At Empire, we always say that great baking starts with a great mixer. Your final product is only as good as the dough that is developed. Without a good dough, the end result just won't be the best it could be. That is why choosing the right mixer for your bakery is such an important element to running a successful bakery. But which mixer is right for your bakery? There are many different types of mixers being used in the food industry, so knowing the differences and how they can benefit you is important information to have. For that reason, we have taken over 47 years of expertise and wrote this blog that provides in-depth information and advice on which mixer is the best fit for your bakery and the products you are producing.

planetary mixer

Planetary Mixers

Planetary mixers are some of the most versatile mixers you can have in your bakery. Despite its ability to mix just about any type of dough, there are some processes that the planetary should be considered the go-to mixer for. If your bakery produces a lot of cakes, pastries and cookies, then the planetary mixer is the perfect solution. Unlike some other mixers, planetary mixers feature a variety of mixing attachments that can be used for different products. You can use the flat beater attachment to make your cake and cookie doughs, and easily switch to the wire whisk attachment to make your whipped creams and icings. The powerful motor and variable speed settings also make it easier to achieve perfect textures, ensuring your baked goods turn out flawlessly every time. Planetary mixers also have a dough hook attachment, allowing you the ability to mix quality bread doughs. However, if you are looking to mix artisan bread doughs, there are more optimal solutions, such as the spiral mixer.

spiral mixer

Spiral Mixers

Speaking of better mixing solutions for bread doughs, meet the spiral mixer. Spiral mixers are essential tools for artisan bakers looking to get the most out of their mixers. Spiral mixers are able to replicate the process of hand-kneading dough. This motion allows for the proper blending of ingredients, resulting in optimal dough development. Empire spiral mixers also utilize a spiral and bowl drive that ensures the dough is consistently mixed and prevents the dough from overheating which can affect the overall quality of your dough. Spiral Mixers also come in a variety of sizes and models for retail and wholesale applications. Removable Bowl and Tiltover Spiral Mixers are perfect for large wholesale and industrial baking. Investing in a spiral mixer allows your bakery to boost productivity while maintaining the high standards your customers expect.

Other types of establishments that benefit from a quality spiral mixer are pizzerias and bagel shops. Pizza and bagels require spiral mixing to develop the gluten structure needed for the perfect pizza and bagel dough. Whether you're making artisan bread, pizza, bagels, or other bread products, a quality spiral mixer can lead your business to success.

twin arm mixer

Diving Arm Mixers

Diving Arm Mixers, also called fork mixers or twin arm mixers, are mixers that use a double arm mixing technique that allows the dough to be mixed and developed slowly and gently. They essentially mimic the motion of two human hands kneading the dough, which is ideal for developing the dough's structure and improving the texture. Perfect for doughs with high hydration levels, such as panettone and ciabatta, diving arm mixers gently fold and stretch the dough, helping result in a light and airy crumb. Due to the unique motion of these mixers, they are better suited for doughs with lower proteins and longer mix times. High-viscosity doughs and small batches are not the recommended doughs for a diving arm mixer as they would stress the machine and the dough would not be properly mixed or developed.

These mixers are the most common and recommended dough mixers for any industry looking to produce quality and consistent dough. We hope this little guide was able to point you in the right direction regarding which dough mixer is best for your bakery or food business. For all of your bakery and dough mixer needs, Empire is here to lend its expertise and knowledge to help you build a better bakery.