RHEON Tabletop and Compact Machines: The Chibi Robo CN001, the CN050, and Options for Small Shops

Does RHEON Make Small Machines?

Yes. Many people think RHEON only makes large factory machines, but its Japanese website includes ultra-compact machines designed for in-store, small-batch, high-variety production, as well as compact encrusting machines for confectionery.

Chibi Robo CN001: An Encrusting Machine That Sits on a Workbench

"Chibi Robo" (チビロボ) roughly means "little robot" in Japanese. According to RHEON's Japanese website:

• Positioning: A multipurpose, ultra-compact encrusting machine suited to small-batch, high-variety production.
• Capacity: Up to 1,200 pieces/hour.
• Weight range: 20–120 g.
• Placement: Can sit directly on an existing workbench; the company specifically notes that it is suited to in-store "made-to-order service."
• Product changes: The hopper cylinders that hold the ingredients are cartridge-type, so you change products by swapping cylinders; spare cylinders already loaded with ingredients can be stored in the refrigerator.
• Cleaning: After production, remove the cylinders and wash them directly with water.
• Uses: A single machine can make wagashi, Western confectionery, and appetizers from around the world.

Cartridge-type cylinders are especially practical for small shops: make red bean daifuku in the morning and switch to sesame filling in the afternoon without taking the whole machine apart for cleaning.

CN050: The Compact KASEIJIN

If output is a bit larger than in-store made-to-order production, the KASEIJIN (火星人) CN050 on the Japanese website is an encrusting machine "for small-scale confectionery":

• Up to 3,600 pieces/hour, weight 10–140 g.
• Both the body and parts are compact; it is easy to load, and the remaining material in the cylinder is visible; disassembly, cleaning, moving, and storage are all convenient.
• Stainless steel hopper cylinders, screw drives that do not come into direct contact with food, and a water-washable body.
• Intermittent filling function as standard, suited to thin-skinned products such as inaka manju (田舍饅頭) and large manju.
• Ratio 1:0–0:1; can make ball, tawara, and bar shapes.

Compact Models Overseas

The CORNUCOPIA KN500 on the Asia-Pacific website is positioned as "compact and high-performance," making up to 60 pieces per minute at 10–250 g with a ratio of 1:0–0:1, with few parts that are easy to disassemble and wash. The KN135 focuses on a compact, water-washable body, making up to 100 pieces per minute at 10–250 g; see CORNUCOPIA (KN Series).

For bakeries, there is the compact encrusting system Compact FN, used for red bean buns, curry buns, and the like, making up to 1,200 pieces/hour at 50–200 g. The company says it mechanizes a process based on hand-wrapping techniques; see Bread Lines.

Which Machine Suits a Small Shop?

When choosing a compact machine, do not look only at capacity; consider these points as well:

1. How many products per day: With many products and small quantities of each, fast product changes and easy cleaning matter more than capacity, which makes designs like cartridge-type cylinders very valuable.
2. Total daily volume: For in-store made-to-order production of a few hundred pieces a day, an ultra-compact machine like the CN001 is enough; only at several thousand pieces a day or more do you need to consider something at the CN050 level.
3. Product size: The CN001 handles 20–120 g; for smaller bite-sized snacks or larger buns, check the weight range.
4. Space and power: Confirm the workbench size and outlet voltage first.
5. Who will operate and clean it: Small shops have limited staff, so simple disassembly and few parts are the most practical.
6. After-sales service and parts: For a small shop, one day of downtime is a loss, so think ahead about how convenient it is to arrange repairs; see New, Used, or Taiwanese Machine?.

Other Options for Small Shops in Taiwan

A small shop's need is not always "encrusting"; it may be dividing. For sweet potato balls, taro balls, or portioning fillings, Dong-Yih has the DY-528MS dividing machine, which makes 3,000–12,000 pieces per hour at 10 g–30 g per piece or heavier.

FAQ

Q: Does RHEON make small encrusting machines?
A: Yes. The ultra-compact tabletop Chibi Robo CN001 makes up to 1,200 pieces/hour at 20–120 g; the compact confectionery KASEIJIN CN050 makes up to 3,600 pieces/hour at 10–140 g.

Q: Which machine suits a small shop?
A: If you make many products in small quantities each day, prioritize easy product changes and cleaning. For in-store made-to-order production, consider an ultra-compact machine; at several thousand pieces a day or more, look at the CN050 level.

Q: Is it a hassle to change flavors on the CN001?
A: The hopper cylinders are cartridge-type, so you simply swap cylinders to change products, and spare cylinders can be loaded with ingredients and kept in the refrigerator.

Q: Do compact encrusting machines require three-phase power?
A: It depends on the model. Before buying, confirm the voltage, phase, and power rating, and have an electrician assess your shop's electrical supply.