Automatic mixers alleviate the task of mixing by hand during high volume preparation. Depending on the size of the mixer, a large amount of product may be mixed at any given time. The planetary mixer, or vertical mixer, is used in many commercial kitchens. There are a variety of different attachments and agitators for this mixer depending on your cooking needs.

     Just to name a few, the spiral dough hook is used for mixing dough. It mixes ingredients together and then kneads the dough to develop gluten. The batter beater, also called the flat beater, is used to mix cake batters, icing, vegetables or mashed potatoes.  

     There are two types of speed controls for mixers: discrete and variable. Discrete speed controls have 3 or 4 set speeds. You must stop the mixer in order to change the speed. Variable speed controls offer more choice for mixing speed. They allow you to set the speed at any point within a range.

     Larger planetary mixers are equipped with a timer which will shut off the mixer after a pre-determined time. In order to protect the motor, some mixers automatically switch off when overload is sensed.

Source: www.univexcorp.com