How to Clean a Robot Coupe R2 Food Processor
Getting your ingredients sliced, diced and shredded requires the right equipment. That's why Robot Coupe R2 food processors are used in various restaurants and commercial kitchens. In order to keep things humming along smoothly, regular maintenance is important. Below are tips and steps for how to clean a Robot Coupe R2 food processor properly.
These instructions are applicable to a wide range of models, such as the R2N and R2 Ultra Dice, among others.
Supplies
- Warm Water
- Mild Detergent
- Cleaning Cloths or Soft Sponge
- Sanitizer
- Stiff-Bristle Brush
- Cut-Resistant Gloves
- Dishwasher
If you want to extend the life of your unit’s small plastic and rubber parts, wash them by hand and avoid alkaline cleaners, since high temperatures in dishwashers and harsh chemicals like ammonia can damage them.
Cleaning the Motor Base
When cleaning the base, never immerse it in water; instead, clean it with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Step 1. Unplug the processor – Start by unplugging the unit's power cord from the wall outlet.
- Step 2. Dampen a cloth or sponge – Dampen either a cloth or sponge in mild detergent and warm water. Make sure it’s not dripping so that water and soap don’t get into the machine’s cracks or openings.
- Step 3. Carefully wipe the base – Use the dampened cloth or sponge to clean the base. Avoid getting water into the shaft seal, around switches or in ventilation openings.
- Step 4. Scrub near the shaft seal – With a small brush, clean around the shaft seal carefully. Make sure to remove any remaining food particles while scrubbing.
- Step 5. Clean the motor shaft – Use the same brush to clean the motor shaft.
- Step 6. Rinse and sanitize the base – Wipe down the motor base with a cloth lightly dampened with water. Then, follow up by wiping the base with a cloth dampened in sanitizer.
- Step 7. Dry the base – With a dry, soft cloth, wipe down the motor base to remove water or sanitizer from the surface and seal areas.
Cleaning Blade Assembly Attachments
Before you start cleaning, be sure to put on cut-resistant gloves, as the food processor blade is sharp. For more information on taking apart the food processor, see our article on how to disassemble a Robot Coupe R2.
- Step 1. Unplug the processor – Start by unplugging the unit's power cord from the wall outlet.
- Step 2. Remove the blade cap – Carefully pull the cap away from the food processor's blade. Pulling it slightly to the side makes it easier to remove. You also can use a small rod or screwdriver to pry the cap off from the bottom side of the assembly.
- Step 3. Remove the attachments – Take off each attachment from the blade assembly. These include the bowl, blade, lid and any vegetable preparation parts (like the top, pushers and plates).
- Step 4. Pre-rinse the attachments – Remove any food particles and remnants from each part using a sprayer faucet or stiff-bristle brush.
- Step 5. Clean the attachments in a dishwasher (or by hand) – Wash the blade and other small parts in a dish machine with standard wash, rinse and sanitizing cycles, then air dry them before reassembling in the unit. If your dishwasher produces high temperatures, hand washing the attachments will help prevent heat damage.
- Step 6. Clean around the exterior (if necessary) – Check by the handle and outside the continuous feed area. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean around those spaces, including the interlock bin.
Resuming Normal Operation
- Step 1. Return small parts to the unit – Reinstall attachments, such as the lid and blade, once they’re dry.
- Step 2. Plug in the food processor – Reconnect the unit to a power source by plugging the electric cord into an outlet.
- Step 3. Use the unit normally – You may now resume normal operation of the food processor.
Additional Maintenance Tips
Aside from regular cleaning, you should also perform the following routine maintenance throughout the year.
Checking & Replacing the Motor Seal
Check the motor seal regularly throughout the year. To avoid wear or erosion, have the seal replaced every three to six months by an authorized technician.
Sharpening the Blades
Maintain the blades by sharpening them periodically throughout the year or replacing them if they’re extremely dull. Use a good sharpening stone or one manufactured by Robot Coupe.
- Step 1. Wear cut-resistant gloves – Be sure to put on cut-resistant gloves before sharpening the blade in order to reduce the risk of cuts.
- Step 2. Place the blade on a flat edge – Hold down or clamp one of the blades on a flat edge or the corner of a sturdy table. With your other hand, hold it at a 30-degree angle against the top bevel of the blade.
- Step 3. Sharpen the top edge – Move the sharpening stone into the blade edge by pulling from the hub to the tip. It should sharpen after several strokes.
- Step 4. Sharpen the bottom edge – Turn the blade over and repeat the process above with the underside of the blade. Remove the feather edge when finished.
- Step 5. Repeat the process on the other blade – Repeat steps 2-4 with the other blade.
- Step 6. Wash the blades – Wash the blades by hand or in a dishwasher.
- Step 7. Dry the blades – Soak up any excess moisture with a clean, soft cloth.
- Step 8. Reinstall the blades – Return the blades to the unit.
Need more cleaning or maintenance tips for your Robot Coupe R2 food processor? Our selection of Robot Coupe manuals and diagrams is filled with instructions to help you out.