Chapter 13 Smallwares 213 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Blenders There are various types of machines that employ high velocity blades for mixing, puréeing, and liquefying fluid or semifluid foods. Commercial blenders come in two basic designs—bar blenders and immersion blenders. Sharp Blades! One of the keys to maintaining food- processing equipment such as slicers, grinders, choppers, and food processors in peak performance is keeping the blades sharp. Blades should be sharpened regularly since a dull blade will produce a poor product. Most slicers have a sharpening device attached to them. Many others need to be sent to a professional sharpening service. Hints from the Chef Bar blender Immersion blender Bar Blender A bar blender is a two- part machine consisting of a motorized base and a covered container. The blades that process the product are located in the bottom of the container. The food to be processed is placed in the container and a lid covers the top to prevent splash. Immersion Blender An immersion blender, or stick blender, is a one-piece machine consisting of a motorized shaft with blades on the end. The shaft and the blades are immersed in a container of liquid such as a pot of soup. This handheld blender mixes or purées the product in the container in which it was prepared. Meat Grinder A meat grinder is a machine or attach- ment used to grind meat or other foods into various textures. An auger forces the food through a feed tube, past a rotating