![](https://www.apachestainless.com/wp-content/uploads/Mepaco4web-Nobckgrnd.png")
Mixer-Cooker
Mepaco® Mixer Cookers are a flexible thermal processing solution designed for applications without burn‑on challenges. Each system is engineered and customized to meet specific production goals, delivering reliable performance across a wide range of food processing applications.
Contact Us
The Mixer Cooker plays a critical role in achieving homogeneous batch consistency and efficient large‑scale cooking, in applications with no burn-on challenges.
Key Technologies
Heat Jacket
Hot water circulates through the jacket to transfer heat evenly to the product inside the Mixer Cooker. The jacket design minimizes heat loss while maintaining a uniform and consistent cooking temperature.
For enhanced energy efficiency, some processors choose hot water with indirect steam heating.
Thermal Screw
The Thermal Screw delivers gentle, uniform blending, making it ideal for applications with high particulate content. By maximizing contact between the product and the heat source, it ensures consistent thermal transfer throughout the batch.
- Dual thermal screw configurations are recommended for thick or dense products
- Single thermal screw configurations are commonly used for sauces, soup bases, and other low‑viscosity products
Steam Injection
Direct Steam Injection (DSI) is available for recipes that can accept added moisture. When used appropriately, direct steam significantly increases cooking efficiency.
Applications & Process Considerations
Product characteristics and processing requirements determine whether a Mixer Cooker is the optimal solution.
- For operations requiring multiple processes in a single unit, such as cooking and cooling, the ThermaBlend is engineered to safely manage drastic temperature changes.
- If scraping is required to prevent burn‑on, a Mepaco ThermaBlend® Cooker is recommended due to its wrap‑around jacket design.
Common Mixer Cooker Applications
- Batch cooking and mixing of fresh or frozen proteins, grains, vegetables, and liquids
- Controlled steam cooking for moisture‑tolerant recipes, including starchy foods
- Production of sauces, soups, and gravies with consistent texture and flavor
- Processing of pastes and spreads to ensure uniformity
- Pet food processing, delivering proper blending, consistency, and nutritional control
Customization Options
Mepaco Mixer Cookers are highly customizable to support specific process requirements:
- Custom gasketed covers
- Reversible agitators
- Variable speed control
- Serpentine liquid jackets
- Multi‑step control packages with recipe management
- Storage and data acquisition
- HMI (Human Machine Interface)
- Safety guarding and locking mechanisms
- Direct Steam Injection (DSI)
- Pneumatic discharge doors, valves, or pumps
- CIP (Clean‑In‑Place) assist and spray balls
- Electropolished food contact surfaces
Frequently Asked Questions
The options are Cryogen (CO2 or N2), vacuum cooling or cooling jacket. The Mepaco team will design the option that meets your needs and fits into your operations.
If scraping is required to prevent burn‑on, a Mepaco ThermaBlend® Cooker is recommended due to its wrap‑around jacket design.
Dual thermal screw configurations are recommended for thick or dense products
Single thermal screw configurations are commonly used for sauces, soup bases, and other low‑viscosity products
The Apache Advantage for Mepaco
Mepaco equipment gains expanded strength through Apache Stainless, adding contract manufacturing, Service 360 lifecycle support, dedicated transport, and food processing vessels for integrated solutions beyond the machine on every line.
Dedicated field service, ASME R-stamp repairs, and audit contracts to protect and extend the life of your vessel.
Specialized air-ride transportation for safe, timely, door-to-door delivery of even the most oversized and high-value equipment.
In-house passivation, pickling, and electropolishing to guarantee the precise corrosion resistance and hygienic finish required.