How to Use a Fry Cutter, from Operation to Maintenance

Potatoes are a versatile staple of many restaurant menus, and with the help of a fry cutter, they can be transformed into curly fries, french fries, potato chips, and other popular sides and appetizers. Understanding how to use a fry cutter and properly maintain your equipment will help ensure cooks can reliably turn simple potatoes into house-made menu items that customers love. You can learn more about the recommended operation and maintenance of these tools below.

How to Use a Potato Cutter

The exact operation of your commercial fry cutter depends primarily on your preferred cut style. Units meant exclusively for ribbon, spiral, or wavy cuts have a crank-style handle that must be manually turned, while those making wedges and square or straight cuts have a lever-style handle that operators will need to push. Similarly, component installation varies by model and manufacturer, so read your specific unit's user manual before operation. However, the basic premise is the same across every model.

1. Thoroughly wash all components with soapy water prior to first use.
2. Install desired cutting grid and matching pusher plate.
3. Mount cutter on cutting board or countertop.
4. Raise the cutter arm.
5. Place a loosely fit potato in the hopper.
6. Operate the fry cutter using consistent pressure.

To stabilize the fry cutter during use, some units are equipped with a suction base, and some include multiple cutting grids or pusher plates for different cut sizes and thicknesses. Avoid jamming the hopper by only using potatoes that fit the maximum dimensions listed in your operator's manual; if your operation uses oversized potatoes, look into buying a unit that's able to accommodate extra-large ingredients. Because of the variety of options available, the most important part of selecting a fry cutter is familiarizing yourself with common configurations before making a purchase. Then you can check the owner's manual for specific information about using it.

To streamline the process of catching cut potatoes, mount the cutter by a sink or bowl filled with clean, cold water. Baking-variety potatoes, such as russet potatoes, make the best french fries, and soaking them before cutting inhibits oxidation, removing excess starch and preventing sticking to achieve peak crispness. Fry cutters ensure a uniform cut, which guarantees an even cook and helps prevent product waste, and they're suitable for use with other firm foods, such as carrots, onions, zucchini, and more.

Cleaning a Fry Cutter

Potato cutters should be cleaned with warm water and mild detergent using a soft bristle brush. All components except the handle must be removed with caution for cleaning; the sharp blades will cause injury if not handled carefully. Read the unit's user manual for details on how to remove each component safely. Never use your fingers to clean the blades, and ensure the cutter is thoroughly dry before use. Following the recommended maintenance procedures will keep your equipment sanitary and ensure your fry cutter has a long service life.

Potato Cutter Blade Replacement

Although blade replacement varies by each fry cutter's model and manufacturer, the following steps provide a general overview of the blade replacement process. Check your user manual for instructions designated for your specific unit and be especially cautious when replacing the potato cutter grid.

1. Unscrew the end of the fry cutter and slide the blade guard off.
2. Flip the blade guard over and locate the additional areas that must be unscrewed.
3. When unscrewing is complete, lift the top plate or spacer and turn over the bottom plate.
4. Use the handle end of your screwdriver or other hard plastic to knock the blades out.
5. Turn the bottom plate back over when all the blades have been removed.
6. There are two blade types in each set: one with a sharp edge on one side and slits on the other, and one with the slits and blade on the same side. Place two of the first type of blade on one side of the bottom plate, blades face down and slits face up. Do the same on the other side. When all of these blades have been placed, do the same with the second blade configuration in the opposite direction – slits and blades face down.
7. Reinstall the top plate and replace the blade grid with its sharp edges facing toward the pusher block.
8. Replace the screws.

If you're not interested in replacing each blade yourself, blade grids complete with plates are available.