This month, “When to Replace” profiles mixers, which operators use for creating everything from sauces and meringues to dough and batter.

The two mixer types are planetary and vertical cutter/mixers. Planetary mixers are staples in bakeries and pastry kitchens. These units typically have two or three attachments, including a beater for batter, a wire whip for meringues or sauces and a dough hook for pizza and bread dough.

According to Foodservice Equipment & Supplies’ “2006 Product Knowledge Guide,” these mixers range in size from 4½ -qt. countertop models with a 1-sq.-ft. footprint up to 140-qt. floor units, which occupy approximately 3’ X 4’ of floor space. The most commonly used sizes are 20, 40 and 60 qts.

Most offer variable speeds that adjust according to the mixing task. Built-in timers also help operators better control the mixer.

Horsepower for mixers ranges from .4 hp for a 5-qt. size to 5 hp for 150-qt. models.

For added safety, most mixers feature an interlocking guard. When someone removes the guard, operation automatically shuts down. Some guards are removable for easier cleaning.

Features available on planetary mixers include swing-out bowls that make it easier to add ingredients, power-lift bowls and variable-speed drive systems.

Unlike planetary mixers, vertical cutter/mixers operate at a single speed with higher RPMs. These units feature a bottom-mounted motor that drives a mixing shaft and a tilting bowl with a pouring lip.

With these robust units, operators can add all of the necessary ingredients for mixing at one time and generate the completed product quickly.

Cutter/mixers typically operate at 1140 hp, and can perform a variety of processing tasks, including cutting vegetables, mixing pizza dough and grating cheese.

Because cutter/mixers use a sharp blade, these units come equipped with safeties that lock down the unit to ensure safe operation.

Cutter/mixers tend to be floor models and do not offer a wide choice of bowl sizes as do planetary mixers. The most popular size measures 45 qts.