When it comes to reliability and performance in commercial kitchens, Hobart mixers are considered the gold standard. Trusted by professional chefs and bakers worldwide, Hobart has earned a reputation for producing powerful, durable, and efficient mixers for every kitchen size—from small bakeries to industrial food processing operations.
In this guide, we’ll explore the various quart sizes of Hobart mixers, their specific functions, what types of restaurants or businesses benefit most from each model, and tips for choosing between new and used restaurant equipment options. If you’re sourcing commercial restaurant equipment, or looking for a trusted restaurant supply Fort Worth partner, this article is your go-to resource.
What is a Hobart Mixer?
A Hobart mixer is a commercial-grade, heavy-duty kitchen appliance designed for mixing, kneading, whipping, and blending large volumes of food. It is widely used in restaurants, bakeries, pizzerias, schools, hospitals, and catering services.
Hobart mixers come in different quart capacities and types:
Planetary mixers: Versatile, great for mixing doughs, batters, and creams.
Spiral mixers: Ideal for high-volume dough mixing, particularly in bakeries and pizzerias.
Hobart Mixer Quart Sizes and Their Uses
1. Hobart 5-Quart Mixer (N50 Model)
Best For: Small bakeries, cafés, home bakers scaling up production.
Great for small batches of dough, whipped cream, or batters.
Compact design fits well in limited spaces.
Not designed for heavy doughs or continuous use.
2. Hobart 10-Quart Mixer
Best For: Boutique bakeries, specialty kitchens, and prep stations.
Handles small- to medium-sized batches of dough, cake batter, or sauces.
Offers better power and capacity than a 5-quart.
Fits easily on counters or work tables.
3. Hobart 20-Quart Mixer
Best For: Medium-sized restaurants, pizza shops, or catering services.
A true workhorse in commercial kitchens.
Handles cookie dough, pizza dough, batters, and whipped toppings.
Optional accessories like dough hooks, flat beaters, and whisks increase versatility.
4. Hobart 30-Quart Mixer
Best For: Busy restaurants, schools, and high-volume production kitchens.
Ideal for large batches of dough, mashed potatoes, or sauces.
Floor model design requires designated kitchen space.
Easy to operate and clean.
5. Hobart 60-Quart Mixer
Best For: Institutional kitchens, commissaries, and industrial bakeries.
Extremely high capacity; handles heavy doughs and large volumes.
Often comes with programmable controls and timers.
Excellent for pizza chains or bread production.
6. Hobart 80-Quart Mixer and Beyond (Up to 140-Quart)
Best For: Industrial food production and mass catering.
Built for serious commercial use.
High torque motors for mixing thick doughs like bagel or bread dough.
Great for reducing labor and production time.
Functions and Attachments
Hobart mixers are known for their versatility, especially because they support multiple attachments, turning the machine into a multifunctional kitchen tool.
Common Attachments:
Flat Beater: For mixing batters and mashing potatoes.
Wire Whip: Perfect for whipping cream, eggs, or light mixtures.
Dough Hook: Used for kneading all types of dough.
Pelican Head/Vegetable Slicer (with power take-off hub): Expands its utility to slicing, shredding, and grating vegetables.
With the right attachments, Hobart mixers can handle dozens of prep tasks beyond just mixing.
Which Restaurants or Businesses Need a Hobart Mixer?
Different industries benefit from different models based on volume and menu needs.
1. Bakeries
Daily dough production makes mixers essential.
Spiral mixers (especially 60-quart and up) are excellent for large bread batches.
2. Pizzerias
Hobart mixers (20 to 60-quart) are perfect for preparing pizza dough consistently.
3. Cafés and Coffee Shops
Smaller mixers (5 to 10-quart) are used for desserts, whipped creams, and small batters.
4. Catering Companies
Mid-size mixers (20 to 30-quart) help prepare large meal components in bulk.
5. Hotels, Schools, and Hospitals
These institutions often use 30- to 80-quart mixers for high-volume prep work.
Why Choose Hobart?
Hobart has been a trusted name in commercial restaurant equipment for over a century. Here’s why so many kitchens rely on Hobart mixers:
Durability: Cast iron construction and powerful motors built to last decades.
Ease of Use: Intuitive controls and adjustable speeds.
Consistency: Precise mixing for reliable results.
Serviceability: Easily maintained and widely supported by parts suppliers.
Buying New vs. Used Hobart Mixers
Advantages of Buying Used:
Lower Cost: Save 30–60% over new equipment.
Proven Durability: Hobart mixers are built to last; many used models still function like new.
Eco-Friendly: Extending the life of equipment reduces environmental impact.
If you’re in Texas, working with a trusted restaurant supply Fort Worth company ensures you get tested, cleaned, and warrantied used restaurant equipment you can count on.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Use
Clean after each use: Prevents buildup and keeps the machine sanitary.
Lubricate moving parts regularly.
Inspect attachments for wear and replace as needed.
Check belts and gears annually or if unusual sounds occur.
Schedule professional service periodically for large units (30-quart and up).
Compliance and Safety
Always make sure your Hobart mixer is NSF certified and in compliance with local health department regulations. Models should include:
Bowl safety guards
Emergency stop functions
Proper grounding
Final Thoughts
A Hobart mixer is one of the smartest investments for any food business that deals with dough, batter, or bulk mixing tasks. From a compact 5-quart unit for boutique baking to an 80-quart beast for high-volume dough production, there’s a model for every need.
Whether you’re outfitting a new kitchen or upgrading your current setup, consider your options for both new and used restaurant equipment. If you’re near Texas, check out a reputable restaurant supply Fort Worth provider that offers Hobart mixers backed by service and support.