Plastic vs. Metal Malt Collars
Why plastic is the better choice for your mixer, cups and operation
A malt collar should help contain the product—not damage the equipment used to make it or the shake cups.
Metal malt collars create the possibility of metal-on-metal contact with the mixer shaft and spinner. Published equipment manuals warn that this contact can wear mixer components, sharpen spinner edges and result in damaged cups.
PlasTech manufactures durable plastic malt collars for commercial shake and frozen-dessert operations. Our collars eliminate the damaging metal-on-metal contact associated with metal collars while helping operators reduce splashing and keep production moving.
*Equipment recommendations vary by model. Always follow the operating and safety instructions provided for your specific mixer.
Equipment Manuals Warn Against Metal Malt Collars
This information was recently brought to our attention by a PlasTech customer, and we verified it in published customer equipment manuals.
Metal contact can wear the mixer shaft
Verified User Manual instructs operators to use paper or plastic mixing containers. It warns that contact between the rotating shaft and metal containers or malt collars can cause the shaft to wear and break.
“Use only paper or plastic mixing containers.”
Metal collars can contribute to cut cups
Verified User Manual identifies metal malt collars or metal cups as a cause of sharp spinner edges that cut the sides of cups. The recommended remedy is to use a plastic malt collar and replace the damaged spinner.
“Use only plastic malt collar. Replace spinner.”
Why Commercial Operators Choose Plastic
Protect mixer components
Plastic avoids the metal-on-metal contact that equipment manuals associate with shaft wear, spinner damage and potential component failure.
Help prevent cup damage
Metal contact can sharpen spinner edges over time. A damaged spinner may cut through the side of a paper or plastic shake cup, creating product loss, cleanup and service delays.
Lightweight and operator-friendly
Plastic malt collars are lighter and easier for employees to handle throughout a busy shift.
Built for commercial use
PlasTech malt collars are manufactured in the USA for restaurants, ice cream shops, frozen-dessert operations and foodservice distributors.
Plastic vs. Metal at a Glance
| Consideration | PlasTech Plastic Malt Collar | Metal Malt Collar |
|---|---|---|
| Mixer Contact | Avoids metal-on-metal contact with mixer components. | Can come into contact with the metal shaft or spinner. |
| Equipment Protection | Helps protect the mixer shaft and spinner from damaging metal contact. | Many equipment manuals warn that metal contact can contribute to shaft wear and spinner damage. |
| Cup Protection | Helps avoid conditions that can lead to damaged or cut cups. | Metal collars are identified as a possible cause of sharpened spinner edges that cut cups. |
| Handling | Lightweight and easy for employees to handle. | Can be heavier and more rigid. |
| Available Options | Multiple sizes and colors available. | Options vary by supplier. |
| Manufacturing | Made in the USA. | Country of origin varies. |