Commercial Mixer Maintenance

A commercial stand mixer is an important piece of equipment for any commercial kitchen. You can use them for numerous tasks in the kitchen: beating egg whites, mashing potatoes, mixing doughs, whipping mayonnaise, and just about anything that requires whisking, stirring, or mixing. A commercial stand mixer is a must-have for any kitchen.

A well-made stand mixer will last a lifetime. They are sturdy and reliable, and people think their mixer will keep going forever without any care or maintenance. Nothing, however, works that way. Everything needs maintenance, including a commercial mixer. A little maintenance can keep you from replacing your mixer’s parts too soon.

Here are some things that you can do to keep your mixer running perfectly for years:

Safety First

While it might seem obvious that you don’t want electricity running through a machine while you do maintenance, you would be surprised how often people forget this important step. Accidents can happen, and you don’t want to get shocked or have the gears grind at your hands while you are working on your mixer.

The most secure way to ensure your mixer stays unplugged is to put a plastic bag around the cord and secure it with a rubber band. If someone happens by and wants to plug it in, they’ll know that it is intentionally unplugged when they see they bag.

Latex gloves will keep your hands clean and protect them from sharp edges. If you get into the gearbox, the gloves will protect your hands from getting grease on them, too.

Do a Deep Clean

Everyone cleans their commercial mixer when they use it, or, at least, they should. The bowl, attachments, and outer parts get washed and wiped down all the time. While it might be tempting with large mixers, don’t use a hose or dump water on your mixer. A damp cloth is all you need to wipe down the outside Occasionally, however, your mixer will need a deeper clean to get out all the oil, dust, flour, and anything else that can build up.

To do a deep clean, you’ll need some tools:

• A Flathead Screwdriver
• A Philips Screwdriver
• Cleaning Brush, Toothbrush, or Cotton Swab
• Dish Soap and Water

Start by looking at all the places where different metal pieces come together. Pay special attention to the planetary gear housing, the base, and the neck. They are often overlooked in daily cleaning. Use the cotton swab or brush to remove any stains or buildup along those areas.

Remove the planetary gear housing.

The planetary gear housing is the metal piece that protects the gears that move your agitator around. Use your screwdrivers to remove any screws holding the piece on. Slide it off and clean out any food residue.

Take apart the base.

The base of commercial mixers have several pieces, including the stand and the bowl holder. Take them apart and wipe them with soap and water.

Remove the drip cup

Some mixers have a drip cup that rests underneath the head. Remove it and clean.

Clean the bowl guard

The bowl guard is usually attached by a few screws. Remove them and clean.

Clean the rest

Many mixers will have other pieces that need removing for cleaning. They should be relatively obvious when you look at the mixer. If you have any questions, see your user manual for details.

 Adjust Your Agitator Height

As you use your mixer, the agitator height may get out of alignment. Having a properly aligned agitator will save time and produce a better-mixed dough. Without one, you must scrape the sides of the bowl more frequently and work harder to get the right mix. Adjust your agitator so it is as close as possible to the bowl without touching it as it mixes. See your user manual for specific measurements.

To check how far from the bottom of the bowl your agitator is, pour a little flour into the bowl. Put the bowl in place and then run the mixer on its lowest speed. Let the agitator push the flour around and measure the height of the flour where the agitator makes the lowest indentation.

Lubrication

Mixers need occasional lubrication. For example, the Hobart countertop mixers have a slideway, which helps the bowl slide up and down, that should be lubricated twice a year. Remove any pieces that are in the way and wipe on a thin coat of food-grade lubrication like Lubriplate.

The planetary gear housing can also use some lubrication occasionally. If it starts to squeak, take it apart and apply a little mineral oil under the seal.

A little maintenance does a lot of good for any machine, and that goes for stand mixers, too. While they are built to last, you can extend the life of your mixer even longer by attending to it properly. The tips above will help you with most mixers, but you should always research your mixer thoroughly. Read the user manual to get specific instructions on maintaining your model of commercial mixer. With a little extra work, you can make sure your stand mixer will last a long time.

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