Planetary mixer: what is it and how to choose the right

Planetary mixer It is intended for the preparation of semi-finished products of viscous consistency and ready-to-eat products. Culinary devices are indispensable in pastry shops, bakeries, in the home kitchen. In planetary devices, the nozzle simultaneously rotates around a bowl (bowl) and around its own axis, but only in the opposite direction. Thanks to the special form of the working mechanism, a homogeneous mass is obtained without the slightest lumps and bubbles. This result is achieved with the help of nozzles - a dough hook, a mixing blade, a whisk.

Standard set of nozzles for planetary mixers

Planetary action machines differ from conventional mixers in the low nozzle rotation speed, but the tasks that are assigned to them are an order of magnitude higher. Depending on the consistency and composition of the mixture being prepared, the nozzle rotation speed is selected (there can be up to 10 speed modes in total). The mixing time depends on the selected program. The presence of a timer makes it possible to control the workflow. The technique itself turns off after the completion of the selected program. In planetary instruments, containers are designed to mix a large number of products. Using the machine, you can cook dough of any consistency (for pancakes, pastry, bread), protein and butter cream, mashed potatoes and fruit, cream, sauces, all kinds of drinks.

Planetary Mixer: Varieties

Three types of planetary action mixers are presented on the kitchen appliances market:

• Professional models are intended for catering enterprises, where dough is kneaded in large volumes daily and a wide assortment of confectionery is prepared. Machines are equipped with tanks (bowls) with a maximum capacity of up to 150 liters.

Industrial planetary mixers

• Semi-professional models are ideal helpers in cafeterias, restaurants, bars, hotels, where own production of a small number of confectionery products is established. The bowls have a much lower capacity compared to professional counterparts and only in single models can their volumes exceed 15 liters.

Semi-professional planetary mixer

• Household cooking appliances are specially designed for home use. This is a small-sized technique that does not require special training. To familiarize yourself with the work and safety precautions, it is enough to carefully read the instructions. The devices are equipped with a capacious bowl up to 8 liters and several types of nozzles.

Household planetary mixer

Each model of culinary technology has a certain set of functions. Therefore, before buying, you need to pay attention to technical specifications and functionality.

Planetary mixer, which model is better to choose

It’s rational to use professional or semi-professional models when a large family and all pastries go off with a bang or orders for the manufacture of confectionery (cakes, muffins) are executed. The disadvantage of culinary machines is the large weight and dimensions - devices take up a lot of space in the kitchen. Household appliances are suitable for everyday use. With their help, liquid mixtures are prepared, creams in small volumes. Having such an assistant, you can please household members or treat guests with fragrant pastries.

The more features, the more expensive the device. Multifunctional household appliances replace several appliances (mixer, blender, mixer), the purchase of which individually is much more expensive.

Pros and cons of different types of devices

Like any other household appliances, planetary type mixers have advantages and disadvantages. The benefits include:

• Ease of use. The universal device turns the everyday cooking of different dishes into a pleasant activity in the kitchen. Kneading the dough, the device does not need to be held in hands, so you can do other work. After installing the program, the machine does everything by itself.
• Faster cooking process compared to conventional mixers.
• The presence of several types of nozzles for whipping and kneading.
• Beautiful design - the technique fits into the modern interior of the kitchen.

Among the shortcomings can be noted:

• High cost.
• Large dimensions, which requires free space in the kitchen.

How to choose a planetary mixer

To choose the right kitchen machine, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Power is the most important indicator. In universal units, the power range is from 250 to 1600 watts.
• The volume of the bowl. In different models, the capacity of the bowl is from 4 to 8 liters.
• Set of nozzles. The standard set includes whisks, hooks for kneading dough, scoops for whipping.
• Number of programs, speeds and functions.

Control panel - mechanical (manual), touch, combined.

Combined control panel option

• Design and ergonomics. Manufacturers pay increased attention to these two indicators. Modern culinary technology blends harmoniously into the interior of any kitchen.

For multifunctional planetary type mixers, the price varies from 30 to 100 thousand rubles. Budget models are much cheaper. Their price starts from 3 thousand rubles. By purchasing high-quality inexpensive equipment with a small set of options, you will not need to overpay. For a professional device, you have to pay a considerable amount.

In budget models of a planetary mixer from a well-known manufacturer, there is always a guarantee of the high-quality performance of all culinary tasks that are included in the program.

Overview of the most popular models by characteristics and prices

Manufacturers of kitchen appliances offer a huge range of devices. Devices must be selected in accordance with the conditions in which they will be used. The list of the most popular planetary action mixers includes the following brands and models.

Gastrorag Brand

Model Gastrorag QF-3470 is made in a modern design, has sufficient power (650 W), reliability and reasonable price. There are 6 speeds, three nozzles.

Gastrorag QF-3470

Pros:

• the drive is turned off automatically when the head of the device is accidentally or specially raised;
• metal case and bowl (stainless steel);
• large bowl volume - 4.5 l;
• smooth start and step-by-step switching of speeds;
• the legs are equipped with suction cups, which allows you to securely fix the machine on the work surface;
• there is a pulse mode;
• cost from 7,200 rubles.

Minuses:

• no additional features;
• the device is not intended for kneading bread dough (dough humidity should be at least 75%);
• permissible operating time at 6th speed no more than 4 minutes.

Brand Bork

The Bork E800 is rated at 1000 watts. Powerful engine copes with the preparation of "heavy" test. The machine kneads the dough of any consistency efficiently and quickly. The package includes 4 nozzles for mixing, kneading and preparing dough.

Bork e800

Advantages:

• there is a function of automatic shutdown when there is a risk of overheating;
• case and bowl made of high quality stainless steel;
• bowl volume - 4.7 l;
• the presence of an automatic timer and a transparent protective rim;
• there is a touch indicator on the side panel of the case that displays the end time of the workflow;
• ergonomic design.

Minuses:

• big weight - almost 8 kg;
• high price from 44 000 rub.

Brand KitchenAid

A special place is occupied by the KitchenAid Artisan model. The rated power is 300 watts, working - 1600 watts. The culinary machine is made in an exquisite retro design and in several colors. The device was developed for specialized catering enterprises, so it can work in intensive mode.

KitchenAid Artisan

Advantages:

• the case is made of solid metal with a reliable enamel coating;
• There are a number of additional features. On the front panel of the case there is an opening for installing various nozzles - a meat grinder, a vegetable slicer, a noodle slicer, a juicer, a grain mill;
• bowl volume - 4.83 l;
• more speeds - 10;
• ergonomic design;
• the presence of a protective rim for the bowl, preventing spray.

Minuses:

• big weight - 10.6 kg;
• additional nozzles are purchased separately;
• high price from 57 000 rub.

Kenwood

The Kenwood KM 242 Prospero Stationary Kitchen Machine is compact and designed for everyday use. The ideal solution for a small kitchen. Power - 900 watts. The volume of the bowl is 4.3 liters, the number of speeds is 5.

Kenwood KM 242 Prospero

Advantages:

• the presence of a pulse mode;
• thanks to the high power, all the tasks are carried out - there are functions blender, a mixer, a juicer, including a citrus press, and a food processor (3 disks).
• ergonomic design;
• the device is equipped with a protective lid on the bowl, which eliminates the splashing of the ingredients during kneading;
• there is protection against overheating;
• holes for additional nozzles are protected by special covers, which increases the degree of safety;
• light weight - 4.5 kg;
• price - from 13 000 rubles.

Minuses:

• plastic case;
• no smooth speed control;
• a 4.3-liter bowl has a usable volume of just 2 liters (user review).

Endever

The stationary Endever Skyline SM-10 model is the best indicator of a harmonious combination of high quality and price. High power - 600 watts. Steel bowl with a capacity of 4 liters. Three nozzles for kneading dough and mixing.

Endever Skyline SM-10

Positive points:

• components are made of stainless steel.
• Leaning top for removing the bowl;
• transparent removable cover;
• smooth switching and speed control;
• good whipping speed;
• you can wash work items (nozzles and thickets) in the dishwasher;
• price - from 6 000 rubles.

Disadvantages:

• plastic case;
• not convenient button control when wet hands (user review).

Planetary mixers are in high demand, because every housewife in her kitchen wants such a culinary assistant. Regardless of whether the equipment is professional or small-sized for home conditions, the main thing is that it performs specific culinary tasks. An overview of several culinary appliances allows you to compare models according to technical characteristics and functionality.