professional commercial bakery featuring a large floor-standing planetary mixer with a stainless steel mixing bowl, a protective wire cage, and adjustment levers, surrounded by racks of bread, baking tools, and a vibrant, modern workspace

February 26, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

The Number One Mixer Found in Bakeries Explained

Ever wondered what keeps a bakery running smoothly? It’s the planetary mixer—the most common commercial mixer in bakeshops! This powerhouse handles everything from bread dough to cake batter with ease. Want to know why bakers swear by it and how to choose the best one? Keep reading!

Most Common Mixer in a Bakeshop

Planetary Mixer - Why it is the most common

Walk into any bakery, and you’ll likely see a planetary mixer churning away. This versatile machine is the workhorse of bakeshops, handling everything from silky cake batters to thick bread doughs. Its name comes from the way its attachment moves in a circular motion while rotating on its own axis, ensuring an even mix every time. This motion helps create smooth, lump-free mixtures, making it a must-have for both small and large bakeries.

One of the biggest reasons bakers love planetary mixers is their flexibility. They come with interchangeable attachments, allowing them to whip cream, knead dough, or mix batters with ease. Whether you run a small bakery with limited space or a high-production kitchen, there’s a planetary mixer size that fits. Their ease of use, durability, and ability to handle multiple tasks make them the go-to choice for most bakeshops.

close-up of a large floor-standing planetary mixer with a stainless steel mixing bowl and a protective wire cage, set in a well-lit bakery with baking tools and racks of fresh bread in the background

Other Mixers Used

While planetary mixers take the spotlight, other types of mixers play essential roles in bakeries, depending on what’s being made.

Spiral mixers are a favourite for bread-making. Instead of the attachment moving, these mixers rotate the bowl while a fixed spiral hook kneads the dough. This gentle motion ensures even gluten development without overheating, resulting in bread with great texture and structure. Bakeries that focus on artisan bread or high-volume dough production often rely on spiral mixers for their consistent results.

Vertical cutter mixers are built for speed and efficiency. These machines do more than mix; they can chop, blend, and emulsify, making them ideal for bakeries that need to process large quantities of dough, fillings, or pastry creams in a short time. With sharp blades and high-speed capabilities, they are often found in large-scale bakeries where time is of the essence.

Horizontal mixers are designed for large-scale dough production. These machines can handle massive batches, making them ideal for commercial bakeries producing thousands of loaves daily. Their design ensures uniform mixing and efficient processing, helping large bakeries keep up with demand without sacrificing quality.

Each type of mixer has its strengths, but the planetary mixer remains the most common due to its ability to handle a wide variety of tasks. Whether whipping up a light mousse, kneading pizza dough, or mixing cake batter, the right mixer helps create high-quality baked goods while keeping the workflow smooth and efficient.

professional bakery countertop displaying various commercial mixer attachments, including dough hooks, whisks, and flat beaters, neatly arranged on a stainless steel surface with baking tools and fresh ingredients in the background