Choosing the right commercial mixer can be a game-changer for any bakery, restaurant, or food production facility. This article compares 5 planetary floor mixers and 8 bowl mixers, exploring their features, capacities, and ideal uses. Whether you’re upgrading equipment or setting up a new kitchen, understanding these mixers will help you make the best investment.
5 Planetary Floor Mixers: An Overview
Planetary floor mixers are heavy-duty, versatile machines designed for large-scale mixing tasks. The “planetary” term refers to the mixing action where the agitator rotates on its axis while orbiting the bowl, ensuring thorough ingredient incorporation. These mixers typically come with various attachments like dough hooks, whisks, and paddles, making them suitable for doughs, batters, and creams.
1. Hobart Legacy HL120 Planetary Mixer
The Hobart HL120 is a 60-quart planetary floor mixer known for its reliability and robust construction. It features a powerful 3 HP motor and a gear-driven transmission, providing consistent speed and torque for heavy doughs. Its stainless-steel bowl and safety interlocks meet strict food safety standards, making it a staple in many commercial kitchens.
2. Globe SP60 Planetary Mixer
The Globe SP60 offers a 60-quart capacity with a 2 HP motor, designed for medium to large batch production. It boasts a rugged all-steel frame and a direct-drive system, reducing maintenance needs. Its planetary mixing action ensures even mixing of dense doughs and delicate batters alike, and it’s compatible with multiple attachments for versatility.
3. Varimixer W60 Planetary Mixer
Varimixer’s W60 model delivers a 60-quart capacity with a 2 HP motor, emphasizing hygienic design with easy-to-clean, stainless steel components. It includes a bowl lift and a timer for precise mixing control. The planetary action ensures thorough mixing, and its quiet operation makes it suitable for open kitchen environments.
4. Univex SRM60 Planetary Mixer
Univex’s SRM60 is a 60-quart mixer with a 2 HP motor and a heavy-duty cast iron body. It features an easy-to-use bowl lift and a variable speed control, allowing operators to adjust mixing speed depending on the recipe. The planetary design efficiently mixes doughs and batters, and its compact footprint suits kitchens with limited floor space.
5. Sammic Planetary Mixer PM-60
The Sammic PM-60 is a 60-quart mixer favored for its balance of power and affordability. It includes a stainless steel bowl, three mixing tools, and a safety guard. The mixer’s planetary action ensures even ingredient incorporation, and its simple controls make it accessible for both small and large-scale operations.
8 Bowl Mixers: What Sets Them Apart?
“8 bowl mixers” typically refer to bowl capacity or machines designed to handle 8 bowls in sequence, but most commonly, it indicates mixers with 8-quart bowls or that can manage multiple smaller bowls for batch flexibility. These mixers are often countertop or smaller floor models, suited for bakeries or kitchens focusing on smaller batches or diverse recipes. They prioritize speed and convenience over sheer volume.
1. KitchenAid Commercial 8-Quart Bowl-Lift Mixer
The KitchenAid Commercial 8-quart mixer is a compact yet powerful option with a 1.3 HP motor. It features a bowl-lift design for stability and comes with planetary mixing action for thorough ingredient blending. Its commercial-grade construction includes all-metal gears and a durable stainless steel bowl, ideal for small bakeries or cafes.
2. Hobart N50 5-Quart vs Hobart N50 8-Quart Mixer
Hobart’s N50 series includes an 8-quart model that balances size and power, featuring a 1 HP motor and rugged metal construction. Unlike larger planetary floor mixers, it’s designed for countertop use, making it suitable for operations needing moderate batch sizes without sacrificing power or durability.
3. Globe SP8 8-Quart Mixer
The Globe SP8 is a versatile 8-quart planetary mixer with a 1 HP motor and a compact footprint. It offers variable speed control and a stainless steel bowl, catering to bakeries and restaurants that require consistent mixing in smaller quantities. Its design focuses on ease of use and maintenance.
4. Univex SRM8 8-Quart Mixer
Univex’s SRM8 model is an 8-quart planetary mixer featuring a 1 HP motor and a bowl-lift mechanism. It’s built with a durable cast aluminum body and stainless steel bowl, providing long service life. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for kitchens with limited space but needing reliable mixing power.
5. Varimixer W8 Planetary Mixer
The Varimixer W8 is an 8-quart planetary mixer with a focus on hygienic design and quiet operation. It includes a timer, variable speed control, and stainless steel bowl with attachments. Its ergonomic design and consistent mixing make it popular in artisan bakeries and specialty food producers.
6. Hobart HL200 20-Quart Mixer (Context on Scaling Up)
While not an 8-quart mixer, the Hobart HL200 is worth mentioning as a comparison point for those considering scaling beyond 8-quart bowls. It offers a 20-quart capacity with a 2 HP motor and is a floor model, bridging the gap between small and large mixers. This highlights how bowl size influences the mixer’s size, power, and intended use.
7. KitchenAid Pro Line Series 8-Quart Mixer
The KitchenAid Pro Line stands out for its powerful 1.3 HP motor and commercial-grade planetary action. Its 8-quart bowl is stainless steel and designed for heavy doughs and large batches. It’s often used in professional kitchens that require a reliable mixer without the footprint of a full floor model.
8. Globe SP8T 8-Quart Mixer with Timer
The Globe SP8T adds a timer function to the standard SP8, allowing precise control over mixing times. This feature is crucial for recipes requiring exact mixing durations to maintain consistency. The 1 HP motor and robust construction make it suitable for busy commercial environments.
How to Choose
When deciding between 5 planetary floor mixers and 8 bowl (or 8-quart) mixers, consider your production volume and space constraints first. Floor mixers with 60-quart bowls handle large batches efficiently and are ideal for high-volume bakeries or production lines. In contrast, 8-quart mixers excel in smaller kitchens or where recipe variety and batch control matter more than volume. Motor power, planetary mixing action, and available attachments also influence performance. Additionally, consider maintenance, noise level, and safety features to ensure the mixer fits your operational needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main difference between planetary floor mixers and 8-quart mixers?
Planetary floor mixers usually have larger bowl capacities (around 60 quarts) and more powerful motors, making them suitable for high-volume mixing, while 8-quart mixers are smaller, more compact, and ideal for smaller batches or diverse recipes.
Q2: Can an 8-quart mixer handle bread dough?
Yes, many 8-quart mixers, such as the KitchenAid Commercial or Globe SP8, have enough power and the right attachments to handle bread dough, but they are better suited for smaller batches compared to floor mixers.
Q3: Are planetary mixers easy to clean?
Most planetary mixers are designed with removable bowls and attachments for easy cleaning. Models with stainless steel components and hygienic designs, like Varimixer W60 and W8, simplify sanitation.
Q4: How important is motor power in choosing a mixer?
Motor power is crucial for mixing dense doughs and large batches. Floor mixers typically have motors between 2-3 HP, while 8-quart mixers usually range from 1-1.3 HP, affecting their capacity and mixing efficiency.
Q5: What attachments come with planetary mixers?
Standard attachments include dough hooks, flat beaters, and wire whips. These tools allow planetary mixers to handle a wide variety of mixing tasks from kneading dough to whipping cream.
Q6: Are floor mixers noisy?
While floor mixers are generally louder due to their motors and size, models like the Varimixer W60 are designed for quieter operation. Noise levels also depend on installation and kitchen acoustics.
Final Thoughts
Both 5 planetary floor mixers and 8-quart mixers have their place in commercial kitchens. Floor mixers suit large-scale, high-volume operations needing power and capacity, while 8-quart mixers offer flexibility and compactness for smaller batches. Understanding your production needs, space limitations, and budget will guide you toward the right choice. Investing in a reliable mixer tailored to your operation ensures consistent quality and efficiency in your food preparation.
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