Commercial Mixing Tools Category

Whether it's mixing cake batter, kneading dough or mashing potatoes, the right mixer will make your work easier and more efficient. Commercial mixers are available in many sizes and styles, with a variety of attachments that can be used to perform different tasks. You can also choose between belt-driven and gear-driven mixers depending on your needs.

The agitator (or beater) of a mixer is the metal attachment that mixes, kneads, chops, or whips ingredients. A variety of agitator types are available, including spiral-shaped dough hooks that are ideal for pizza and other thicker dough; flat beaters suitable for preparing cakes or batters; and wire whips for aerating light mixes such as whipped cream or egg whites. Some agitators can be removed and replaced while others are permanently mounted to the mixer shaft.

Commercial mixers can be categorized by size, and the bowl capacity determines how heavy duty a machine is. Small countertop units, for example, can handle only 4 lbs. of bread or pizza dough and can't be used for hours on end. Mid-sized commercial kitchen mixers are found in fast casual and school cafeterias, and their mixing bowls range from 20 to over 100 quarts.

Larger floor models are the EasyMix workhorses of large commercial kitchens and are designed to withstand constant, high-output use for long periods of time. They're the preferred mixer for pizzerias and bakeries, where recipes call for denser doughs than lighter mixes can support. A typical maximum eavy-duty planetary mixer can handle dense doughs for up to 10 hours a day and features a motor capable of delivering 5 horsepower or more.

To ensure your mixer has enough power for the type of dough or other liquid you're working with, you should consider the absorption rate (AR). This ratio is calculated by dividing the water weight in a recipe by the flour weight. A lower AR means that the mixture will need more mixing power, while a higher AR indicates it can be mixed with less.

When shopping for a new or replacement mixer, consider your facility's production volume and the size of your largest batch of the most demanding dough. You may also want to check the warranty on your equipment. While most manufacturers offer a parts and labor warranty, some may also provide additional coverage such as damage protection or equipment-breakdown insurance.

If you purchase a second-hand or clearance commercial mixer, carefully read the warranty. You should be aware that these warranties typically don't cover parts or components that are defective by design, so you may be responsible for any repair bills that arise. You can also ask your business insurer about adding equipment-breakdown cover to your policy.

A quality intermediate bulk container is an excellent storage and transportation solution for a variety of materials, including industrial chemical substances. An IBC tote mixer is an ideal accessory for this type of storage, as it allows you to homogenize liquids while keeping your containers clean and safe.