Your Go-To Guide for Commercial Mixers

Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, having a reliable kitchen mixer can significantly enhance your cooking and baking. With various features and versatile attachments, these mixers simplify tasks like blending, kneading, and whipping. In this guide, we’ll explore the different styles and types of mixers available to help you choose the right one for your kitchen needs.

Understanding Mixer Styles and Types

Before diving into specific mixers, it’s helpful to understand the difference between mixer styles and mixer types:

• Mixer Styles refer to the internal mechanisms and primary functions of the mixer. The main styles include:

  • Dough Mixers 
  • Planetary Mixers
  • Vertical Cutter Mixers

• Mixer Types describe the physical design and placement of the mixer in the kitchen. The primary types are:

  • Floor Mixers
  • Stand Mixers
  • Countertop Mixers
  • Hand Mixers
  • Immersion Blenders

Mixer Styles

1. Dough Mixers 

Dough mixers, also known as spiral mixers, have a spiral-shaped agitator that stays fixed while the bowl rotates around it. This design gently and thoroughly mixes dough, ensuring the right structure without overmixing—perfect for making pizza and bread dough. 

They're built for making pizza dough, bread dough, and pastries. Working great in environments such as bakeries, pizzerias, and catering services

 

2. Planetary Mixers

Planetary mixers use an offset shaft that moves within the mixing bowl while the bowl itself remains stationary. This motion ensures thorough mixing, reaching every part of the bowl. Many planetary mixers come with a power take-off (PTO) hub, allowing you to add attachments like slicers and grinders for extra functionality.

They're built for making sauces, frosting, doughs and cookies. With many interchangeable attachments and various speeds, these mixers are perfect for restaurants, catering, and bakeries.

 

3. Vertical Cutter Mixers

Vertical cutter mixers come with high-powered motors and internal agitators, making it easy to chop, knead, and mix. These mixers are great for large-scale production in busy kitchens. 

These mixers are ideal for salads, sauces, soups, doughs, and batters. Great in large productions and high-volume restaurants.

Mixer Types

1. Floor Mixers

Floor mixers are designed for extensive mixing tasks in commercial settings. They can handle large volumes, making them perfect for bakeries, restaurants, and cafeterias.

Ideal For: Bread dough, frosting, sauces, large-scale mixing

Key Features:

• Large-capacity bowls (60 quarts or more)
• Multiple speed options
• Sturdy construction with bowl guards

2. Stand Mixers

Stand mixers are versatile and compact, suitable for small to medium-sized operations. Their durable build and various attachments make them essential for both home and professional kitchens.

Ideal For: Cookie dough, cake batters, light kneading

Key Features:

• Medium-capacity bowls (10 quarts)
• User-friendly controls
• Wide compatibility with accessories

Great for at-home bakers or smaller cafes, and restaurants.

3. Countertop Mixers

Countertop mixers are designed to save space and are convenient for kitchens with limited room. Despite their smaller size, they deliver professional-grade performance for less intensive tasks.

Ideal For: Whipping cream, mixing batters, light-duty tasks

Key Features:

• Compact design
• Intuitive controls
• Suitable for quick, small-batch preparations

Counter top mixers are perfect for small kitchens and home cooks with limited space.

4. Hand Mixers

Hand mixers are lightweight and portable, making them perfect for quick and flexible tasks. They are easy to use for both home cooks and professionals who need a versatile tool on the go.

Ideal For: Whipping cream, mixing light batters, mashing potatoes

Key Features:

• Ergonomic and compact design
• Multiple speed settings
• Easy to store and clean

Hand mixers are great for home cooks, small-scale bakers, and professionals needing portability.

5. Commercial Immersion Blenders

Commercial immersion blenders are built for high-performance blending directly in pots or bowls. They are essential for preparing large quantities of soups, sauces, and emulsions efficiently.

Ideal For: Pureeing soups, blending sauces, emulsifying dressings

Key Features:

• Stainless steel construction
• Adjustable speed settings
• Lightweight and portable

 

Mixer Anatomy

Understanding the parts of a mixer can help you make better choices and keep your equipment in good shape. Common components include:

• Mixing Bowl: The container where ingredients are combined.
• Agitator: The tool that moves through the ingredients to mix them.
• Motor: Powers the mixing process, varying in horsepower.
• Speed Controls: Adjust the mixing speed to suit different tasks.
• Bowl Lift System: Raises and lowers the bowl for easy access.
• Power Take-Off (PTO) Hub: Allows additional attachments like slicers and grinders.
• Safety Features: Includes bowl guards to prevent accidents.

Mixer Speeds

Mixers usually offer several operating speeds, affecting how fast the agitator or bowl moves. When looking at mixer speeds, consider:

• Variable Speed Settings: Great for precise control during different mixing tasks.
• On-the-Fly Adjustments: Some mixers allow speed changes while operating, which can increase productivity. Make sure your mixer can handle speed changes without sustaining damage.
• Manufacturer Guidelines: Some mixers work best at certain speeds. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance.

Bowl Guard: Ensuring Safety

A bowl guard serves as a protective barrier that keeps hands, clothing, and other items away from the mixer's agitator while it operates. This feature is standard on most mixers to comply with safety regulations.

Advantages:

• Enhances user safety
• Reduces the risk of accidents and injuries
• Ensures compliance with safety guidelines

Absorption Ratio (AR)

The Absorption Ratio (AR) is calculated by dividing the weight of water by the weight of flour (AR = Water Weight/Flour Weight). This ratio helps determine a mixer’s ability to handle different dough consistencies.

Application:

• Higher AR: Means more water, requiring a more powerful mixer.
• Lower AR: Means less water, suitable for sturdier doughs.

Top Brands for Commercial Mixers

Choosing a mixer from a reputable brand ensures reliability and quality. Some of the most trusted brands in the commercial mixer industry include:

• Globe
• Hobart
• KitchenAid
• Eurodib
• Robot Coupe

These brands are known for their durability, performance, and innovative features, making them top choices for both commercial and home kitchens.

Mixer Attachments and Accessories

Boost your mixer's functionality with a variety of specialized attachments. These accessories allow you to extend your culinary reach without cluttering your kitchen with more equipment.

Essential Attachments:

• Flat Beater: Perfect for creating smooth batters, whipping up frostings, and creaming ingredients together.

• Wire Whip: Ideal for whipping air into lighter mixtures, such as creams and egg whites.

• Dough Hook: Provides thorough mixing for dense doughs, closely mimicking hand kneading.

PTO Hub Add-ons:

• Grater/Shredder: Features adjustable sizes for easy shredding of cheese and vegetables.

• Meat Chopper/Grinder: Offers versatile grinding options for meats, with plates that adjust for different textures.

• Vegetable Slicer: Delivers evenly sliced vegetables and fruits, ensuring consistent cooking and presentation.

For purchasing mixer attachments and accessories, explore our Mixer Accessories Collection.

Selecting the Right Mixer

When choosing a mixer, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs:

1. Capacity

Make sure the bowl size matches your typical batch size. Larger operations will need mixers with higher capacities.

2. Functionality

Pick mixers with features and attachments that fit your tasks. Decide whether you need a versatile mixer or one specialized for specific functions.

3. Space

Ensure the mixer fits well in your kitchen. Choose between floor, countertop, or stand mixers based on your available space.

4. Durability

Choose models with strong construction for long-lasting use. Trusted brands often provide better durability and support.

5. Absorption Ratio

Use the AR to evaluate the mixer’s ability to handle your specific dough or batter consistencies.

Maintenance Tips for Your Mixer

To keep your mixer in good condition, follow these maintenance tips:

• Clean Regularly: Wipe down surfaces and clean attachments after each use.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply food-grade oil for smooth operation.
• Follow Capacity Guidelines: Avoid overloading to prevent wear and tear.
• Schedule Servicing: Regular maintenance helps ensure long-lasting performance. Visit our Repair & Service page for professional support.

Discover the Perfect Mixer for Your Kitchen

Whether you're running a busy bakery or enjoy trying out new recipes at home, there's a mixer that's right for you. From sturdy floor mixers for commercial use to adaptable hand mixers for smaller tasks, each tool is designed to support your cooking and baking goals. Take the time to explore and choose the mixer that best fits your kitchen's needs.

By understanding the different styles and types of mixers, their features, and how they fit your specific needs, you can make a smart choice that improves your cooking and baking. Invest in a quality mixer and watch your creations reach new levels!

For more information on mixer repairs and services, visit our Repair & Service page.