Sam Tell Blog

Planetary vs. Spiral Mixers: Which One's Right For Your Kitchen?

Written by The Sam Tell Companies | Jul 14, 2025 3:39:49 PM
With so many mixers out there, finding the right one for your commercial kitchen can feel overwhelming. When you're deciding between a planetary mixer and a spiral mixer, it comes down to a few key things: how they’re built, how they mix, and what they’re best at. The real question is — what are you mixing, how often, and how much? Let’s break it down in simple terms and take a look at how Globe mixers rise to the occasion, no matter which type you choose.

Versatility - What Are You Mixing?

If your kitchen needs to do more than just mix dough, a planetary mixer is the most versatile option — and Globe planetary mixers are built to handle it all. With three standard attachments — a dough hook for breads and pizza, a wire whip for whipped creams and icings, and a flat beater for batters, fillings, mashed potatoes, and more — you can tackle a wide variety of prep tasks with one reliable machine. Many Globe models also include a #12 attachment hub, giving you the ability to add tools like cheese graters, meat grinders, or vegetable choppers, making it a true prep powerhouse.

While spiral mixers are built specifically for dough, planetary mixers are designed to do it all — ideal for kitchens that need flexibility. But not all planetary mixers are created equal, the Globe SP20 is the unrivaled #1 selling mixer in the U.S. for a reason! Globe offers features many other brands don’t including front-mounted controls, gear-driven motors, high-torque transmissions, welded ingredient chutes, and rigid, cast-iron construction that’s built to last in demanding commercial kitchens.

Globe planetary mixers come in three bench model sizes — the SP10, SP20, and SP25 — so you can choose the right capacity for your kitchen without sacrificing performance or durability.

 

Quantity - How Much Dough Do You Need?

The amount of dough you’re mixing plays a big role in choosing the right mixer. Planetary mixers are great for small to medium-sized batches — perfect for bakeries or restaurants with moderate dough needs. But if you’re producing dough in larger volumes, a spiral mixer is often the smarter choice. This doesn’t mean a planetary wouldn’t work, but you can make larger batches with less labor and time with a spiral.

Globe’s spiral mixers, like the GSM130 and GSM175, handle big batches from 33 to 175 pounds, mixing dough quickly and efficiently while reducing labor. Plus, they can mix smaller batches at around 25% capacity, giving you the flexibility to grow your production without buying new equipment.

 

Quality - Dough Done Right

If you need top-notch dough quality, spiral mixers have a clear edge. Their rotating bowl and spiral hook work together to develop gluten gently while minimizing heat — key for traditional, artisan-style doughs with excellent texture and rise. Globe’s spiral mixers are designed with this European tradition in mind, making them favorites for pizzerias and bakeries that demand consistent, superior dough every time.

 

No matter what you're mixing, Globe mixers deliver the performance and reliability your kitchen can count on. Designed with rugged durability, powerful gear-driven motors, and thoughtful features that simplify operation, they’re built to handle the demands of busy commercial kitchens. And with a 2-year parts and labor warranty included on every model, you get the peace of mind that comes with long-term support and trusted quality.

 

Ready to find the mixer that best fits your business needs? Reach out to your Sam Tell rep today!