How to Choose the Right Commercial Mixer for Your Bakery



Choosing the right commercial mixer is one of the most important decisions a bakery owner will make. The mixer is the heart of any bakery operation, and having the correct mixer for your specific needs is crucial for efficiently producing consistent, high-quality baked goods. Several key factors to consider when selecting a commercial mixer ensure you choose the best model for your bakery. If you are in the Dallas area, exploring options from a restaurant supply store in Dallas can provide you with access to a wide range of commercial mixers suited to various bakery requirements.

Determine Your Production Volume and Mixing Needs

The first step is determining your production volume and mixing needs. This includes:

  • The average quantity of dough or batter mixed per batch

  • Frequency of mixing (times per day/week)

  • Variety of products made (breads, cakes, cookies, etc.)

  • Desired mixing speed/power

Taking note of your current and estimated future production requirements will help you determine what size and type of commercial mixer would work best for your bakery.

Larger bakeries producing many batches per day will need a more robust, higher-capacity mixer than a small bakery mixing only a few batches per day. Think about if you need a mixer that can handle 50 pounds of bread dough or 500 pounds.

Factor in room for growth, too. An ideal mixer meets your current modest production goals but offers the power and capacity to grow with your business.

Choose Between Planetary or Spiral Mixers

Commercial mixers come in two main types: planetary and spiral.

Planetary mixers have a stationary bowl with a single arm attachment that rotates around the bowl like a planet orbiting the sun. The arm attachment usually has a paddle for batters and a hook for kneading bread dough. Planetary mixers tend to range in capacity from 5 to 80 quarts.

Spiral mixers contain a rotating bowl with a stationary spiral dough hook affixed to the interior wall. The rotating bowl mimics the motion of the dough hook when stirring and kneading by hand. Spiral mixers are excellent for large batches of dough and are available in sizes from 40 to 140 quarts.

A spiral mixer is generally recommended for medium—to large bakeries producing breads and doughs. The rotating bowl provides aggressive kneading and gluten development. Planetary mixers with only one mixing arm need to be kneaded more thoroughly for commercial bread production.

However, planetary mixers offer more versatility for mixing batter-based products like cakes and cookies. Their paddles thoroughly incorporate ingredients without overworking delicate batters. Smaller bakeries focused on pastries may find a sturdy planetary mixer sufficient.

Match Mixing Speeds and Motor Power

Mixing dough properly relies on the mixer's adequate motor strength. Mixer motors are measured in horsepower (HP) while mixing speeds are designated in rotations per minute (RPMs).

Higher horsepower enables faster, more efficient mixing. Lower HP motors struggle to maintain momentum with dense bread dough batches.

For bread dough, a minimum 5 HP motor with several speed options up to 60 RPMs is recommended. An 8-10+ HP motor allows fast 20-30 RPM speeds to vigorously knead stiff dough.

Cookie and cake batters require less power but still need multiple speeds of around 20 RPMs. Around 3-5 HP suffices for batters.

Selecting a mixer lacking sufficient motor strength for your dough/batter mixing needs results in slow, strained mixing and overheating motors. Matching the mixer's capabilities with your production is vital.

Choose the Right Bowl Material

Commercial mixer bowls come in various materials, with stainless steel and aluminum being the most common. Each offers different advantages:

  • Stainless steel is the most durable, long-lasting option. It provides excellent mixing action and is easiest to clean. It is more expensive but the best long-term investment.

  • Aluminum - Lightweight and heats up fast to help activate the yeast. It is not as durable or abrasion-resistant as stainless.

  • Plastic - Only recommended for occasional home bakery use. It is not durable enough for daily commercial mixing.

For commercial bakeries, a sturdy stainless steel bowl that can handle years of heavy mixing is highly recommended. Only consider aluminum or plastic bowls if on a very tight budget, as they dent easily and degrade faster.

Additional Commercial Mixer Features

Beyond basic mixing capabilities, some other helpful mixer features to consider include:

  • Multiple mixing attachments - Having dough hook, paddle, and whisk attachments expands mixing options.

  • Variable speed settings - Allows you to fine-tune mixing speeds for different recipes.

  • Overload reset - Automatically resets the mixer if overheated or overworked.

  • Bowl lift - Hydraulically raises bowl for easy loading/unloading.

  • Ingredient chute - Allows adding ingredients during mixing.

  • Caster wheels - For the mobility of freestanding floor models.

  • Warranty - Reputable commercial mixer brands offer warranties of up to 3-5 years.

Top Commercial Mixer Brands

When investing in a quality commercial mixer, stick with reputable brands known for excellent product support, easy maintenance, and longevity. Some top brands include:

  • Hobart - The long-standing benchmark for commercial mixers. Their legacy Heritage and Legacy mixers are workhorses built to last decades.

  • Ankarsrum - Unique Swedish mixers with efficient spiral bowl design and quiet operation. Great for artisanal bread production.

  • Uniworld - Affordable mixers that rival higher-end brands in durability and output.

  • Empire - Known for their wide range of mixer sizes. Models for small to extremely high-capacity bakeries.

  • Globe - Reliable mid-range priced mixers for significant dough output.

Purchasing from established commercial equipment companies ensures you get the mixing power and reliability needed for continuous production.

Buy From a Reputable Restaurant Equipment Supplier

The best place to purchase a commercial mixer is through a reputable restaurant equipment supply company. They offer many advantages over general online retailers or big box stores:

  • Wide selection of reputable commercial mixer brands and models ideal for bakeries

  • Ability to try demo models in person before purchasing

  • Knowledgeable staff that can guide you to the right mixer based on your needs

  • Offer mixer rentals for short-term or trial purposes

  • Handle delivery and installation

  • Provide ongoing maintenance and service support

Be wary of cut-rate mixer deals on auction or restaurant closeout sites. You're more likely to buy old, worn-out models that are not viable for everyday bakery use. The potential repair costs outweigh the upfront savings.

Prioritize a Quality Mixer That Meets Your Needs

Cost will play a role in your commercial mixer selection, but don't choose solely based on price. Paying more upfront for a heavy-duty Hobart or Ankarsrum mixer made to last 25+ years is a wiser investment than a cheap light-duty mixer you'll need to replace in 5 years.

Similarly, don't overspend on excessive power and capacity you don't need. Find the sweet spot mixer that fits your current production with a little room to grow.

By properly evaluating your mixing needs and preferred features, you'll find the ideal commercial mixer that becomes a long-term baking workhorse for your bakery. Proper mixer selection optimizes your workflow, provides reliable output, and produces consistent, high-quality baked goods that keep customers coming back.

Conclusion

Selecting the right commercial mixer for your bakery is a critical investment that can significantly impact your production efficiency and the quality of your baked goods. By carefully considering your production volume, mixing needs, and the type of products you make, you can determine whether a planetary or spiral mixer best suits your bakery. Additionally, matching the mixer's motor power and mixing speeds with your requirements and choosing a durable bowl material are essential steps. Enhancing your mixer with useful features and opting for top brands ensures reliability and longevity. To make the best purchase, consider buying from a reputable supplier like Texas Restaurant Supply, which offers a wide range of commercial mixers and provides expert guidance, demo models, and excellent service support. This ensures you find a mixer that meets your needs and supports your bakery's growth.

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