GEA Debuts ProCoater

GEA is introducing the GEA ProCoater, a new wet coating machine developed to help food processors achieve stable batter flow, more consistent coating pickup and higher line efficiency in the production of coated food products.

The GEA ProCoater enables precise, repeatable control of batter application for poultry, pork, fish, cheese, plant-based and hybrid products. A key focus of the new system is batter stability. The ProCoater’s patent-pending guided return flow system reduces air entrainment and foam formation by up to 80%, creating a calmer batter flow and a more uniform curtain. This helps processors reduce defects such as voids and white spots, while maintaining coating performance over long production runs and across a range of batter viscosities.

The machine combines this stable flow with practical process-control features for everyday production. Adjustable scrapers enable fine corrections during operation without stopping the line, while smart air knives deliver even blow-off across the full belt width to support accurate coating weight and uniform appearance. An optimized infeed transfer supports smooth product entry, and a patent-pending batter retention plate and an optional bottom batter layer supply device ensure full coating coverage on the product bottom side and keep products firmly positioned during coating to prevent floating or drifting.

For processors, the result is a controlled wet coating process from startup to shut down. Consistent batter pickup helps reduce rework, B-grades and product giveaway, while efficient batter use improves yield and line cleanliness. The ProCoater is available for belt widths of 400, 600 and 1000 millimeters, allowing manufacturers to align the technology with different line layouts, capacities and product portfolios.

“With the GEA ProCoater, we focused on giving processors reliable control over one of the most quality-critical stages in coated food production,” says Ben Kop, application specialist at GEA. “By stabilizing batter flow and simplifying adjustment, the machine helps operators achieve consistent results with less intervention and greater confidence.”