Which is better to choose a planetary mixer for home? Tips, overview of different models and manufacturers

Mistresses in the kitchen, who want to do everything at once, sometimes lack two hands, and want to have stationary assistants. One of these can be a planetary mixer - it is enough to put all the ingredients in its bowl, set the desired whisk, set the desired speed or mode, and, voila - he already alters the liquid or thick dough, and the hostess, meanwhile, can prepare other dishes.

  • What is a planetary mixer?
  • Types of planetary mixers
  • Advantages and disadvantages of planetary mixers
  • Selection Criteria for Planetary Mixer
    • bowl volume
    • bowl material
    • nozzles
    • Control Panel
    • The presence of a timer
  • How to define marriage?
  • Manufacturers and models of planetary mixers
    • Kitchen Aid Planetary Mixers
    • Gemlux planetary mixers
    • Kenwood planetary mixers
    • Kitfort planetary mixers
    • Bosch Planetary Mixers
    • Gastrorag planetary mixers
    • Bork planetary mixers
    • Models from other manufacturers (Vitek, Clatronic, Endever, Polaris)

What is a planetary mixer?

A planetary mixer is a device designed for mixing viscous products due to the fact that the mixing tool in it rotates in much the same way as the planets do - around the axis of the bowl (dough bowl) and around its own axis.

Since this mixer is designed for mixing dough, it is not as fast as conventional mixers, and besides, it is usually designed for a fairly large volume of product, this also has to be taken into account when deciding which planetary mixer to choose for the home. But he is able to cope with any kind of test.

Planetary mixers usually have a stationary body, the upper part of which leans back, and various nozzles are fixed on it. An electric motor is located in the body itself, and a control panel is located on its surface. At the base of the body at the bottom there is a platform on which a bowl with a stirred product is placed. The specific rotation and shape of the mixing tool ensures high-quality mixing of the dough.

Types of planetary mixers

Mixers of this type were developed for catering enterprises, but later they were adapted for domestic use. This leads to the following classification of planetary mixers:

  • Industrial Models. They are intended for catering establishments specializing in the manufacture of pastries. They have significant dimensions. Bulky industrial mixers with a bowl volume of up to 140 liters are designed for large and medium-sized bakeries. For housewives, they are of no interest, except for cognitive ones.
  • Semi-professional models. They are needed to prepare limited batches of pastry dough - what bars, cafeterias, small hotels need. The volume of the bowl of semi-professional models of planetary mixers is 5-10 liters, with their help in just 15-30 minutes you can prepare dough of any composition. But they will require a more powerful outlet, since these devices have a significant power consumption.
  • Appliances. They are designed for home use, working with them does not require special safety instructions. The volume of bowls in household models does not exceed 5 liters. Since they must be present in the kitchen among other modern appliances, the manufacturers have tried to give them a more attractive appearance and additionally equipped them with a security system. A modern household planetary dough mixer has become a stylish multifunctional device, any housewife can easily use it. A large number of attachments are attached to it, thanks to which you can not only stir the dough in it, but also chop fruits, vegetables and spices. For him, you will need to provide a separate place in the kitchen.

Advantages and disadvantages of planetary mixers

The price of planetary mixers is significantly higher than their other varieties. But even the high price does not stop many customers from purchasing a planetary mixer. The reason here is that it is very physically difficult to prepare the dough by hand, and besides, a conventional mixer is far from suitable for every dough.

From all this, the advantages of planetary mixers follow:

  • A planetary mixer is able to cook dough of any consistency much faster and better than all kinds of blenders, because its whisk makes such complex movements that capture every corner in the bowl, preventing unmixed lumps from stagnation somewhere in the corners.
  • This device works completely independently, it is stationary, and not held in the hands, which means that the hostess can do something else at this time.
  • The metal bowl from a household planetary mixer can be easily removed to heat it from the outside - this is sometimes necessary when cream is being prepared, and lumps remain in it.

It is not surprising that a planetary mixer with so many advantages costs more than others. This and the fact that the planetary mixer takes up a lot of space in the kitchen - only 2 of its drawbacks.

Selection Criteria for Planetary Mixer

While in the store and thinking about which planetary mixer to choose, you need to pay attention to several important points at once. The dimensions of the appliance are also important, because it must correspond to the space allotted to it in the kitchen, which must be thought out and measured in advance so as not to get into trouble with the purchase. But besides that, pay attention to the following aspects:

bowl volume

Since the planetary mixer is a rather specific device, you should think about how often it will be needed, and how much test will it have to do? That is, you need to determine what volume of the bowl will be enough.

Choosing it, you need to focus on the needs and size of the family. For a small family, there is no need to buy a mixer with a large bowl, which will only take up half the kitchen, and it will consume unreasonably much energy. It is also bad that in such a large device it will not be possible to cook a little dough. The best option in this case is 2-3 liters.

A planetary mixer is convenient for large families, especially a model with a maximum number of nozzles. It is better for such families to choose a bowl volume of about 4-5 liters.

bowl material

Particular attention should be paid to the material of the bowl:

  • The best mixers do stainless steel However, they cost more than others. But their advantages are reliability, guaranteed longevity and safety. You can wash the bowl in any way, even in the dishwasher - for this it is strong enough.
  • If the price of such a model is too “biting”, then you can look at a model made of ordinary steel or plastic, however, even in this case parts that come into direct contact with the product must be made of metal.

nozzles

The standard set of attachments for a planetary mixer includes a hook, a whisk and a spatula (beater).

  • Eggs, soufflé, mousse, dough for dough are beaten with a whisk.
  • You need to stir the viscous yeast dough with a hook.
  • The spatula is useful when preparing fillings, glazes, etc.
  • The kit may also include other nozzles, for example, with the help of a rotating shaft, the device will become a juicer, vegetable cutter, meat grinder.

In this regard, you need to pay attention to how many sockets for nozzles are present in the model - their number can reach up to four, although 1-2 is enough.

Even for a medium-sized family, such a device may come in handy, because on holidays and here they resort to culinary impromptu. In this case, it is enough to limit yourself to a model with a minimum number of nozzles.

Control Panel

The device control panel can be:

  • Touch. It is more stylish and modern, and it is easier to care for it. Yes, but it can also break unexpectedly, in which it is clearly inferior to mechanical options.
  • Mechanical. This is time-tested reliability.

In any case, the panel should be designed conveniently.

The presence of a timer

The mixer must have a timer that can count up to an hour. However, even the most “long-playing” dough is cooked no longer than half an hour. More convenient is such a timer, which can not only signal the end of the process, but also turn off the device.

It is better that he can not only give a signal, but also automatically turn off the device.

How to define marriage?

The presence of an obvious marriage can be established by letting the device run idle. This is how it appears:

  • The fact of clinging nozzles to the bowl or to each other.
  • Mode switch stuck.
  • Sometimes the bowl does not want to turn.

Such defects in a particular product can only be detected empirically.

Manufacturers and models of planetary mixers

Anyone who has already mentally decided to buy, and is thinking about which planetary mixer is better to choose, should first study information about their models, characteristics and cost. It is also important in which country the device you like was made. In this regard, Chinese models are noticeably inferior, which are unlikely to work for a long time. It is better to focus on a well-known brand that has proven the reliability of its equipment for years.

Kitchen Aid Planetary Mixers

All models of planetary mixers from this company are reliable and durable. Their expected service life is 25 years, during which the mixer should work properly, which is enough to consider this technique as a legacy passed from one family generation to the next. Kitchen Aid mixers are available in a very large range of colors, so any hostess can choose the appliance that suits her best and fits into the interior of the kitchen.

Kitchen Aid Artisan 5KSM150PSE

The cost is about 500 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 0.3 kW.
  • 10 speeds.
  • Metal case.
  • The 4.8 liter bowl is made of stainless steel.
  • The kit includes 3 standard nozzles.

Advantages: if you purchase additional nozzles for this mixer, then it can serve as a pasta machine, meat grinder and even a key for opening cans.

Disadvantages: very little power, high cost, and at the same time, additional nozzles must be purchased separately.

Kitchen Aid Artisan 5KSM7580

This is already a semi-professional model that can meet the needs of a small cafe. If the family is large and the hostess has to cook often and a lot, then it is better to choose a model with a bowl of 6.9 liters.

The cost is about 1000 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 0.5 kW.
  • 10 speeds.
  • Stainless steel bowl.
  • The body is metal.
  • The model is completed with a bowl on 4,8 or 6,9 l.
  • There are 4 nozzles.

Advantages:

  • The model is available in 50 color shades.
  • The bowl is fixed in the lifting mechanism.
  • With the help of additional nozzles, you can expand the functionality of the device.

Flaws:

  • Very high price.
  • Little power.
  • Large dimensions - in the kitchen, the device will take up a lot of space, besides, it is heavy (12.4 kg).
  • Only the main nozzles are included in the package.

Gemlux planetary mixers

Gemlux GL-SM-88R

The cost is about 230-250 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 1 kW.
  • 12 speed settings.
  • Case of small dimensions (410x312x352 mm).
  • The volume of the bowl is 4 liters, it is supplied with three nozzles.

Advantages:

  • It is convenient to recline the working head with a simple push of a button.
  • Low cost.

Flaws:

  • The device consumes a relatively large amount of energy.
  • It has very modest functionality.

Gemlux GL-SM600B

The brand of Gemlux mixers, made with plastic cases, is available to the general public. Despite the limited functionality, such a dough mixer can significantly make life easier for the hostess.

The cost is 100-110 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 0.6 kW.
  • 6 speeds.
  • There is a pulse mode.
  • The volume of the bowl is 4.5 liters.
  • Supplied with three nozzles.

Advantages: with sufficiently good quality, the price is kept low.

Disadvantages: very modest functionality.

Kenwood planetary mixers

Kenwood Cooking Chef KM094

The cost is 900-950 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • The volume of the bowl is 6.7 liters.
  • The device has a built-in induction cooker that can heat the bowl up to 140 degrees.
  • At 8 speeds, there are three mixing methods, as well as a pulse mode.
  • The presence of three sockets (for low, medium and high speeds) increases the functionality of the device.

The advantage of the model is its great functionality and the presence of five nozzles and five additional accessories in the standard kit.

Disadvantages: some of the nozzles still have to be bought separately.

Kenwood Cooking Chef KM096

The cost is 850-900 dollars.

The main characteristics are the same as the previous model.

Advantages: it is supplied with additional nozzles such as a food processor and a blender.

Disadvantages: spice grinder, dicing, noodle and minced meat tools need to be purchased separately.

Kitfort planetary mixers

The Kitfort company, based in St. Petersburg, produces kitchen equipment of sufficiently high quality and at an affordable price for many Russians. Her products are worth paying attention to those lovers of baking who love to cook, but cannot spend too much on the purchase of household appliances.

Kitfort KT-1308-1

The cost is 90-100 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 0.6 kW.
  • 6 speeds.
  • The presence of a pulse mode.
  • The bowl with a capacity of 4.2 liters and mixing nozzles are made of metal.

Advantages: cheap, but convenient and reliable device.

Disadvantages: minimal functionality and equipment.

Kitfort KT-1308-2 White

The cost is 90-100 dollars.

The main characteristics are the same as the previous model.

Advantages: inexpensive, with an attractive view, quite reliable.

Disadvantages: has a minimum of attachments and functionality.

Bosch Planetary Mixers

The German manufacturer Bosch enjoys a long and well-deserved reputation in the world. His equipment is always powerful, reliable and multifunctional. The company also produces tabletop planetary mixers as part of the MUM series of kitchen machines.

Bosch Start Line MUM54D00

The cost is 220-270 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 0.9 kW.
  • Bowl 3.9 l stainless steel.
  • 7-step adjustment of speed of rotation.
  • Smooth start.
  • Pulse mode "turbo".
  • It is completed with three nozzles and a transparent cover with the hatch for introduction of ingredients.

Advantages:

  • There is a place for a cord and a bag for accessories.
  • The device can be retrofitted, so you can increase its functionality.

Disadvantages: all nozzles, except for the basic three, will have to be purchased separately.

Bosch MUM XX40G

It is difficult to find a model more worthy than this one, which has an enviable power and functionality that exceeds a hundred possibilities.

The cost is 1100 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 1.6 kW.
  • Bowl with a volume of 5.4 liters.
  • Eight different nozzles.
  • Patented 3D planetary mixing is used.

Advantages: powerful, reliable, multifunctional.

Disadvantage: You will have to pay a lot for expanding the functionality.

Gastrorag planetary mixers

This company mainly specializes in the production of industrial kitchen equipment, but also produces something for ordinary housewives. Planetary mixers of this manufacturer are reliable, powerful, modernly designed and at the same time very pleased with the price.

Gastrorag QF-3470

The cost is 110-150 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 0.65 kW.
  • Bowl 4.5 l.
  • 6 speeds.
  • Pulse mode.
  • It is completed with three main nozzles.

Advantages:

  • The bowl and body of the device are made of stainless steel.
  • The head reclines comfortably.
  • Acceptable cost.

Disadvantages: limited functionality.

Gastrorag QF-2018AL

This model from Gastrorag is already a kitchen machine that has many additional features usually found in the most popular brands. But at the same time, the manufacturer was able to keep the price at a fairly low level, so it remains affordable for most families.

The cost is 260-270 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 1.2 kW.
  • Smooth speed control.
  • It comes with five attachments, including a meat grinder and a blender.
  • The body of the device is made of aluminum.

Advantages:

  • Decent functionality.
  • Pretty deep bowl.
  • The presence of a lifting mechanism.

Disadvantages: additional nozzles will not only have to be purchased separately, but they will still have to be looked for.

Bork planetary mixers

Bork E800

This model is a real professional planetary mixer.

The cost is 670-720 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 1 kW.
  • Robust stainless steel body.
  • The volume of the bowl is 4.5 liters.
  • Several attachments are included with the device.
  • All elements in contact with the product are made of excellent stainless steel.

Advantages:

  • The internal mechanism has a protective system that automatically turns off the device when overheating occurs.
  • The work of the program is indicated by light indicators, as well as the time until its end.
  • The mixer timer can be set not only to automatically turn off, but also to start work at any time when the hostess is resting or she is not at home.
  • Having spent once on this professional mixer, you can count on many years of its excellent work.

Disadvantages: high price and bulkiness of the device.

Bork B810

This model from the same manufacturer has additional improvements.

The cost is 750 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Consumes 1 kW of power.
  • The body and interchangeable nozzles are made of stainless steel.
  • 12 speeds.

Advantages:

  • There is a fuse to prevent burnout of the motor.
  • Efficiency and speed of kneading dough.
  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • The timer can set the program execution and process control.

Disadvantage: this mixer is too expensive, and only therefore is not so popular among buyers. But those who could afford such a purchase cannot get enough of it.

Models from other manufacturers (Vitek, Clatronic, Endever, Polaris)

Vitek VT-1406

The cost is 80-100 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Consumes 0.7 kW of electricity.
  • 2 liter bowl.
  • The bowl and other elements are made of stainless steel, although some body elements have a plastic base.
  • The model is equipped with several nozzles - a whisk and two hooks for thicker dough.

Advantages:

  • At a low price, a fairly powerful device with good quality.
  • To speed up the work, the thicket can move horizontally.

Flaws:

  • Weak ergonomics.
  • There is no lid for the bowl.
  • Nozzles are poorly fixed.
  • The mixer must be returned to its original position manually.

However, all these shortcomings are typical for cheap models - this is a kind of payment for big savings when buying.

Clatronic HMS 2739

This inexpensive mixer has become popular due to its versatility. It can be used not only as a stationary planetary mixer, but also as a blender, if you use a special nozzle with replaceable rotating elements.

The cost is 40-50 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 250 W.
  • Plastic bowl, 2.5 l.
  • The body of the product is partly made of plastic.
  • Has a blender attachment.

Advantages:

  • The mechanism of this model is quite reliable, at least the manufacturer gives it a two-year warranty.
  • 2 in 1 device - mixer and blender.

Flaws:

  • The bulkiness of this model when used as a blender.
  • Pretty low power.

Endever Skyline SM-10

This planetary mixer is an almost perfect combination of high quality and low price.

The cost is 80-100 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 600 W.
  • The case and the most important elements are made of stainless steel.
  • Mixer bowl volume 4 l.
  • It is completed with several nozzles for dough kneading and mixing.

Advantages:

  • The mixer can carry out planetary and conventional mixing.
  • As a home mixer, this simple model can be considered ideal.

Flaws:

  • The whisk attachment is made of plastic, which does not make it durable.
  • Difficulty in finding spare parts.

Polaris PHM 6512B

The popularity of this model was brought mainly by its price. For only 2-3 thousand rubles, you simply cannot find a better mixer.

The cost is 60-70 dollars.

Main characteristics:

  • Power 650 W.
  • The body, bowl and components are made of plastic.
  • 4 speeds.

Advantages: low price.

Flaws:

  • Plastic parts and housing, which is not a guarantee of the durability of the device.
  • In terms of practicality, this model is seriously inferior to expensive mixers: its bowl must be turned manually, while the mixer has unexpectedly high power.

Do you have a planetary mixer or are you just thinking about purchasing one? Which model do you like the most and why? Tell us about it in the comments.