We live in a modern world where technology optimizes our everyday lives. Some of us may take this fact for granted or don’t pay it much mind, especially if something has existed that way for as long as we can remember. However, contemplating the creation of our favorite products is surprisingly fascinating. It’s why TV shows such as How It’s Made or Unwrapped exist.
Both popular programs feature food. While How It’s Made branches out into other topics, Unwrapped focuses solely on what we eat, making you wonder about industrial equipment’s role in the food industry. Let’s explore how some of our favorite foods are made.
Food Industry Equipment 101
It’s important to understand the basics of the industrial equipment that assists in crafting the tasty eats we love most. Different machinery lends itself better than others depending on the environment. For example, the food processing equipment used in a cereal factory differs from the equipment that helps keep a fast-food joint running smoothly.
Now let’s look at some specific examples to better understand the role of industrial equipment in the food industry.
McDonald’s Milkshake Machine
The milkshake machine that Ray Kroc sold to the McDonald brothers turned the fast-food giant into what it is today. This device helped increase the frosty treat’s production speed, as it can create several shakes simultaneously rather than just one at a time. The efficiency of the multimixer machine led to the McDonald brothers buying eight for their original hamburger stand in California. Kroc went on to expand the operation afterward, thanks to this innovation.
Peanut Butter Production
Plenty of industrial machinery works together as a unit to create common staples we love. Take peanut butter, for example.
Here is a breakdown of the process that goes into making one of our favorite condiments:
- Peanuts go into a roaster
- A device called a blancher removes skin from the nuts
- Sorting machines ensure quality control
- A grinder pulverizes the peanuts to create the initial peanut butter mixture
- More factory appliances add other dry ingredients
- Mixers finalize the mixture
- A device called a depositor fills the jars with peanut butter
- Industrial machines finish off the product with lids and labels
The production processes of making humble condiments are intricate when you consider all the equipment involved.
Oreos’ Industrial Mixer
Our favorite chocolate sandwich cookies start with an industrial mixer. While this machine looks different than the Kitchen Aids or hand mixers in our homes, the batter-making process is similar just done on a larger scale. All the ingredients that create the chocolate wafer are poured into the industrial mixer and combined. Once the mixing is complete, the batter moves on to a molding machine that helps produce thousands of cookies in just one hour.
Industrial machines play a vital part in enjoying the foods we love most. To prepare the best cuisine possible, factories, bakeries, and restaurants alike should keep their industrial equipment upgraded. Performing necessary maintenance regularly can reduce the risk of accidents happening in the workplace, which helps employees stay safe. New equipment also ensures a quicker turnaround in producing the various eats that we enjoy. Thinking about the role of industrial equipment in the food industry helps foster a greater appreciation of some of our favorite foods. What are some of your favorites?
