Proper Sizing of Mixers

Choosing the Right Dough Mixer: A Guide to Proper Sizing

Choosing the right dough mixer for your kitchen is critical to ensuring the longevity of your equipment and the quality of your products. Proper sizing of a mixer can be complex, but it is essential to prevent premature motor failure or subpar dough results. Here’s a guide to help you understand how to appropriately size a dough mixer, using the Absorption Ratio (AR) calculation method.

Understanding the Absorption Ratio (AR)

The Absorption Ratio is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate mixer size. The AR helps you understand the ratio of water to flour in your dough, which impacts the mixing process and the strain on the mixer. Here’s how to calculate it:

Identify the Recipe: Obtain the customer’s most frequently used or largest dough recipe. Typically, large-batch dough recipes are based on a 50 lb. bag of flour.
Calculate the Wet and Dry Weights:
- Wet Weight: This is the total weight of the water used. Since a gallon of water weighs 8.33 lbs, multiply the number of gallons by 8.33.
- Dry Weight: This is the weight of the flour, usually given directly in the recipe.

Example Calculation

Let’s use a hypothetical recipe that includes 3 gallons of water and 50 lbs. of flour.

Calculate Wet Weight:
Wet Weight = 3 gallons × 8.33 lbs/gallon = 24.99 lbs

Calculate Dry Weight:
Dry Weight = 50 lbs

Determine the Absorption Ratio:
AR = (Wet Weight / Dry Weight) = (24.99 lbs / 50 lbs) = 0.4998 (49.98%)

With an AR of 49.98%, this dough falls into the “Medium Pizza Dough, 50% AR” category.

Capacity Chart for Hobart Legacy Mixers

Choosing the Right Mixer

Referencing the Hobart mixer capacity chart, the appropriate mixer models for this type of dough are the HL600 or HL662. However, if the customer runs a pizza restaurant, the HL662 is typically the preferred choice due to its robustness and ability to handle pizza dough more effectively.

Why Proper Sizing Matters

Avoiding Undersizing: If the mixer is too small, it will overstrain the motor, leading to premature failure. Such failures are not covered under warranty, leading to increased costs and downtime.

Avoiding Oversizing: Conversely, an oversized mixer may not mix the dough thoroughly, resulting in inconsistent product quality. It can also overwork the dough, affecting its texture and rise.

Additional Tips

Consultation: When in doubt, always consult with your equipment supplier or local representative, such as Rapids Foodservice Professionals. They can provide valuable insights and ensure you select the right mixer for your specific needs.

Regular Training: Participating in training sessions, like the one provided by Hobart, keeps you updated on best practices and new technologies, ensuring optimal equipment performance.

Proper mixer sizing is a balance of understanding your recipe requirements and the capabilities of your equipment. By accurately calculating the Absorption Ratio and selecting the right mixer model, you can enhance your kitchen’s efficiency and produce high-quality dough consistently. For any uncertainties or further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rapids Foodservice Professionals.

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