Two Primary Food Mixers

Two Primary Food Mixers

Commercial mixer is a necessity for most types of food service establishments. Primary mixer options are spiral mixer and planetary mixer. How to choose the one that fits your production needs? It dependent on the products being made.

Spiral Mixer

The function of a spiral mixer is to gently and efficiently mix dough, allowing proper development of the gluten structure while not overworking the ingredients. While the unit does not have the versatility of a planetary mixer, it produces a higher-quality product that is invaluable to establishments such as bakeries and pizzerias.

The bowl of a spiral mixer swivels and turns the dough into the rotating hook for optimal kneading. The synchronization of the hook and bowl allows for ideal mixing for the desired outcome. Multiple speeds also facilitate development. The first speed (low) brings the mixture together in a homogenous mass, while the second speed (high) develops the gluten structure.

During the kneading process, a breaker bar divides the dough, allowing only a portion to pass through the hook. Splitting in this manner is beneficial for keeping friction low and providing an even combination of ingredients.

In the old time, the bowl and hook are fixed and can not be removed so cleaning must occur at the mixer location. Nowadays, the hook can be take down after kneading finished, which is more convenience for cleaning. And there have different types of spiral mixers for optional, such as bowl removable spiral mixer,  overturning VAT spiral mixer, and horizontal spiral mixer, etc.

Planetary mixer

Planetary mixers are more versatile. They are often referred to as “all-purpose” mixers. They can prepare everything from cream, sauces, frosting and mashed potatoes to cookie, pizza and bread doughs.

The removable attachments allow for much more flexibility in mixing:

Wire whip - High speed whipping for cream, egg liquid, butter, etc.,

Flat beater - Mixing and stirring for salad, mashed potatoes, fillings, etc.,

Dough hook -  Dough kneading.

The bowl remains stationary as the hook rotates while also circling around the bowl (much like a planet rotating on its axis and around the sun).

Planetary mixers add further flexibility by way of the hub attachments. Your mixer can become a timesaving, high-volume food processor for cutting, slicing, shredding, grinding and tenderizing a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. Cleanup is also more efficient by removing the bowl and agitator and washing them in the sink or dish machine.

SUMMARY -

Spiral mixer VS Planetary mixer

Spiral mixer : Higher capacity and superior for dough product

Planetary mixer: More flexibility, multifunctional and easy cleaning