With the passage of time and technological advance, working in kitchen has become easier and more efficient than ever before. Kitchen appliances like mixers and blenders have made preparing for recipes quick and efficient, saving a lot of time and effort of people around the world. There are many people who cannot differentiate between a blender and a mixer because of obvious similarities in looks and functions. However, the task for which a blender is to be used in a kitchen is different from what a mixer is used for, and this is because of the basic difference between the designing of a blender and a mixer. Let us take a closer look.
A blender is an apparatus that contains a jar with a blade at the bottom. This blade is rotated with the help of an electric motor, to mix substances inside the jar. Blender container is mostly made of plastic that is transparent and has markings to allow for precise measurements. However, containers made of stainless steel and glass are also popular. Some blenders require the addition of liquid to solid food particles so as to move these particles and make them come in contact with the blade, to be chopped and cut evenly. A blender motor can be operated on different speeds depending upon the food items to be blended. Blenders can be used to crush ice, make purees, dissolve solid items into liquids, blend boiled vegetables into a paste or a soup, and so on. Some blenders come with the option of changing the blades to be able to multiple tasks in the kitchen.
Mixer is an apparatus used in kitchens for helping in mixing fluid food items. It started with the idea of an egg beater, but today occupies an important place in the kitchen in the form of a hand mixer that operates with the help of electricity. Modern mixers have a beater (mostly two) that can be immersed inside a container containing liquids while the other end of the mixer is contained inside a unit that houses a motor. The beater rotates at great speeds with the press of a button on the body and completes the job of mixing or beating within seconds. The mixer can be taken out and washed under the tap water easily to be used again later.
Learn About the Three Main Types of Mixers
The three types of mixers used in commercial settings each have their own set of unique advantages. Which kind your bakery needs will depend on the volume of dough you produce, the type of products you bake and the size of your work area.
Use this guide to help you choose the right type of mixer when you’re planning your bakery.
1. Horizontal Mixer
This type of mixer has the capability of producing the largest volume of dough in the shortest amount of time. It is configured so that as the dough is mixed, the next batch is continually fed into the machine. The dough also easily exits the machine into a trough for convenient transport after the mixing process is complete.
One of the main drawbacks of a horizontal mixer is its inability to keep the dough temperature low throughout the mixing process. The friction of the dough rubbing against the sides of the bin causes the temperature to rise, which isn’t ideal for some types of yeast doughs.
2. Spiral Mixer
One of the most popular types of mixers, the spiral mixer is used in many different settings due to its flexibility. It mixes dough completely and efficiently and with little friction in a rotating bowl that moves around a spiral-shaped blade.
This option comes in a range of sizes to fit many different target dough outputs. It uses less electrical power than a horizontal unit, delivering on the energy-efficiency front.
3. Planetary Mixer
The planetary mixer is the option most commonly used in home kitchens. The central mixing wand rotates around a stationary bowl. You can change the wand attachment as needed to accommodate your mixing goals.
You can use this type of machine to mix a range of substances too, not just dough. The bowl is easily detached and moved quickly, once mixing is complete. These upright machines are typically smaller, so if you have limited space, the planetary mixer might be the best option for you.
The drawback to using a planetary mixer is that the level of mixing between the top and bottom of the bowl may not be uniform. When using a planetary machine for dough, certain areas of the batch may be underdeveloped.
Which Is Right for You?
Assess your mixing needs before making a final decision. Is speed the most important attribute? Is volume your main goal? Once you identify the critical priorities in your mixing process, you will be able to identify which of the three types of mixers will offer you the best advantages.