Understanding Planetary Mixers
A Workhorse in the Bakery Industry
Introduction:
Planetary mixers are widely used in the food packaging and processing manufacturing field, particularly in bakeries. These machines are used to mix various ingredients and produce dough, batters, and other mixtures. Planetary mixers have a unique design that sets them apart from other mixers, such as spiral mixers, and offer several advantages for commercial kitchens.
Planetary mixers are popular for their flexibility; they use several interchangeable mixing attachments. Planetary mixers can be tabletop or full floor, and they can also have electric or manual lifts. An operator turns a wheel or lever to use a manual lift. The different attachments make them extremely versatile, enabling them to mix anything from whipped cream to pizza dough.
All planetary mixers have one motor and a non-rotating bowl. Planetary mixers are sized by the volume of the ingredients they can hold in their bowls, and their capacities can range from five to 140 quarts, adding to the flexibility these mixers offer.
In this guide we will go over:
What are planetary mixers?
How do planetary mixers work?
Planetary vs spiral mixers
Where do they fit in a production line?
Who should use a planetary mixer?
Top Industries used in:
Top manufacturers
Conclusion
What are Planetary Mixers?
Planetary mixers are versatile machines used to mix, knead, and blend ingredients. They feature a stationary bowl and an agitator that revolves around the bowl, providing a planetary motion. The agitator consists of a mixing tool, such as a paddle or a whisk, which moves in the opposite direction of the planetary motion. This movement creates a shearing action that mixes the ingredients thoroughly.
Planetary mixers offer plenty of options for bakers who want to prepare different kinds of foods at a high volume. While planetary mixers are great for blending cookie ingredients and kneading heavy dough, they also can be used to:
- slice vegetables (with the addition of an appropriate attachment)
- chop meat
- grate cheese
- make batters
- whip light meringues, offering bakers more options.
Such versatility can allow bakers to experiment a little by offering their customers choices other than traditional baked goods, such as cookies and bread.
Smaller planetary mixers can be placed on a countertop, while larger planetary mixers are floor-standing. Because of that, planetary mixers are an excellent choice for general-purpose kitchens, bakeries, and pizzerias. They are currently the most commonly-used commercial mixer on the market.
Planetary vs Spiral Mixers:
Planetary mixers are different from spiral mixers, which are used for mixing dough in large quantities. Spiral mixers have a spiral-shaped dough hook that rotates in a stationary rotating bowl. The hook moves the dough in a spiral motion, ensuring that it is properly kneaded. Spiral mixers are generally larger than planetary mixers and can handle larger batches of dough. However, planetary mixers offer more versatility and can be used for a wider range of mixing tasks.
Spiral Mixer
- Best suited for kitchens that create artisan bread, bagels, and pizza.
- Ensures proper dough consistency and well-blended ingredients because they rotate the bowl in both directions.
- Produce smaller batches
- Operates with a pulley system, so they are quieter than planetary mixers
Planetary Mixer
- Best suited for bakers who prepare different kinds of foods at a high volume.
- Can knead the heavy dough, slice vegetables, grate cheese, blend cookie ingredients, etc.
- Provides more versatility, but proper attachments are required for different desired functions
- Non-rotating bowl
- Most common commercial mixer on the market
Type of Mixing Attachments:
[source:https://erikarecord.com/mixers/industrial-planetary/]
Where do Planetary Mixers Fit in a Bakery?
Planetary mixers are a common sight in bakeries, where they are used for mixing dough, batters, and other ingredients. They are particularly useful for making small to medium batches of dough and batters. Planetary mixers can handle various ingredients, including flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and other flavorings. They can also be used to mix various types of dough, such as bread dough, pizza dough, and pastry dough.
Who Would Use Planetary Mixers?
Planetary mixers are primarily used by professional bakers and pastry chefs in commercial kitchens. They are also used in food processing plants, where large quantities of dough or batter are produced. These machines are ideal for businesses that need to mix small to medium batches of dough or other mixtures. Planetary mixers are also used in home kitchens by avid bakers who want to achieve professional results.
Manufacturers:
Upstream and Downstream Equipment:
Upstream:
Downstream:
- Sheeters
- Rounders
- Proofer
- Ovens
- Enrobers
- Labelers
Industries:
- Bakery
- Food
- Chemical - paint
- Pharmaceutical
- Cosmetic/skincare
Questions to consider before buying or selling:
Buying:
- What size of bowls are needed?
- Do you need any specific mixing attachments?
- Is floor space available in the bakery?
Selling:
- What product did the machine last run?
- Are additional bowls included?
- If so, what are the bowl sizes?
- Is guarding included?
- What attachments are included?
- What is the overall size of the machine?
- Does this unit have variable speed?
- What is motor horsepower?
- What kind of bowl lift does this mixer have?
- Is this mixer gear or belt driven?
- What is the motor RPM?
Conclusion:
Planetary mixers are essential and offer versatility and can handle a wide range of ingredients and mixing tasks. While they may not be as specialized as spiral mixers, they are ideal for businesses that need to produce small to medium batches of dough or other mixtures. Planetary mixers are also used by home bakers who want to achieve professional results. The unique design of planetary mixers, which combines a rotating mixing tool with a planetary motion, ensures that ingredients are mixed thoroughly and evenly.