20 Qt. Mixer Buying Guide

Dec 21st 2017

Thinking about buying a 20 quart mixer? Here are some basic things to consider when deciding which mixer is right for you.

20 Quart Mixer

Production Capacity

Consider what you will be making in your mixer, and how much of it. A 20 qt. mixer is a great mid-size option for many restaurants, caterers and small bakeries; though a pizza shop making hundreds of pounds of dough each day may need something larger.

Keep in mind to consider whether your needs may change in the future. You may want to expand your output or your offerings and want to make sure you don't outgrow your mixer. It’s natural to want to save money and buy just what you need now, but thinking about projected future needs will help save money in the long run.

Examples of 20 qt. mixer capacity

When mixing dough, you need to consider the absorption ratio (AR) – water weight divided by flour weight – of your ingredients, as that will affect how much you can fit in the bowl. Here are a few examples of AR and how much a 20 qt. mixer can hold –

  • Bread and roll dough – 60% AR – 25 lbs.
  • Thin pizza dough – 40% AR – 9 lbs.
  • Raised donut dough – 65% AR – 9 lbs.
  • Mashed potatoes – 15 lbs.
  • Whipped cream – 4 qts.

Our friends at Vollrath have a handy table that shows the capacity of different ingredients in different sized mixers.

Consider what type of mixer, speeds, power and accessories

Stationary

Most 20 qt. commercial mixers are stationary, countertop models, which means the bowl remains locked in place while the mixer attachment moves around within that bowl. With the addition of optional attachments that can perform different things, make the stationary mixer highly versatile.

Spiral

The other type of commercial mixer is the spiral mixer, or dough mixer. As its name suggests, it has a spiral agitator. This agitator remains motionless and the bowl revolves around it. Spiral mixers are usually larger than the 20 qt. size, but you may want to consider one if you are frequently mixing large quantities of dough. They are very popular in pizza shops and bakeries making artisan breads. Spiral mixers only have the spiral dough hook, and do not offer the use of attachments. However, they are ideal for dough making as they incorporate ingredients gently, and prevent the temperature of the dough from fluctuating while mixing. This which helps ensure that the yeast is properly activated and the dough isn't overworked.

Speed and power control

Certain ingredients mix better at different speeds, so you will want to look at your options for how many different speeds the mixer has, and whether or not you can change the speeds while the mixer is operating. ‘On the fly’ speed adjustments can increase productivity, but not all machines are built to withstand it.

You may also want to consider the horsepower of the mixer. 20 qt. mixers can be found with ½ HP or 1 HP. Larger mixers will usually have a more powerful motor because of the volume they will be mixing, and are better equipped to handle thicker, heavier dough.

mixer attachment

Accessories

In addition to the stainless steel bowl and bowl safety guards; a spiral dough hook, a wire whisk, and a flat beater are the three standard attachments included with many 20 qt. mixers. Additional bowls or accessories can be purchased for adding productivity.

You will also find a #12 attachment hub on the top of most units, which allows you to add different accessories to the mixer to expand its usage. Popular attachments include vegetable shredders, meat grinders and cheese graters.

We can help!

We know there is a lot to think about when purchasing new equipment and you want to make sure you are making the right choice. Our experienced professionals here at Globe Equipment can help you find the right mixer so you can feel confident in your investment.