Star Trek: 10 Biggest Differences Between Kirk's Enterprise And Picard's

The 23rd century predecessors to replicators, known as food synthesizers operated on a similar principle, the main difference being that, while replicators could rearrange individual atoms to create virtually any object, food synthesizers were more limited, able only to rearrange select amino acids and other substances available onboard the ship to create meals.

The invention of the replicator meant that the Enterprise-D did not have to keep stock of individual ingredients for food, as nearly every meal could be constructed using miscellaneous particles in space. The replicators could also create weapons, clothing, and nearly anything else imaginable, given enough power. Food synthesizer technology appears to be limited to rearranging organic matter.

The operation of these devices was also very different. Replicators responded to voice commands, whereas people ordered meals from food synthesizers by inserting a small program tape into the device.

Replicators on the Enterprise-D freed up storage space, gave the crew more food options to choose from, and allowed for more long-distance missions, as the ship did not need to constantly replenish specific ingredients.