N50

Overview

The Hobart N50 is a 5-quart countertop mixer for commercial food preparation. Hobart lists a 5-quart capacity, also stated as 5.6 liters on its Canadian product information. The mixer has a 1/6 HP motor, a gear transmission with three fixed speeds and a manual bowl lift. Standard equipment includes the bowl, beater, whip, dough hook, cord and plug.

The N50 is intended for all-purpose mixing in small batches. The specification sheet gives recommended maximum capacities for products including bread or roll dough, cake, cookies, mashed potatoes, waffle batter, mayonnaise and whipped cream. These are capacity recommendations for particular recipes and agitators, not a single batch limit for every mixture.

Key Features

• Three fixed speeds: Low, intermediate and high speeds support different mixing tasks. The agitator speeds are 136, 281 and 580 RPM.
• Gear-driven transmission: The Hobart specification sheet describes an all-gear transmission for positive drive under heavy loads.
• Manual bowl lift: The bowl lift is manually operated and self-locks in its top and bottom positions.
• Standard #10 attachment hub: The front-mounted hub accepts #10-size attachments. Do not use the hub while mixing.
• Included mixing equipment: Standard equipment includes a bowl, flat beater, wire whip and dough hook. The Canadian product information identifies the bowl as stainless steel and lists a B flat beater, D wire whip and E dough hook; the specification sheet labels the dough hook ED.
• Controls: Large, easy-to-reach controls include an on-off switch and a mechanically interlocked transmission shift handle.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart N50.
• Type: 5-quart all-purpose countertop mixer.
• Bowl capacity: 5 quarts; Hobart Canada also states 5.6 liters.
• Motor: 1/6 HP, Hobart motor, ventilated, sleeve bearing, drip-proof enclosure.
• Transmission: Gear-driven, three-speed transmission; the specification sheet describes three variable frequency drive gear transmission and three fixed speeds.
• Agitator speeds: First/low, 136 RPM; second/intermediate, 281 RPM; third/high, 580 RPM.
• Attachment speeds: First/low, 60 RPM; second/intermediate, 124 RPM; third/high, 255 RPM.
• Electrical rating: 100–120 V, 60 Hz, single phase: 2.9 A. 230 V, 50 Hz, single phase: 1.4 A.
• Other available electrical configurations: 100 V, 50 Hz; 220 V, 60 Hz; and 230 V, 60 Hz. The specification sheet notes these configurations are not submitted for UL listing.
• Plug and service information: The sheet lists 15 A service current for 120/60/1 and 230/60/1 plug-connected machines. It lists a NEMA 5-15P plug for 120/60/1 and a NEMA 6-15P plug for 230/60/1. Plug and receptacle selection is dependent on local power codes.
• Controls: Single-pole, toggle-type switch, mechanically interlocked with the transmission shift handle; automatic circuit breaker with manual reset.
• Bowl lift: Manual, ergonomic-style lift that self-locks in the top and bottom positions.
• Attachment hub: Front-mounted Hobart standard #10 taper attachment hub.
• Finish: Hobart Gray hybrid powder coat.
• Standard equipment: Bowl, beater, whip, dough hook, cord and plug.
• Certification stated in the specification sheet: NSF rated. The sheet also states that the 100–120/60/1 configuration is UL listed for residential and commercial use.
• Warranty stated in the specification sheet: One year on parts, labour and mileage against manufacturer’s defects; service contracts are available.

Installation & Requirements

After unpacking, check the mixer for shipping damage. If damage is found, the manual instructs the recipient to retain the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery. Before installation, test the electrical service to confirm that it agrees with the specifications on the machine data plate.

Set the mixer on a sturdy, level surface with enough room to operate the controls and install or remove the bowl. The mixer is supplied with a cord and plug. The manual specifies that its three-prong grounding plug must be connected to a properly grounded receptacle. Do not remove the grounding prong; if the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, the manual directs the user to contact an electrician. Electrical and grounding connections must follow applicable codes. Confirm the machine’s voltage and frequency on its data plate rather than assuming that every N50 has the same electrical configuration.

Operation

Use the on-off switch to start and stop the mixer. Stop the machine before changing speed: switch it off, move the gear shift lever to the required speed, then switch it back on. The shift mechanism prevents moving the lever while the mixer is on and prevents starting the mixer when the lever is between gears.

• First speed, low: For heavy mixtures such as bread dough, heavy batters and potatoes.
• Second speed, intermediate: For light dough that must rise quickly, cake batters and some whipping operations.
• Third speed, high: For light work such as whipping cream, beating eggs and mixing thin batters.

Raise and lower the bowl with the bowl lift handle. Install the bowl before the agitator. To fit the bowl, lower the bowl support fully, place the bowl so its rear alignment bracket sits in the bowl retainer, fit the front alignment pins into the holes on the bowl sides, and rotate the bowl clamps over the bowl ears to lock it in place. With the bowl installed and fully lowered, place the agitator in the bowl, push it onto the agitator shaft and turn it clockwise until the shaft pin seats in the slot in the agitator shank.

To use an attachment in the hub, loosen the thumb screw and remove the plug. Insert the attachment with its square shank in the mixer’s square driver, tighten the thumb screw, select the required speed and start the mixer. The manual says to operate the meat and food chopper attachment in second or third speed. The attachment hub must not be used while mixing. Keep hands, clothing and utensils out of the bowl while the beater is moving.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Unplug the power cord before cleaning or maintenance. The manual calls for thorough daily cleaning. Remove the bowl and agitators and wash them in a sink; do not clean the mixer with a hose. Wipe the mixer with a clean, damp cloth. Remove the drip cup periodically and wipe it clean.

For new bowls and agitators, including beaters, whips and dough arms, the manual instructs users to wash them thoroughly with hot water and a mild soap solution, rinse with a mild soda or vinegar solution, then rinse thoroughly with clear water before putting them into service. Follow the same procedure before whipping egg whites or whole eggs.

Remove the agitator spring for cleaning by slipping its lower end under the agitator pin and unscrewing it counterclockwise. Reinstall it by reversing the procedure, ensuring all coils are above the agitator pin. Do not operate agitators without the spring in place.

Lubricate the bowl lift slideways twice a year. Apply a light coat of Lubriplate 630AA to all three surfaces of both slideways. For service, the manual directs users to contact a local Hobart Service Office.

Troubleshooting

If the mixer stalls while using the meat or food chopper because material is stuck in the cylinder, stop the mixer at once. Do not try to restart it at a lower speed. Remove the adjusting ring, knife, plate and worm, then clear the obstruction. The manual also cautions that the meat and food chopper attachment must not be used to chop bread crumbs.

If the mixer will not start with the shift lever between gears, move the lever to a selected speed. The manual explains that the interlock prevents the switch from turning on while the lever is between gears. Stop the mixer before changing speeds.

Applications

The Hobart N50 capacity chart gives the following recommended maximum capacities. Dough figures are based on water at 70°F (21°C) and flour moisture of 12%; dough capacity depends on moisture content. The chart identifies 60% absorption-ratio bread or roll dough for first speed. It advises reducing batch size by 10% when using high-gluten flour, reducing batch size by 10% when using ice, and never using second speed for products at 50% absorption ratio or lower.

• Egg whites: D whip, 1/2 pint (0.3 L).
• Mashed potatoes: B beater, 3 lb (2 kg).
• Mayonnaise, quantity of oil: B beater or D whip, 1 1/2 quarts (1.4 L).
• Meringue, quantity of water: D whip, 1/4 pint (0.1 L).
• Waffle or hot cake batter: B beater, 2 quarts (2 kg).
• Whipped cream: D whip, 3 pints (2 kg).
• Angel food cake, 8–10 oz cake: D whip, 2 lb (0.6 kg).
• Box or slab cake: B beater, 4 lb (2 kg).
• Cupcake, layer or pound cake: B beater, 3 lb (2 kg) each.
• Sponge cake: C agitator, 2 lb (1 kg).
• Sugar cookies: B beater, 3 lb (2 kg).
• Light-to-medium bread or roll dough: ED dough hook, 4 lb (2 kg), at 60% absorption ratio; first speed.
• Pie dough: B beater, 3 lb (2 kg).
• Eggs and sugar for sponge cake: B beater, 2 lb (1 kg).
• Fondant icing: B beater, 2 lb (1 kg).
• Marshmallow icing: D whip, 1/2 lb (0.2 kg).
• Creamed shortening and sugar: B beater, 3 lb (2 kg).

The specification sheet lists stainless steel bowls, aluminum or stainless steel B flat beaters, a D wire whip and an ED dough hook as available accessories. It identifies these as accessories available at extra cost.