the slot in the base. Lower the knife onto the drive shaft and rotate it until it seats in the shaft groove. Install the three rubber wipers in the scraper arm, then assemble the scraper arm and handle with the bowl cover. Place the bowl cover assembly on the bowl with all three wiper arms inside. Position the cover’s “Close Open” marking at the 5-o’clock position relative to the front of the machine, then turn the cover clockwise to lock it. The machine will not operate unless the bowl cover is properly locked.

Add product after removing the bowl cover, then reinstall and lock the cover before starting. The manual recommends using pulse a few times at the start of a processing operation to cut product into smaller pieces, followed by the desired speed. For dry products, put the product in the bowl first, start the machine and add liquid ingredients through the pouring funnel. While processing, move the scraper handle back and forth to bring partially cut product back into the cutting zone. The capacity chart notes that shorter processing produces a coarser result and longer processing produces a finer result. When finished, switch off the machine, wait for the knife to stop and unplug the cord before opening the cover. Leave the knife in the bowl when removing or transporting the bowl to help prevent contents leaking through the centre tube.

Using vegetable-preparation accessories

The vegetable-preparation attachment supports slicing, shredding, dicing and julienne operations using compatible plates and grids. The manual lists plates in multiple cut sizes and identifies specific slicer-plate and dicing-grid combinations that may be used. Use only the combinations indicated in the manual; it warns that other combinations may damage the machine. The manual also notes that julienne plates are intended for root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots and are not recommended for meat or cheese.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Turn off the machine and unplug the electrical cord before cleaning. Clean the machine immediately after use and disassemble removable parts. Food juices left to dry may discolour the machine. Do not clean cutting tools, the machine base or other aluminium parts in highly alkaline dishwashing solutions. Do not use steel wool or sharp objects on discoloured surfaces, and do not use hosing equipment, which can cause electrical or mechanical damage.

The cutter-bowl scraper’s rubber wipers are removable for cleaning or replacement. For extended shutdown and restart procedures, Hobart’s food-processor checklist says to disconnect electrical power and clean and sanitize the machine according to its operator manual or cleaning card. Before use, check that knives and plates are clean, intact and sharp, and verify that interlocks work properly. The checklist also calls for checking the O-ring and gasket and lubricating the shaft seal with mineral oil.

Depending on usage, dicing grids and knife surfaces become dull. The manual says dicing grids and fixed-knife slicer plates cannot be resharpened and are expendable; discs with removable knives can have their knives replaced when dull. Replacement grids, fixed-knife plates and replaceable knives are available through a local Hobart service office.

Troubleshooting

• Machine will not start: If a fuse or circuit breaker is interrupting power, have an electrician check the circuit. Check that the bowl, knife and bowl cover are installed correctly and that the cover is locked closed. For vegetable preparation, check that the attachment is installed and locked and that the pusher plate is closed. Also check that the machine is plugged into a suitable receptacle.
• Machine stops during operation and will not restart: The motor may be overloaded. Allow it to cool; the manual says it will restart when cool and that cooling may take 10 to 30 minutes. If a fuse or circuit breaker is interrupting power, have an electrician check the circuit.
• Other problems: Contact a local Hobart service office for repairs or adjustments.

Applications

Use the cutter bowl for batch preparation such as mincing, slicing, chopping and processing ingredients for items including mousse, sauces, dressings or dough. The manual’s capacity chart gives examples such as onions or carrots and mozzarella cheese at 1 1/2 lb per batch, with an approximate processing time of 20 seconds. Use the vegetable-preparation attachment and the appropriate listed plate or grid for kitchen prep involving sliced, shredded, diced or julienne-cut fruits and vegetables. For dicing, match the plate and grid according to the manual’s compatibility table.