Mixers - All Categories

Used Hobart Mixers, Planetary Mixers, Bowl Mixers

We stock a large selection of all sorts of mixers for use in both manufacturing and restaurant production. Our inventory includes used planetary mixers, used bowl mixers, vertical cutter mixers, homogenizing mixers (“homo-mixers”), double arm/sigma blade mixers, ribbon mixers, tumbling mixers, double cone mixers, V mixers, dough mixers, pasta mixers, and used likwifiers. Our used mixers include HOBART planetary mixers, HOBART bowl mixers, DAY Pony mixers, BREDDO likwifiers, as well as other brands and varieties.

FAQ :

Are old commercial mixers worth buying?

Older commercial mixers are often worth buying, sometimes significantly so. Commercial-grade machines are built to a standard that most modern equipment struggles to match, and many units from brands like Hobart, Day, and Ross were designed for decades of continuous production use. A well-maintained Hobart bowl mixer or planetary mixer from the 1980s or 1990s can still perform reliably in a commercial kitchen or food manufacturing facility today. The mechanical simplicity of many older designs actually works in the buyer's favor, since parts are often still available and repairs are straightforward for a qualified technician.

The value of an older mixer depends heavily on its condition, brand, capacity, and how it was used. A 80-quart Hobart bowl mixer that spent its life in a low-volume bakery is a very different purchase than the same model that ran three shifts a day in an industrial plant. Buyers should ask about usage history, request any available maintenance records, and arrange an inspection before purchasing. Used mixers are sold as-is, so the burden of evaluating condition falls on the buyer. That said, for buyers who do their homework and select equipment from a reputable dealer, an older commercial mixer can represent excellent value compared to buying a comparable machine at full price.

What should I look for when buying a used mixer?

The most important factors to evaluate are the mixer's mechanical condition, its history of use, and whether it suits the specific production demands you have in mind. Start with the motor: listen for unusual grinding, humming, or rattling during operation, which can signal worn bearings or gear damage. Check that the machine moves smoothly through all speed settings without hesitation or surging. On planetary and bowl mixers, inspect the bowl, agitator attachments, and the bowl lift or head mechanism for cracks, excessive wear, or damage. On ribbon blenders and double-arm mixers, look at the paddle or blade condition and the integrity of the seals.

Beyond the mechanical inspection, ask the dealer about the machine's prior application. A mixer used in pharmaceutical or sanitary food production may have been cleaned and maintained to a higher standard than one from a general manufacturing environment. Confirm that the electrical specifications match your facility's power supply, since many industrial mixers run on three-phase power that not every facility has available. Dealers will typically accommodate in-person inspections or provide detailed video walkthroughs of the equipment so buyers can assess condition before committing. Since used mixers are sold as-is, a thorough inspection is the buyer's primary protection, making it worth investing the time before any purchase.

What are the most trusted brands in the used mixer market?

Hobart is widely considered the gold standard for used commercial mixers, particularly planetary mixers and bowl mixers used in food service and bakery production. Hobart machines are known for their heavy-duty construction, long service life, and the continued availability of replacement parts and service support. Other well-regarded brands in the used market include Ross (known for planetary and vacuum mixers used in cosmetics and specialty food manufacturing), Day (a longtime manufacturer of pony mixers and ribbon blenders used across food and chemical processing), Breddo (particularly for likwifiers used in liquid blending), and Lightnin (for portable and clamp-on agitators). Patterson Kelley is frequently sought after for twin-shell blenders used in pharmaceutical and powder applications.

Brand reputation matters in the used equipment market for a practical reason: machines from established manufacturers are more likely to have parts and technical support still available. Before purchasing any used mixer, it is worth contacting the manufacturer directly to understand what service support, replacement parts, and documentation are available for that specific model and age of machine. Older or discontinued models may have limited support, which affects long-term ownership costs. Selecting a dealer who specializes in food and industrial processing equipment, and who carries inventory from recognized manufacturers, reduces the risk of ending up with a machine that is difficult or expensive to maintain.

What types of used mixers are available for industrial and food manufacturing use?

The used mixer market covers a wide range of machine types designed for specific mixing applications. Planetary mixers and bowl mixers are among the most common, used extensively in bakery, food service, and commercial kitchen settings. Ribbon blenders and double ribbon blenders handle dry and semi-dry blending in food, chemical, and pharmaceutical production. Pony mixers are a popular choice for liquid and semi-liquid applications in food manufacturing, available in capacities ranging from 40 gallons up to 125 gallons or more. Vertical cutter mixers, such as the Hobart VCM series, combine cutting and mixing functions and are widely used in institutional food production. For more specialized applications, buyers can find double-arm sigma blade mixers, V blenders, double cone blenders, tumbling mixers, homogenizing mixers, and dual-shaft vacuum mixers.

Capacity is one of the most critical selection factors. Bowl mixers for commercial kitchens are commonly available in 20-quart, 40-quart, 60-quart, 80-quart, and 140-quart sizes. Industrial ribbon blenders and pony mixers are measured in cubic feet or gallons, with units ranging from a few cubic feet up to 160 cubic feet or more for large-scale production. Buyers should match the mixer type and capacity to their actual production volume and material characteristics, since using an undersized or mismatched machine leads to poor results and accelerated wear. Consulting with a dealer who carries a broad inventory across multiple mixer categories is the most efficient way to identify the right machine for a given application.

How long do commercial mixers typically last?

Commercial mixers are built for sustained heavy-duty use, and with proper maintenance many machines remain in service for 20 years or more. Hobart planetary and bowl mixers in particular are well known in the food service industry for their longevity, with older models from the 1970s and 1980s still found in working condition today. Industrial mixers from manufacturers like Ross, Day, and Patterson Kelley are similarly built to a standard that supports long operational life, provided the machines receive regular lubrication, seal replacements, and timely attention to worn components.

Actual lifespan varies considerably based on how hard the machine was run and how well it was maintained. A mixer used in continuous three-shift production will accumulate wear much faster than one used a few hours a day in a smaller operation. This is why usage history is such an important factor when evaluating a used machine. Buyers should ask dealers about the machine's prior production environment and, where possible, request any available service or maintenance records. Even without documentation, a careful inspection of gear condition, motor performance, and wear on contact surfaces can give a good indication of how much useful life remains. The durability of commercial equipment is precisely what makes the used market viable, since machines that have been well cared for can deliver many more years of productive service.

Do used mixers come with a warranty?

Used mixers are typically sold as-is, without a warranty. Warranties on industrial and commercial equipment are generally offered only by the original equipment manufacturer on machines sold directly through authorized channels. Once a machine enters the secondary market, those manufacturer warranties have usually expired or are no longer transferable. This is standard practice across the used machinery industry, not something specific to any one dealer or equipment type.

Because there is no warranty protection, the inspection process becomes especially important for buyers. Reputable used equipment dealers will accommodate in-person inspections, virtual walkthroughs, or detailed video reviews of machines so buyers can assess condition before purchasing. Some equipment may still be installed and running at a production facility, which provides an opportunity to observe the machine under actual operating conditions. Buyers should also contact the manufacturer of any machine they are considering to understand what level of technical support, parts availability, and documentation still exists for that model. Selecting a dealer with a long track record of selling machinery in your specific industry is one of the most reliable ways to reduce risk when purchasing used equipment without warranty coverage.

What attachments and accessories should come with a used mixer?

For planetary and bowl mixers, the standard attachments to look for include the mixing bowl, a dough hook, a flat beater or paddle, and a wire whip. On larger commercial models like the Hobart 80-quart or 140-quart machines, a bowl dolly or bowl truck is a practical accessory that simplifies handling. Some machines are sold with additional specialty attachments such as pastry knives or vegetable slicers, though these are not always included. Buyers should confirm exactly which attachments are included with any specific listing before purchasing, since sourcing individual attachments separately can be costly.

For industrial mixers like ribbon blenders, pony mixers, or double-arm mixers, the relevant accessories vary by machine type. Key items to verify include the presence of the mixing paddles, agitators, or blades in good condition, as well as any covers, discharge valves, or jacketing connections that are part of the machine's design. On vacuum mixers, the condition of seals and vacuum fittings is particularly important to confirm. Dealers who specialize in processing equipment can clarify what is included with each machine and help buyers understand what, if anything, would need to be sourced separately to put the equipment into production. Getting a clear inventory of included components before finalizing a purchase avoids unexpected costs after the machine arrives.

How does the inspection process work when buying a used mixer?

Used equipment dealers typically offer buyers the option to inspect machines in person, through a virtual video call, or via detailed video recordings of the equipment. The goal of any inspection is to get an accurate picture of the machine's current mechanical condition and operational status. For in-person inspections, a buyer or their technician can physically examine the mixer, check for wear on gears and bearings, test speed transitions, listen for unusual motor noise, and assess the condition of bowls, blades, seals, and other contact parts. When a machine is still installed at a production facility, it may be possible to observe it running under actual production conditions, which provides a higher level of confidence.

It is worth understanding that most used equipment dealers do not have the permitting or infrastructure to run actual product through a machine during a demonstration. They can typically run the mixer unloaded to confirm mechanical function, but testing with actual ingredients or materials is generally not possible in a dealer's facility. Buyers with specific performance requirements should factor this into their evaluation process and may want to involve a qualified technician who is familiar with the specific machine type. Asking detailed questions about the machine's prior application, the conditions under which it was decommissioned, and any known issues is an important part of the process. A thorough inspection, combined with selecting a dealer with industry-specific expertise, gives buyers the best foundation for a sound purchasing decision.

What are typical shipping and rigging costs for used mixers?

Shipping costs for used mixers vary significantly depending on the size and weight of the machine, the distance being shipped, and the level of packaging or crating required to protect the equipment in transit. Smaller machines like bench-top planetary mixers or portable clamp-on agitators can often be palletized and shipped via standard freight carriers at relatively modest cost. Larger industrial mixers, such as 100-gallon pony mixers, ribbon blenders measured in cubic feet, or heavy bowl mixers, require more substantial crating and may need specialized freight handling.

For large or heavy machines, rigging costs for loading at the dealer's location and unloading at the buyer's facility are an additional expense that buyers should account for when calculating the total landed cost of the equipment. Heavy-duty rigging typically involves forklifts or cranes and is priced separately from freight. Buyers should ask dealers for a full breakdown of packaging, rigging, and freight costs before finalizing a purchase so there are no surprises. Payment for used equipment is generally required in full prior to shipment, which is standard practice in the used machinery industry. Getting a clear picture of all costs involved, from the machine price through to delivery and installation, is essential for accurate budgeting.

What is the difference between a planetary mixer and a ribbon blender?

A planetary mixer operates with an agitator that rotates on its own axis while simultaneously orbiting around the center of a fixed bowl, similar to the way a planet moves around the sun. This motion is effective for mixing batters, doughs, creams, and other food products where thorough incorporation of ingredients is needed. Planetary mixers are common in bakery, food service, and some pharmaceutical applications, and they are available in sizes ranging from small countertop units of 12 to 20 quarts up to large floor-standing commercial models of 80 quarts, 140 quarts, and beyond. Hobart is the most recognized manufacturer of planetary bowl mixers in the food industry.

A ribbon blender uses a horizontal trough with a central shaft that carries inner and outer helical ribbons or paddles. The ribbons move material in opposite directions simultaneously, creating a gentle but thorough blending action well suited to dry powders, granules, and some semi-moist materials. Ribbon blenders are widely used in food processing, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production, and they are available in capacities measured in cubic feet, with industrial units ranging from a few cubic feet to over 100 cubic feet. The two machine types serve fundamentally different applications, and selecting the right one depends on the physical properties of the material being mixed, the desired batch size, and the production process. A dealer with a broad inventory across both categories can help buyers identify the most appropriate machine for their specific needs.