Specialty Prep Machines

Specialty prep machines are single-purpose or task-focused pieces of equipment built to automate high-volume prep work that would otherwise be done by hand. Examples include potato peelers that process batch loads in minutes, garlic and onion peelers that use air or abrasion to remove skins without cutting, loaf moulders that shape dough consistently, and touchless fruit slicers for service-ready presentation. Each machine is engineered around one job and does it far faster than manual prep.

The range covers potato peelers in both benchtop and floor-standing configurations, garlic peeling machines, onion peeling machines, long loaf moulders for bakery production, hamburger and patty forming cylinders, and touchless pineapple slicers. Brands across the range include Hobart, Sirman, Sammic, Brice and Prince Castle, so there are options suited to small cafe prep volumes through to high-throughput restaurant or catering kitchens.

Start with your busiest repetitive task and the volume you need to process per service. A small cafe peeling a handful of potatoes daily has very different needs to a canteen running multiple sacks per shift. Floor-model peelers handle larger batch loads than benchtop units, and dedicated garlic or onion peelers make sense only when those ingredients appear in volume on your menu. Match the machine's batch capacity to your realistic daily throughput rather than your maximum possible output.

Yes. The Hobart and Sirman peelers in this range span a meaningful spread of batch capacities, from units suited to moderate prep volumes up to floor-model machines built for heavy daily use. Check the listed capacity for each model before ordering. As a general guide, a smaller batch unit suits a cafe or bistro, while a floor-standing model fits a hotel kitchen, catering operation or high-volume restaurant that processes potatoes continuously across a shift.

Most benchtop specialty prep machines in this range are designed to sit on a work surface and connect to a standard power outlet, requiring no trade installation. Floor-standing models like the Hobart floor peelers are freestanding and self-contained. Always confirm the power requirements listed on the individual product page before ordering, and check that your kitchen's electrical supply matches. If you are unsure, have a licensed electrician verify the circuit before first use.

Benchtop units such as smaller peelers and hamburger forming attachments have a relatively compact footprint and fit on a standard prep bench. Floor-model peelers are larger and need clear floor space with room to load and unload batches safely. Check the product dimensions on each listing before purchasing. In tight kitchens, a benchtop model is often the practical choice even if a floor model offers greater capacity, because it does not compete for floor space with other equipment.

Most peeling machines are designed for wet cleaning — the drum and bowl can be rinsed down after each batch. Remove any food debris from the abrasive drum or peeling chamber promptly, as dried starch or onion skin is harder to shift. For forming cylinders and moulding attachments, disassemble removable parts and wash them in warm soapy water or a commercial sink. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for each model, and dry all components before reassembly to prevent corrosion.

Not universally. La Minerva cylinders, for example, are specified for particular machine series — the Smart Series cylinder is not interchangeable with standard models. Always check the compatibility notes on the product listing before ordering an attachment separately. If you are building out a forming setup from scratch, buying the machine and its cylinders together from the same product family avoids fitment issues entirely.

Members save off RRP across the full specialty prep machines range. Pricing is displayed once you are logged in to your Chefs Depot account. Membership is free to apply for, and the savings apply immediately on eligible products. For kitchens buying multiple machines or restocking regularly, the member rate adds up quickly against standard retail pricing.

Prices vary considerably depending on machine type, batch capacity and build specification. A compact benchtop peeler or a forming cylinder attachment sits at a lower price point than a floor-standing industrial peeler or a dedicated onion peeling machine built for continuous operation. Members save off RRP on all models. Check individual product pages for current pricing, and log in to see your member rate before you order.