Best Commercial Mixer 2023: Buyer’s Guide

buyer's guide

Inside this buyer’s guide:

Introduction
Types of commercial mixers
Styles of commercial mixers
Main things to consider before ordering a commercial mixer
Best commercial mixers in New Zealand
Used commercial mixers - worth considering?
Warranty and insurance
Questions to ask before ordering a commercial mixer
Commercial mixer FAQs
Commercial mixer terminology
How to maintain your commercial mixer
How often should a mixer be serviced
Save your cash, use ours!

Whether you’re a specialty patisserie, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a small takeaway, or a new cafeteria, you can’t do without a mixer in your kitchen.

Mixers can knead dough, whip egg whites, mix batter, and chop vegetables — to name just a handful of the things they can do.

They save time and effort and thus improve your kitchen’s efficiency.

Commercial mixers, unlike their domestic counterparts, can handle the demands of high-volume commercial kitchens.

This guide covers everything you need to know about commercial mixers, including the different types and styles of mixers, and the main things to consider before ordering one, plus the best mixer brands in New Zealand.

Types of commercial mixers

Spiral and planetary are the two main types of mixers used in New Zealand’s hospitality industry.

There are also specialised mixers like vertical cutters, which perform specific tasks.

All these mixers have distinctive features, pros and cons, which we’ll discuss here.

Spiral mixers

Commercial spiral mixers, also known as industrial dough mixers, are designed to knead high-quality dough.

They have a spiral-shaped agitator that rotates around the mixing bowl, gently folding the dough.

The mechanism keeps friction heat low for better fermentation and gives you nicely folded, airy dough for artisanal recipes.

Commercial dough mixers are for medium- to large-scale bakeries and pizzerias that churn out large batches of dough throughout the day.

If your business earns its revenue from selling dough-based artisanal recipes, this is the mixer you need.

Though they’re great at kneading dough or mixing heavy batter, industrial dough mixers come with a single attachment that cannot be removed.

This makes them less versatile than planetary mixers.

Planetary mixers

Planetary mixers have an agitator that spins in a planetary motion (rotating on its axis, while revolving around the bowl, like the motion of planets around the sun) within a fixed bowl.

This action ensures all the ingredients in the bowl are mixed properly.

These mixers are highly versatile. You can use different types of attachments — including beaters, wire whisks and dough hooks — to perform a variety of tasks.

Some models come with specialised attachments like slicers, graters, shredders and grinders.

If your kitchen needs a mixer for more than kneading dough and mixing heavy batter, get a planetary mixer.

Other commercial mixers

Vertical cutter mixers

Vertical cutter mixers are a specialized appliance designed to slice and mix large amounts of ingredients quickly.

The machine typically has a covered mixing bowl and an agitator that moves within it.

Some models come with interchangeable attachments for shredding meat, kneading dough, or pureeing vegetables.

Horizontal mixers

These mixers can knead huge amounts of dough continuously — ideal for large foodservice businesses.

Their mixing arms can be interchanged for kneading dough of varying densities.

Gigamix

This large, specialised industrial mixer is intended for high-volume production. The large mixing bowl can hold as much as 300 litres of food in a single batch.

They’re so large, they're supplied with their own trolley for easy movement.

Styles of commercial mixers

There are three different styles of mixers, based on where in the kitchen they’re used.

Countertop/benchtop mixers

These compact models are designed to fit on top of a counter or bench. They’re ideal for low-volume establishments and small-batch artisanal recipes.

They can perform a range of tasks like mixing, whipping and kneading. Their mixing bowl capacity is typically 10 litres or less.

Stand mixers

Chef with stainless-steel commercial stand mixer

Commercial stand mixers have wide, thick bases that prevent them sliding around on counters and benches while in operation.

While their footprints are similar, commercial stand mixers have a bigger mixing bowl capacity (around 20 litres or more) than countertop mixers.

Depending on the make and model, stand mixers can handle both standard- and heavy-duty mixing.

Floor mixers

Large floor mixer with stainless steel bowl

Floor mixers are large commercial mixers that, due to their size, are placed on the floor for maximum stability and efficiency.

The powerful motors of these heavy-duty mixers make them ideal for high-volume kitchens. Some larger models come with more than one motor.

A floor mixer’s bowl size is typically 30 litres or more.

Main things to consider before ordering a commercial mixer

What do you need the mixer for?

What will be the primary purpose of your mixer? Will you use it for kneading large amounts of dough or for mixing, whipping or chopping small batches of ingredients?

If you need to use an all-rounder mixer infrequently, a countertop planetary mixer should suffice.

However, if you need a mixer for kneading tough dough in large batches, a heavy-duty spiral mixer with a powerful motor will be a better fit.

Determining the absorption ratio (AR) of your mixes is a good place to start.

The AR is the volume of wet ingredients (e.g. litres of water) divided by the volume of dry ingredients (e.g. litres of flour).

Basically, the lower the AR, the more power your mixer will need. (Generally, a mixer’s second speed should not be used on mixes that have less than 50% AR).

How much mixing will you do?

Determine the weight of the ingredients you’ll typically mix in each batch, and how many batches you’ll mix each day.

For a small bistro or café serving a mix of bakery and non-bakery items, an eight-litre planetary mixer might be a good fit.

But for a bakery or pizzeria that needs to churn out several large batches of thick dough daily, a more powerful spiral mixer will be necessary.

Also, if your mixes have more fat or use colder water, you’ll need a more powerful mixer.

Mixer type

Most cafes and restaurants need an all-purpose mixer that can efficiently complete a range of tasks like mixing, grinding, kneading, shredding and whipping.

A planetary mixer is perfect for serving these general needs.

Specialized bakeries or pizza shops, on the other hand, need to churn out multiple batches of dough of varying densities.

An industrial dough mixer is best suited to these needs.

For more information about the types of mixers, please see the relevant section above.

Mixer style

When deciding which style of mixer to order — countertop, stand, or floor mixer — you need to consider your kitchen’s available space and layout.

A floor mixer would be unsuitable for a small restaurant or café, for which a compact benchtop model would suffice.

A mid-sized bakery, on the other hand, would probably need a stand mixer (benchtop space permitting).

For more information, please see the relevant section above.

If your mixing bowl is too small, there's a risk you'll overfill it, which can lead to incomplete mixing and safety hazards.

Bowl size

The mixer’s bowl size is important in that it dictates the maximum volume of ingredients you’re able to mix in one go. How much capacity will you need?

The maximum capacity of most of the top models matches their bowl size.

If your mixing bowl is too small, there’s a risk you’ll overfill it, which can lead to incomplete mixing and safety hazards.

Conversely, if your bowl is too large, you’ll underfill it and end up wasting capacity and electricity.

Motor power

The mixer’s motor power determines its capacity. The more powerful the motor, the heavier the tasks it can do without excess wear or stress.

Larger mixers often come with multiple motors to deliver the desired results. A powerful motor also gives you the freedom to mix close to a full bowl of ingredients in a single batch.

Smaller mixers with less horsepower are cheaper, consume less electricity and can mix or whip lighter ingredients efficiently.

However, to produce thick dough, you need a mixer with more power.

A 0.5hp motor is good enough to run a 10-litre commercial stand mixer, while a 50-litre floor mixer needs at least a 3hp motor or bigger.

Drive system

There are three types of mixer drive systems: belt-drive, gear-drive and VFD (variable-frequency drive).

Belt-drive systems give you multiple speed choices. Some models also support on-the-fly speed adjustments.

The downside of these systems is they wear quickly and needs frequent maintenance. Cheaper models might also suffer from belt slip.

Gear-drive systems, on the other hand, are more powerful and require less maintenance. Their main drawback is they don’t let you change speed while the mixer is in motion.

You also get fewer speed choices, and gear-driven mixers are often noisier, plus more costly to repair if they break down.

Variable-frequency drives are the latest technology and overcome the shortcomings of both drive types discussed above.

Mixers with VFDs offer multiple speed choices and quick on-the-fly speed changes. They’re also highly reliable and need minimal maintenance.

However, they are more expensive than the mixers with the other drive systems.

Mixer speed

The more speed choices a mixer gives you, the more control you’ll have over the quality of your mixes.

One to three speed settings is common in most of the models, however high-end ones can have as many as 12.

On-the-fly speed change helps you achieve even more precision in contrast to mixers that need to be turned off for speed changes.

For better dough kneading, get a model with soft-start agitation.

While manual controls can be mastered with ease, digital controls are more precise.

Controls

Both manual and digital controls are common in commercial mixers. While the manual controls can be mastered with ease, the digital controls are more precise.

If the mixer can be programmed to change speed or stop after a certain time, it can make your task much easier, allowing you to attend to other tasks and ensuring consistent quality across multiple batches.

Electricity requirements

The electricity connection required for a commercial mixer varies according to its motor power and capacity.

Generally, you can plug a compact commercial benchtop mixer into a normal 3-pin plug point. But larger, more powerful floor mixers may need to be hardwired into the power circuit.

Before you order a mixer, find out whether your kitchen has the required power point or if you need to get a new connection to meet the required specifications.

Safety features

Industrial mixers are powerful machines and should have proper safety features to ensure risk-free operation.

Bowl guards prevent hands, clothing and other objects from coming into contact with the agitator while it’s in motion.

High-quality foot pads prevent sliding when the mixer is being operated.

Some mixers also come with thermal overload protection and a no-volt release switch, which stops the mixer from turning on automatically following a power cut.

Accessories and attachments

The more attachments you have for your planetary mixer, the more useful it will be.

Most planetary mixers come with attachments like a dough hook, flat beater and wire whisk as standard. Some mixers may require you to buy attachments separately.

High-end mixers with a power-take-off hub can accommodate specialised mixer attachments like a meat grinder and shredder.

A bowl scraper automatically scrapes ingredients off the sides of the mixing bowl while a pouring chute allows you to add ingredients to the mixer even when it’s in motion.

As well as the cost of the mixer, consider incidental expenses such as installation (in the case of a large mixer).

Ease of use and cleaning

You need a mixer that’s simple to operate so you or your kitchen staff can use it with ease.

If your staff can’t use the mixer properly, your kitchen will miss out on its full potential, while misuse can cause damage, voiding the mixer’s warranty.

While you may not need any special training to operate a compact mixer, professional training and guidance can be helpful if you get a large one.

As for cleaning, stainless-steel mixers with removable bowls and attachments are easier to clean.

To deep-clean larger mixers, you might need to unscrew some parts. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep a step-by-step cleaning instruction sheet handy so your staff can quickly refer to it.

For more information, please see the How to maintain your commercial mixer section of this guide.

Budget

The price of a commercial mixer depends on the make and model.

A compact seven-litre stand mixer from a mid-range brand costs around $1,000, whereas a high-end brand with the same capacity will set you back around $1,700.

The price of a 60-litre planetary mixer from a high-end brand is around $15,000 but you can get a similar-sized, mid-range brand spiral mixer for about $5,000.

You can save money by opting for a Certified Used commercial mixer from SilverChef.

As well as the cost of the mixer, consider incidental expenses such as installation (in the case of a large mixer), insurance, maintenance and servicing.

Best commercial mixers in New Zealand

Many of the world’ best makes and models of commercial mixers are available in New Zealand.

While the following list is not exhaustive, it includes many of the most respected and popular commercial mixer makes and models.

Robot Coupe commercial mixers

Robot Coupe manufactures a range of durable commercial mixers with top-notch features, from compact, efficient and fast entry-level models to large floor mixers.

Their mixers are noted for their durable construction, ergonomic designs, and high-end safety features.

PLANETARY MIXERS

Bakermix SP800A-C 8ltr

This compact mixer has a sturdy design and a stainless-steel body and mixing bowl (eight litres).

It’s suitable for smaller establishments needing a dependable companion for mixing, beating and whisking batter and cake mixes or kneading pastry dough.

Featuring three speeds and 200W of output, it can efficiently serve small bakeries and restaurants.

Bakermix SP25-S 25ltr

Featuring a 25-litre bowl, three speed settings and 560W of output, this planetary mixer is designed to serve busy commercial kitchens and bakeries.

It has a shock-resistant transmission and an interlocked safety guard and safety switching to minimise hazards.

It comes with three standard attachments and front-mounted controls.

BakermixSPB-80HI 80ltr

This multi-function, multi-speed planetary mixer delivers great results with minimum fuss.

Boasting an 80-litre bowl and 2250W of output, this ergonomic and sturdy industrial mixer machine is ideal for large-volume hospitality businesses.

It features three speeds and a timer for better precision and best-in-class safety features.

KitchenAid commercial mixers

If you’re looking for high-quality commercial countertop and stand mixers, KitchenAid is a good choice.

This global brand started manufacturing stand mixers in 1919 and is regarded as one of the most trusted makers of countertop mixers.

KitchenAid’s ProLine and Commercial lines of stand mixers are dependable kitchen workhorses.

They feature advanced technology and variable speed settings, plus come with multiple attachments to complete different tasks with precision.

KitchenAid doesn’t manufacture large commercial mixers.

PLANETARY MIXERS

Commercial bowl-lift 7.6L KSMC895

A high-performance and quiet mixer with a 7.6-litre bowl, 10 variable speed settings and a 1.3hp, high-efficiency DC motor.

It’s perfect for long mixing, whipping and kneading tasks; it can handle 2.8 kg of dough in a single batch.

It’s die-cast metal construction, direct-drive transmission and advanced gear design make it ideal for restaurants and bakeries looking for a high-precision, multi-purpose mixer.

Pro Line series bowl-lift 6.9LKSM7581

Boasting a classic design and advanced features, this 6.9-litre mixer is powered by KitchenAid’s most powerful and quiet DC motor.

It features a bowl-lift design for ease of use, and 10 mixing speeds and an electronic speed-sensor monitor for precise control.

This highly efficient mixer is ideal for small-volume preparations.

FED commercial mixers

Based in Australia and New Zealand, Federal Hospitality Equipment has been manufacturing commercial catering and kitchen equipment for over 45 years.

The brand is known for excellence and is a trusted name in New Zealand’s hospitality industry. Equipped with high-quality electrical and mechanical parts, their commercial mixers are built to withstand heavy-duty use.

From compact, tilt-head planetary mixers to large commercial dough mixers with multiple motors, FED makes a complete range of industrial mixers.

PLANETARY MIXERS

B10KG 10 litre heavy duty mixer

It’s a tough and reliable mixer with a 10-litre bowl capacity and three-speed gear box.

Its sturdy, superior construction, high-quality motor and electrical parts ensure it’s capable of years of reliable service.

The model can handle a maximum of 2kg of dry flour in a single batch.

It’s ideal for preparation tasks in small- to mid-volume commercial kitchens.

B40KG 40 litre belt drive mixer

This belt-driven, three-speed mixer is designed for multi-tasking in commercial kitchens.

It’s high-quality motor and parts ensure a long life, while its superior design makes it easy to use.

While it comes with a 40-litre mixing bowl, its maximum dry-flour capacity is 8Kg. However, it can efficiently mix and whip large amounts of other ingredients.

SPIRAL MIXERS

Spiral mixer SFR50

This is an Italian-made, heavy-duty commercial dough mixer with a 48-litre bowl capacity and a powerful motor.

Thanks to its dual motor, the mixer can efficiently handle up to 20 kg of dry ingredients in a single batch.

It features a stainless-steel body, bowl hooks and shaft, timer, simple-to-use controls and a lift-up safety guard.

Spiral mixer SFM30

Made in Italy, this fixed-head, dual-motor commercial dough mixer has a 32-litre bowl capacity, making it ideal for medium- to large-volume commercial kitchens that churn out several batches of high-quality dough daily.

It comes with a timer, best-in-class safety features, long-lasting, stainless-steel body, and attachments.

Apuro commercial mixers

Apuro commercial mixers are well-loved in New Zealand’s commercial kitchens thanks to their reliability and efficiency, even in high-volume environments.

The company manufactures planetary mixers of various sizes and styles.

Their mixers work well, are simple to maintain, and offer good value for money.

PLANETARY MIXERS

Apuro planetary mixer - 7ltr

Featuring a powerful 270W motor and three robust attachments, this compact stand mixer from Apuro folds, mixes and beats with precision.

Its head-lift mechanism makes swapping out attachments simple, while it’s stepless, speed-control dial gives you total control and accuracy.

The mixer’s seven-litre stainless-steel bowl makes it perfect for daily use in smaller bakeries, restaurants and cafes.

Apuro planetary mixer - 9ltr

This is a heavy-duty yet compact, plug-and-play mixer with multiple attachments for use in small to medium commercial kitchens.

It has adjustable mixing speed for precision and a lever-operated bowl lift for easier use.

The mixer combines top-notch safety features like overload protection, safety-stop function, and bowl safety guard.

Stable and ergonomically designed, it comes with a nine-litre stainless-steel bowl.

Apuro planetary mixer - 29ltr

Need a large and powerful industrial mixer to complete a range of your preparation tasks with high efficiency? This 29-litre Apuro mixer may be what you’re after.

Featuring a 1.5kW motor, three speed settings and best-in-class safety features, is suitable for large commercial kitchens with extensive menus.

It comes with easily interchangeable attachments for maximum efficiency.

Hobart commercial mixers

Founded 125 years ago, Hobart is one of the most trusted brands in the commercial kitchen equipment industry.

Hobart’s planetary mixers range from five-litre countertop models to heavy-duty floor ones.

Powerful and while some of Hobart’s smaller mixers lack advanced features, their range as a whole is powerful and dependable.

Hobart mixers are more expensive than many other makes and most costly to repair.

PLANETARY MIXERS

N50

This compact benchtop mixer is designed to serve small- to medium-sized kitchens preparing modest volumes of food.

Featuring a 0.12kW motor and five-litre stainless-steel bowl, the mixer has multiple attachments, plus a no.10 attachment hub.

It boasts a three-speed gearbox and a 15-minute mechanical timer for better precision.

A200

This heavy-duty mixer features a 0.37kW (0.5hp) motor with three fixed speeds.

Its versatility and 20-litre bowl makes it suitable for medium to large commercial kitchens.

The mixer’s controls are easily accessible and it comes with a 15-minute timer, top-notch safety features, an auxiliary drive hub, and no. 12 attachment hub.

HL1400

This is a dependable, heavy-duty mixer for food establishments that mix, whip, beat or knead large batches of ingredients throughout the day.

Featuring a 5hp motor and 133-litre stainless-steel bowl, this mixer has best-in-class features like SmartTimer, shift-on-the-fly controls, and single-point bowl installation.

Delta commercial mixers

Delta Food Service is a well-known name in New Zealand’s hospitality industry. Their mixers are sturdy, powerful and designed to survive the stress of daily commercial use.

While not extensive, their range of mixers includes the types and sizes most commonly used in commercial kitchens.

They are dependable, powerful, simple to use, efficient, and low-maintenance.

PLANETARY MIXERS

ED8-8L planetary mixer

Featuring a 0.25hp motor with three gears, this eight-litre, gear-driven planetary mixer comes with a digital timer and best-in-class safety features.

It is supplied with multiple stainless-steel attachments and accessories.

The mixer’s transparent bowl guard and simple controls let you complete mixing or whipping tasks with ease.

It’s compact enough to sit on a counter or bench.

ED7 planetary mixer

This mixer comes with two, interchangeable bowls (20 litres and 40 litres), enabling you to mix, whip or knead different sized batches more efficiently and cost-effectively.

it features front-mounted controls for easy access, three speed options, and a 15-minute timer for precise mixing.

Its permanently lubricated transmission and advanced safety features provide extra peace of mind.

ED40-40L planetary mixer

This powerful mixer has a 40-litre bowl and 3-speed gearbox with high-torque transmission.

A multipurpose mixer, it’s capable of efficiently handling up to 8kg of flour and 12kg of dough, alongside lighter mixing and whipping tasks.

High-quality gears and permanently lubricated transmission underpin the mixer’s reliability and durability.

It comes with advanced safety features, including thermal overload protection.

If you'd prefer not to invest a lot of money in a mixer, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you're looking for.

Used commercial mixer — worth considering?

Spending thousands of dollars on a new commercial mixer can put a strain your budget and cash flow.

If you’d prefer not to invest a lot of money in a mixer, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you’re looking for.

SilverChef’s range of ‘Certified Used’ commercial equipment is mostly ex-rental equipment sourced from businesses we know and trust.

The equipment is typically less than two-and-a-half year sold, has been fully refurbished by us, and is backed by a three-month parts-and-labour warranty.

You can either buy or finance the ‘Certified Used’ (and clearance) equipment on our website.

(We’re one of the few financiers, if not the only one, in New Zealand that funds second-hand commercial kitchen equipment.)

Warranty and insurance

Most equipment manufacturers provide warranties ranging from one to five years, depending on the type of equipment.

If the equipment develops a covered fault within that time, the manufacturer is obliged to repair or replace the equipment or give you a full refund.

Carefully study the warranty to understand exactly what is and isn't covered.

SilverChef offers a three-month parts-and-labour warranty on all our ‘Certified Used’ (and clearance) equipment.

Business insurance covers loss or damage to your commercial kitchen equipment and other property.

This cover typically includes fire, accident, and theft. Some insurers also offer equipment-breakdown cover.

Contact your insurer to confirm whether the equipment you’re getting is automatically covered by your policy or will need to be added to it.

If your insurer doesn’t provide flood cover as standard, you may wish to consider requesting it.

Questions to ask when shopping for a commercial mixer

Ask your industry peers:

Which make and model of commercial mixer are you using?
Why did you choose that make and model?
Did you get a used commercial mixer or a brand-new one?
How do you rate your experience of the mixer and why?
Do your kitchen staff find the mixer easy to use and clean?
How much does the mixer cost to maintain and repair?
What has the after-sales support been like?
Would you recommend your mixer to others?

Ask your equipment dealer or supplier:

Will this mixer suit my establishment’s needs?
Why do you recommend this machine?
What safety features does this model have?
Does this mixer come with attachments or accessories included?
What does the warranty cover and what’s excluded?
If the mixer breaks down, how quickly can I expect it to be repaired and can it be repaired after-hours or on weekends?
Who do you recommend I use to service and repair my mixer?
Are spare parts for this mixer easily available?

Commercial mixer FAQs

What is a commercial mixer and what is the difference between a commercial and a domestic mixer?

A commercial mixer is built to meet the needs of busy hospitality and catering businesses.

They have powerful motors and have sturdy bodies to handle the rigours of intense, daily use.

Domestic mixers, on the other hand, are used only occasionally to mix smaller batches of ingredients — hence the reason they’re smaller and less powerful than their commercial counterparts.

What is the best commercial mixer?

The ‘best’ commercial mixer is the one that fits your needs best.

Consider the capacity, performance and functionality you want from the mixer.

To find a suitable model, refer to the product specifications provided by the manufacturer and/or ask your equipment dealer for guidance.

What are commercial mixers used for?

Commercial spiral mixers are used exclusively for kneading high-quality dough, while commercial planetary mixers are more versatile, able to mix, whip, knead and chop ingredients.

Some commercial planetary mixers come with extra attachments for grinding, shredding and slicing.

Where can I find a commercial mixer for sale?

To order a new commercial mixer, visit a reputable commercial kitchen equipment dealer in your area.

We have partnerships with dozens of dealers throughout New Zealand.

You can apply and get on-the-spot approval for SilverChef equipment finance in any of these accredited dealers’ showrooms or on their websites.

If you are looking for a used commercial mixer with a warranty, check out our ‘Certified Used’ and clearance mixers.

Where can I buy commercial mixer spares?

Commercial mixer spare parts are generally available from equipment dealers or suppliers.

Check with your supplier to confirm whether they have the required spares. You can also buy them online.

Get only genuine spare parts, even if it costs more, since they will prolong the life of your mixer.

How much is a commercial mixer?

The cost of commercial mixers depends on the make and model.

Apuro’s seven-litre mixer, for example, costs around $1,000 whereas a 5-litre model from Robot Coupe is roughly $1,400 and Delta about $1,600.

Robot Coupe’s 60-litre floor model is more expensive than Delta’s — about $15,000 compared to $10,300.

Commercial mixer terminology

Absorption ratio (AR)

The absorption ratio is determined by dividing the weight of wet ingredients by the weight of dry ingredients.

If you’re mixing 10 litres of water, for example, with 20 litres of flour, the AR of the mix is 10/20 = 0.50x100 = 50%.

The AR helps you find out the right mixer size to match your needs. The lower the AR, the larger the mixer you’ll need.

Agitator

A fixed or removable attachment that facilitates mixing, kneading, chopping, etc. within the mixer bowl.

Attachments

Different types of agitators that can be interchanged to perform different tasks.

Bowl lift

The mechanism that lifts the mixing bowl.

On compact mixers, this mechanism is usually a manually operated lever, while larger mixers typically come with electric bowl lifts.

Bowl guard

A wire or plastic cover over the mixing bowl that prevents clothing, hands or other items from coming into contact with the agitator.

Bowl scraper

An attachment that sits on the agitator shaft and continuously scrapes the sides of the bowl during the mixing process, keeping the ingredients full incorporated.

Dough hook

A hook-shaped mixer attachment for kneading thick dough efficiently. It can be spiral, C-shaped or J-shaped.

The different styles are used for kneading dough of different consistencies.

Drive system

The mechanism that turns the agitator within the bowl.

In belt-drive systems, a strap is generally used for turning the agitator and in gear-drive systems, cogs and gears are used.

Flat beater

A specialised mixer attachment typically used for whipping batters, frostings and dough.

Horsepower

The power of the mixer motor. Commercial mixers typically have motors ranging from 1/3hp–5hp.

A large commercial mixer can have multiple motors.

Mixer hub attachments

Specialised mixer attachments that fit on the power take-off hub of the mixer and perform different tasks.

Slicers, grinders and shredders are among the most common mixer hub attachments.

Mixing bowl

The bowl that holds the ingredients to be mixed and into which the agitator is placed.

Operating speed

The speed of the mixer agitator or the mixing bowl. Commercial mixers can operate at different speeds.

You should find information on the best operating speed for your mixer in the user manual.

Pastry knife

This mixer attachment is specifically used for mixing pastry dough.

Thanks to its unique shape, it can quickly blend butter or oil with flour.

Power take-off attachment hub

The hub on a commercial mixer where different specialised attachments — such as slicers, meat grinders or shredders — are connected and disconnected, according to your needs.

Timer

Let’s you pre-set a time for mixing and activates an alarm when the time expires.

Some models also come with a recall setting.

Wire whisk

An attachment used for whipping light and airy mixes. Used for whisking, frosting and creaming.

How to maintain your commercial mixer

Regular cleaning, maintenance and servicing keep your mixer in hygienic condition, plus improve its efficiency and reliability.

Maintenance tips

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your commercial mixer.
Regularly check the mixer’s gearbox and, if required, lubricate it.
Periodically check the clearance between the agitator and the bowl to make sure it’s what the manufacturer recommends. If necessary, adjust the alignment of the agitator.
If you’re using a belt-drive mixer, check the belt at regular intervals and change it when needed.
Keep a maintenance and servicing logbook so you don’t lose track.

Cleaning tips

Manufacturers recommend cleaning the bowl, bowl guard and agitator after each use.
Make it a rule to at least wipe down the body of the mixer after each workday.
Do not use hard scrubbers like steel wool or abrasive pads that can scratch the metal.
Use only mild cleaning agents recommended by the manufacturer.
Reassemble mixer parts only after they’ve been air-dried.
Read the user manual for more cleaning tips.

How often should a commercial mixer be serviced?

Preventive servicing at regular intervals can help keep your mixer machine in good condition for longer.

If you’re using a large mixer, you’ll need the help of a professional to replace seals, adjust alignments, and add lubricant.

A twice-a-year servicing schedule is recommended for industrial mixers.

However, if you notice any sudden changes in your mixer (e.g. a strange noise, decline in mix quality), don’t wait. Get help from a technician immediately.

Your equipment dealer may be able to help you find an experienced and trustworthy technician.

Save your cash. Use ours!

Hospitality equipment can be expensive and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.

Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it generates for you.

Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it also gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.

You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.

If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 50% of the rent you paid in the first year and 25% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.