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Is a Stand Mixer Worth It: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying One

There are always new devices hitting the market that are designed to make our lives easier, especially for someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen. Stand mixers have been a topic of debate amongst home chefs and professional chefs alike, and the main question being, “Is a stand mixer worth it?” As a kitchen tool that is far more expensive than manual mixers, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions to know if investing in a stand mixer is worth it.

How Often Are You in the Kitchen?

First and foremost, you’re going to need to ask yourself how often you really bake or have the need for a mixer because if you’re only in need of one once a month or once a year, spending the money on a stand mixer might not be the ideal decision.

On the opposite side, if you’re the designated family member to make every birthday cake or that always makes special batches of baked goods for extracurricular activities, you should definitely buy a stand mixer as soon as possible.

For people who don’t really have an interest in baking or who make meals that can be beaten together with a traditional whisk, there’s no point in spending over a hundred dollars for a stand mixer; you’d be better off with a hand mixer.

What Type of Things Do You Bake?

It’s also important to think about what you typically mix together because one of the most iconic features of a stand mixer is that it has a lot of power under the hood to tackle ingredients that are tough to work with. For example, you can knead dough inside of a stand mixer instead of doing it with your hands.

If you’re someone who generally works with liquid ingredients, a hand mixer will work well, but if you use heavy and thick ingredients, a hand mixer will easily get overwhelmed, and you’ll burn out the motor.

Do You Want to Save Time while Baking?

The easiest way to figure out if a stand mixer is worth it is to think about the amount of time you’re going to save. You surely will spend more money on the appliance than you would on a hand mixer or a manual whisk. However, time is money, and the less time you spend in the kitchen, the more time you can spend with friends and family.

Stand mixers are well-known for getting the job done quickly, which is one of the main reasons as to why people decide to buy them. Instead of having to add all the ingredients and then mix them by hand, you finally can let a machine to do all the tough work for you. This allows you to move freely around the kitchen without having to keep an eye on the mixer while it’s doing its job.

How Much Space Do You Have in the Kitchen?

The vast majority of stand mixers are typically large, which means you’re either going to need to have enough space in your cabinets or on your countertop. With that being said, you can find plenty of mixers that are very aesthetically pleasing and can easily be displayed on your counter, which only adds to the comfortable feeling of your kitchen.

Compared to hand mixers where you’d easily be able to stow them away in your under-the-counter storage. It’s also important to remember that stand mixers are going to be heavier than other mixing equipment you may have in your home, which can make them tough for the elderly to use and maneuver around the kitchen.

Ideally, you’re going to want to choose a single space for storing the mixer so that you don’t have to pick it up and carry it around when you’re ready to start baking.

What Is Your Budget for Kitchen Appliances?

As mentioned, it’s also important to take your budget into account when you start wondering, “Is a stand mixer worth it?” This is because these devices are far more expensive than other small appliances that you might have around your home simply because they help to make cooking easier than ever before.

On average, a stand mixer can cost anywhere from $150 to over $400, depending on the features you’re going to be looking for. If you’re looking for a mixer that is simply going to work with basic ingredients, you can choose a lower-end model that offers convenience, whereas if you need a heavy-duty mixer, you’re going to need to be prepared to spend closer to $300 to $400.

What Features Would You Be Interested in Having?

Many people believe stand mixers are a one-purpose tool, but there are plenty of tasks that they can do for you. Not only do they mix ingredients, but they can also knead any dough, whisk liquids quickly, and more.

Depending on the mixer you choose, you may also be able to find additional attachments for specialty recipes. For example, some popular mixers have attachments for peeling fruits and vegetables so that they can be added to different recipes.

Before you settle on a single-stand mixer, it’s best that you make a list of the things that you’d need to use on a regular basis in order to make sure you’re making the right decision. The last thing you’d want is to invest in an expensive appliance only to have it sit in the corner of your kitchen for months without use.

Is a Stand Mixer Worth It? We’d Say So!

There’s nothing more valuable than being able to save time in the kitchen, especially if you’re preparing for a big and important event. With the help of a stand mixer, you won’t have to worry about monitoring every single step of the baking process, helping you to get more done in far less time.

Although they are more expensive than other tools you may own, they are well worth the cost, and you’ll immediately realize just how convenient they are after you use one for the first time. It’s time to revolutionize the way you bake by relying on a high-quality mixer that does all the hard jobs for you, saving you time but most importantly, helping you to enjoy spending time in the kitchen.

Best Commercial Stand Mixers for Professional and Personal Kitchens

Commercial stand mixers are easily adaptable to a variety of cooking styles, regardless if you own a professional kitchen or if you’re doing your annual holiday baking. However, there are several things to look out for when you’re on the hunt for the best commercial stand mixer, such as power, convenience, user-friendly features, and reliability. Hence, we’ve collected the top three mixers you can buy that are easy to use at home and in commercial kitchens.

Best Commercial Stand Mixer Reviews

1. KitchenAid KP26M1XCE

Whenever KitchenAid manufactures a new small appliance, homeowners always flock to their closest home goods store to buy it. The KitchenAid KP26M1XCE is no different, as it offers an elevated cooking experience that certainly saves you time and effort, not to mention that it’s also affordable when compared to other professional-grade stand mixers.

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Features

A few of the most interesting features of the KitchenAid KP26M1XCE include:

Available in multiple colors: There are 30 different color combinations that you can choose from when you’re considering this stand mixer, which makes it quite easy to fit into the aesthetic of your kitchen or to be the focal point of your countertops.
10-speed setting: With 10 different speeds that you can choose from, you’ll be able to work with any material ranging from liquids to solids without having to worry about making a mess.
575-watt motor: Aside from the speed settings, the intense power produced by the 575-watt motor is ideal for working with tougher ingredients, such as dough.
Six-quart mixing bowl: You’ll no longer have to worry about buying additional baking tools, such as mixing bowls, as the KitchenAid KP26M1XCE comes equipped with its own six-quart bowl.
Auto shut-off: With the help of the electronic speed sensor, if the stand mixer realizes that it’s spinning too quickly or if the motor is experiencing too much strain, it will automatically shut off to preserve the integrity of its inner components.
Soft start: Gone are the days where you’d start up your stand mixer only to have half of your ingredients splatter across your kitchen, as the soft start function slowly starts the mixer.
Multiple accessories included: You’ll not only be able to benefit from the use of the mixing bowl, but with the KitchenAid KP26M1XCE, you also receive a spiral dough hook, pouring shield, burnished flat beater, and a wire whip as well.

Pros:

Cuts baking time in half
Incredibly easy to use
Aesthetically pleasing and easy to display on the counter

Cons:

Heavy and bulky
Very loud while in use
Burnished flat beater and spiral dough hook aren’t dishwasher safe

2. Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer

If you’re looking for a stand mixer that has a design that you would think is quintessential to a professional kitchen, then the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer is one of your best options. It may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the KitchenAid model, but for professional kitchens, power is the most important thing.

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Features

Some of the most interesting features of the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer include:

High powered motor: Compared to the KitchenAid mixer, the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer is equipped with twice the power as it has a 1100W motor.
Included accessories: Not only will you receive the base unit, but you’ll also be able to use the professional-grade spiral dough hook, wire whip, and flat beater attachments.
30-quart mixing bowl: To make baking even easier without having to buy additional accessories, the 30-quart mixing bowl offers more than enough space for large batches of baked goods.
Stainless-steel attachments: For food safety and to make cleaning easier, all the attachments are constructed out of stainless steel.
Multi-speed drive: You might not have access to 10 different speed settings, but the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer is equipped with three different speeds that help you to work with a wide variety of ingredients including stuffing, eggs, and dry materials.

Pros:

Easy to use
Handles wet and dry ingredients well
The mixing bowl is large enough for multiple batches.

Cons:

Motor heats up quickly
The mixer is quite large and bulky

3. Kenmore Elite Ovation

For bakers and chefs who are looking for the best commercial stand mixer that minimizes splash-back and messes at the end of the day, the Kenmore Elite Ovation is a great option as it has plenty of features designed specifically to make the device far more user-friendly.

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Features

The most notable features of the Kenmore Elite Ovation include:

360-degree splash guard: The 360-degree splash guard is ideal for making sure that both wet and dry ingredients aren’t thrown around the kitchen. This piece is entirely removable; however, it’s recommended that you use it as it helps to minimize messes and makes the mixer safe for children to use.
Powerful motor: With a 500-watt motor, you can guarantee that you can work with plenty of different ingredients without having to worry about the motor burning out.
10-speed control: With 10 different speeds available to you, you can create a customized baking experience with the turn of a dial.
No-mess design: With the easy-grip five-quart mixing bowl, you’ll also be able to use the innovative no-mess design with the Kenmore Elite Ovation. The bowl has a pour-through top, which means that you can mix all your ingredients together and easily pour them into a baking sheet without any worry of messes.
Eight included attachments: Most of the included attachments are dishwasher-safe (except the hook, paddle, and whisk) and they’ll all prove to be quite useful. You will receive a dough hook, pouring-shield funnel, wire whisk, egg separator, flat beater, 360-degree splash guard, grater, and a separate lid for the mixing bowl.
Cookbook included: For a little bit of extra inspiration, be sure to use the included cookbook for 15 additional recipes that you can try out.

Pros:

Makes an average amount of noise
360-degree splash shield works well
Easy for kids to use

Cons:

Not recommended for small batches
Startup noise is loud
Not as powerful as other professional mixers

Verdict

There are two models to consider when it comes to finding the best stand mixer on the market, and those are the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer and the KitchenAid KP26M1XCE. If you’re working with a tight budget, you’re going to want to opt for the KitchenAid KP26M1XCE, which has plenty of great features, even though the included accessories are not dishwasher safe.

The KitchenAid KP26M1XCE offers 10 different speed settings, which makes it far easier to customize the power of the mixer to work with relatively anything that you have in your kitchen. Also, its aesthetic appearance is unmatched, which gives you the perfect combination of the power you’d expect from a commercial model and something that you can proudly display on your kitchen counter at home. We also love the auto shut-off feature which protects the motor from being overworked.

Compared to the KitchenAid KP26M1XCE, we have the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer, which comes with stainless-steel attachments that are easy to wash in the dishwasher. It also has twice as powerful of a motor, but it only offers three different speed settings which doesn’t give you much control. The mixing bowl of the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer is also larger than the one included with the KitchenAid model, which is great for making larger batches of treats.

Both commercial mixers have plenty of benefits you’ll appreciate, though the Happybuy Commercial Food Mixer is more powerful and is available for twice as much as the KitchenAid KP26M1XCE.

Why Are Stand Mixers So Expensive?

If you missed the memo that baking is back in fashion, then quite frankly you must have been living under a rock the last few years. There are television programs dedicated to creative and inventive baking skills, from the professionals to the amateurs. While on the high street there are artisanal style coffee shops popping up every week with their fresh baked spelt and barley batch loaves. Seems there is a lot of money in dough!

To really do the job justice, though, you need a Stand Mixer. While there are budget brands offering their own more wallet-friendly versions, overall it’s always a piece of kitchen equipment that comes with a premium price tag and is definitely a big purchase. So just why are stand mixers so expensive?

What Is It That Makes A Stand Mixer Expensive?

First and foremost, it’s all about their functionality and the superb engineering that goes into the standard units. The well-known brands like Kitchenaid and Kenwood perform way more than just the one task, and as such, they require a powerful motor to fulfill all the functions.

We are talking mixing, yes, but also grinding, kneading, and blending, as well as processing. The machine needs to be quality engineered and constructed to last in order to continue to deliver on its high-performance capabilities.

Stand Mixers also come with a wide assortment of attachments each designed to fulfill a specific function. Generally speaking, the more attachments you get, the more you are going to have to pay for your Stand Mixer. Many of the big brands might also throw in additional kitchen accessories, which might help soften the blow of your purchase a little. But did you really want a pasta maker?

It’s not just about the number of the attachments though, it’s also about the ease of use. Being able to quickly and easily detach and interchange them so that you can swap from kneading to grinding for example. That type of quality engineering, practicality, and convenience does cost money.

Let’s take a look at some more top recommendations on how to go about choosing the best Stand Mixer for you.

Stand Mixers are predominantly designed for classic baking tasks, so they will have a large mixing bowl and various other attachments as we discussed above, including a balloon style whisk for whipping and whisking, along with dough hooks for kneading.

If you already know what kind of food you are going to be using your mixer to create, then make sure that the version you are investing in facilitates all the essential functions you’ll be using it for.

You might want a flexi beater or perhaps a jug blender, and if you fancy yourself as somewhat of a professional and love creating your own cakes and bread for the whole family, then you might want a fold setting. This will ensure your flour is thoroughly mixed without beating the air out.

Of course, many food processors and multi-tasking kitchen equipment may well come with some mixing functions, and if you are just starting out, they might be a more cost-effective and versatile option for you. Until you fully get hit by the baking bug, that is! If you opt for a model that chops as well as blends, it will be adequate for a novice getting started and won’t break the bank.

Stand Mixers are big and heavy beasts, and they certainly do take up quite a lot of countertop space. However, so many of them are designed beautifully with the kind of aesthetics that you could drool over. Best to measure the space you do have allocated first, though, to ensure that you physically have the area to get your Stand Mixer out and use it. When it comes to Stand Mixers, bigger really is better!

The larger capacity bowls allow you to bake more produce, the units are sturdy and reliable, and the motors have been engineered to be so much quieter than you would have ever expected. Look out for models that also come with integrated lighting. Again, this is a convenient feature, but obviously one that contributes to their more expensive price tag.

It’s all about the Quality

When it comes down to it, perhaps the main reason why Stand Mixers are so expensive is their quality. Yes, you can get versions that are made of plastic, and these will be far more budget-friendly.

However, if you are looking to the big brands and investing in a model that is polished/brushed aluminum or even solid aluminum, then the price tag is obviously going to reflect the use of superior, durable materials. It may well be an expensive purchase, but it will be the only one you need to make.

Expensive Stand Mixers are built to last, and many get passed down through families from Great Grand Mother to Grand Mother, to your Mother and now to you as a baking rite of passage.

That same quality should also extend to the attachment and the motor itself, which is powering your purchase. In the end, it is the durability, reliability, and versatility of your Stand Mixer that will justify its purchase.

The better-known brands shouldn’t be afraid to stand behind their products performance either, so you should also be investing in exceptional levels of customer service and satisfaction in the unlikely event that anything does go wrong with your mixer. Most will offer a 5 year extended warranty for your additional peace of mind, so look out for that before you invest.

Brand integrity

Several very well established brands own this corner of the kitchen appliance market, and they have been around for many years, continually evolving, improving, and innovating with their latest product releases. So one of the other reasons why Stand Mixers can be expensive is that you are buying into this brand history and pedigree.

You can never put too high a price on trust or peer recommendation from the broader baking community, so do your own research before you invest. Also, check out all the positive feedback that happy users of Stand Mixers have given their cherished purchase.

Best Stand Mixer for Bread Dough

Is there anything more delicious than home-made artisanal style, freshly baked bread or delicious cakes and pastries? Besides the fact that baking is also having quite the renaissance at the minute, there is something comforting and almost nostalgic about home baked goods.

Just like your Great Grandmother used to make! There are no doubt recipes that only exist in your family which have secret ingredients and have been passed down through the generations explaining exactly how your family makes that perfect dough.

A home filled with the delicious aroma of a Victoria Sponge or a Batch Loaf baking away in your oven is such an inviting and friendly one. Like a big warm hug. So if you fancy jumping onto the current trend and baking up a blast in the kitchen, dusting off Granny’s old recipes and treating your kids to the legendary cookie dough crumbles you enjoyed so much as a child, then it might be time to invest in a Stand Mixer.

We appreciate that a dependable Stand Mixer can be an expensive purchase, but it is an investment that will be recouped for many years to come. In fact, you might end up passing your pride and joy aka your new mixer down to the next generation of your family along with those recipes! So let’s take a look at three recommendations that we think are serious contenders for best stand mixer for bread dough.

Betitay 6-Speed Stand Mixer

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If you love making freshly baked bread, then you will really appreciate this Betitay Stand Mixer which kneads dough to perfection and can be used for whisking, beating, and whipping, too. It’s a beautiful and hard-working, versatile machine that is easy to use and always delivers fabulous results.

It comes complete with four different attachments: wire whisk, dough hook, flat beater, and a silicone brush. There is also a very convenient, detachable splash guard to help stop any unnecessary mess.

While we might all love baking, how many of us really enjoy the clean up afterward? The tilt head design makes it easy to manage the contents of your bowl and provides easy access so that you can add to your mixture as you go along.

Betitay is a brand you can trust and rely on in the kitchen. Their machines are exceptionally well designed and manufactured to the highest standards with quality metal gears and a robust copper motor. This 6-speed Stand Mixer is no exception and a fantastic affordable choice.

Pros

High performance 500- watt copper motor
6-speed control settings
Large 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl
Elegant design combined with robust features
Interchangeable attachment set
Tilt head design for easy bowl access
Anti-slip silicone suction cups keep the mixer steady
2-year warranty

Cons

Not all the attachments are stainless steel

Klarstein Bella Rosa Tilt-head Stand Mixer

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This is seriously friendly on the wallet for such a high-powered Stand Mixer. It offers exceptional value for money and is an excellent choice for anyone on a budget who is keen on getting into the kitchen, baking up batches of fresh bread, cakes, and pastries for their family.

It looks distinctive and stylish with its contemporary and innovative design aesthetics so if you do have space on your countertop, you will want to leave this proudly out on display. It has a robust and dependable 650-watt motor which means it is more than capable of tackling all your kneading, whisking, whipping, and beating requirements.

The unit utilizes something called planetary stirring which means that you get consistent blending results. The whisks not only rotate around each other, but they also extend out to the edge of the mixing bowl to really ensure that all your ingredients are thoroughly kneaded and blended together.

Multifunctional, great design aesthetics, and convenient to use, this Klarstein Bella Rosa Tilt-head Stand Mixer is a seriously cost-effective contender for best dough mixer.

Pros

Sturdy and robust 650- watt motor
6-speed control settings
Features a planetary stirring system
Large capacity 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl
Easy unlock mechanism for changing accessories
Multifunctional, convenient, and easy to use
Anti-slip silicone suction grips hold the unit securely
2-year warranty

Cons

Some of the accessories are made of plastic

Cheftronic Tilt-head Stand Mixer

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This is a real workhorse of a Mixer, and it’s easy to see why it consistently gets such great customer reviews and ratings. It has a powerful 650-watt motor, which means it really is up to a whole host of tasks and is even strong enough to mix up 2kg of dough in one session. That’s enough to bake four delicious home-made batch loaves. Just imagine how much your family will love you when they come home to the smell and taste of freshly baked bread?

Unlike some of the other models, it also very conveniently comes with four separate, interchangeable attachments including a wire whip, dough hook, flat beater, and even a flex edge beater. Pretty much everything you could possibly need really. There’s also a large capacity stainless mixing bowl which is accessed via a convenient tilt head.

It has good looking design features, as well as plenty of versatility and reliability. Plus, it’s a relatively budget-conscious option. A really fabulous example of a Stand Mixer for your bread dough and delicious baked goods.

Pros

Sturdy and robust 650- watt motor
6-speed control settings
Large capacity 5.5-quart stainless bowl
Mixes up enough dough for four loaves
Four interchangeable accessory attachments included
Tilt head design for easy bowl access
Anti-slip silicone suction cups keep the mixer firmly in place
2-year warranty

Cons

Attachments don’t reach side or bottom, so small batches need some hand mixing to catch all the ingredients

Verdict

All three of our selected Stand Mixers come with high praise and glowing consumer recommendations. They also offer relatively budget-friendly options in what can often be a costly kitchen accessory category.

They all have the essential features you will require in a hard-working Stand Mixer. Strong and powerful motors, large capacity mixing bowls, interchangeable accessories, and handy suction pads that keep the machines securely in place when in operation.

Overall, we think that the Cheftronic slightly has the upper hand with its tilt head function, classic stainless steel features, and its six speed settings. However, you can’t really go wrong with any of these three Stand Mixers if you are looking for a reliable machine to knead your bread dough and prepare all kinds of delicious home-baked goods.

Best Affordable Stand Mixer

Whether you’re making bread, cake or delicious cookies, there’s just no beating the usefulness of a stand mixer. They’re heavy duty and often come with a number of different accessories that can help you with prepping different foods. It’s also true that these kinds of mixers can get quite expensive. In this article, we’re going to offer in-depth information on five mixers that will not only be able to handle your baking needs, but also come at budget-friendly prices so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

Oster 2601 Euro Style Stand Mixer

If you’re a fan of European design and style, and need something small and efficient, the Oster 2601 is a great option. It’s a compact little stand mixer that is made to accept 220/240 volts. With a stainless steel bowl and a 360-Watt motor, you’ll be able to get the power and durability you need for a long lasting kitchen tool. You’ll also get dough hooks perfect for making bread of all kinds.

Pros

• Takes up very little space
• Highly efficient
• Comes with a stainless steel bowl

Cons

• Very loud while running
• It does only operate on 220/240 volts; not for use in North America

Summary

While the Oster 2601 doesn’t work in the United States or Canada, it has a lot to offer those who live in other countries and need a handy little device for all their baking needs.

Costway Tilt-head Stand Mixer

The Costway mixer comes in two colors to suit your preference and a powerful 550-Watt motor. There really won’t be much you can throw into this mixer that it won’t be able to mix perfectly. It comes with 6 speeds suitable to just about anything, and several accessories, including an egg whisk, dough hook and mixer blade. With the tilt head, you’ll also be able to adjust it to perfectly mix whatever you need.

Pros

• Offers six speeds for the ideal power level
• Comes with multiple attachments for different kinds of mixing
• Anti-slip suction cups help keep the machine steady

Cons

• Can take up more space than other options

Summary

The Costway Stand Mixer is a real powerhouse, capable of mixing just about anything you may need. If you want something that can offer a lot of space and a lot of power, this is the perfect choice.

Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Stand Mixer

With the Hamilton Beach Mixer, you’ll get a 300-Watt motor and three attachments to allow you to mix anything you need. The stainless steel bowl you get with this mixer will not only be durable, but can also be easily washed in your dishwasher. It offers six different settings, made for mixing things at any speed preferable to you. You’ll also have plenty of room for making larger batches for those days when you have many people to bake for or special events.

Pros

• Excellent to help people with diet restrictions with making their own foods
• Can make large amounts with little trouble
• Offers excellent value at a budget-friendly price

Cons

• Might experience problems with the dial ceasing to work on certain speeds
• In some cases, people find it to not be powerful enough for their needs

Summary

The Hamilton Beach Mixer is a highly budget-friendly choice that will be able to handle your mixing needs with little trouble. If you’re a casual baker, this is an excellent, compact option.

Sunbeam 2371 MixMaster Stand Mixer

Unlike other options, this mixer gives you 12 options for perfect mixing. It also offers 350 Watts of power and a soft handle so that you can control or tilt the head as needed comfortably. You’ll also get two glass bowls, a chrome whisk, beater and dough hook so that you can use one tool for several different baked goods. It also has non-skid rubber feet so that all the power of the mixer can go into mixing rather than vibrating across the counter top.

Pros

• Comes with two bowls whereas most other options only have one
• Includes multiple accessories
• Efficient and effective

Cons

• Some people find that the beaters don’t have enough of a reach
• Might lose power

Summary

The Sunbeam 2371 has a lot to offer when it comes to accessories and speed options. Rather than one bowl, you’ll get two, which can be very helpful when you need to make multiple batches.

Mixa Powerful Patented Twin Motor 10 Speed Stand and Hand Mixer

What makes this mixer unique is that it comes with two motors, one is made to control the circular movement of the bowl while the other powers the beaters. You’ll also get 10 speed choices to help you perfectly mix things, and a power boost button for those times when you need just a little more. The mixing bowl that is included has room for 3.5 quarts worth of batter, dough, egg whites or anything else you might need to mix. You’ll surely have enough space for just about anything.

Pros

• Customers find it to be simple and effective
• Highly budget friendly
• Powerful and effective

Cons

• In some cases, people find that the accessories stop fitting in the machine after a few uses

Summary

With two motors, there will be little you have to worry about when using the Mixa. It’s a small, powerful device that will surely be able to get just about anything mixed for years to come.

Conclusion

Each of these mixers certainly has a lot to offer, and will be able to make baking a lot easier and more enjoyable. One of the most important things to keep in mind as you search for the perfect mixer is how much you’ll need to make at a time, that way you can get a tool that will be able to handle the workload. Alongside your budget, you’ll surely be able to find the perfect mixer for you from those on this list.

What are the Best Hand Mixers of 2018? (Our Reviews With Comparisons!)

Sometimes our kitchen appliances kick the bucket. Cords break or short out, motors burn up, and sometimes they just get too old. Maybe you’ve just gotten your first place on your own and need things for your kitchen.

A commonly overlooked, but underrated appliance is an electric hand mixer. You don’t realize how much easier it will make your cooking experience until you no longer have to wear out your arms while mixing up cake batter.

When you’re set on purchasing a new hand mixer, a little research can go a long way. You want to make sure that you’re getting all the features you need at a price you can afford. Budgets can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to furnish a house.

With all the different options available on the market, it can become overwhelming, but there are a few ways to make your decision a little easier. The best rated hand mixer reviews are all right here for you, so all you need to do is decide what you need for your cooking gadget family.

We’ve compiled a list of the top five brands and models and put them right here for easy access to you. The goal is to make purchasing your next, or first, kitchen mixer as simple as possible, so we’ve done the research so that you don’t have to!

Starting at number five, we’re going to tell you all about the brands, the models, and the features available to help you make your decision.

Quick Navigation

Top Rated: Our Reviews

1. Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage Plus

2. KitchenAid KHM926CU

3. Breville BHM500XL Digital

4. Hamilton Beach 62650

5. Oster 2500 Inspire

How Will You Choose Your Mixer?

What Else Should You Consider?

Have you chosen yours yet?

Top Rated: Our Reviews

1. Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage Plus

This model has stolen the hearts of consumers. With nine speeds and a storage case, it’s rated four and half stars out of five from over a thousand reviews on Amazon. Customers reported that it’s quiet and effective, so even though it sometimes starts up with a little too much power, it’s the top choice among them. Will it be your top choice as well?

2. KitchenAid KHM926CU

This model features nine speeds with a soft start feature, and is light in your hand. This mixer is so easy to use that even your kids can help out in the kitchen.

Some consumers said that the locking mechanism that holds the attachments felt a little unsteady, but it still seems to be a popular choice among consumers. Being one the highest rated mixers by consumers means it’s likely to be a good choice if you decide to purchase it.

3. Breville BHM500XL Digital

This mixer snags a spot on the list with four out of five stars. Consumers report that this model features sixteen different speed settings and a no-tip heel to with the timer and brightly backlit screen, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re doing and for how long.

During testing, this model seemed to start up a bit too fast, even on the lowest setting, so it can cause a little splatter. They say a messy chef is a great chef, though, so a little splatter might not be a big deal for you. If it makes a mess, it’s usually really good food! Will this be your new kitchen family member?

4. Hamilton Beach 62650

Next in line is the Hamilton Beach 62650 six speed mixer. Rated at four out of five stars, the best hand mixers consumer reports talk about some pretty snazzy features.

With a bowl rest and snap on storage case, customers like this mixer with higher motor power than most pricier models at 290 watts. Although it has fewer features and speed settings than some of the other models, it still seems to grab some fairly positive reviews. Is this the perfect mixer for you?

5. Oster 2500 Inspire

This mixer received four out of five stars, and this has been determined to be the best value for the cost. It’s effective, affordable, and super lightweight, with a 240-watt motor and five speed settings.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have any features to keep it from tipping over between mixes. This one is a pretty fantastic option to add to your array of appliances. Will it be joining your kitchen?

How Will You Choose Your Mixer?

First, you need to decide whether you want an electric mixer or a rotary mixer. An electric mixer is pretty “automatic” because you’ll push a button or two and hold the device in place or move it very little. A rotary mixer, commonly referred to as an egg beater, requires more manual work with a handle you’ll turn to operate it.

Electric mixers are the easier way to go. Hand mixers are also much more affordable than other types of mixers, and they usually fit well in a small space, instead of needing to be left on your kitchen counter.

Generally, the best hand mixers 2017 are extremely easy to clean and fit almost any bowl, as well as being portable, so you can take it to your parents’ house to help make that holiday dinner everyone loves so much.

While hand mixers do involve a little bit of manual work and can be a tad bit messy, they’re still a more affordable option, and take the stress off of your arm from all of that manual mixing!

What Else Should You Consider?

Naturally, you’ll need to find the best options to fit your budget and lifestyle. At least one, if not more, of the best hand mixers 2017 will more than likely be a perfect fit for you and your personal needs. You’ll need to consider what you’ll be cooking that would be easier done with a hand mixer.

What do you cook now? What do you plan to make in the future? Knowing the answers to those two questions can make choosing your mixer easier, because you may need different attachments and speeds for different recipes. Speeds can range from three options up to twelve, so there are lots of different options.

Next, you should consider the look you want. Are you the type of person who likes black and white appliances or would you enjoy a pop of color in your kitchen? The good news is that the best of the best have lots of style options that you can choose from.

Now, you should decide what your budget is for your new addition to the kitchen. This part is entirely up to you, but most hand mixers are under $100 and you can find some seriously great options within just about any budget.

Have you chosen yours yet?

So you have a bunch of options in front of you, and you need to settle on the perfect mixer for your needs. We’ve hunted down the best of the best and now the rest is up to you.

Whether you choose the Cuisinart or the KitchenAid, the Breville, the Hamilton Beach, or the Oster, you’ll know you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for without the stress of digging all over the internet for help deciding. The quality of these are reported to be pretty great, so any of the five are probably good options, regardless of the hand mixer you choose.

With all of these options, how do you decide which one to purchase? Do you choose the best bang for your buck or the top rated mixer based on reviews? Do you decide based on the ratings or the features? Do you listen to the best hand mixer consumer reports or go out on a limb and pick something entirely different?

No matter what you do, the best options are right here, so you can always find them easily. From different speeds, to storage options, to motor power wattage, these mixers differ as much as they’re alike. It’s likely that you’ll find the perfect mixer for you on this list. Best of luck in your mixer choosing journey!

Best Blender for Making Smoothies

Are you interested in making your own smoothies at home? That’s a great way to save some money and personalize the items that are used in your smoothie. There are a lot of blenders and smoothie makers on the market today and searching for the best blender doesn’t have to be a long process. Of course, they come in a variety of sizes and they can fit a wide range of budgets. Deciding on which product is best for you can be an extensive and time-consuming process.

5 Best Blender Reviews

Instead of purchasing a device made specifically for making smoothies, why not purchase a blender? They will be more versatile in their function and they can create the perfect smoothie. There are a lot of blenders on the market today that can be used to make smoothies. Do you want to find out about some of the best ones? Continue reading! We will look at some of the things you should look for in a blender that can be used for smoothies and much more.

Ninja Professional Blender (BL610)

The Ninja Professional Blender is a great tool for making smoothies. It has a very powerful motor that can crush many different food items even when they are frozen. You can even use it to blend vegetables, and it is very easy to clean.

Features

1000W motor
Safety feature: blades only spin if lid is closed
BPA free
Dishwasher safe
72 oz. plastic blender jar
Crushes ice in seconds

Pros

The parts are safe to clean in the dishwasher so it’s easy to clean.
It has a very large blender jar so you can make more than one serving at a time.
If the lid is not on the blender, the blades won’t spin.
It has a very powerful motor.
It doesn’t require a lot of storage space.

Cons

The base is a bit heavy.

Summary

Ninja is one of the best blender brands on the market today and this Professional Blender is amidst the top performers. Equipped with a powerful motor and enough blending speeds to make a very delicious smoothie, there is not much more than you could desire in a blender.

Oster Pro 1200 Blender Plus 24oz Smoothie Cup

Complete with a smoothie cup for making the perfect smoothie serving, this Oster Pro 1200 Blender Plus 24oz Smoothie Cup is definitely one of the best on the market today. It is not very expensive, and it has a speed specially designed for making smoothies.

Features

7 speeds including pulse (3 pre-programmed settings)
1200W motor
Dishwasher safe glass jar
Dual direction blade technology
24 oz. smoothie cup
16-inch power cord
Extra wide base
Weight: 7 pounds

Pros

The motor is very powerful so you can blend frozen ingredients easily.
There is a bonus smoothie cup.
The power cord is very long.
Since the base is wider than the average blender, your smoothie will blend with less resistance.

Cons

The base of the blender is a bit heavy.
It requires a bit of storage space.

Summary

This Oster Pro Blender is a very affordable blender for making smoothies. Not only does it have all the speeds necessary for making smoothies, but it also has a very powerful motor that can crush ice in a matter of seconds.

COSORI 1500W Professional Blender

With this COSORI 1500W Professional Blender, you get to experience the motor power of a professional blender. This blender can easily reach speeds of 30,000RPM to quickly crush and blend foods that are completely frozen. With a variety of blending speeds, this blender is suitable for making all kinds of mixtures, even soups.

Features

1500W motor
Built-in soup setting
BPA free
Smart power safety feature
Dishwasher safe, spill-proof 64 oz. jar
Easy to clean
Comes with 2-year warranty
Includes cleaning brush, 27 oz. travel container and recipe book

Pros

It has a lot of accessories.
It is very easy to clean.
The motor is extremely powerful.
There are a lot of blending speeds.
You can use the blender to make soups.
The blender jar is very big so you can make a lot of servings at once.

Cons

It is very heavy.

Summary

This COSORI Professional blender is one of the most powerful blenders on the market today. It is very great for making smoothies and it even has a bonus feature where it can be used to make soups.

Hamilton Beach Professional 1800W Blender

Hamilton Beach is a name well known for making high-quality blenders. The Hamilton Beach Professional 1800W Blender is no different. It has an extremely powerful motor and it also has more than 10 different blending speeds. Whether you use it for making juice, smoothies, or for blending other items, this blender definitely has the power capacity to get the job done.

Features

1800W motor power
More than 10 blending speeds
4 program settings (ice crush, smoothie, clean & puree)
LED timer display
Start/stop button
64 oz. shatterproof BPA free jar
Tamper included
Pulse feature
Stainless steel blades
Weight: 8.8 pounds

Pros

It has a lot of blending speeds.
The pitcher is very big so it can hold many servings at once.
It is dishwasher safe so it’s very easy to clean.

Cons

It is quite expensive.

Summary

If you’re looking for a professional grade blender that can produce high-quality smoothies and last for a long time, this blender is a great option. It has a lot of blending speeds and you can even select a speed for cleaning the blender. Although it is a bit expensive to purchase, this blender has a lot of features and seems to be well worth the price.

Commercial Blender AIMORES for Smoothie

This AIMORES Commercial Blender is an amazing blender for making smoothies. It has a lot of blending speeds and it even has a pulse feature. One of the amazing features of this blender is the gravity switch. This will prevent the blender blades from spinning once the cover is lifted from the blender. The blender is also very easy to clean and it comes with several accessories that make it easier to blend several items.

Features

28,000RPM motor speed
1,100W motor
75 oz. BPA free pitcher jar
Easy to clean
Auto shut off
Gravity switch
Dishwasher safe
8 pieces multi-prong stainless steel blade
Weight: 14 pounds
Includes tamper

Pros

It is very easy to clean.
The pitcher has a very large capacity.
The motor is very powerful so it can cut up frozen items including ice.
It will shut off automatically if the cover is removed from the pitcher.
It is very versatile in its function.

Cons

The base of the blender is heavy.

Summary

If you are looking for a blender that has manual speed control, this blender is it. With such a powerful motor and a large capacity pitcher, this blender can make several servings of smoothie for you and your loved ones.

Types of Blenders for Smoothies

As much as they may seem similar in their composition, all blenders are not made equal. While you may be able to use your trusty old blender for just about all your blending needs, you will realize that there are other types of blenders that can do a much better job at certain tasks.

When it comes to making smoothies, there are several types of blenders that can be used, including bullet, hand/immersion, countertop, and high-performance blenders. Each type has its own sets of advantages and disadvantages. It’s best to analyze them all and determine which one will work best for the types of smoothies that you want to make.

Easy Clean Blender for Smoothies

Making a smoothie can be a very messy process. If you want to lessen the time needed for clean up afterward, you need to pay close attention to your blender and how to care for it. If you have a dishwasher, purchasing a blender that is dishwasher safe may be a great option for you. However, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you may want to get a blender that has fewer parts. This should make the clean-up process much easier and quicker.

Using a Blender for Smoothies

Once your blender has all the appropriate settings needed for your smoothie to come out smooth and tasty, all you need to do is make sure that you do not put too much pressure on your blender. For instance, when using fruits for your smoothie, make sure you cut them into small pieces. This way, your blender will not have excessive chopping to do. It is also generally recommended that you do not leave your blender running for an extended period as this can cause the motor to overheat.

Buying a Blender for Smoothies

So, how do you know which blender will suit you and your smoothie needs? Here are a few tips to consider before you purchase that blender.

Think about the number of people it will serve

The more people you will be making smoothies for, the bigger you may want your blender to be. If you are only making single servings at a time, the size may not be so important to you.

Consider storage space available

Some blenders have a lot of parts or are bigger than others. If you do not have a lot of storage space, try to get something smaller.

Think about how easy it will be to clean

Check if the parts of the blender are dishwasher safe as well as how many parts there are to the blender. Also, bear in mind that touchpads will be easier to clean than dials and knobs.

Check the blending speeds and motor power

Blending speeds will affect the texture of your smoothie. If the blender has 5 speeds and a pulse function, that should be sufficient for your smoothies. Powerful motors will allow you to crush ice and larger pieces of food items. Try to find motors over 800W.

Does it have all the accessories you need?

Some blenders will come with smoothie cups as well as other attachments and features that will make it easier for you to make smoothies. Having these features can be very helpful.

Blender for Smoothies FAQs

What is the Blender Setting for Smoothies?

The blender setting that you use for your smoothie may vary based on the type of blender you have. Generally, the higher the blender speed, the smoother your smoothie will be. The pulse option is a great way to blend frozen ingredients and ice.

What Blender Should You Use for Smoothies?

Blenders that have at least 5 speeds as well as a pulse option are generally sufficient for making smoothies because they can crush frozen items well and create an even mixture of all ingredients.

Juicer or Blender for Smoothies?

Blenders are better for making smoothies than juicers. While the juicer will only extract the liquid from the fruit, the blender will chop up the fruit while retaining the pulp. This makes the smoothie much thicker and even more nutritious.

How to Make a Smoothie with a Blender?

Making a smoothie with a blender is very easy. All you need to do is chop up the fruits into small pieces and add these along with any other ingredients to your blender. Blend/pulse all the ingredients at low speed to get them chopped further and then blend at a higher speed to get the smooth consistency that you desire.

Which Blender is Best for Making Smoothies?

When it comes onto the best blender, this may be a matter of personal preference. However, make sure that your blender has good motor power and the right blending speeds for making smoothies.

Conclusion

Are you looking for the perfect blender to make smoothies for yourself or for your entire family? We have just given you some of the best ones that you can find on the market. Still, you may be wondering which of these products stands out from the rest. Well, when it comes to budget, versatility and effectiveness, we believe it has to be the Ninja Professional Blender (BL610). It is very affordable, has a motor powerful enough for crushing and blending frozen items, and it has several speed settings that can be used for blending a variety of other items.

Mixer vs. Food Processor: Which One is the Best for Me?

A kitchen gadget definitively makes your cooking easier–whether you’re preparing something special, or just for your daily meals. Having a mixer or food processor allows you to save time and effort, improving your dishes quality and increasing your menu options. But which one is the indicated?

Nowadays you can find appliances that perform more than a single task. A food processor can be used to mix pizza dough but, is good enough if you want to prepare bread? The best way to define which one suits you, is taking in mind these two issues: What do you cook or make most of the time? And which hand appliance are you substituting? This guide will help you find out.

Food Processors

This appliance replaces the knife, the mandolin, the grater, and the grinder. It changes the ingredient’s consistency (breaks food down). If you love cooking meals from scratch and want to ease the work done, this is the right kitchen aid for you.

Most of them have a pulse button for speed controlling and come with accessories (like interchangeable blades) to increase its versatility. Some models also include paddles for kneading purposes.

The best usage is for chopping or slicing vegetables, or for grating cheese or bread. It is also useful for preparing vinaigrettes, and rough mixtures like hummus or a taco’s pico de gallo. They are also good for puréeing some foods.

With the right attachment, food processors are also useful preparing single doughs, especially those that need low (or none) air incorporation, and low heat transfer to mixtures like pizza, pie crusts and certain kind of cookies or cake batters.

This type of machine is not useful for liquefying process. Nevertheless, in some models, you can find an attachment for such purpose. If your intention is to enjoy a smoothie or prepare a good shake, perhaps this is not the correct aid.

Your food processor must:

Have the proper bowl capacity
Be provided with interchangeable blades for each purpose:
- Slicing
- Chopping
- Shredding
- Grating (at least in two different sizes)
Have a blending attachment
Be equipped with a beating accessory and kneading paddles

“Do you need a large or a mini food processor? It mainly depends on how much you are going to use it. Bigger appliances come with more accessories–becoming more useful and versatile–but in some cases kitchen’s space could be a problem.”

Mixers

A mixer is an appliance specially designed for baking preparations. It replaces the hand beater or the spoons, used in pastry. The main purpose of a mixer is to put the ingredients together, while insufflating air into the mixture.

There are two kinds, hand mixers which are smaller and stand mixers (also called kitchen machines). Depending on the model, they come with standard beaters, balloon beaters, and dough hooks, for bread preparation. A bowl is also included in all stand mixers, but not necessarily on hand models.

The mixer is the best gadget for all related baking procedures. Beating egg whites, creaming butter and sugar, whipping cream, mixing cake batters or kneading bread dough, the mixer is just perfect. For pizza, pie crust or cookies mixers are also a winner, mostly because the final product has the best finishing than prepared with food processors.

Mixers are not useful for blending, or any preparation which implies a substantial change regarding food consistency. Always keep in mind that they were designed for baking purposes.

Your stand (or hand) mixer must:

Have easy access to controls while you’re mixing
Be provided with a time counter
Be stable when standing
Have splash guards
Have dough hook
Bring a balloon beater

“Do you need a stand or a hand mixer? First of all, consider the time you are going to spend baking–remember that if you are using a hand model, you must hold it as long as needed (In bread dough preparation this could become a challenge). Also, keep in mind that some mixing procedures require you use both hands. Finally, your counter or kitchen space would determine your selection.”

Differences between Mixers and Food Processors

The obvious one is that mixers don’t chop, grate or slice anything. For comparison between mixer or food processors, you have to consider their ability on the baking field. In the case of food processors, they can afford such tasks when the dough doesn’t need to lift. Also, they’re not designed for being turned on beating for half an hour.

On the other hand, although the mixers are well designed for pastry purposes, in some cases they can increase the heat of food while beating. This means that for pie crusts, the single and quickly pulse in a food processor will put butter and flour together perfectly without damaging the crust.

Whatever Your Selection is, Always Keep in Mind Your Product’s Musts:

Prefer those provided with stainless steel attachments
They have to be easy to set up and use
Have storage space for the attachments
Usually, these are noisy machines, try to choose a noiseless one
The user’s guide has to be understandable, with clear safety, containing capacities and use instructions
Be easy to clean (dishwasher friendly if possible)
Have multiple speed options, with pulse button
Soft and safe grips, with easy access to controls at any time
Easy to storage if it’s not needed
Be compatible with your location energy regulations and characteristics

The Verdict

If you are chef or cook, a mixer machine is a must among your appliances. It depends on your kitchen or counter space, the frequency that you will use it and the kind of preparations for the model you’re finally going to purchase.

On the other hand, if you want a kitchen aid which permits you to perform several procedures to ease the way you cook, the food processor is the right option for you. Remember in this case that you can do some baking, but it will always be light work and no such complicated preparations.

Finally, if you’re an all-around cooker and are considering if having a mixer or food processor, you better consider having both, each one suiting the best of your needs and desires.

Cuisinart Stand Mixer – Kitchen Appliance Review

Every kitchen is in need of excellent appliances for everyday use to simplify and make the cooking process more enjoyable and time saving. Many appliances exist on the market for such purposes, and it can be difficult to choose the right type or brand.

However, for those with extra time of cooking from scratch or whipping up food items for their recipes, a stand mixer is a handy and useful appliance to purchase. Such stand mixers might need a bit more extra space on the countertops, but this is worth it since this mixer will prove to be a smart buy for bake lovers especially.

The Cuisinart stand mixer is the item to focus on. If this is compared to regular hand-held mixers, this mixer is incredibly safe for use, easy to hold on to, light, practical and a high-technology device for your kitchen.

Expect this mixer to become your next favorite appliance for food prep and once you try it, all recipes involving whipping and mixing will be next on your agenda for kitchen activities. Cooking will never be as easy as with the Cuisinart stand mixer; besides the design and outlook of this product suits the kitchen countertop regardless the kitchen style.

Cuisinart stand mixer, design, features, outlook

The stand mixer is powerful, precise and offers the required performance for impeccable cooking with its 500-watt motor, a solid die-cast metal setup. This appliance has 12 speeds for use for better and time saving cooking and variety of meal prep mixing options.

This stand mixer has a tilt-back head which lets you have a simple and easy access to the stylish 5.5 quart mixing bowl. Another good thing is an included splash-guard to avoid messy clothes, aprons and countertop surfaces. The package comes with dough hook, flat mixing paddle, chef whisk too. All items included are proven as safe for dishwasher use

This kind of mixer comes in a stylish, polished look of metallic silver, metallic grey, red, shiny black and white-silver colors. The bottom surface of the mixer is solid and firm to stand still on the countertop whilst turned on and there are several mobile parts along with the mixer, suitable for each type of mixing and whipping.

Also, in addition, if needed you can purchase more items for this set, such as pasta cutter, pasta roller, pasta extruder, frozen dessert maker and meat grinder as well.

Performance, speed, power

Cuisinart has this setup with 500 watts, however this number is of no cardinal importance when you are in need to search a good kitchen buy. These kinds of numbers are used as a measure tool for marketing and simply listing the performance features of an appliance.

The Cuisinart stand mixer is incredibly easy for use, it can mix up a thick dough enough for two large bread pans with ease and also it can even prepare not one, but two cookie batches at once. If you are a pizza or pastry lover, this appliance is the perfect pick – you can prepare a thick pizza dough or approximately enough for two pizzas each of 14”.

Do not worry for noise or the machine slipping and sliding as it mixes on the countertop. The machine is light and appropriate weight for stand mixer, while it is turned on it works in relatively silent and noiseless manner, there is no visible and noticeable vibration or moving from the spot and this means no longer worrying if the mixer ends up inches away from the primary positioning after the mixing.

With the 12 speeds available, the options for whipping and mixing are limitless and countless, each speed is adjustable per your recipes and each type of dough or cream will be perfectly made with one of the speeds options array.

Other stand mixers might be difficult to handle after the cooking especially, when it is time for cleaning up as the dough bakes in the oven. But, here this is not a problem – with the Cuisinart stand mixer you just need to tilt the head a bit to the back, gently and lightly twist the mixing bowl for locking and unlocking. Then, as simple as it can be; start mixing or start the dishwasher. That same tilt makes easy removal or change of the parts too

The 5.5-quart bowls are of excellent quality, made of stainless steel and have solid steel handles on the sides too. These handles simplify the whole process of locking and unlocking, holding the bowl while you add ingredients, pouring the dough into other dishes, transport, removal, etc. all things are made easy. On mixers that cost less, this feature is often rarely if almost never included.

Compared to other mixers, the dough hook in this stand mixer has some noticeable climbing of the dough upward, but of course not as much as the very top, as seen in almost every dough hook cheaper mixer parts.

Weight, compact look, options

In comparison to other appliances of this kind, the Cuisinart stand mixer is much lighter, you can easily move this around where needed and no worries if your kitchen is smaller or has different-than-plain kitchen cabinets. It can fit well in every corner or cabinet since it is 12 and ½ inches in height, considering the regular cabinets are more or less 18 inches approximately.

The depth is 15 and ½ inches, so this mixer will not protrude on the rest of the countertop space, so feel free to store it, use it, move it per your needs.

Cuisinart stand mixer starts off slow, which is a big benefit when you need to avoid sudden or unexpected splashes of the content mixed. The hooks mix and spin slow at first, even with higher speeds used – a must have option for mixers.

As a final thought, the Cuisinart stand mixer excels other types of mixers with its surface stability, wide range of 12 speeds, high class steel manufactured professional parts, slow start and no-splash mixing, light weight suitable for any use or any place in your kitchen.

Hand Mixer vs Hand Blender

You don’t want to confuse a hand mixer with a hand blender. They are two different appliances and are both useful but also they do perform different tasks. So hand mixer vs hand blender – which should you choose? Hand mixers are more suitable for casual baking but a hand blender can be used by casual and serious bakers alike.

Hand Mixers

Hand mixers are made with two beaters. It can be used to prepare dough and to make cake batters. You can sometimes use a hand mixer like a hand blender but a mixer can be useful in ways that a blender cannot.

You can purchase several attachments to use with your hand mixer depending on the brand that you choose. With these attachments you can expand the capabilities of your mixer to make it more versatile than a blender can be. Read our article about the best hand held food mixer with reviews on each product.

Mixers are used mainly for baking tasks. They can be used to whip egg whites, cream or pudding and can be used to mix dough.

Hand Blenders

Hand blenders are cylindrical and long and made with multiple steel blades. Because of their long body they can be immersed into a pot or other bowl to puree the contents directly where they will be cooked or served in. For this reason these blenders are usually called immersion blenders. They make it possible for you to create your own mayonnaise, make smoothies and puree your soups right in the pot.

With a powerful motor and blades that rotate these are great items for kitchens to have. They have different speeds at which they can operate depending on what you are mixing or blending. For smoother mixtures all you have to do is run the unit for a longer time or choose a faster speed – sometimes even both.

Hand blenders can be taken apart easily so that they can be cleaned easily as well. Some hand blenders offer you the opportunity to chop garlic, nuts and herbs with attachments. There are also some that allow you to whip up egg whites, cream and pudding.

Any kitchen can benefit from having both a hand mixer and a hand blender. They tend to be on the small side and so won’t take up too much space in your kitchen. Since the two appliances typically perform different tasks then you will find that which one you choose whether the hand mixer vs hand blender is all dependent on the primary use of the item.

You have to pay careful attention to the specs of any device you are interested in purchasing to ensure that it offers the features and has the capabilities that you need it to have.

Differences between a Hand Mixer and a Hand Blender

We have established the fact that the hand mixer and the hand blender are different appliances with different capabilities even though there are some tasks that you can use either appliance to accomplish.

Whether it is handheld or not there are fundamental differences between any type of blender and any type of mixer. A blender is more of a liquidizer as they mainly work to turn things into a liquid form. This means they are great for making smoothies, milkshake and can even turn your cooked apples into applesauce. If you are looking more for creating liquid treats then it is a blender that you will need to purchase.

A mixer does not work to liquidize anything, it only works to combine ingredients. Mixers are great for doughs and batters and so they are great for bakers and an essential for them as well.

Being handheld these will have the advantage of being lightweight but this will mean that they are going to be less powerful than their other counterparts. They are however more versatile and more portable.

With your hand blender you don’t have to worry about having a blender with a heat resistant jar and you don’t have to worry about pouring hot soup from a pot which could cause burns and accidents in the kitchen. With a handheld blender you can turn your chunky soup into a smooth one right there in the pot.

Your handheld blender however will not be able to make you a nice lemonade out of just ice and lemons. So before you go out purchasing a hand blender you want to look at the different recipes for which you can use it for. Your handheld blender is most suitable to be used for salad dressings, soups and salsas or any recipe that calls for cooked peas and beans.

Your hand mixer on the other hand will be more suitable for beating egg whites and making a variety of egg dishes, cookies, pancake batter and waffle batter. They are also useful for creaming ingredients and whipping cream.

Common Tasks for Both Hand Mixers and Blenders

Though these two kitchen gadgets are designed for distinctly different purposes there are some tasks that they can handle well. Both a hand mixer and a hand blender can be used to scramble eggs to make omelets and they can both whip up some egg whites as well.

After reading through the above you may find that you may not need either a hand mixer or a hand blender. If you want more than what is mentioned here then you could consider a food processor. These appliances can do so much more than whip and mix and liquidize.

They can slice, shred, chop and so much more. They are true power houses in the kitchen and can even knead bread. They are very much multipurpose items and if you want to have one machine instead of 3 or 4 this is a great place to start.

The bottom line when it comes down to a hand mixer vs hand blender is that you need to know what you want out of your kitchen gadgets and appliances. When you can identify your needs then you can identify the type of features and specifications you need. Then will you be able to decide what type of gadget or appliance will offer you the best value for money.