Choosing the right mixer for commercial food processing is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make when setting up or upgrading the production line for your food business. The right equipment will ensure consistency, efficiency, and safety across every batch.
Investing in the ideal commercial food mixer is critical for getting the most out of its various applications. Here’s a closer look at how to select the best machinery for your operation.
How to Choose the Right Mixer for Commercial Food Processing
When searching for a commercial food-processing mixer, you’ll need to keep the following important attributes front of mind:
Capacity and Batch Size
Start with your production goals. How many pounds of raw ingredients do you process each day? Smaller food-processing facilities may only need to handle a few hundred pounds of components, while larger businesses process thousands of pounds of food daily.
A mixer that’s too small will bog down your resources and prevent you from reaching your output goals. Conversely, an oversized piece of machinery will only result in wasted space and energy. What’s more, you’ll face a lower return on investment if you purchase a machine that’s too large and bulky.
Mixing Consistency
Uniformity is key for any food product. Consumers expect your food to exhibit a consistent quality and texture. Even small discrepancies can impact how consumers view your products and may even lead to diminished sales.
With that in mind, you need machinery that’s equipped with preventive controls and precise settings. That way, you can ensure that every product is processed according to your standards.
You can control everything from how long the machinery mixes ingredients to the amount of force it applies. These and other settings can be adjusted for each specific product in your lineup.
Durability and Build Quality
Investing in specialized machinery for your food business is a major commitment. You need equipment that helps you meet regulatory requirements while providing exceptional reliability. That way, your operation won’t be forced to contend with frequent unplanned downtime or the profit losses that come with it.
A reliable mixer should be built with strong welds and corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel. Make sure the motors are powerful enough to process the products your business focuses on. Processing meat from poultry or other livestock, for example, calls for more robust equipment to maintain food safety and quality.
Food Safety and Cleaning
Inadequate cleaning can lead to contamination issues that damage your reputation. Consequently, mixers must be easy to clean to meet industry food safety regulations.
Look for food safety features like smooth welds, minimal crevices, and tool-free disassembly. The more hassle-free it is to clean your machine, the better your odds of keeping food products free of contamination.
Your local health department may drop by at any time to confirm that you’re following relevant safety regulations. An easy-to-clean mixer will allow you to face these inspections undaunted.
Integration With Other Commercial Food Equipment
Processors should always consider how a machine integrates into the rest of their facility. With that in mind, think about your business environment and where you’ll add the mixer. Does your facility have the space for a large floor mixer, or do you need a mid-sized option with a smaller footprint?
Choosing equipment that becomes an integral part of your overall processing workflow will promote efficiency and time savings. In turn, you can reduce labor costs and consistently meet your output goals.
Supplier Support for Food Manufacturers
The best manufacturers will provide the training and support you need to get the most out of your new machinery. They should also outline food safety best practices and preventive controls to reduce the risk of injury, as well as how to maintain their machines. Such education can result in a longer equipment lifespan and less downtime.
When looking for a business to supply your machines, prioritize manufacturers who specialize in food production and agriculture. They’ll be familiar with the many regulatory requirements you face and how they impact your day-to-day operations.
FPEC: A Trusted Food Industry Ally
FPEC has supported businesses in the food-processing and packaging industry for decades. Restaurants, bakeries, and large-scale processors across the globe trust our equipment.
We understand that strict requirements apply to our food and agriculture clients. That’s why we set out to build machines that address these challenges. What’s more, our team can provide detailed information and training services to help you enjoy a strong return on investment.
Ready to learn more about our mixers and other commercial food-processing equipment? Contact us today for technical assistance and a customized quote.