ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Specifications
Performance Comparison
Functionality
The Robot-Coupe R2N features a 3-quart (12-cup) grey plastic cutter bowl with a clear lid for chopping, mincing, mixing, pureeing, and kneading. For vegetable prep, there is a separate attachment with an outer ejection chute that allows you to continuously slice, grate, and julienne ingredients into another mixing bowl. The vegetable prep attachment has a large, kidney-shaped feeder tube for processing bigger vegetables (e.g. cucumbers) and a smaller, round feeder tube for narrow vegetables (e.g. celery). The R2N comes equipped with 3 blade/disc attachments, including a stainless steel universal 'S' blade for use with the cutter bowl and a 4mm slicing disc and 2mm grating disc for use with the vegetable prep attachment. However, there are 23 additional attachments that you can purchase separately if you would like more versatility. The R2N offers two processing speeds, continuous or pulse, and has a smooth touch pad control system that is easy to wipe clean.
Processing Quality
The Robot-Coupe RN2 lives up to its reputation for being a powerful, efficient machine. We really like the continuous feed and the variety of attachments. It makes fast work of any and all processing jobs, but it might not be as appropriate for more delicate tasks like mincing herbs.
Ease of Set Up and Clean Up
The Robot-Coupe RN2 is not rated for use in a commercial dishwasher, and, although it is rated to be home dishwasher safe, we recommend that you clean the unit by hand. The work bowl and minimal attachments make it easy to assemble, disassemble, and clean.
Storage Options
The R2N's base is red and grey, and it has a boxy, industrial look. It is not meant for a home kitchen, so storage should not be a major hassle in a commercial setting. It does not come with blade storage, but you can purchase a freestanding 8-disc rack for $13. It also doesn't have a retractable cord.
Best Uses
The Robot-Coupe is intended for commercial use, so the best part of this unit is that it can process large amounts of food quickly. It has a significant capacity and a variety of attachments. It also features a continuous feed option that allows large quantities of ingredients to be processed quickly. This work horse is intended to function for hours at a time.
Value
For just over $1,000, this is one of the most affordable commercial grade food processors on the market today. In addition to offering the standard 1-year warranty on parts and labor, Robot-Coupe also offers a 3-year warranty on the R2N's motor, which is the longest motor warranty available for a commercial food processor.
Conclusion
Robot-Coupe has a reputation for manufacturing quality equipment. This is one of Robot-Coupe's most popular, basic models because of its impressive performance, versatility, and relative affordability when compared to other commercial food processors. The R2N is best suited for smaller restaurants, catering businesses, or personal chefs given its 1HP motor. However, it could also be an excellent investment for the serious home cook with a big family. It has the longest motor warranty of any commercial food processor on the market, which underscores Robot-Coupe's confidence in the longevity and quality of their product.
The main negative is that you only get three blade/disc attachments with your purchase and have to buy the rest separately, which can significantly drive up the cost of the machine. Additionally, while the vegetable prep attachment is great for processing smaller, narrower food items (like cucumbers, zucchinis, carrots, etc.), the feeder tubes aren't really large enough to accommodate bigger/wider food items (like potatoes or turnips) without some trimming. With that said, Robot-Coupe does sell other vegetable prep attachments with larger feeder tubes that you can purchase separately. The R2N is a high-performing and durable basic machine that can be as versatile as you want it to be. By all accounts, it is a must-have workhorse for any professional chef or serious home cook.
Alternatives
Breville Sous Chef
- $400
- 16-cup dry capacity
- 1200-watt motor
- 25-year motor warranty
Cuisinart Elite Collection 2.0 16 Cup
- $300
- 16-cup dry capacity
- 1300-watt motor
- 20-year motor warranty
We suggest that you check out our Buying Advice for Food Processors to get an idea for what machine will best suit your needs.
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