Finding the Perfect Commercial Mixer for Your Bakery

While we know perfect baking depends largely on the baker, the equipment you choose has a large impact on the quality of your output, especially if you are launching a new bakery. Whether you’re looking to outfit a completely new bakery or upgrading your professional kitchen, here is your guide to finding the best commercial mixer for your bakery.

Determine the right type for your needs

Deciding which kind of commercial mixer you need will depend on the types of baking your shop does. There are three standard mixers to choose from, each with unique benefits depending on how you wish to use them.

• Vertical mixers

A vertical mixer is a great choice for bakers who want the option of changing up the agitator or the bowl size. With a simple switch, you can make a variety of products. These mixers are also known as planetary mixers because the agitator moves in a circular motion. Vertical mixers are extremely versatile and can be used to make pie crusts, cookie dough and cake filling. The whip attachment aerates mousse, whipped cream and meringue. The dough hook attachment can quickly prepare a batch of pizza dough and is an incredible labor-saving device for bread bakeries.

• Spiral mixers

This is a great option if you intend to mix a lot of dough. This option has the opposite motion to the vertical mixer — in this case, the bowl does the movement while the agitator remains fixed. Spiral mixers are often simply known as dough mixers, as this is the most common way they’re used in bakeries today. They are capable of handling a variety of dough from biscuits to high-hydration dough such as ciabatta.

• Vertical cutting mixer

A vertical cutting mixer comes complete with an extra-large mixing bowl, a powerful motor and a multi-function agitator. It is the ideal choice for a high-volume bakery and can also be used to perform prep tasks such as chopping, kneading, cutting and mixing. Many of these models come with digital timers and control panels for easy operation.

Why the right mixer is so important

Different doughs and ingredients mix differently. For example, artisan bread requires a different mixing technique from whipping frosting or mousse. Batch sizes also require different mixer sizes. Using a mixer that is too small can add to your workload because you’ll need to make several batches. Using a mixer that is too big can prevent the ingredients from mixing properly.

What size do you need?

Consider the size of the equipment you need. The size of your mixer depends on two key factors: The amount of work you think you will do with the mixer and the amount of free space you have to work with. For small spaces, choose a commercial countertop mixer. For something a bit larger, opt for a stand mixer with its own stand. If you’re running a large commercial establishment with a lot of space, then a floor mixer is your best option.

Optional add-ons

Most commercial mixers come with the option to customize your equipment with plug-and-use attachments. These extend the functional range of your equipment, add efficiency and are a great way to get the most out of your purchase. Additional attachments include a pastry knife, different sized mixing bowls, a wire whip, a table if your mixer is not a floor standing variety, a flat beater, a dough hook and an automatic bowl scraper.

Specialized attachments

You can chop, grind, shred and dice according to your needs. All you need is an attachment that will fit into your power takeoff hub. Popular options include a grinder and chopper that speeds up the process of cutting meat and nuts, a grater that can be used to shred a variety of cheeses and vegetables and a vegetable slicer. Your new commercial mixer can be a multi-function time-saving chopping device, so consider your menu and the versatility of the mixer before making a purchase.

Easy access to spare parts

When you purchase a commercial mixer for your bakery, you’re probably thinking about the price, how well it will run and the quality of its output. An often-overlooked consideration is the components themselves. If your commercial mixer breaks, how long is it going to take to get a replacement piece? The mixer is the backbone of any bakery, and waiting for replacement parts simply isn’t an option. That’s why we stock parts for most commercial brands. Whether you need a replacement beater, whip, dough hook or even a replacement mixing bowl, our goal is to make ordering parts simple and quick.