A mixer is a very good tool in the kitchen. It can get the job of mixing ingredients faster and with consistency that will give you the best results. You should definitely get a mixer, but the real question is what kind of mixer should you get?
First, you have to determine what job you want to use it for. If you are going to use it for simple and easy baking, more like day to day baking or cooking, a hand mixer can be good enough. But if you are a baker then a stand mixer would be more convenient and functional for you.
Second, determine your budget. Are you on a tight budget? Mixers can get pricey and you don’t want to just settle for something that won’t satisfy your need for it. Prices range from $30 – $500 for hand and stand mixers, so decide on this. Check out our complete buyers guide on handheld and stand mixers to get the full overview!
Hand Mixers
To those who are just setting up their kitchen and have to be in a particular budget starts out with a hand mixer.
It’s considered as a basic kitchenware which actually does a good job of mixing ingredients for a cake thoroughly. Usually it comes with a standard beater or whisk.
Features
- The most basic hand mixers have the following features
- Beater ejector lever
- Speed control
- Handle
- Stainless steel whisks
Advantages
- Doesn’t take that much space in your kitchen and it pretty fit in your drawer neatly.
- There is no limit of how much ingredients to mix up since you can use a different basin to mix in.
- It’s portable and easy to move from one place or mix from one bowl to another.
- Easy to clean up, only the whisk and beaters are needed to be cleaned.
- It is not pricey.
- It’s light and perfect for holding for 5-10 minutes.
Disadvantages
Like any other mixers, you have to scrape the sides of your bowl to thoroughly mix your ingredients.
- You can only use this for small kitchen jobs.
- There’s a limited power unlike stand mixers that is made for larger mixing jobs.
- You won’t be able to multi-task while mixing ingredients with the hand mixer since you have to handle it.
- Limited speed and power thus limit functionality.
Stand Mixers
A stand mixer is usually an upgrade from hand mixer users. Particularly because it can be pricey and for someone who is just starting out a kitchen, the price is above their budget.
It works similar to a hand mixer but with more power thus getting more work done faster.
Features
- Bowl
- Splash guard
- Whisks, dough hooks, and a flat beater
- Motor
- Tilt head design
- Auto shut-off
- Extra functionality (pasta, sausage maker, meat grinder etc)
Advantages
- You can leave all the ingredients in the bowl when mixing while you multi-task
- Mixes faster because it has so much more power than the hand mixer
- Some mixers have extra functionality like pasta, sausage maker or meat grinder
- More consistent in mixing because of power feature
Disadvantages
- Might take up space in your kitchen
- Capacity depends on the size of the bowl
- Can be a bit pricey
Conclusion: So A Hand Mixer Or A Stand Mixer?
Hand mixers are easy to use, can get daily baking jobs done and doesn’t cost a lot. This is particularly helpful for those who are just starting to set up their own kitchen. While stand mixers are great because of its added functionality, it can also get so pricey. If you have cash and looking to bake more, have a family or perhaps set up a small shop of pastries in the future, save up your money for a stand mixer immediately.
Get more advice and tips on allkitchen.net.