How to choose a planetary mixer
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1. Do you really need a planetary mixer?
In terms of application, a planetary mixer has something in common with a number of other kitchen appliances. So the main tasks - whipping, kneading dough and mixing ingredients - are also the prerogative of standard mixers - both hand and stationary. Partially, these functions are duplicated by an immersion blender, but it mixes liquids well, chops and grinds soft products, but it will not be able to whip egg whites well.
Professional confectioners and experienced amateurs use planetary mixers to prepare various types of dough, create cream or ganache, whip cream and egg whites. Why? These devices cope with their tasks better than their competitors: they work faster, provide the best mixing uniformity, and are ready for higher loads.
The efficiency of planetary mixers is hidden in their key feature — the movement of the attachments. They not only rotate around their axis, but also rotate in different directions relative to the working container. It turns out something similar to the movement of the planets of the solar system, which is where the name comes from. Conventional mixers cannot do this. The latter are also inferior in power, bowl capacity, and are not always designed for long-term continuous operation. True, simple mixers — stationary and handheld — are cheaper, and when working with small volumes (preparing a small cheesecake), they are more appropriate to use. That is, experienced confectioners can use all these devices.
For clarity, the differences between different mixers are summarized in a table:
| Comparison parameters | Planetary mixer | Stationary (regular) | Hand mixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience | works by itself, no need to hold it in your hand | works by itself, no need to hold it in your hand | you have to hold it in your hand |
| Uniformity of consistency at the output | maximum | average | average |
| Power | high | average | average |
| Speeds | many | few | few |
| Bowl | roomy | small | absent |
| Price | above average | medium or low | medium or low |
Planetary mixers can also compete with other devices in some scenarios. These include kitchen machines and food processors. However, the former do not have the main function of whipping, mixing and kneading. The machine covers the culinary direction: it performs chopping, salad cutting, etc., and the confectionery one is an additional option.
A food processor is a planetary mixer with an extended set of attachments and the obligatory presence of additional drives on the body. They allow you to perform more different operations, replacing, for example, a coffee grinder, a stationary blender (making cocktails), a juicer and even a meat grinder.
So, if you are interested in the functionality of a planetary mixer, and a separate meat grinder, juicer and/or coffee grinder are already available, then there is no particular point in buying a food processor - its entire delivery set requires a lot of storage space. In addition, often a multifunctional device, although universal, is not as convenient as a separate meat grinder, stationary blender or other device. For example, a food processor may not have a reverse function, which makes it difficult to prepare minced meat with sinewy meat.
So, do you need a planetary mixer? If you are into confectionery, bake often and in large quantities, spoil your family and friends with various desserts (cakes, muffins, cheesecakes), consider this hobby as a part-time job (small business - custom cakes), then this device is definitely for you.
When something else comes in handy:
- If you cook confectionery products rarely and in small quantities. Then the capabilities of more affordable regular mixers should be enough. In this case, we recommend that you read the material "How to choose a mixer".
- If you are first and foremost a cook (you cook a lot of first and second courses, salads, appetizers, etc.), and only then a pastry chef, then your good assistant is a kitchen machine with a kneading hook and a whisk included.
- If you need maximum functions + reference quality of mixing and whipping (like a planetary mixer), then it is better to consider a food processor.
- If you bake a lot, then while the planetary mixer is doing one thing, you can do something else with the hand mixer.
Now let's move on to the criteria for choosing a "pastry chef's dream".
2. Power
The productivity and readiness for large volumes of work depend on the power of the planetary mixer. And sometimes also the cost. For household purposes, an indicator of 700 - 1000 W is quite enough. If there are many confectionery tasks or semi-professional use is assumed - custom manufacturing, then it is better to look at more powerful models - from 1500 W.
Additional power tips:
- from 500 to 800 W - this is a planetary mixer that will cope with everyday chores and thick dough. Less than 500 W will do if it is a KitchenAid or you only need to whip egg whites, but for these purposes you can also take a hand mixer or a blender with a whisk;
- 1000 W and more is a universal option that can handle large quantities and different consistencies (thicknesses) of ingredients.
3. Modes and speeds
Planetary mixers have a variable speed setting for different tasks, plus many models have a pulse mode. In the latter, the engine alternates cycles of operation by holding/releasing the button. This is a good way to reduce the load on the power unit when processing solid products and ensure the desired results - quickly crumble oil, eliminate lumps in thick dough, etc.
How many speeds should a planetary mixer have? It is not even the number that is important, but the specific recommendations from the manufacturer on the use of certain speed modes. If such hints are on the body or in the instructions, then the operation process is simplified. In general, 5 - 7 speeds are quite sufficient for household needs, although more and more often there are more than 10.
Users also note that it is more convenient to interact with devices that have smooth speed control. In this case, you can accurately select the optimal setting for the current task, which is called empirically.
The most typical way to control speeds is a rotary switch on the side of the body with a separate position for pulse mode.
4. Bowl volume
The bowls of planetary mixers usually hold 5 liters. Models with a smaller volume are cheaper, but will not allow you to get dough or whipped egg whites for large desserts at once (except for a small sponge cake).
To understand what bowl volume you need, we recommend focusing on the following data:
- in a bowl of up to 5 liters you can knead the dough to prepare a small or medium cake for several people;
- a working capacity of 5-6 liters is suitable for larger batches. This is enough to prepare a large cake or pie;
- Bowls of 7 liters and more cover almost any household needs, such as making Easter cakes for the whole family. Plus, they can be recommended for tech who make cakes to order. Although the 6 or 7 liter versions also cope with this task well.
In general, when choosing the capacity of the bowl, you can focus on the fact that all the ingredients of the mixture should occupy up to a third of the volume of the working container. Well, do not forget that the productivity of the device determines the power. A tandem of a mixer with a 7-liter bowl, but a low-power motor is not the best choice.
5. Materials of manufacture
When choosing a planetary mixer, it is worth understanding what the attachments, bowl and body itself are made of. Let's look at it in order.
The standard set of attachments for the device is a whisk, a kneading hook, and a bitter (a mixing blade). Almost all models have this trinity. Sometimes you can find mixers with a double hook or several blades (for different ingredients).
The main attachments are usually metal, although plastic inserts (for example, pads) are not excluded. Planetary mixers, where the whisk and/or hook are made entirely of plastic, should be avoided. The best choice is, of course, stainless steel. For example, aluminum may not be ideal for complex tasks, such as thick dough. But the mixing attachment can be both metal and silicone. Moreover, these options do not exclude each other, but complement each other. Thus, silicone bitters cope well with their function when working along the edges of the bowl. It can be recommended primarily for soft mixing scenarios.
Ideally, you should at least read reviews of the working accessories of the model you are interested in, or better yet, hold them in your hands and assess their weight. If this is not possible, then you should make sure from photos or video reviews that the attachments are not thin and look strong.
Planetary mixer bowls are made from the following materials:
- Metal. The most popular and objectively the best option in terms of strength, reliability and durability. But metal is different and it is better to additionally check the thickness of the walls;
- Glass. This bowl is transparent and 100% inert to food. Glass containers also look impressive, but they are fragile - they are afraid of falls and impacts. Rarely found today;
- Plastic. An inexpensive option that is almost never found among planetary mixers - more typical for regular stationary ones. Plastic is stronger than glass, but loses its original marketable appearance faster than metal.
An additional tip for all types of bowls: before buying a mixer, find out if the bowl is dishwasher safe. You can also buy another working bowl: while the dough is resting in one, the second one will be ready for a new task.
The body of the device can be plastic or metal. The first option is found in cheaper planetary mixers. Plastic can be easily given almost any color, and its reliability is quite sufficient for normal use. Metal is more expensive, more beautiful and even stronger, as well as heavier. The latter feature will help effectively dampen vibrations when working with thick and tough dough. But for plastic models in this scenario, suction cups are highly recommended, otherwise the body may start to "dance" on the table.
6. Extra options
In addition to the choice of speeds and modes, some planetary mixers have other functions. They affect the price tag, but increase the ease of use. Below are the main options - from the most common to the rarest:
- Installing additional attachments. This feature allows you to purchase additional accessories - a blender container, a juicer, a meat grinder - and turn the planetary mixer into a full-fledged food processor;
- Timer. A basic way to automate the process of whipping or mixing - the customer sets the time, and after it has elapsed, the device switches off automatically;
- Scales. A convenient option that helps to strictly follow complex recipes and know the final weight of the resulting dough, whipped cream and other consistencies. Usually, other containers can be placed on the platform instead of a bowl for weighing;
- Auto programs. A rare feature for planetary mixers. It provides advanced automation of the baking process, including full instructions and step-by-step recommendations for the customer;
- Heating. Another rare guest in the mixer family. A separate heating element expands the possibilities of use, for example, allowing you to melt oil or chocolate for subsequent kneading of dough, prepare sauces, etc.
Compatibility with additional attachments and the presence of a timer are typical for planetary mixers in the mid-price segment. But scales, automatic programs and heating are the prerogative of advanced and flagship devices.
7. Additional recommendations
When choosing a planetary mixer, it is worth considering other important details that manufacturers themselves do not always focus on. Here are some recommendations and life hacks:
- It is better to take devices with metal gears. It is necessary to study the materials of manufacture not only of the attachments, bowl or body, but also of the gearbox gears. These are the parts that transmit rotation from the motor to the working accessories. They are subject to high loads. Ideally, the gears should be steel. But in the budget segment, plastic is often used. If the manufacturer does not provide the relevant data, then customer reviews can be a hint.
- Don't underestimate the problem of splashing. A deep bowl by itself does not eliminate splashes all over the kitchen. To prevent this, many planetary mixers are equipped with a transparent lid. Ideally, it should be securely fixed to the bowl, otherwise it may be almost useless. Another feature against splashes is a smooth start of the motor - if the attachment gradually picks up speed, the ingredients will not "jump" out of the bowl.
- The shape and ergonomics of the bowl are also important points. In addition to the volume and material of the working container, you need to pay attention to its shape and other features. So, the bottom should be spherical, not flat: then you can beat even one egg. A capacity scale inside is welcome, but the additional "relief" is already unnecessary - it complicates subsequent care. It is also convenient when the bowl is supplemented with a handle, and the complete lid has a hatch for adding ingredients.
- Do not forget about operational safety. The basic option here is protection against engine overheating. It protects the engine and extends the service life of the device. You need to be prepared that due to engine protection, there are restrictions on the continuous operation time of the mixer. Some budget models sometimes turn off after 3 minutes of kneading tough dough. The relevant information should be provided in the instructions, but there are exceptions. Other safety features that are available in some mixers:
- blocking of switching on in case of incorrect assembly (incorrectly installed nozzles, working container, etc.);
- Child protection (for controls).
- Think about how you will store the planetary mixer before purchasing it. Ideally, you should provide a place for the device to be placed in assembled form. Then it will be immediately ready for use. Since the dimensions of planetary mixers are not small, and kitchens are often quite compact, many will have to put the device in a cabinet and take it out when needed. In any of the scenarios, compartments for the cord or attachments will not be superfluous.
8. Brands
The brand of the planetary mixer determines the quality of the materials used, functionality, reliability and cost. Also, individual manufacturers stand out from their competitors in terms of design: for example, the pioneer KitchenAid, the brands Smeg and Electrolux produce models in a retro style. It is beautiful, but will not fit into the interior of every kitchen. It is good that the general range of devices in a universal and modern design is also large.
The premium segment includes the above-mentioned KitchenAid, Smeg and Kenwood. But the latter company has a large assortment, so there are also mixers in the mid-price category. Models for almost any budget - from inexpensive to advanced solutions - are now offered by Bosch, Tefal and Electrolux. The budget and mid-price segment includes products from Zelmer, Gorenje, First, Clatronic and Profi Cook.
Is it worth paying extra for top brands? Let's say Kenwood gives a 10-year warranty on the motor, and KitchenAid - 5 years on the device and 15 years on the possibility of repair (availability of spare parts, etc.). Plus, planetary mixers of these brands are really cool materials and have good reviews. But Bosch and Tefal are also all right with reliability, and many models are cheaper. The most budget devices cope with their tasks no worse than the market leaders, however, in terms of readiness for intensive loads and overall service life, they are usually inferior.
In conclusion, if your main problem is obvious budgetary restrictions for the purchase, then you probably need to reconsider your priorities. Perhaps, instead of the most affordable planetary mixer, you should take a stationary one from the “solid middle class” category?
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