The vast segment of kitchen mixers can be 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 kneading, grinding and creating homogeneous masses of ingredients with different characteristics. Just for such purposes, a stationary planetary mixer is optimal. Reviews of housewives emphasize the functionality, performance and simply the high quality of the work of such devices, although it can not do without disadvantages.
Features of the planetary mixer
The device is designed to work with products of any viscosity, as well as to perform secondary tasks like whipping and fine cutting. The basis of the design includes a supporting platform and a working body with a cartridge for nozzles. During operation, the bowl with the 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 with the products. 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 action in the end provide a decent mixing result. As for the manufacturing materials, almost all functional elements are made of stainless steel. The finish can be made of high-strength metal with rubberized inserts on the handle.
Key Features
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 a 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 average volume is 3-5 liters. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that to prevent splashing, it will be necessary to reduce the level of filling by 0.2-0.5 liters.
- Number of speeds. The range of speed modes varies from 1 to 15. But even the budget simplest models today make it possible to work at different speeds.
- Modes of operation. Along with switching speeds, the user of a modern mixer can adjust his work according to the rhythm with short pauses and increase in speed. This increases the efficiency of mixing products.
Also, do not forget about the configuration, 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 system of rotation of the working equipment allows you to work accurately throughout the entire volume of the 5-liter bowl, without leaving unaffected areas. The power of the 800 W electric drive also contributes to a homogeneous mass of any complexity. The mixer kit includes graters, rollers, cutters and a whisk made of steel to create creams and a light texture test. According to many users, this is the best planetary mixer for the combined characteristics of versatility and performance. The workflow is configured according to several parameters with a choice of 10 speed modes and the use of the soft start function. The quality of the appearance is also for the most part a positive experience for users. The case is stylized in the retro style of the 50s, with a choice of 6 colors. The disadvantages of the device include the high cost of about 50-55 thousand rubles.
Sinbo SMX-2734
The mixer is a household level from a Turkish manufacturer, which is confirmed by a relatively modest price tag of 9-10 thousand. The electric motor power is the same 800 W, which can be used together with one of 6 speeds, reinforcing it with a pulse mode. Work operations with the contents of a 5-liter bowl are performed by the main whisk or one of the auxiliary nozzles. Like most mid-level planetary mixer models, the SMX-2734 is confident in handling cream, kneading dough, and creating a paste of different consistencies. In terms of operability, the device fully justifies its price tag and is quite suitable for solving standard problems in the home kitchen. The weak points of the Turkish mixer include a 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 stay in the moderate price segment of handheld devices. The offer from Kitfort is estimated at only 5.5 thousand and, by its characteristics, is not much inferior to full-format analogues. In particular, the KT-1308-1 kitchen planetary mixer has a power of 600 W, supports operation with 6 speeds and enables pulse rotation. The design is based on metal, and the capacity of the bowl is 4.2 liters. For a minimum price tag, you will mainly have to pay with a limited bundle and a set of simple functions without a hint of high performance.
KitchenAid 5KSM150PSE
Manufacturer KitchenAid is considered one of the trendsetters in the niche of kitchen equipment. The high-quality premium model 5KSM150PSE demonstrates a balanced approach to the manufacture of a mixer with planetary rotation of the nozzle, which takes into account 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 thanks to the structural and ergonomic thoughtfulness - the device works efficiently, reliably and quietly. It is possible to perform not only mixing, but also operations of chopping solid products. The operator’s arsenal has 10 speeds and three nozzles with a blade. But, this model costs about 60 thousand and is technically not suitable for every kitchen because of the mass of 11 kg.
Positive feedback on planetary mixer
Mixing operations can be performed with other kitchen tools, but experienced cooks prefer planetary technology. This is due to the fact that the principle of operation of such a mixer allows you to solve the problems of whipping and mixing of any complexity. Even in the professional field, reviews of the planetary mixer bring the quality of the result, achieved due to the high intensity of work with the ability to adjust in several parameters, to the forefront among the advantages. From the point of view of choosing an ordinary user who is not faced with tasks of high complexity, ergonomics and functionality are more important. A planetary mixer practically does not require operator intervention in the work process and in a short period of time provides a finished product.
Planetary Mixer Criticism
The large size, heaviness and slowness give the main motives for abandoning stationary mixers in principle. Moreover, planetary models can be called an optimized version of such a technique, which is confirmed by the desire of manufacturers to structural optimization. Also among the shortcomings can be identified financial aspects. Firstly, high-quality models themselves are not cheap, and secondly, the more powerful the device, the higher its energy consumption.
Conclusion
The planetary mixer is a good helper both in the bakery and in the home kitchen. It combines the functions of a blender and a food processor, but there are also unique features. In deciding which planetary mixer to choose, it is important to consider technical specifications, 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 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 amiss to take into account stylistic features, the convenience of physical handling and the list of accessories. Universal models, in particular, can be supplemented with third-party accessories that are not included in the basic kit.