The extensive segment of kitchen mixers can be conditionally divided into two categories - manual and stationary devices. With all the advantages of mobile and compact devices, they are not able to provide a sufficient degree of mixing, grinding and creating homogeneous masses from ingredients with different characteristics. Just for such purposes, a stationary planetary mixer is optimally suited. Reviews of housewives emphasize the functionality, performance and simply high quality of such devices, although they cannot do without drawbacks.
Features of the device of the planetary mixer
The device is designed to work with products of any degree of viscosity, as well as for secondary tasks such as whipping and fine cutting. The design is based on a carrier platform and a working body with a cartridge for the nozzle. During operation, the bowl with products remains in the same position, and the nozzle not only rotates around its axis, but also moves relative to the position of the container withproducts. Actually, this led to the name of the planetary mixer. Reviews note the inconvenience of this design in the sense that the device must be securely fixed in one position. Such a binding is not always comfortable, but, again, the dimensions and principle of operation in the end provide a decent mixing result. As for the materials of manufacture, almost all functional elements are made of stainless steel. The body finish can be made of high-strength metal with rubberized grip inserts.
The main characteristics of the device
When choosing a mixer, it is important to consider both power and structural data. Both parameters will ultimately affect the quality of the workflow. The main characteristics include the following:
- Power. Basically, these are low-power devices, the maximum potential of which is 1000 W - and then, for industrial models. At home, typical products up to viscous dough can be cooked on a power filling of 250-270 watts.
- The volume of the bowl. Unlike other types of mixers, in this case it is possible to use your own container, which is integrated into the design. Its volume averages 3-5 liters. Moreover, it must be taken into account that in order to prevent splashing, it will be necessary to reduce the filling level by 0.2-0.5 liters.
- Number of speeds. The range of speed modes varies from 1 to 15. But even the simplest budget models today make it possible to work indifferent rotation rates.
- Working modes. Along with switching speeds, the user of a modern mixer can adjust its work according to the rhythm with short pauses and increasing the speed. This improves the mixing efficiency of the products.
Also, do not forget about the equipment, the main element of which is the nozzle. The standard set includes about five nozzles designed to work with specific products - from soft vegetables to hard ice. A further review of planetary mixers will allow you to understand in more detail the best offers from eminent manufacturers of kitchen appliances.
Smeg SMF01
A universal model that can be used both in a house with a large family and in a mini-pastry shop. The planetary rotation system of the working equipment allows you to work accurately throughout the entire volume of the 5-liter bowl, leaving no untouched areas. The power of the 800 W electric drive also contributes to obtaining a homogeneous mass of any complexity. The mixer set includes graters, rollers, cutters and a whisk made of steel to create creams and doughs of light consistency. According to many users, this is the best planetary mixer for the combined characteristics of versatility and performance. The workflow is configured in several ways with a choice of 10 speed modes and the use of a soft start function. The quality of the external design also causes a positive impression among users for the most part. The case is stylized under the retro style of the 50s, while the choice6 colors available. The disadvantages of the device include the high cost of about 50-55 thousand rubles.
Sinbo SMX-2734
A household-level mixer from a Turkish manufacturer, which is also confirmed by a relatively modest price tag of 9-10 thousand. The power of the electric motor is the same 800 W, which can be used in conjunction with one of the 6 speeds, reinforcing it with a pulsed mode. Working operations with the contents of the 5 l bowl are carried out with the main whisk or one of the auxiliary nozzles. Like most mid-range planetary mixers, the SMX-2734 handles creaming, kneading dough and creating pasta of varying consistency with confidence. In terms of performance, the device fully justifies its price tag and is quite suitable for solving standard tasks in a home kitchen. The weak points of the Turkish mixer include the plastic case and the lack of a lid for the bowl.
Kitfort KT-1308-1
This model is suitable for those who want to combine the advantages of stationary kitchen mixers and at the same time remain in the moderate price segment of manual devices. The offer from Kitfort is estimated at only 5.5 thousand and in terms of characteristics it is slightly inferior to full-length counterparts. In particular, the KT-1308-1 kitchen planetary mixer has a power of 600 W, supports 6 speeds and enables pulsed rotation. The design is based on metal, and the capacity of the bowl is 4.2 liters. For the minimum price tag, you will basically have topay with a limited package and a set of simple functions without a hint of high performance.
KitchenAid 5KSM150PSE
KitchenAid is considered one of the trendsetters in the kitchen equipment niche. The 5KSM150PSE is a high-quality, premium model that demonstrates a balanced approach to planetary rotatable mixers that meets the ergonomic, functional and aesthetic requirements of the modern user. To begin with, it is worth noting that this device got into the rating of the best planetary mixers due to the design and ergonomic thoughtfulness - the device works efficiently, reliably and quietly. It can be used not only for mixing, but also for cutting solid products. The operator has 10 speeds and three nozzles with a spatula. But, this model costs about 60 thousand and is technically not suitable for every kitchen due to its weight of 11 kg.
Perfect feedback about the planetary mixer
Mixing operations can be performed with other kitchen tools, but experienced chefs prefer the planetary technique. This is due to the fact that the principle of operation of such a mixer allows you to solve problems of whipping and mixing of any complexity. Even in the professional field, reviews of the planetary mixer in the foreground among the advantages put the quality of the result, achieved due to the high intensity of work with the ability to adjust in several parameters. From point of viewthe choice of an ordinary user who does not face tasks of high complexity, ergonomics and functionality are more important. The planetary mixer requires almost no operator intervention in the workflow and provides a finished product in a short period of time.
Criticism of the planetary mixer
Large size, heaviness and sluggishness give the main motives for abandoning stationary mixers in principle. Moreover, planetary models can be called an optimized version of such equipment, which is also confirmed by the desire of manufacturers for structural optimization. Also among the shortcomings can be identified financial aspects. Firstly, high-quality models are not cheap in themselves, and secondly, the more powerful the device, the higher its energy consumption.
Conclusion
The planetary mixer is a good helper in both the bakery and the home kitchen. It combines the functions of a blender and a food processor, but also has unique features. When deciding which planetary mixer to choose, it is important to take into account the technical characteristics, the range of targets and design features. It is one thing to choose a model for regular work with minced meat and thick dough, and another thing is to decide on the choice of a device for whipping protein cream. At the same time, regardless of the operating parameters of the mixer, it will not be superfluous to take into account stylistic features, ease of physical handling and a list of accessories. Universal models, in particular, can be supplemented by third-partyaccessories other than the main set.
