Pantheon is recognised for its high quality, durable range of mixers. Here the company explains the essential differences between the various types.
Planetary Mixer
Planetary mixers owe their name to the way they function as the agitator moves around a static (but removable) bowl in a similar way in which a planet orbits the sun! Planetary mixers are very versatile and lend themselves to a variety of preparation tasks from whipping cream, mashing potatoes to kneading lighter doughs. This is because, unlike spiral mixers, they come with a selection of agitators.
Typically, these comprise:
- Dough Hook – for kneading bread dough, mixing cakes, making croissants etc.
- Mixing paddle – mixing creams, making batter, mashing potatoes etc.
- Whisk – beating egg whites, whipping cream, making meringues etc.
Planetary mixers are usually chosen by their bowl capacities – the larger the bowl, the more powerful the motor. They should be the first choice of any busy kitchen focusing on a number of different applications.
Pantheon offers 3 powerful models – the PM10 (10 litres and 0.5kW), the PM20 (20 litres and 1.1kW) and the PM30 (30 litres and1.1kW) all of which feature heavy duty, gear-driven transmission
Spiral Mixer
Spiral mixers are named as such because of the shape of the agitator. Most come with just one, very strong, spiral hook. These mixers are designed specifically for dough and are not really suitable for other tasks. Unlike planetary mixers, the spiral hook turns in a clockwise direction while the bowl rotates in an anti-clockwise direction.
The motors on spiral mixers tend to be far more powerful than those on planetary models which, combined with the dual rotation method, enables them to power through even the stiffest dough mixtures so are essential when bread based products are produced in any sort of volume.
Because the texture of the bread is determined at the mixing stage, getting it consistently right is crucial. The spiral mixer gently, but firmly, mixes the bread dough, allowing it to develop without being overworked.
Unlike their planetary counterparts, spiral mixers often operate at a single speed. Most come with a timer that can be set to the ideal time for the development of a specific type of dough to achieve the ultimate gluten structure. The size of these mixers is also measured by the volume of the bowl.
Pantheon has two, heavy duty spiral mixers. The SM20 features a 20 litre bowl and has a 0.75kW power rating. The SM30 features a 30 litre bowl and a power rating of 1.1kW. The mixers both feature fixed speed, chain driven motors.
Countertop Mixers
Just about every kitchen will find a use for a compact, countertop mixer. In small kitchens, a good countertop model might be the only mixer required. In larger kitchens, regardless of whether a planetary or spiral mixer is used, a countertop mixer will undoubtedly prove to be useful.
Countertop mixers work on the planetary system where the bowl remains static and the selected accessory spins. Some of the better countertop mixers look good too so are suitable for front of house use or in open kitchens. This type of mixer is also suitable for the serious home cook.
Pantheon offers 2 compact countertop mixers – the TM5 (5 litre capacity and 200W) and the TM7 (7 litre capacity and 280W). Both come with three accessories and feature durable, gear-driven motors.
