A commercial mixer is arguably the most important investment you can make for a bakery, pizzeria, or commercial kitchen. With the right mixer, you get perfect dough consistency, save time and energy, elevate your production, and improve your bottom line.
However, you want a commercial mixer that is the best fit for the size and capacity of your business. Considering that not all mixers are created equal, choosing the wrong one can be costly and frustrating.
Here’s everything you need to know before buying a dough mixer for your kitchen.
7 Tips For Buying a Commercial Dough Mixer in 2025
1. Understand the Different Types of Commercial Mixers
There are at least three different types of commercial mixers, and they are each designed for different kinds of dough. Understanding the differences in types of dough mixers helps you choose one that best suits the kind of dough you make.
i. Spiral Dough Mixers
Spiral dough mixers are made for bread, pizza dough, and other high-hydration doughs, which explains why they are commonly used in Pizzerias and artisan bakeries
The advantage of spiral dough mixers is that they keep the dough cool while mixing, ensuring proper gluten development.
Consider a spiral dough mixer if your business mainly serves a specific type of dough-based food…like a pizzeria, or sandwich shop.
ii. Planetary Mixers
Planetary mixers are designed to be versatile. They come with multiple attachments, typically paddles, dough hooks, and whisks, to handle a wide range of tasks, including dough, batter, whipping, and even mashing.
Planetary mixers are most common in general commercial kitchens, cafes, and restaurants.
Consider a planetary mixer if:
- Your business serves a variety of dough-based foods.
- A commercial kitchen or restaurant that deals with large quantities of dough.
iii. Fork and Twin Arm Mixers
Fork and twist mixers are less common but great for delicate doughs (like ciabatta) that need gentle mixing.
Notes
- Planetary mixers are by far the most popular type of commercial mixers, and they are valued for their versatility: most commercial settings serve a variety of dough-based products.
- Besides, it is always better to have more options than fewer, so businesses generally prefer planetary mixers.
2. Mixer Capacity: Size Matters
Mixers are sized by bowl capacity (in quarts or liters) and dough weight capacity (in pounds or kilograms). Ask yourself the following questions when deciding on which commercial mixer to buy:
- How much dough do you produce per batch?
- How many batches do you make daily?
Commercial Mixer Sizes Chart
| Kitchen Type | Suggested Bowl Size |
| Small bakery | 20 – 40 quarts |
| Mid-sized bakery | 60 – 80 quarts |
| High-volume kitchen | 100+ quarts |
Pro Tip: Do not make a practice of maxing out your mixer's capacity: it shortens its lifespan.
If you can, get a commercial mixer with a little more capacity than you need.
3. Power and Speed Settings
More HP means a commercial mixer is better capable of handling heavy dough. The bigger the mixer is, the more powerful the motor.
Look for variable speed. Commercial mixers with variable speed settings can handle different dough types, from slow for kneading to fast for whipping.
4. Build Quality & Materials
The best commercial mixers are made of materials that are durable and resistant to heavy use. Here’s what to look for:
- Stainless steel bowls and attachments: they are easy to clean, corrosion-resistant.
- A heavy-duty frame to ensure stability during use.
- NSF certification confirms that food safety standards are met.
5. Safety Features
Dough mixers come with hooks and blades that might expose users to certain safety risks. Here are some safety features to look for in a commercial dough mixer:
- An emergency stop button
- Bowl guards
- Auto shut-off when the bowl is lowered or the guard is open
These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential for worker safety and health compliance.
6. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is a big part of kitchen efficiency, and you want a commercial mixer that is simple and easy to clean. Look for the following features:
- Removable attachments
- Accessible components
- Smooth surfaces that don’t trap dough
7. Brand Reputation and Warranty
Stick with trusted commercial kitchen equipment brands known for durability and support. And always check:
- Warranty length (1 year? 3 years?)
- Availability of replacement parts
- Access to technical support or service centers
Top Affordable Commercial Mixers in 2025
1. 20 qt Commercial Mixer, 750W 3 Speed with Dough Hook Beater Whisk
This 20 qt. commercial mixer from Wilprep features a dough hook for effortless heavy-duty mixing, a flat beater for easy ingredient mashing, and a wire whisk for perfect whipped creams or eggs. The bowl and three attachments are all made from stainless steel, so they stay strong, safe, and easy to clean through years of heavy use.
- It is powered by a 50W copper motor capable of mixing up to 20 qt. of ingredients.
- It has adjustable speeds: the dough hook (113 rpm), the flat beater (168 rpm), and the wire whip (400 rpm).
- It has a protective cover specially designed to shield your dough from anything spilling
- An auto stop that is automatically triggered when the cover is opened.
- Certified by ETL and ETLs for dependable performance.
Plus, you get overload protection that automatically stops the mixer if overloaded, ensuring a secure baking experience.
2. 30 qt Commercial Mixer, 1100W 3 Speed with Dough Hook Beater Whisk
This 30-quart commercial mixer from Wilprep features a larger bowl and an even more formidable 1100W motor. Like the 20 qt model, it comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and a wire whisk for a variety of dough and ingredients.
- It features a 1100W copper motor that switches perfectly between three speeds: use the dough hook at 113 rpm, the flat beater at 168 rpm, and the wire whip at 400 rpm for optimal results.
- Protective cover to keep your dough and ingredients from spilling, and a similar auto-stop function
- Also certified by ETL and ETLs for performance and safety
Final Thoughts
Buying the right commercial dough mixer is about more than price—it’s about matching the machine to your specific kitchen needs. Choose the right size, type, and brand, and your dough will be consistent, your team will be more efficient, and your business will thrive.
With any of Wilprep Kitchen's commercial mixers, you can comfortably mix a variety of ingredients, from fluffy dough to dense cream, ensuring a steady supply of delicious treats for restaurants, bakeries, pizzerias, and big get-togethers.
