Mixer or Planetary: Which to choose and why? Differences, Benefits and Features

Accelerating time and smoothing operations have become necessary for professional chefs and everyday cooking. In recent years, candidates for ” best right arm in the kitchen ” have multiplied, but what cannot be done without preparing desserts, cakes, pizza, pasta, and bakery products is the mixer or the planetary.

But which one to choose between two? Often two terms are used as synonyms, but it is not correct. There is a lot of confusion in this area, and to buy the right appliance, you need to know its features and functioning. So let’s go into detail to help you understand which is right for you.

The Mixer

A mixer machine is an appliance that cannot miss in bakeries and pastry shops. Of course, it is used above all to knead the preparations for bread and pizzas, but it is versatile enough to prepare desserts, cakes, brioches, etc.

The mixers consist of a bucket to hold the ingredients mixed and a mixing hook. The latter can have different shapes and movements based on this factor. We can find three types of mixer machines:

• Spiral
• Fork
• With plunging arms

With plunging arms, the last simulates the movement of human arms and is considered the best type. The mixer obtained is very homogeneous, prolonged movement, and does not overheat ingredients. The plunging arm mixer is used professionally and costs more than other variants.

For home use, the first two types are the most suitable, and on the market, you can find appropriate economic variations of medium-low range, ideal for beginners.

The mixer machine supports those who frequently prepare leavened dough for bread and pizza, those who make pasta at home, and aspiring pastry chefs who delight in desserts and cakes. You can whip cream and egg whites or make mayonnaise quickly and easily.

The Planetary

The planetary is a type of kneader characterized by a planetary movement of a mechanical arm similar to that of planets around the sun. It consists of variable dimensions, generally extractable to facilitate cleaning. Speed allows obtaining doughs of different consistency, adapting to different types of food.

A great advantage of these appliances is their versatility: a wide range of accessories and blade supplies allows you to prepare countless recipes and work different blends with a single appliance. In addition, hooks for mixers, whips, and mixing blades will allow you to give free rein to the kitchen’s creativity.

The quality/price ratio is unquestionably widespread among professional and amateur chefs on Sundays. There are models for domestic use on the market that can purchase for a few hundred euros. Here you will find a selection of the ten best models currently on the market.

Mixer machine or planetary: which to choose?

Both are tools designed to facilitate life in the kitchen by speeding up preparation time and making everything less tiring.

Mixers are generally less versatile because they do not have interchangeable accessories: a model can perform (very well) a few specific tasks. On the contrary, the planetary offers many accessories, allowing us to use a single device for more functions.

The choice is subjective and depends on your goals. So, before buying, ask yourself: which recipes you want to create?