Best Commercial Mixer 2023: Buyer’s Guide

Inside this buyer’s guide

1. Introduction
2. Types of commercial mixers
3. Styles of commercial mixers
4. Main things to consider before ordering a commercial mixer
5. Best commercial mixers in Canada
6. Used commercial mixers - worth considering?
7. Warranty and insurance
8. Questions to ask when shopping for a commercial mixer
9. Commercial mixer FAQs
10. Commercial mixer terminology
11. How to maintain your commercial mixer
12. How often should a commercial mixer be serviced?
13. Save your cash, use ours! 

 

Whether you’re whipping up a rich batter for exquisite pouding chômeur, kneading dough for signature bread recipes or chopping vegetables quickly, a sturdy commercial mixer is an essential appliance to have in your kitchen. 

Unlike their domestic counterparts, commercial mixers are designed to meet the high-volume demands of commercial establishments, and perform brilliantly without excess wear.

Mixers can perform a wide range of tasks — mixing, chopping, kneading, grinding, shredding. You name it, and the mixer will do it without a fuss.

They save you time and effort, making your kitchen more productive and efficient.   

This ultimate buyer’s guide explains the different types of commercial mixers, what should you consider before ordering one, and the best makes and models available.

 

Types of commercial mixers

In the Canadian hospitality industry, the two most common types of mixers are spiral mixers and planetary mixers. There are also other, specialized mixers that perform particular tasks with high efficiency.

All of these mixers have unique features, advantages and limitations. Here we’ll tell you about each of them, so you can decide which type is best for you.

 

Spiral mixers

Spiral mixers are typically used to knead dough and are also called dough mixers. They have a bowl that rotates around a spiral-shaped agitator.

These commercial dough mixer machines are capable of folding large volumes of dough while maintaining top dough quality.

The machine kneads dough gently, which keeps friction heat low for better fermentation. They also come with different speed settings for greater precision.

Industrial dough mixers are used in commercial foodservice establishments like bakeries and pizzerias that need to churn out a high volume of dough daily.

If you sell dough-based artisanal food items, this is the mixer you need.

However, because they have a single, fixed attachment specifically designed to knead dough and heavy batter, spiral mixers are less versatile than planetary mixers.

 

Planetary mixers

Planetary mixers are also known as stand mixers or cake mixers.

They have an agitator that spins in a planetary motion (rotating on its axis, while revolving around the bowl, like the motion of planets around the sun) within a fixed bowl.

This movement ensures the bowl’s ingredients are properly mixed.

They come with different attachments — most notably beaters, dough hooks and wire whisks — that can be interchanged to complete various preparation tasks.

Grater, grinder and slicer attachments are also available in some models.

Planetary mixers are incredibly versatile and ideal for general use in commercial kitchens that do more than just knead dough.

 

Other commercial mixers

Vertical cutter mixers

Vertical cutter mixers are typically used for quickly slicing and mixing ingredients in large amounts.

They have a covered mixing bowl and an agitator.

Some models come with interchangeable attachments for different functions.

They can chop vegetables, shred meat, knead dough, mix ingredients and puree sauces and soups.   

 

Horizontal mixers

These industrial mixers efficiently handle huge amounts of dough for large bakeries and other commercial foodservice establishments.

They have a range of interchangeable mixing arms for kneading dough of different densities.

 

Gigamix

Gigamix is a specialized mixer used for high-volume production. They can process around 300 litres of food in one batch and come with a trolley for ease of movement.

 

Styles of commercial mixers

There are three different styles of commercial mixers, based on where they’re used: benchtop/countertop mixers, stand mixers and floor mixers.

Consider how much room you have in your kitchen before deciding which style would be best for you.

 

Countertop/benchtop mixers

These compact mixers can easily fit on a countertop or bench and are ideal for low-volume establishments.

They can mix, whip or knead small batches of batter, eggs or dough with high efficiency. The standard bowl size for these styles is around 10 litres or less.

 

Stand mixers

Commercial stand mixers have a similar footprint to their benchtop counterparts but more bowl capacity (around 20 litres or above) and power.

They have a mixing capacity approaching that of floor mixers but take up less space.

Stand mixers are generally suitable for both standard- and heavy-duty mixing.

 

Floor mixers

Floor mixers are ideal for heavy-duty use in high-volume commercial kitchens.

They have larger bowl capacities (typically 30 litres or more) and more powerful motors.

They are extremely stable and free up valuable counter space.

 

Main things to consider before ordering a commercial mixer

 

What do you need the mixer for? 

Decide what you’ll be mainly using the mixer for.

To prepare small batches of batter not more than a few times a day, for example, a compact mixer with modest motor power should be adequate.

On the other hand, if you’ll be churning out high volumes of dough throughout the day for pizza, bread or other bakery items, a powerful industrial dough mixer should be suitable. 

 It’s important to determine the absorption ratio (AR) of the mixes you’ll be preparing most frequently.

Ask your equipment dealer which makes and models of mixer are suitable for your ingredients’ ARs.

You should be able to find this information in the mixer’s user manual as well.

The lower the AR, the more powerful the mixer needs to be. (Generally, the second speed of a mixer should never be used on mixes with less than 50% AR).  

 

How much mixing will you do?

Find out the amount of dough, vegetables, batter or egg whites you’ll need to process in the mixer and how often.

For a small takeaway serving non-bakery items, a five-litre mixer might work but for high-volume professional bakeries or pizza shops that need to churn out several batches of dough daily, a more powerful and larger model is essential.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll need a bigger mixer for mixes with more fat or colder water.

 

Mixer type

For a bistro or restaurant, a planetary mixer is often the best solution due to their versatility. 

For bakeries and pizza shops, however, a commercial dough mixer makes more sense.

For more information, please see the relevant section above.

 

Mixer style

To determine the right style – countertop, stand or floor mixer — consider the size and layout of your kitchen.

Larger businesses with substantial menus might need more than one type of mixer.

For more information, please see the relevant section above.

 

Bowl size

The larger the bowl, the more ingredients the mixer can process at one time.

In high-end mixers, the bowl size matches the mixer’s maximum capacity, but that’s sometimes not the case with cheaper makes.

If the bowl size is too small for your needs, it’ll fail to keep up with the demand. Overfilling the bowl may lead to insufficient mixing and safety hazards.  

Using a mixing bowl that’s too large for your needs will result in wasted capacity, and excess electricity and maintenance costs. 

 

Motor power

The capacity of a mixer is determined by its motor power.

More powerful motors are used in mixers that churn out multiple batches of heavy dough daily.

A powerful motor ensures you can mix close to a full bowl of ingredients in one go without jamming or overheating the mixer.

Smaller mixers with less horsepower can complete tasks like whisking and mixing lighter ingredients efficiently.

A 1/2hp motor usually suffices for a 10-litre countertop mixer, for example, however a 50-litre floor mixer typically needs a motor of 3hp or more.

There are also mixers with multiple motors.

 

Drive system

Three main types of drive systems are used in commercial mixers: belt-drive, gear-drive, and variable-frequency drive (VFD).  

Belt-drive systems give more speed choices and allow on-the-fly speed adjustments in some models. However, they are prone to wear and tear and need more maintenance. Also, ‘belt slip’ is a serious issue in cheaper models.

Gear-drive systems are more powerful and need less maintenance, but you can’t change speeds without turning off the mixer. There are also fewer speed choices. They are also noisier and more expensive to repair.

Some of the latest models come with a variable-frequency drive. These mixers have multiple speed options, on-the-fly speed adjustment, and are highly reliable. They require minimal maintenance. 

 

Mixer speed

Multiple speed settings give you more precise control over the mixing.

Most entry-level models have one to three speed settings; the high-end mixers can have as many as 12 different speed levels.

It’s more difficult to achieve precision in mixers that don’t support shift-on-the-fly.

High-end mixers with variable-frequency drives offer lots of speed choices and quick on-the-fly speed changes for better precision.

Soft-start agitation is also helpful for kneading high-quality dough.

 

Controls

Industrial mixers come with either manual or digital controls.

Manual controls are simple enough to master but digital controls offer better precision.

Some models can even be programmed to change speed or stop automatically after a fixed time.

This not only ensures consistent quality across multiple batches of ingredients, it also frees up your staff for other work.

 

Electricity requirements

A mixer’s electricity connection requirements will depend on its motor power .

Compact mixers can usually be plugged into a normal plug point.

Larger, more powerful models may need a hardwired connection into the power circuit.

Before ordering a mixer, find out whether your kitchen has the required electricity connection (as per the manufacturer’s specifications).

 

Safety features

Mixer safety features minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

For complete peace of mind, get ETL-, NSF- and/or CSA-approved commercial mixers.

High-quality foot pads that stop the mixer from sliding during operation are a basic safety feature.

Bowl guards prevents objects or clothing from coming in contact with the agitator while it’s in motion.

Some models also come with thermal overload protection, an emergency stop button and/or a no-volt release switch to prevent the motor turning on automatically following a power failure.

 

Accessories and attachments

Interchangeable attachments make commercial mixers versatile.

Find out whether the mixer you’re interested in comes with attachments (e.g. dough hook, wire whisk, flat beater) or you have to buy them separately.

Many high-end mixers will come with a power-take-off hub to accommodate specialized attachments like shredders and meat grinders.

Bowl scrapers (an accessory that automatically scrapes the sides of the bowl) and pouring chute (an accessory for safely adding ingredients while the machine is in motion) are other common mixer accessories.

 

Ease of use and cleaning

Commercial kitchens are fast-paced environments, so you need a mixer your staff will find quick and easy to operate.

If you’re ordering a machine that requires user training, you should ensure that training is readily available.

Misuse of a mixer not only impedes its efficiency, it can also damage the machine and void the warranty.

Most compact commercial mixers are easy to use.

Regular cleaning is vital for the proper functioning of most machines, including commercial mixers.

Stainless-steel mixers with removable bowls and attachments are usually easy to clean, especially the compact countertop/benchtop mixers.

To deep-clean a large, industrial mixer you might need to unscrew some attachments.

Keep a step-by-step cleaning instruction sheet handy so your staff can quickly refer to it. 

 

Budget

The price of a commercial mixer varies according to the make and model.

A compact countertop mixer from a mid-range brand will set you back around $600 while a similar model from a high-end brand costs about $1,300–$4,000.

A high-volume (around 60-quart) floor planetary mixer from a high-end brand like Globe or Hobart is roughly $24,000–$35,000, whereas a dough mixer of similar capacity from Nella will set you back around $9,000. 

Before you order a commercial mixer, get a clear idea about how much it will cost you -- not only now, but also in the long run.

Keep in mind that the total cost will include not only the price of the equipment but also other related expenses -- like installation (if it’s a large industrial mixer), staff training, maintenance and servicing, and electricity.

 

Best commercial mixers in Canada

You’ll find many of the world’s best makes and models of industrial mixers in Canada.

The following list isn’t exhaustive but it includes some of the most respected and popular makes and models in the country. Read on to find out their pros, cons, price points and more.

 

Globe commercial mixers

Globe Food Equipment has been manufacturing high-quality commercial kitchen equipment since the early 1920s and is one of the most trusted commercial mixer brands in Canada.

Their mixers are sturdy, reliable and come with a best-in-industry warranty.

However, they are relatively expensive to buy and if they break down, the and repairs, including the spare parts, will cost you more.

 

Top planetary mixers by Globe

SP05 countertop mixer

With an 800-watt, gear-driven motor, this five-quart planetary mixer packs a lot power for its size. Ten different speed settings and simple electronic controls allow consistent mixing and kneading. Durable and easy to clean, it’s ideal for caterers, bakeries and commercial kitchens.    

 

SP20 bench mixer

This high-torque, gear-driven, 20-quart (19-litre) mixer is ideal for kitchens that need more capacity and power. It has a 0.5 hp motor, three fixed speeds, permanently lubricated transmission, rigid cast-iron body, and best-in-class safety features. Front-mounted touch controls, a 60-minute digital timer and last-batch recall make it easy to use.

 

SP30P floor mixer

This heavy-duty, 30-quart floor mixer is built to last. With a 1.5hp motor and fixed-speed, direct-gear drive, this powerful mixer is a great choice for pizzerias, bakeries and restaurants with high demand. It has three speed settings, front-mounted digital controls, and a timer for precise mixing.    

 

Top spiral mixers by Globe

GSM175 spiral mixer

This top-of-the-range, 175lb spiral mixer with traditional European design consistently delivers large batches of high-quality dough. Powered by dual 3.5hp (first speed) and 6hp (second speed) high-torque motors, the appliance has both manual and automatic controls. There’s also a timer for automatic shifting. This totally enclosed, fan-cooled mixer is ideal for high-volume foodservices businesses.

 

KitchenAid commercial mixers

When it comes to stand mixers, KitchenAid is an industry leader. They’ve been manufacturing sturdy, powerful and reliable stand mixers since 1919. The brand has a strong presence in Canada. 

Their range covers tilt-head, bowl-lift and Pro Line mixers that are ideal for small- to medium-sized preparations.

KitchenAid mixers are not inexpensive, they also come with good quality parts and deliver results exactly as promised.

KitchenAid does not manufacture large floor mixers but their range of compact industrial cake mixers is impressive.

 

Top planetary mixers by KitchenAid

Commercial series 8-quart bowl lift stand mixer

A favourite of professional bakers, this eight-quart bowl-lift, stand mixer has a powerful 1.3HP motor. It mixes small and large loads efficiently while keeping the heat build-up low. It comes with an advanced motor-control board, patented Powerknead spiral dough hook, and other attachments. 

 

Artisan® series 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer

This compact five-quart mixer is an easy to use, do-it-all appliance ideal for commercial needs. With 10 different speeds, it handles virtually any preparation task, including gentle kneading, thorough mixing and vigorous whipping. Its tilt-head design means ingredients can be added easily, and its 10 optional hub-powered attachments give you maximum flexibility.

 

Pro Line® series 7-quart bowl lift stand mixer

Featuring a 1.3hp motor, this seven-quart mixer is a powerful and versatile machine ideal for commercial kitchens. It efficiently handles small and large loads, keeping heat build-up to a minimum. Its 10 speed settings and 10+ optional attachments allow you to complete nearly every mixing task with a minimum of fuss.  

 

Hobart commercial mixers

A well-known global brand in the commercial kitchen equipment industry, Hobart manufactures a wide range of high-quality, heavy-duty mixers.

With their advanced features, reliable motors, sturdy bodies and effective safety features, Hobart commercial mixers are built for busy commercial kitchens.

Hobart’s planetary mixer range in Canada includes the Centerline series, compact N50 mixer, and heavy-duty Legacy+ range. They also make spiral mixers. 

 

Top planetary mixers from Hobart

HL200 Legacy+ 20-quart mixer

This heavy-duty mixer has a 0.5hp motor, 20-quart bowl, variable-frequency drive, maximum capacity overheat protection, and a reinforced shaft system. It features three fixed speeds, stir speed with soft-start agitation, and shift-on-the-fly control for precision. It also has a 15-minute smart timer and automatic time recall.

 

HMM20 Centerline standard mixer

The Centerline series is a new addition to Hobart’s mixer range. The HMM20 mixer boasts a 0.5hp motor, 20-quart bowl, an all-gear transmission, and three mixing speeds. Its GearSafe System protects against damage and its ergonomic bowl lift and digital timer with last-time remind makes it easy to use. Its removable bowl guard makes cleaning simple.  

 

Top spiral mixers from Hobart

HSL180 spiral mixer

This is Hobart’s entry-level spiral mixer. Powered by a 0.75hp bowl motor and a two-speed (3.3hp/6hp) spiral arm, it can mix high volumes of heavy dough precisely and without degrading the dough’s quality. It boasts a 180lb fixed bowl, reversible bowl drive, bowl-jog control, and dual electronic-timer control.

 

HSU440 spiral mixer

This top-of-the-range commercial dough mixer is designed for commercial kitchens that need to churn out large batches of dough continuously. It features a 1hp bowl motor and two spiral arm speeds — 6.1hp and 10hp — for heavy mixing. The arm and the bowl have separate drive systems and the appliance has top-notch safety features. 

 

Nella commercial mixers

Founded in 1952, Nella Cutlery is one of the most trusted names in Canada’s commercial kitchen equipment industry.

Their range of commercial mixers includes compact benchtop models as well as large floor-standing varieties.

Nella mixers are reliable and among the best-value mixers on the market. 

 

Top planetary mixers by Nella

10-quart stand mixer

This compact 10-quart, gear-driven mixer has a 0.67hp motor and three speeds, making it suitable for general food preparation and mixing. It comes with a stainless steel bowl, safety guard and three attachments – a hook, a flat beater, and a whipping ball.  

 

60-quart stand mixer

With a 3.75hp motor and four speed settings, this 60-quart, general purpose mixer can knead dough and whip cream or batter efficiently. Gear- and belt-drive transmission ensures optimal performance, while the bowl guard and interlocks ensure safety. It also comes with a 30-minute timer.

 

Top spiral mixers by Nella

20-quart dough mixer (MX-IT-0020)

This 20-quart mixer is powered by a 1.2hp motor, making it suitable for mixing both hard and soft dough in bakeries and pizzerias. It has a stainless steel bowl and an automatic quick-stop feature that is activated when the bowl guard is lifted.

 

80-quart dough mixer (MX-IT-0080)

Featuring a 5.5hp, heavy-duty motor and 176-quart stainless steel bowl, this industrial, three-phase spiral mixer is a dependable workhorse for large commercial kitchens. It has two kneading speeds and two timers for work-cycle programming. It comes with fixed wheels and adjustable feet for easy positioning. 

 

Eurodib commercial mixers

Eurodib is a young and prominent company in the foodservice equipment industry.

They’ve been manufacturing commercial kitchen equipment since 1996.

Eurodib commercial planetary and spiral mixers are used in small and large foodservice establishments across Canada.

It’s a mid-range brand that offers good reliability and service for an affordable price.

 

Top planetary mixers from Eurodib

M10ETL 10-quart mixer

This compact, 10-quart mixer is known for its efficiency. It has a 0.7hp motor and gear-driven, abrasion-resistant transmission. While not suitable for pizza, pita or bread dough, it’s an excellent choice for general mixing and emulsifying. 

 

M40A 220 ETL 40-quart mixer

A powerful mixer that delivers perfect results every time. Featuring a 2hp motor with gear-driven, abrasion resistant transmission, it can knead dough for pizza or bread and mix a close-to-full-bowl of ingredients. It’s also compatible with special attachments like meat grinders, making it more versatile.    

 

Top spiral mixers from Euroib

LM50T ETL50-quart mixer

This 50-quart spiral mixer can churn out large volumes of high-quality dough. With a 185RPM hook speed and 15RPM bowl speed, it can efficiently knead low-hydration, stiff dough right through to high-hydration, elastic dough. Its built-in timer allows you to program the appliance for different mixes.  

 

LR GM75B ETL 200-quart mixer

This two-speed dough mixer is designed to serve the heavy-volume, high-quality dough production needs of large-scale commercial bakeries, pizza and pastry shops. Featuring two mixing speeds — hook 120/240 RPM and bowl 20/40RPM — it enables you to mix your ingredients precisely.  It comes with a timer that allows you to pre-set the mixing time.

 

Primo commercial mixers

Primo mixers are a reliable solution for commercial kitchens.

They’re easy to operate, come with a sturdy body that lasts, and deliver the expected results.

Primo make compact countertop models and large floor models. Their mixers are priced towards the higher end of the scale.

If you’re looking for the same reliability and efficiency without the big price tag, check out our collection of Certified Used primo mixers.  

 

Top planetary mixers from Primo

PM-7 quart mixer

Featuring a custom-built, 0.5hp motor, this seven-quart mixer is a good buy for kitchens that mix and knead smaller volumes of ingredients.

It boasts a high-torque transmission, long-life gear box, and a sturdy body for longer, dependable service. It has 11 speed settings for high precision. 

 

PM-30 quart mixer

This powerful and dependable mixer machine is ideal for commercial kitchens in need of a heavy-duty general purpose mixer.

Powered by a 2hp motor, this floor mixer features a three-speed gear drive and a #12 power-drive hub for attachments.  

 

Top spiral mixers from Primo

PSM-50E mixer

Featuring some of the most advanced technology available in spiral mixers, the three-phase (hardwired) PSM-50E is a dependable dough mixer machine for high-volume bakeries and pizzerias.

With 1–25kg dry flour and 1.5–40kg dough capacity, it’s capable of kneading both small and large quantities of dough perfectly.

It comes with top-notch safety features and high-quality components.   

 

PSM-120E mixer

This top-of-the-range spiral mixer is designed to serve high-volume foodservice establishments but can efficiently manage smaller dough batches too (2–75kg dry flour and 3.2–120kg dough capacity).

It offers the flexibility of three different modes — manual, semi-automatic and automatic — and two speed settings.

Its bowl rotation direction can be reversed to enable quick dough removal. 

 

Used commercial mixers — worth considering? 

Spending thousands of dollars on new commercial kitchen equipment can put a strain your budget and cash flow.

If you’d prefer not to invest a lot of money in new commercial mixer, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you’re looking for.

SilverChef’s range of ‘Certified Used’ equipment is mostly ex-rental equipment sourced from businesses we know and trust.

The equipment is typically less than two-and-a-half year sold, has been fully refurbished by us, and is backed by a three-month parts-and-labour warranty.

You can either buy or finance the ‘Certified Used’ (and clearance) equipment on our website.

(We’re one of the few financiers, if not the only one, in Canada that funds second-hand commercial kitchen equipment.)

Read more about ‘Certified Used’ equipment

Check out our collections of used spiral mixers and used planetary mixers.

 

Warranty and insurance 

Most equipment manufacturers provide warranties ranging from one to five years, depending on the type of equipment.

If the equipment develops a covered fault within that time, the manufacturer is obliged to repair or replace the equipment or give you a full refund.

Carefully study the warranty to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

SilverChef offers a three-month parts-and-labour warranty on all our ‘Certified Used’ and clearance equipment.

Business insurance covers loss or damage to your commercial kitchen equipment and other property.

This cover typically includes fire, accident, and theft. Some insurers also offer equipment-breakdown cover.

Contact your insurer to confirm whether the equipment you’re getting is automatically covered by your policy or will need to be added to it.

If your insurer doesn’t provide flood cover as standard, you may wish to consider requesting it. 

 

Questions to ask when shopping for a commercial mixer

Questions to ask your industry peers

• Which make and model of commercial mixer are you using?
• Why did you choose that make and model?
• Did you get a used commercial mixer or a brand-new one?
• How do you rate your experience of the mixer and why?
• Do your kitchen staff find the mixer easy to use and clean?
• How much does the mixer cost to maintain and repair?
• What has the after-sales support been like?
• Would you recommend your mixer to others?

 

Questions to ask your equipment dealer

• Will this mixer suit my establishment’s needs?
• Why do you recommend this machine?
• What safety features does this model have?
• Does this mixer come with attachments or accessories included?
• What does the warranty cover and what’s excluded?
• If the mixer breaks down, how quickly can I expect it to be repaired and can it be repaired after-hours or on weekends?
• Who do you recommend I use to service and repair my mixer?
• Are spare parts for this mixer easily available?

 

Commercial mixer FAQs 

What is a commercial mixer and what is the difference between a commercial and a domestic mixer?

Commercial mixers are designed to serve the high-volume needs of commercial kitchens.

Their motors are powerful enough to mix large batches of ingredients without undue strain.

Their less powerful domestic counterparts, on the other hand, are used by householders to mix small batches every so often.

Consequently, domestic mixers would struggle to meet the demands of a commercial kitchen.

 

What is the best commercial mixer?

There is no one commercial mixer make or model that can be crowned ‘best’ — it depends on what you need your mixer to do.

To find the best match, consider the mixer’s power, capacity and functionality.

The manufacturer’s specifications will help inform your decision.

Also, ask your equipment dealer or supplier for advice.    

 

Where can I find a commercial mixer for sale?

If you’re looking for a new mixer, check out our range of spiral mixers and planetary mixers.

Or you can also visit a well-known commercial kitchen equipment dealer in your area to see what they have in stock.

SilverChef has a network of equipment-dealer partners across Canada; call us to find out which of our partners are nearest to you.

You can get your new mixer financed through us and we also have a range of fully refurbished and clearance mixers that you can finance or purchase outright. 

 

How much is a commercial mixer?

The cost of a commercial mixer depends on the make and model.

A compact 5- to 10-quart planetary mixer costs around $600–$1700.

A 50-quart spiral mixer from a pocket-friendly brand costs around $4,200 while similarly sized high-end mixers cost as much as $32,000.

 

Where can I buy commercial mixer spares?

Your equipment dealer or supplier should be able to provide spare parts for your mixer. You can also buy them online.

It’s recommended to get only original spare parts, which will help increase your mixer’s useful life.

 

What is a fixed bowl mixer?

A fixed bowl mixer is one in which  the bowl can rotate but cannot be removed.

It must be loaded and unloaded manually each time.

Typically, these are spiral mixers used in small bakeries.

 

What is a removable bowl mixer?

A removable bowl mixer is one in which the bowl can be swapped with another bowl.

It saves loading/unloading time.

Large removable bowl mixers with automated bowl lifters are ideal for large commercial kitchens.

 

Commercial mixer terminology

Absorption ratio

The AR is the water weight of your mixes divided by the flour weight.

If a recipe requires 10 litres of wet ingredients (or water) to be mixed with 20 litres of dry ingredients (or flour), the AR for that recipe will be 10/20 = 0.50x100 = 50%.

You should find out the AR of your mixes to determine the right mixer size for your needs.

A mix with a low AR needs more mixing power and vice-versa.

So, the lower the AR, the bigger the mixer you’ll need.

 

Agitator

The metal attachment that mixes, kneads, chops, etc.

The agitator can be fixed or removable. 

 

Attachments

Different types of agitators that can be interchanged to perform different tasks. 

 

Bowl lift

The mechanism that lifts the mixing bowl. In compact models, it is usually a manually operated lever.

Larger models typically come with electric bowl lifts.

 

Bowl guard

A wire or plastic bowl cover that prevents accidental contact of clothing, hands or other items with the agitator while the mixer is in motion.

 

Bowl scraper

An attachment mounted on the agitator shaft of the mixer that automatically scrapes off ingredients from the sides of the bowl while the mixer is in motion.

 

Dough hook

A hook-shaped mixer attachment typically used for kneading thicker dough.

Spiral-shaped dough hooks are most common; they can also be C-shaped or J-shaped.

The variants are typically used for mixing ingredients more gently. 

 

Drive system

The system that turns the agitator within the mixing bowl.

In belt-driven commercial mixers, a strap is usually used to turn the agitator.

In gear-driven models, an intricate mechanism of cogs and gears is used.

 

Flat beater

A mixer attachment most commonly used for preparing batters, frostings and dough.

 

Horsepower

The power of the mixer motor.

Mixer motors generally range from 1/3 horsepower to 5 horsepower.

The bigger your batch of ingredients and/or the denser it is, the more horsepower you’ll need to mix it.

 

Mixer hub attachments

Attachments such as slicers, shredders and meat grinders that can be attached to the hub of a mixer.

 

Mixing bowl

The container that holds the ingredients to be kneaded, mixed, chopped or whipped, and into which the agitator is placed.

 

Operating speed

The speed of the agitator and/or the bowl.

Commercial mixers typically have at least a few operating speeds.

Refer to the user manual to find out the best operating speed for the ingredients you’re mixing.

 

Pastry knife

A specialized mixer attachment for mixing pastry dough.

 

Power take-off attachment hub

The hub on the mixer onto which compatible attachments like slicers, shredders, or meat grinders can be added for multipurpose use. 

 

Timer

Allows you to pre-set a mixing duration and trigger an alarm at the end of the cycle.

Many high-end models also have a recall setting.

 

Wire whisk

An attachment for whipping up light and airy mixes.

Ideal for creaming, frosting and whisking.

 

How to maintain your commercial mixer 

Regular maintenance and servicing can add years to the useful life of your commercial mixer.

It’ll ensure the appliance is dependable and performs with maximum efficiency.

 

Maintenance tips

• Install and use the mixer exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper installation or use can damage the appliance.
• Keep the mixer well-lubricated at all times. For large commercial mixers, inspect the gear boxes inside the mixer and lubricate them periodically.
• Make sure that the clearance between the bowl and the agitator is exactly as recommended. Any unwanted change in the clearance can compromise mixing results.
• For belt-driven mixers, inspect the belts routinely and change them when needed.
• Keep your mixer clean and maintain a log book for cleaning and maintenance.

 

Cleaning tips

• Clean the mixer bowls, agitators and bowl guard after each use.
• At least wipe down the mixer body at the end of each workday.
• Use only manufacturer-approved cleaning agents.
• Do not use steel wool, hard scrub pads, or any other hard or abrasive material for cleaning.
• Reassemble the mixer parts only after they’vebeen air-dried.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your mixer.

 

How often should a commercial mixer be serviced?

If you’re using a large commercial mixer, you’ll need the help of a professional to add lubricant, adjust alignments, and replace seals.

Your equipment dealer might be able to recommend a good technician.

Preventive servicing should be performed every six months.

However, if you notice any unusual changes like a drop in mix quality or performance, or the mixer starts making an unusual noise, get it checked by a registered technician immediately.

 

Save your cash, use ours!

Hospitality equipment can be expensive and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.

Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it generates for you.

Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.

You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.

If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 60% of the net rent you paid in the first year and 20% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.

Read more about Rent–Try–Buy