Commercial Mixing Tools Power Mixers

Mixers are an essential piece of equipment for commercial kitchens that process batches of different ingredients. They range from smaller countertop models to larger IBC tote mixers.

Planetary mixers offer versatility for blending, Easy Mixing, and kneading. Spiral models are specialized for thoroughly combing dense doughs. They are ideal for pizza restaurants or bakery operations.

Tote Mixers

Tote mixers, also known as IBC tote agitators, mix liquids inside of intermediate bulk containers (IBC) or totes. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and mixer speeds to accommodate a wide range of applications.

IBC tote agitators can be mounted in various ways including clamp mount, bracket mount, or flange mount. Clamp mount mixers utilize heavy-duty clamps to secure them around the top of a tote or container. Bracket mount mixers have a welded frame that clamps to the sides of the container when more rigidity is required. Flange mount mixers connect to a tote’s flange with a mounting flange, allowing them to be used on both open and closed-top totes.

Air driven tote agitators use clean compressed air or gas to mix a variety of food-grade liquids inside of IBC tanks. They can re-homogenize a tote’s contents, even those with a high solids content or low viscosity, in just minutes. They are sanitary and ideal for use in washdown areas.

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) Totes

IBC totes are versatile, reusable storage containers used by facilities that mix and store liquids. They are an alternative to drums, bottle-in-cage, and other heavy, high-footprint receptacles. IBC tanks are available in rigid metal or plastic, as well as flexible versions that can fold and compress to reduce bending forces. The cube-shaped design promotes efficient handling, stacking, shipping and storing of materials.

Rigid IBCs have an integrated pallet base mount that enables universal maneuverability through forklift and pallet jack channels. Most are sized to standard pallet dimensions, making them an ideal choice for logistics.

Be sure to buy food-grade IBC totes that meet set hygienic standards to prevent contamination. Also, avoid purchasing a used tote that stored flammable liquids or hazardous waste. This could lead to dangerous leaks and fire risks.

Vertical Cutter Mixers

Mixing is a basic prep function in virtually all foodservice operations, but it can be a laborious task for restaurants and bakeries with high volume daily production. Powered commercial mixers lighten the load and save considerable staff time.

Unlike a residential mixer, most commercial models feature a heavy-duty motor to handle the demands of mixing larger quantities of ingredients and thicker dough. They come in three different sizes – countertop mixers, which are typically 5 - 8 quarts and look similar to a residential model; stand mixers that are mounted on a sturdy work table; and floor mixers that are permanently mounted into a fixture for optimal performance.

Commercial mixers can be used with a variety of attachments for different tasks, but it's important to size the mixer for the type of operation and the number and types of tasks it will be performing. Mixers also need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly. Refer to the owner's manual for specific cleaning and lubrication instructions.

Mini Bulk Pump Mixers

If your coating job requires large volumes of resin but you don’t need a bulk tank or you want to eliminate the need for a meter, then a mini-bulk pump mixer might be the right option. This style of mixer is lightweight, has a simplified drive system, reduces fugitive emissions and gives superior agitation.

A recent application required the addition of silica sand to an epoxy-hardener mixture for mold filling. The silica was a large and very abrasive granulate that could only be metered into the VDM at a rate capable of overtaking the rate at which the mixed liquids would flow out of the mixer.

To achieve this, the VDM was configured with the bulk solids added in a specific section of the mixer body and the liquids positioned radically above this point. The mixing controls were then set up to dispense the mixed material through the VDM at the proper volumetric control over time and then recirculate this into a day tank.