Mixer Bowls and Absorption Ratio: Factors in Choosing Mixer Size

September 08, 2019 by Carolyn Bilger

Mixer, Food Prep

Volume and motor power: Both factor into selecting the best mixer size for your needs. Mixer bowls range from 5 quarts to 140 quarts and larger. In general, 60-quart mixers are among the most common in commercial kitchens. Having adequate bowl volume ensures:
  • You can fill lighter ingredients like whipped toppings, icings or sauces to the top of the bowl without overtaxing the motor. This helps increase productivity by accommodating larger batches.  
  • There’s less chance of overfilling the bowl to the point that ingredients can’t be thoroughly mixed.
  • Your finished product has the consistency and quality you desire.

For kitchens that mainly mix heavier ingredients such as pizza dough or bread dough, proper mixer capacity depends on motor power rather than how much the bowl will hold. Past a certain point, the motor can stall or stop when there is too much dough to mix.

What About Absorption Ratio? Understanding absorption ratio is the next step in determining the right mixer size, since the recommended maximum mixer capacity depends on the moisture content of the ingredients and applications. The absorption ratio percentage is determined by dividing water weight at a given temperature by flour weight. Hobart bases mixer capacity on an absorption rate calculation formula of 12% flour moisture at 70-degree Fahrenheit water temperature.

Hobart offers capacity charts for each size mixerplanetary and spiral — to show the amount each is capable of handling — from cake batter to bread and pizza dough. Hobart also offers a mixer capacity calculator that recommends the correct-sized Legacy+ mixer based on the recipe being mixed.

MIXER CAPACITY CALCULATOR



About the Author

Bilger Carolyn 1 1x1-2_ (002)Carolyn Bilger is the marketing director for Hobart – Food Preparation Products. She has been with Hobart since 2015 and sets the strategy for marketing and new product development for the full line of Hobart food preparation equipment. See all her blogs here.

Tags: Mixer, Food Prep

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG!

Latest Posts


Coastal Mist Streamlines Bakery Efficiency Operations with Hobart Stepdown Mixers

April 22, 2026 by Grace Strotman

The path to Kevin Shaw opening Coastal Mist Fine Chocolate and Desserts took many turns over the course of his career. From working in restaurants at age 13 and holding an apprenticeship in Salzburg, Austria in his 20s, Shaw found himself in the corporate world as a district general manager for a large foodservice and facilities management company and working at a pastry school along the way. Add to that overseeing 22 states for a global bakery manufacturer, plus owning his own wholesale bakery in Boise, Idaho, and you get the sense that Shaw isn’t afraid of change or adventure.

Read More

The Value of Food Prep Equipment for the Independent Restaurant

August 28, 2025 by Carolyn Bilger

For any restaurant, including those that are independently owned and operated, providing a good customer experience is essential. Having adequate staff, creating memorable menus and offering seamless service are all important to establish return business.

Read More

Greendale Schools Put Hobart Food Equipment to Work

June 24, 2025 by Grace Strotman

With a district of 2,600 students at six sites within five square miles, Greendale Schools in Greendale, Wis. have a lot to focus on — from academics and sports to the school meal program that serves students each day. The high school kitchen serves as a satellite location to prepare breakfast and lunch primarily for the elementary and high school, with some support provided to the middle school.

Read More

Food Safety: From Produce to Food Prep Equipment

April 15, 2025 by Grace Strotman

K-12 kitchens focused on semi-scratch and scratch cooking can gain several advantages, including greater control over ingredients and the ability to provide menu items with more fresh fruits and vegetables. But with these advantages comes the need to pay increased attention to food safety.

Read More

Adrian’s Pizza Retires 1928 Mixer for Hobart Legacy+ HL800

March 17, 2025 by Carolyn Bilger

When Michael Porreca bought Adrian’s Pizza Thompson Run Road, one of four independently owned franchises in the Pittsburgh area, little did he know that it would come with a bit of history. Equipment history, that is. He purchased the Thompson Run Road location in November 2022 only to learn it was home to a Hobart planetary mixer built in 1928 — and it still worked.

Read More