The market for kitchen appliances is replete with multifunctional devices to cope with various culinary tasks. In order to save money, housewives look at less powerful devices that perform a certain range of functions required for cooking at home. However, a professional planetary mixer can be considered as an optimal kitchen tool for restaurants and for private needs. This is the case when the acquisition of professional equipment justifies itself, even if we are not talking about a specialized purpose. Nevertheless, so that the model does not disappoint during operation and does not remain idle, you need to responsibly approach its choice.
What are the features of a planetary mixer?
To begin with, it is important to understand that planetary devices have several fundamental differences. Actually, they justify the acquisition of such mixers for the home. So, among the differences of the device are the following:
- To whip products requires a minimum of effort on the part of the user.
- Compared to manual models, such an apparatus does not need additional holding, allowing the hostess to perform other culinary operations simultaneously with the mixer.
- Since the professional planetary mixer is equipped with a metal bowl, you can use a special heating pad for external heating. This is usually required when working with solid products.
Actually, such a mixer received the name planetary for the reason that the rotation of the corolla occurs in a circle in the bowl, as well as around its own axis, but in the opposite direction. This is due to the high efficiency of the whipping process.
Purpose of planetary mixers
Professional mixers are not cheap, so you should immediately determine for what tasks such equipment is acquired. Again, since we are talking about multifunctional specialized devices, you should focus on complex tasks. For example, a professional planetary type mixer allows you to cook dough, knead cream, grind meat, whip cream and mousse. And this is not a complete list of functions - much depends on the specific configuration.
But the most important thing to understand: such equipment is oriented to work in large volumes. This justifies its use in catering establishments, confectioneries and bakeries. There is another significant difference, which is that a professional mixer is able to efficiently process stiff consistency products that no home counterpart can handle.
Size selection
Dimensions are one of the main disadvantages of this type of mixer. These are rather bulky units, so you should pre-calculate the possibility of installing a mixer in the kitchen. In particular, the average dimensions have the following parameters: 45x37x60 cm. As you can see, the device is comparable in size to a small refrigerator. You should also pay attention to the size of the bowl, which has a professional mixer as standard. Its volume can hold tens of liters, which again indicates the purpose of the equipment - for professional needs. At the same time, in contrast to semi-professional and home models, devices of this category require floor-mounted installation.
Power selection
The power range of professional units varies from 0.25 to 0.75 kW. In this regard, it is worth noting the relationship of power potential and direct use. Although most models are positioned by manufacturers as multifunctional and universal, there are still divisions by field of operation. For example, in small establishments it is worth using a professional cocktail mixer , the power of which will be minimal - 0.25-0.35 kW. However, completely different data are discussed in relation to equipment for meat plants, canteens and bakeries. To serve large volumes of meat (especially frozen) or dough, a power of at least 0.5 kW is required.
Functionality and Ergonomics
It was previously believed, and not without reason, that professional kitchen equipment loses noticeably in terms of ease of use for household home analogs. Representatives of the first group focused on simple tasks of obtaining the maximum amount of processed products, and home appliances were just notable for their comfort in use. A modern professional mixer makes a completely different impression. The devices are equipped with touch control panels, timers and a wide range of other optional features. In this regard, it is worth paying attention to the complete set of the unit. In the standard, it can include several whisk nozzles, a hook for kneading, whipping blades and other accessories that allow grinding, squeezing and cutting.
Price issue
Like any professional equipment, mixers are expensive. For their wide functionality and performance they pay from 30 to 100 thousand rubles. Of course, there are other price tags that go beyond this price range, but in this range you can find devices of acceptable quality and for any needs. The main thing is to determine the requirements so as not to overpay for an extra option. For example, a professional mixer with a bowl, the price of which is 30-40 thousand, completely copes with the function of a meat grinder and vegetable cutter, not to mention the preparation of cocktails and mousses. Another thing is that he does his work at medium speeds, in small volumes and does not offer additional features. But such features, as well as high performance, are present in models costing about 80-100 thousand.
Reviews
Opinions on the benefits of professional planetary type mixers generally point to positive experience. There are not many manufacturers of these products on the market, so making conclusions is not so difficult. For example, the Kitchen Aid brand is a segment leader. Users characterize the products of this brand as reliable and pleasing to the eye in their design. The Italian brand Steno also pleases its fans with quality, producing solid models, although without the frills in the optional. Ergo and Convito can be classified as budget companies. However, in terms of performance, their units significantly exceed not only the professional manual mixer, but also some powerful versions from the range of expensive models. In other words, each manufacturer relies on certain qualities for a specific audience of customers.
Conclusion
If we are talking about the purchase of such equipment for the enterprise, then the question of the advisability of the acquisition will definitely be positive. It is enough to determine the power, functions and additional features. However, if a professional mixer, the price of which starts from about 30 thousand rubles, is selected for private needs, then you should initially compare the capabilities of the unit with the requirements. Even in the lower budget categories, models of such an apparatus will cope with most culinary tasks. But perhaps a semi-professional device will be enough for domestic needs.