Top 3 Mistakes When Choosing a Mixer for a Commercial Kitchen
Top 3 Mistakes When Choosing a Mixer for a Commercial Kitchen Equipping a commercial kitchen is all about precision, efficiency, and durability—and one of the most important tools in your line-up is the mixer. Whether you’re running a bakery, a restaurant, or a high-volume catering service, choosing the right mixer can make or break your kitchen workflow. Unfortunately, many operators make the same critical errors when selecting a commercial mixer. Here are the top 3 mistakes to avoid—and what you should do instead. 1. Underestimating Capacity Needs The Mistake: Many kitchens choose a mixer that’s too small, either to save money or because they underestimate their production volume. A 10-quart mixer might seem sufficient during setup, but it can quickly become a bottleneck once the kitchen scales up operations. Why It’s a Problem: What to Do Instead: Tip: For bakeries or pizzerias with high dough output, a floor model (20 qt or higher) is often more appropriate than a countertop unit. 2. Ignoring the Mixer Type (Planetary vs. Spiral) The Mistake: Choosing a planetary mixer when you actually need a spiral mixer—or vice versa. Many buyers assume all mixers perform the same functions. Why it’s a Problem: What to Do Instead: 3. Focusing Only on Price Over Quality and Features The Mistake: Opting for the cheapest option on the market without considering build quality, serviceability, or available attachments. Why it’s a Problem: What to Do Instead: Remember: In a commercial kitchen, downtime is costly. Investing in quality saves you more over time. Types of Commercial Mixers (and What They’re Used For) To make the right choice, you need to know the differences between the three main types of commercial mixers and their ideal uses. 1. Planetary Mixers 2. Spiral Mixers 3. Vertical Cutter Mixers (VCMs) Final Thoughts Choosing the right commercial mixer isn’t just about size or price—it’s about matching your kitchen’s needs with the right tool for the job. Avoiding these top three mistakes—underestimating capacity, choosing the wrong mixer type, and focusing only on price—can save you money, time, and frustration. Take the time to assess your kitchen’s workflow, consult with equipment experts, and invest wisely. A well-chosen mixer will be a reliable workhorse in your kitchen for years to come.
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