One Mixer, Two Sizes: Reduction Kit Solutions

Mixers are often a major investment in foodservice operations, with pizzerias and bakeries typically requiring models with capcities of 40 quarts or more. These workhorses are made to handle large batches, but operations needing to mix less may invest in an additional, smaller mixer. With another machine comes added expense and space. There is a simple solution for kitchens needing the option to mix smaller batches without such a big investment. Reduction kits provide flexibility with minimal expense and space requirments.

REDUCE & RE-USE

Reduction kits are mixer bowl and tool sets designed to scale down the capacity of the base mixer. These specialized tools are needed to reduce the capacity because operators cannot simply put a 30-quart bowl on a 60-quart mixer. Generic tools won't fit in the mixer and the bowl won't mount properly on the bowl arms. A reduction kit bowl is engineered with extended handles or brackets to fit the larger mixer bowl arms, and the tools are made to fit in the bayonet and reach into the smaller bowl to mix efficiently. Typically, a bowl, whip, hook, beater and scraper are included in the kit, with some kits also including bowl trucks to accommodate the smaller bowl. 

THE RIGHT FIT

When a mixer's capacity is referenced, it's usually in regards to the maximum amount, but there are also minimum capcities to consider. If too few ingredients are added to the bowl, the mixing tool can't reach the contents on the bottom and mix properly. A good way to determine a mixer's minimum quantity is to calculate 25% of the bowl size. For example, a 100 quart mixer would have a minimum capacity of 25 quarts. Adding a reduction kit expands the capacity range to allow for much more versatile mixing, all on one machine. That same 100 quart mixer with a 40 quart reduction kit now has a capacity range from 10 to 100 quarts. A bakery can mix 121 pounds of cake batter and 11 pounds of gluten free batter in the same machine with the right reduction kit.

VARIMIXER REDUCTION KITS

Varimixer offers reduction kits for each mixer, bringing efficient versatility to our entire catalog. Kodiak 20 quart mixers reduce to a 12 quart capacity while 30 to 80 quart V-Series machine has a 50% kit. Both V-Series and ERGO 100 quart mixers reduce to 40 and 60 quart capacities. If you're looking to take your mixer down a size, talk to your local sales rep and get a quote.