Commercial Mixing Tools Are A Key Of Commercial Kitchens
Mixers are a key piece of equipment for commercial kitchens and can handle a range of mixing tasks. When purchasing a mixer for your establishment, you should have an understanding of how each type works and the options available to you for customization and attachments that may increase its functionality. Knowing what your menu will require in terms of mixing capacity, agitation and power is critical to the correct selection of the right mixer.
EasyMix have an intricate inner assembly of gears that eliminate the risk of drive system slip or stall, but they can be more expensive to repair than belt systems. They are also more likely to damage ingredients if over mixed, making them less desirable for sensitive foods such as salad dressing or pie crusts. Belt-driven mixers tend to be less expensive and more durable, but they can stall if not operated properly.
Smaller countertop mixers are best used in smaller restaurant settings or for low-volume food businesses that need to save time on preparation and dough kneading. They are typically capable of handling about ten quarts at a time, but larger mixers can handle up to 30 quarts or more for higher-output environments. Mixers of this size can be placed on a stand or on the floor and are often paired with a bowl trolley for speedy transportation around large kitchens.
Larger countertop models and those sized for the floor can come with different agitator types or attachments to increase their functionality. Some options include a flat beater that is similar to a spatula for creating batters and cakes, a wire whip that is powerful and can whip creams or marinades, a meat grinder for chopping up vegetables and proteins and a pasta maker that will quickly produce fresh noodles.
Some planetary mixers have a #12 accessory hub to allow for additional attachments and food processing capabilities such as slicers, shredders or meat grinders. They can even accommodate a spiralizer for increased efficiency and production in pizza restaurants and bakery settings.
A spiral mixer, popular in bakeries, rotates both the mixing attachment and the bowl itself, making them particularly efficient for dough kneading. This makes them a must for any operation that spends hours on thick pizza dough or bread.
The mixer motor is one of the most important parts of any commercial kitchen mixer and can greatly influence how quickly it can work. Most models feature industrial-duty TEFC electric motors that are available in a range of sizes, phases and voltages chosen for your specific use case. Washdown duty and explosion proof motors are also available.
Lastly, mixers can be powered with gas or electric motors. Gas units are typically for high-volume applications and offer higher torque to move a large mixer more quickly, while electric models provide greater flexibility with speed control. Some even have programmable digital controls for consistent, repeatable results. Be sure to choose a unit with the appropriate voltage for your location and check for a warranty before making a purchase.