What is a Planetary Mixer?
A planetary mixer is a versatile device that rotates an agitator or mixing implement around a fixed bowl, in a similar motion to the way planets orbit the sun – hence its name. It’s a powerhouse in commercial kitchens, bakeries, and food production facilities, valued for its ability to handle a wide range of mixing tasks from kneading dough to whipping cream.
What to consider if buying a planetary mixer?
Key factors when buying:
- Type of mixer
- Functionality
- Capacity
- Economy
Planetary Mixers Explained
Varimixer deliver quality
Which factors in general are key when buying a planetary mixer?
When it comes to picking mixers, several elements are important when choosing the right machine for your professional kitchen production.
Category
Planetary mixers fall broadly into three categories: vertical, horizontal, and spiral. Your choice of a mixer may depend on the components you plan to mix, the volume of your batches, and the space at your disposal.
Vertical mixers like Varimixer excel at blending a broad spectrum of food items, including dough, cream, milk, among others.
It’s crucial to remember that each category carries its unique strengths and weaknesses.
Volume
An equally critical factor is the mixer’s volume. Planetary mixers vary significantly in size (Varimixer deliver from 5 litre up to 200 litre), from petite countertop variants to grand floor models. Gauge your mixing needs and select a model that can comfortably accommodate your batches.
Smaller mixers are ideal for light doughs and minor batches. They are relatively cost-effective and occupy minimal counter space.
In contrast, larger mixers are suitable for dense dough and substantial batches. While they may demand a higher investment and more counter space, their efficiency will undoubtedly pay off over time.
Financial Plan
Naturally, your financial capacity is a paramount consideration. Planetary mixers’ prices can span from around €1000 to over €50000. Select a mixer that falls within your budget and caters to your needs.
Bear in mind that lower-priced mixers may not match the durability or potency of their more expensive counterparts. If longevity is a priority for you, investing in a higher-end model may be worthwhile.
Utility
It’s essential to examine the various features offered by a planetary mixer when making a selection. Some mixers come with additional attachments like dough hooks and whips, which can be advantageous if you use your mixer for more than just dough blending.
Certain mixers are equipped with unique features like timers and speed controls, offering you enhanced control over your mixer.
Conclusion
Choosing a planetary mixer necessitates a careful evaluation of your requirements and financial capacity. Given the myriad mixer types available, you’re bound to find one that’s a perfect fit for you. Pay heed to the mixer type, capacity, features, and your budget to uncover the ideal appliance for your kitchen. With a manufacturer like Varimixer, you’re offered a range of options, from the AR Series with high-capacity mixing capabilities to the compact KODIAK Series, the ergonomic ERGO Series, and the petite yet potent TEDDY. This ensures that you will find a mixer that suits your unique needs.
The Varimixer Advantage
At Varimixer, we’re not just manufacturers – we’re innovators. We’ve spent decades – since 1915 refining the design and functionality of our planetary mixers, resulting in a line of industry-leading, heavy-duty, and high-end products that meet the demands of any kitchen operation.
Upgrade Your Kitchen With Varimixer
At Varimixer, we believe that the right mixer can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Whether you’re running a bustling commercial kitchen, a busy bakery, or a thriving food production facility, our line of professional planetary mixers offers the durability, versatility, and performance you need. Experience the Varimixer difference today.
AR
Always Reliable
AR Serie: 30-200 Litre Professional Mixers
The AR Series is our flagship range, bringing together robust construction, high-capacity mixing capabilities, and advanced features to facilitate large-scale food production. With options ranging from 30 to 200 litres, the AR Series is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding kitchen environments. The legendary Varimixer AR series meets the requirements for rugged, powerful mixers. It boasts infinitely variable speed and a unique ergonomic and time-saving mechanism.
ERGO
Ergonomic Waterproof Workflow
ERGO Series: Ergonomic Workflow Professional Mixers
Our ERGO Series takes the user experience to the next level. These mixers come in 60, 100, and 140-litre capacities, and are designed with ergonomics in mind, making them perfect for busy kitchens where efficiency and worker comfort are paramount. Ergonomically designed angled display – with no heavy lifting or awkward working positions.
KODIAK
Design By Users
Kodiak Serie: 10-30 Litre Professional Mixers
Compact yet powerful, the Kodiak Series is the perfect fit for smaller kitchen spaces without compromising on performance. Available in both floor and table editions, these mixers bring Varimixer’s trademark quality to establishments of all sizes. 10, 20 and 30 litre models. Very simple to operate, no heavy lifting. Result of a design process in which professional users helped to create the ideal mixer, that meets the daily demands and challenges.
TEDDY
Step Up
TEDDY: 5 Litre Professional Heavy Duty Mixer
Meet TEDDY – our most compact heavy-duty mixer. Despite its small size, TEDDY is built with the same commitment to quality and durability that characterizes all Varimixer products. Perfect for small batches and precision tasks, TEDDY is the ultimate kitchen helper. TEDDY is a strong, professional 5-litre mixer for small daily tasks in the bakery, kitchen or laboratory. Smart design with a focus on ergonomics, hygiene and easy cleaning, and the quality to handle hard work, year after year.
Other aspects
Varimixer is a well-regarded brand in the foodservice industry known for producing high-quality and durable planetary mixers. A planetary mixer is a versatile piece of equipment used in commercial and industrial kitchens for various tasks, including mixing, whipping, and kneading. Here are the key points that should provide a solid understanding in the use – if Varimixer is the right choice for you :
Design and Working Principle:
A Varimixer planetary mixer operates on the principle of planetary motion, hence the name. The beater or mixing element orbits in a circular motion within the mixing bowl, just as planets orbit around the sun. This ensures a thorough mix of ingredients.Attachments:
Varimixer planetary mixers come with a variety of attachments for different culinary tasks. These include dough hooks for kneading, whips for whipping, and flat beaters for general mixing. The ability to switch between attachments makes these mixers incredibly versatile.Capacity and Power:
Varimixer produces mixers in a range of sizes and power options, from smaller mixers suitable for smaller kitchens or less frequent use to large, industrial-sized mixers designed for heavy, continuous operation in commercial kitchens. The power of the mixer should match its intended use and the volume of food that needs to be processed.Durability and Reliability:
Varimixer planetary mixers are known for their robust build quality. They are made to withstand heavy use and are known to be reliable (Our AR Serie stands for Always Reliable), which is an important consideration in a commercial kitchen where downtime can be costly.Ease of Use and Maintenance:
Varimixer mixers are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and features such as variable speed controls. Maintenance is also typically straightforward, with parts that are easy to clean and replace as needed.Safety Features:
Varimixer mixers are designed with several safety features. For instance, many models have a safety guard around the bowl and a mixer that automatically shuts off when the guard is open or the bowl is lowered.Applications:
Varimixer planetary mixers are used in a variety of settings. This includes commercial kitchens in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses, as well as institutional settings like schools and hospitals. They are also used in bakeries, pizzerias and patisseries for tasks like dough kneading and batter mixing.
By understanding these key aspects of Varimixer planetary mixers, you’ll have a solid grasp of what they are, how they work, and why they are a preferred choice for many professional kitchens.
What would be the key arguments to choose Varimixer mixers?
When choosing a professional planetary mixer such as a Varimixer, there are several key considerations as pastry chef, chef, or pizzaria baker might take into account. Here are some potential reasons why Varimixer might be right choice:
Longevity and Reputation:
Varimixer has been in the market since 1915, which can be seen as a testament to quality and reliability. Long-standing reputation might instill confidence in potential customers.Quality and Durability:
Varimixer is known for their high-quality, robust, and durable mixers. This is crucial for professionals who use these machines on a daily basis and require equipment that can withstand heavy use without frequent breakdowns.Design and Usability:
The unique Danish design of Varimixer machines is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The design often includes ergonomic features that can make the machine easier and more comfortable to use over long periods.Versatility:
Varimixer offers a range of capacities, making it possible to choose a model that best fits the specific needs of a business, whether it’s a small pizzaria or a large-scale bakery.Service and Support:
Varimixer’s customer service and after-sales support are also important considerations. If a brand is known for its prompt and efficient service, this can be a major advantage.
As with any equipment purchase, the decision will often come down to a balance of factors including cost, quality, design, service, and personal preference.
