Planetary mixers are a staple in commercial modern kitchens for a good reason. These pieces of kitchen equipment can do anything from whipping up egg whites – to chopping vegetables and kneading dough. But with all the different models available, how do you choose the right one for your business? You might have a planetary mixer at home, but that doesn’t mean that the same model will do your business justice. Commercial mixers are designed to be more powerful and make bigger batches than your average home model.
When it comes to things to look for when buying a mixer planetary models are no different. You have to consider their use in order to get the most value out of your purchase. Sometimes, a spiral mixer might be the better solution, so it’s best you evaluate your needs before deciding to buy one. Furthermore, as is the case with every other mixer planetary mixers come in various sizes as well. In this case, it is essential to ensure that the mixer is big enough to meet your needs, but not so big that it will require more kitchen space then you can afford for it to take up.
Bear in mind that just because the mixer can hold 10 quarts, that doesn’t mean that you should fill it up completely. Thicker, stiffer dough will require smaller batch sizes so the mixer doesn’t overload. On the other hand, dough with more oil can be mixed in a bigger batch. Generally, an average restaurant that makes cake batter, light bread dough, and blends egg whites, would be well-suited with a standard or medium duty planetary mixer. On the other hand, a pizza parlor or bakery that makes thicker and heavier dough on more frequent basis, would definitely require a larger, heavy-duty mixer to meet the large demand.
Planetary mixers come with a removable pot and accessories, such as a dough hook, whisk and a mixing paddle. The dough hood is used to knead the dough, the whisk is for beating eggs and soft creams, while the mixing paddle is what helps you mix all the contents inside the pot together. However, there are also other attachments the mixer can come with, such as meat grinders, ice cream makers, graters and shredders, and so on.
All of this makes planetary mixers one of the most versatile and most essential tools in any modern kitchen, regardless of whether for commercial or residential use. Lastly, ensuring the mixer and all its parts are properly maintained will ensure it lasts for a very long time. Most mixers come with a manufacturer’s manual on how to be properly cleaned and maintained, which makes the entire process much simpler and easier.