The three types of mixers used in commercial settings each have their own set of unique advantages. Which kind your bakery needs will depend on the volume of dough you produce, the type of products you bake and the size of your work area.
Use this guide to help you choose the right type of mixer when you’re planning your bakery.
1. Horizontal Mixer
This type of mixer has the capability of producing the largest volume of dough in the shortest amount of time. It is configured so that as the dough is mixed, the next batch is continually fed into the machine. The dough also easily exits the machine into a trough for convenient transport after the mixing process is complete.
One of the main drawbacks of a horizontal mixer is its inability to keep the dough temperature low throughout the mixing process. The friction of the dough rubbing against the sides of the bin causes the temperature to rise, which isn’t ideal for some types of yeast doughs.
2. Spiral Mixer
One of the most popular types of mixers, the spiral mixer is used in many different settings due to its flexibility. It mixes dough completely and efficiently and with little friction in a rotating bowl that moves around a spiral-shaped blade.
This option comes in a range of sizes to fit many different target dough outputs. It uses less electrical power than a horizontal unit, delivering on the energy-efficiency front.
3. Planetary Mixer
The planetary mixer is the option most commonly used in home kitchens. The central mixing wand rotates around a stationary bowl. You can change the wand attachment as needed to accommodate your mixing goals.
You can use this type of machine to mix a range of substances too, not just dough. The bowl is easily detached and moved quickly, once mixing is complete. These upright machines are typically smaller, so if you have limited space, the planetary mixer might be the best option for you.
The drawback to using a planetary mixer is that the level of mixing between the top and bottom of the bowl may not be uniform. When using a planetary machine for dough, certain areas of the batch may be underdeveloped.
Which Is Right for You?
Assess your mixing needs before making a final decision. Is speed the most important attribute? Is volume your main goal? Once you identify the critical priorities in your mixing process, you will be able to identify which of the three types of mixers will offer you the best advantages.
Trust Dough Tech to guide you through the selection process and point you to the right quality product for you.
FAQs
Mixer Types
There are 3 types of mixers, dough, planetary, and vertical cutter mixers, and each type of mixer has its own unique advantages that make them the best choice for certain applications. Below, we'll break down the 3 types of commercial mixers and their uses.
What are the three 3 basic types of mixers? ›
Mixer Types
There are 3 types of mixers, dough, planetary, and vertical cutter mixers, and each type of mixer has its own unique advantages that make them the best choice for certain applications. Below, we'll break down the 3 types of commercial mixers and their uses.
How many types of mixers are there? ›
The three general categories of mixers are diffusing, shearing, and convection, each of which has a different construction, types of impellers, speed, and function.
What is a 3 phase mixer? ›
With single phase you'll just have a standard plug to connect your mixer to the power source. This is comprised of a live wire, a neutral wire and an earth wire. On a three phase socket you will have your neutral wire and your earth wire but three live wires - so the current will be spread over the three live wires.
What is mixing and types of mixing? ›
Mixing classification
The type of operation and equipment used during mixing depends on the state of materials being mixed (liquid, semi-solid, or solid) and the miscibility of the materials being processed. In this context, the act of mixing may be synonymous with stirring-, or kneading-processes.
What are the 3 main mixer attachments? ›
The main types of stand mixer attachments are a stainless steel wire whisk, aluminium flat beater, and an aluminium dough hook.
What are the basics of mixers? ›
A Mixer is an analogue device that can multiply two signals together and also provides the difference of the two signals. They are composed of a non-linear device (a diode or a transistor) and passive couplers devices to inject the input mixing signals into the non-linear device that will perform the mixing.
What is a 3 way mixer? ›
A 3-way mixer tap has:
Three water inlets for hot, cold water and filtered water are all connected to a water filter system under the sink. Two handles to mix cold and hot from one side (first lever) and deliver filtered water from the other side (second lever).
What are the three types of concrete mixers? ›
There are several types of mixers used in the construction industry for mixing concrete or other construction materials. The most common types include batch mixers, drum mixers, pan-type mixers, tilting drum mixers, non-tilting drum mixers, reversing drum mixers, and continuous mixers.
What are the different types of audio mixers? ›
There are three main types of audio mixers — analog, powered analog, and digital.
Creativity comes as standard. Our mixers come with 3 parts that are essential for seasoned makers. Armed with a wire whisk, dough hook and paddle, you're ready to take on all kinds of inventive menus.
What is 3-phase used for? ›
Three-phase alternating current (AC) power is commonly used to deliver electricity to data centers as well as commercial and industrial buildings that house power-hungry machinery.
What is difference between 3-phase and single-phase? ›
The primary differences between single phase vs 3 phase AC are the consistency of power delivery and load capacity. The delivery of power in single-phase systems peaks and dips. Three-phase systems combine alternative currents in varying phases, which ensures that the power delivery never drops below the maximum.
What are the three types of mix? ›
A hom*ogeneous mixture has the same composition throughout. A heterogeneous mixture varies in its composition. Mixtures can be classified on the basis of particle size into three different types: solutions, suspensions, and colloids. The components of a mixture retain their own physical properties.
How many types of machine mixers are available? ›
How many types of machine mixers are available? Explanation: Based on the technique of discharging mixed concrete, there are 3 types of mixers available. They are tilting type, non-tilting type and pan type mixers.
What are the different types of music mixers? ›
Types of audio mixers. Sound mixers are either analog or digital. The key difference between analog and digital is the way each records and processes audio signals. All audio starts in an analog format because it's recorded with a microphone, but the recording can be saved as either analog or digital.
What are the three phases of mixing? ›
The three phases of mixing in the production of doughs are mixing, proofing, and shaping. This sequence aligns with the typical progression in the preparation of bread and other baked goods. Initially, ingredients are mixed to form the dough, where the gluten structure begins to develop.
What are the different types of mixers in concrete? ›
Summary. There are several types of mixers used in the construction industry for mixing concrete or other construction materials. The most common types include batch mixers, drum mixers, pan-type mixers, tilting drum mixers, non-tilting drum mixers, reversing drum mixers, and continuous mixers.
