There are two types of mixers, planetary and spiral. Planetary mixers work by rotating the mixing bowl relative to a stationary arm in order to keep the contents moving. Spiral mixers use one or more revolving arms that spin around the center of the bowl, pushing ingredients toward its edges and ensuring thorough blending in much less time than planetary mixers.

The decision comes down to what’s most important for your needs: speed or power? And which features do you want your mixer to have? Be sure not only to consider size but also price! Planetary mixers are usually large and powerful but more expensive; spiral mixers are compact but weak, so they’re good for small jobs like preparing whipped cream or egg whites.

The Planetary Mixer: A Mixer For Pros

Planetary mixers are standard large stand mixers with one big difference: a planetary action mechanism. This means the bowl rotates, independently of the motor, as it revolves around its center axis, constantly spinning ingredients until they’re thoroughly blended. A planetary mixer has the power to beat up to 12 dozen eggs at once and stir a full-size batch of cookie dough without any scraping or prodding. It’ll whip cream in minutes and knead bread dough in seconds. It’s heavy-duty, top-of-the-line equipment for all but the largest kitchens.

Planetary mixers are typically made of stainless steel, but can be purchased in an array of colors and designs that include porcelain bowls and removable splashguards. They come in various bowl sizes, which can be used alone or in combination with other bowls for larger batches. You can customize your planetary mixer to suit your needs and style, or choose one that’s ready to go right out of the box.

The Spiral Mixer: A Compact Mixer For Small Batches

Spiral mixers are compact, versatile machines that whip cream, beat egg whites and spin cookie dough just as well as a full-size planetary mixer does. They have the same power as a large stand mixer and stand alone for easy storage, which is especially convenient for cooks who lack a lot of space.

Spiral mixers come in two different models: the traditional bowl-shaped ones that you can use with a variety of bowls, and the more compact and circular models that come with their own bowls. The latter allows you to prepare small batches of ingredients like cake frosting or whipped cream without having to transfer them from one bowl to another—a feature especially beneficial for bakers who don’t want to dirty two mixing bowls when making multiple batches at once.

Spiral mixers typically come in standard kitchen colors but can be purchased in stainless steel or other metals if desired.

The Features of a Good Mixer

Most planetary mixers are built on top of a sturdy base, which you can use to mount the bowl onto the motor in order to convert your mixer into a handheld device. This is especially helpful for small jobs that don’t require enormous power, like whipping egg whites, beating cream or mixing bread dough. But be sure to measure the length of your arm before purchasing; even though the motor may be quite powerful, if it’s too long for your needs it’ll feel weak and make it harder for you to work with the mixer. Variable speed is a must. Will you be using the mixer for tasks that require a high speed or low? Not all mixers have this feature, and it’s an essential one for making sure you get the perfect consistency for each recipe.

A slow-start mechanism is also very useful; it allows the mixer to gradually increase its speed after start-up, which will prevent ingredients from flying out of the bowl and provides a more consistent blending of your ingredients. A soft-start mechanism prevents splashing when you first turn on the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the differences between the planetary mixer and spiral mixer?

In a nutshell, there’s no difference. Both mixers use rotating mechanisms to pull ingredients along the edge of a bowl and keep them from settling down into just one part. The only real difference you’ll find is in their design—planetary mixers are typically larger and more powerful than spiral mixers, which are designed for smaller jobs like whipping cream or beating egg whites. If you plan on using your mixer for large batches of bread, cake or cookie dough, a planetary model is going to be what you need; smaller quantities will be better suited for a spiral mixer.

What’s the difference between a planetary mixer and a stand mixer?

You may be wondering whether you really need both types of mixers. In reality, they’re almost identical, but planetary mixers are a favorite among professional chefs because they have the power and strength to handle larger batches. They’re typically made of stainless steel, which makes them durable, and can be obtained in different colors and styles.

Do I need a separate immersion blender too?

No, you don’t need this kitchen tool unless you plan on using it on extremely thin or delicate fruit purées like baby food or chocolate mousse. Otherwise, you can use your mixer to come up with the same results. Mixers are designed to create gently whips and stirs, so you won’t get the desired consistency using a mixer alone. This is especially true with mousses and fruit purées. If you’re interested in an immersion blender, be sure that it’s specifically designed for this purpose because most other models are made for crushing ice and blending soups.

What does a low-end planetary mixer cost vs a high-end one?

Planetary mixers are typically more expensive than spiral mixers because they have more functions, power and durability. However, if you’re looking for something that’s easy to clean and inexpensive, a blend of the two will work just as well. If you’re on a budget, it’s probably best to stick with a cheaper model.

What is the difference between a traditional planetary mixer and one with a bowl?

A few machines on the market come with removable bowls instead of planetary mechanisms. This type is more compact and portable than most tabletop mixers at home, making them ideal for bakers who want to make multiple batches without having to move their equipment from place to place.

How much power do planetary mixers have?

Planetary mixers are typically the most powerful type of mixer on the market, which makes them perfect for large batches of bread or cake. However, they come in all different sizes, so it’s always a good idea to check the product’s dimensions and weigh it against your own before you purchase. This will ensure that you get a mixer that’s suitable for your needs without compromising on quality and function.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re interested in a planetary mixer, we recommend that you check out the Oster Professional 600-watt Mixer. It’s an incredibly powerful model that can handle up to 1,000 watts and will be able to satisfy even the most demanding of bakers.

Made with a durable and high quality stainless steel construction, this model is also fully equipped with advanced features such as 50-watt settings for precise control over your dough mixing and beaters to create pastry cream mixtures, buttercreams and frozen desserts.