Bake magazine reached out to Carolyn Bilger, marketing director, Hobart – Food Preparation Products, to examine what key technological advances are available today in Hobart mixers.

Hobart Legacy+ planetary mixers feature the Hobart PLUS System, an exclusive combination of technologies including VFDadvantage variable frequency drive, maximum-capacity overheat protection, and reinforced planetary shaft system.

The exclusive PLUS System provides Hobart Legacy+ planetary mixers with up to 30% more mixing capacity in the same-sized bowl, making them the industry’s only maximum heavy-duty mixers.

What benefits do bakers gain from these advancements?

In addition to offering up to 30% more capacity, the PLUS system provides several advantages.

The exclusive variable frequency drive delivers precision speed control and exceptional power to develop the best doughs. VFDadvantage system provides a Soft Start feature to minimize ingredient splash out and ultra-low Stir Speed for thorough incorporation of ingredients. It also provides Shift-on-the-Fly™ technology, allowing the operator to make convenient speed changes without stopping the machine.

Maximum-capacity overheat protection lets users handle the heaviest jobs with more confidence, ensuring more production and less downtime.

Reinforced planetary shaft system drives maximum power into the bowl. Users get more of the robust construction expected from Hobart: an optimized shaft geometry and all-gear-driven transmission leverage the motor’s precision tuning and high-capacity dough output.

What are basic minimum requirements for every baker in their mixer – down to the smallest operation?

There are three things to consider when choosing a mixer: capacity, absorption ratio and application.   

When it comes to mixer capacity there are two key issues involved: the volume of ingredients the bowl will hold and the motor power. Bowl volume is an important consideration for mixing whipped toppings, icings or mashed potatoes — recipes with ingredients that can easily be filled to the top of the bowl without overtaxing the motor. Overfilling the bowl to the point where ingredients are above the edge of the beater results in ingredients not being thoroughly mixed. This impacts the consistency and quality of the finished product.

It is also important to know your absorption ratio because the recommended maximum capacity of the mixer depends on the moisture content of the dough and the overall batch weight. The absorption ratio percentage is determined by taking the water (wet ingredients) weight divided by the flour (dry ingredients) weight. Many manufacturers offer capacity charts using absorption ratios to identify the best size mixer for an operation. Hobart offers a calculator on their website that can help the user determine the best machine for their recipe and application.   

Finally, it is important to consider the application. Some mixers are designed for certain applications while others are more versatile.  Planetary mixers, such as the Hobart Legacy+ mixers, mix a variety of items from whipped cream and cake batter to meatballs, bread and pizza dough.  Spiral mixers are designed specifically for doughs and are excellent choices for artisan breads, doughnuts and Neapolitan pizza dough.

What requirements are gaining importance – and why?

Cleaning and sanitation are seeing increased focus and importance in the post-COVID times. Additionally, many bakeries are seeing labor shortages and having difficultly hiring enough employees. With these two things in mind, bakers are looking for mixers that are easy to use and easy to clean, therefore saving time in an often short-staffed kitchen.

What are recommended best practices for everyday functions?

The mixer should be cleaned at intervals as recommended by state or national agencies, as well as when switching between products being mixed. Stainless steel mixing bowls can be washed in a commercial dish machine or three-compartment sink. Aluminum agitators should be washed in a three-compartment sink, and the mixer surface should be washed with a clean damp cloth. Legacy+ mixers have a bowl guard that can be removed without tools and washed in a dish machine or three compartment sink.

What are key maintenance guidelines and troubleshooting tips?

A common maintenance guideline is to be sure the slideways, planetary seal and agitator shaft are all lubricated. The clearance between the agitator and bowl should also be checked regularly to be sure the agitator does not touch the bowl and to be sure the agitator is not too far away from the bowl. Recommended clearances for Hobart Legacy+ mixers are listed in the operator manual.

Manufacturers often provide maintenance guidelines and troubleshooting tips in the operator manuals for mixers. Bakers should be sure to consult their mixers’ operator manual for tips on how to solve common problems.

Learn more

For more information about Hobart Legacy+ mixers or to use our absorption ration calculator, visit Capacity Calculator | Hobart Legacy+® Mixers | Hobart FEG (hobartcorp.com).