What should a bulk material hopper be like?

What is a skip?

A mixing trough is a container made of stainless steel or plastic in which minced meat is mixed with spices, additives or other ingredients. This mixing process can continue until the sausage meat, which has been passed through the meat grinder, forms a uniform mass.

Skips are available in a range of materials and designs, for example with or without a frame.

What are the advantages of using a mixing trough?

Food producers, in particular, rely on these large mixing tubs. They have a large capacity and are easy to clean. Some models are fitted with castors, allowing the tub to be moved easily around the premises. Nothing sticks to the smooth walls made of stainless steel or robust plastic – no bits of meat, no crumbs of seasoning and not a single drop of fat. Just grab a damp cloth, give the bowl a quick wipe, and it’s ready for its next use.

Whether stainless steel or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), both materials are food-safe and therefore ideally suited for use in the food industry. Plastic mixing troughs are lighter in weight than their stainless steel counterparts. On the other hand, steel troughs do not discolour after frequent contact with spices, meat and the like.

Your staff can fill a mixing trough with meat at temperatures between -30 and +40 degrees Celsius. For short periods, mixing troughs can also withstand temperatures of up to 90 degrees. What capacity should your new mixing trough have? There are spherical and semi-cylindrical containers available with the following capacities:

• 70 litres

• 150 litres

• 200 litres

• 300 litres

It doesn’t matter whether you’re manufacturing in a small family business or a large corporation. The bulk hoppers can handle it all.

And now for the most important question: What characteristics must a bulk container have?

In addition to the features mentioned above, a mixing trough should be stable. A frame, perhaps fitted with swivel castors, helps with this. These give the meat-mixing aid the necessary flexibility and manoeuvrability. Do you need to move the well-filled trough to the spice rack, or do you need to add more meat? No problem: thanks to the handle and the smooth-running wheels, the mixing trough can be moved comfortably from A to B – without any physical effort and without the risk of injury that would otherwise arise from lifting and carrying heavy weights incorrectly. Once at their destination, staff can easily and securely lock the mixing trough’s wheels using brakes and locking mechanisms – no more rolling or slipping away!

If you would prefer a static storage bin for your business, you can use wall-mounted racks and fixings. This ensures the bin remains firmly in place and can be quickly found and used by anyone.

Another aspect of the design of mixing bowls is the drain: freshly defrosted meat loses a lot of water very quickly. To ensure that mixing it with spices or additives does not become a messy business, excess water, oil and fat can drain away through an opening in the base of the mixing bowl. On some models, this drain is sealed with a screw cap. The drain is slightly recessed, easy to clean and therefore particularly hygienic.

Does Ehlert supply mixing troughs for food production?

Yes! In Ehlert’s online shop, you’ll find a wide range of business equipment, including Bulk bins. Other articles we have in store for you include:

• Machinery and tools – from small pocket knives to large meat-trimming and slicing machines

• Clothing – because we believe it matters what your staff wear to work

• Spices, herbs, foods and ingredients – they add that extra zing to your products

• Cleaning aids – deep-cleaning that really gets to the HACCP plan accordingly

• Packaging – securely tied and well packed

• Casings – natural and synthetic casings for tasty sausages

• Everything to do with the bar, tables and buffet

Ehlert is your number one point of contact when it comes to high-quality, suitable equipment for your business. And when it comes to news from the food industry, we – and therefore you too – are always up to date.

Just take a look at our Blog.