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Dough Mixers; Tips, Types, and Essential Knowledge

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Dough mixers are mechanical appliances used to mix the dough with other ingredients when making pastries. Mixers use rotating mechanical arms to incorporate air, solid and liquid ingredients into the dough. Dough mixers can exist in a variety of forms and sizes according to the intended use by the user. This article highlights the types, uses, and availability of mixers in Kenya.

Factors to consider when buying a mixer

Before purchasing a mixer, one must consider several factors to get the best model to suit one’s needs. The following are some key factors one needs to consider:

1. Size

Mixers exist in various sizes, usually measured in liters. The sizes range from around 2 liters and may go up to 50 liters depending on the client’s needs. When buying a mixer, consider the size of your work area or kitchen, as you want to avoid crowding your space by purchasing an irrelevantly large dough mixer.

2. Noise emission level

When purchasing a mixer, it is essential to consider one with a low noise level rate. Earlier models of dough mixers were known to emit disturbingly high noise levels; however, newer models, due to technological advancements, have reduced the noise level exponentially.

3. Cost of the mixer

When buying a mixer, you must consider its price. Recently, the dough mixer price in Kenya has spiked due to increased VAT rates. However, finding a relatively quality mixer at an averagely fair price is still possible.

4. Mixing speed and efficiency

An average mixer comes with a speed range from 2 to around ten. The low starting speed is essential as, at early stages, ingredients are being added, and you want to avoid high speeds that result in spills. A commercial bakery requires a high-speed mixer to cope with the increased demand rate.

5. Quality

The most important factor when purchasing a mixer is the quality. Buying the best quality you can afford is advised as a buyer, as this saves you a lot of money and time, which would have otherwise gone to repairs and maintenance.

Types of dough mixers

Mixers can be categorized into different categories depending on the used mechanisms, physical traits

Portability and use. The following are some basic types of mixers:

1. a) Stand mixers

Stand mixers are basically mixers installed on top of their motors and hence can stand upright. Stand mixers in various sizes may go as high as 20 liters.

2. b) Industrial mixers

As the name suggests, industrial mixers are mainly used in enterprises requiring large quantities of dough. They are large and very powerful and can process dough for extended volumes of time.

3. c) In-line mixers

In-line mixers are mixers installed in hollow pipe-like areas where the dough flows. The ingredients are incorporated inside the pipe and exit the line fully mixed ready for baking.

The mixers are known to produce quality dough and use relatively low units of electricity.

They are especially useful when the dough is processed in large quantities 24/7.

4. d) Portable mixers

As the name suggests, portable mixers can be moved from place to place. They are convenient in small bakeries and home kitchens with limited cooking areas and small workloads.

Conclusion

The above article highlights the types, uses, and specifications of mixers. Proving to be an essential tool, mixers have stood out as one of the greatest kitchen inventions of our time.

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