Help & Advice Archives - Standing Mixers

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.

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.

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.

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.

What Kind of Grease for KitchenAid Mixer

What kind of grease for KitchenAid mixer should you use for maintenance? KitchenAid is very popular for their stand mixers and their stand mixer is a favorite in many American homes and even a staple at that. It is very aesthetically pleasing, is powerful and is also very easy to use but it will need maintenance. It will need a little bit of care to ensure that it will last for many years to come.

Maintenance of these mixers is easy and it doesn’t happen too often. For example when it comes to greasing then you don’t have to worry about doing this more than once each year and the job can be done in under an hour. The process requires taking down your mixer but you can find a layout of the machine online that can help you do it the right way.

You will need a couple of tools to get your mixer apart and also to service it.

1 #0 or #1 Phillips screwdriver
1 #1 or #2 Phillips screwdriver
1 medium blade screwdriver
1 small utility knife
Some popsicle sticks or scoopers
Your grease of choice (almost any one will do)
A can of brake cleaner or any degreaser
Paper towels or rags
One or two small brushes – toothbrushes will work
A small container to hold the removed parts
Clothing that can be thrown away after you are done working on the mixer

Once you have all your tools in place you can get online and find the instructions for your particular KitchenAid model on how to take it apart. Print it out so you can have it on hand while you are completing the task.

Let’s Get Started

Once you have your instructions and your tools you want to lay out your work area. You want to work outside as much as is possible or work with all windows and doors open. You want to preferably work by yourself when you are home alone so that no one can interfere with you especially when taking the mixer apart or putting it together.

You want to be concentrating very well during this stage to ensure you don’t make any mistakes. One way to prevent mistakes is to place the plug in a bag and tie it up so you don’t accidentally plug it in while you work.

You will start at the back of the mixer and remove the screws that hold in the chrome strip. You then want to remove the back cover which will give you access to each end of the chrome strip. Keep your container handy to place in your screws so they don’t get lost.

Next you want to take out the ring using the blade screwdriver. You just need to place the screwdriver to the top of the ring and give it a gentle tap while moving around to help release the ring. It will fall out eventually if you keep going just ensure you are being gentle.

At this point you want to lay the mixer on its side, you will see some screws here and will need to remove those as well. Do not remove any of the brush covers those should stay in place.

Next you want to remove the planetary housing or what is also called the snout. You will use the smallest Phillips screwdriver you have and remove the planetary pin from the planetary housing. Then you can remove the housing and separate it from the body. You always want to be gentle when doing this and may need to do the roundabout motion that you used previously until it comes off.

Inside the planetary housing is where you will find the old grease. Depending on when last it was changed it may be funky smelling and since it is grease of course it will be sticky.

You want to next remove the screws around the gear inside the planetary housing. You want to gently split the case ensuring that when you do then you don’t put any stress on the wires that can be found toward the back of the mixer.

You should also be gentle with the gasket. You will find old grease around the internal gearing and it can be very sticky and even tough depending on how long the mixer has gone without a grease change.

Once you have everything taken apart it is time to clean away the old grease. Get your degreaser of choice and your brushes, scoopers and cloths. You want to start by scraping away excess grease with your scoopers and then you can move on to spraying with degreaser and wiping away any of the old grease that’s left behind.

When removing the grease you want to ensure that you are checking for metal shavings – you don’t want to see any of those or else you will need some more maintenance and some professional maintenance at that.

Some parts may need to be soaked in the degreaser based on the condition they are in. You can wait until cleaning one set of parts and then put them back together so that you don’t get too confused when you have all parts taken apart and laying on a desk in-front of you. Some parts will only fit one way so that helps as you have no choice but to do it the right way.

When cleaning the main housing you may find you will get a bit of splatter so that’s why you should start this process wearing clothes that you don’t mind messing up. You can also wear overalls or anything else to protect your clothing as well.

Once you are done all the cleaning and your gears and parts are all clean it’s time to apply the new grease and put the parts all back together. You want to grease the ring gear very well all over to ensure the smooth operation of the stand mixer going forward.

When you are done greasing the parts you can go ahead and start putting back everything back together in the reverse order to how you just took it apart.

Viking Stand Mixer vs KitchenAid

The Vikings are known as the greatest warriors of all times and so anything that is associated with that name is thought of as strong and enduring. While KitchenAid has been around for a long time and is a well known household name the Viking brand is holding its own.

So how does the Viking Stand Mixer vs KitchenAid stand mixer fight go down? Let’s explore how the stand mixers from these different brands compare so you can determine which one will offer better value for money.

Viking has been around since 1984 and has built their name making a number of high end kitchen appliances for professionals in their homes as well as in commercial settings. The company has always had a serious dedication to making only the best quality products.

Even their more affordable line of mixers are high end when compared to other entry level mixers on the market. They have a 5 quart mixer that competes with the KitchenAid Artisan mixer and those are the two we will be drawing the comparison on today.

The Viking 5 Quart Stand Mixer

This stand mixer comes in the colors black, red, stainless gray and silver. The stand mixer is designed to be very appealing when it comes to appearance. The body is built to be sturdy with clean and beautiful lines to provide you with an aesthetically pleasing and high quality design.

As impressive as the outward appearance of the stand mixer is you will find the interior mechanics just as impressive if not moreso. The mixer comes with a bowl made from brushed stainless steel.

The bowl also features a handle that helps to make it easy to transfer your batters and mixes to other pans etc. With this mixer you get the standard attachments; a dough hook made from stainless steel, a V beater and a whip also made from stainless steel.

The unit is powered by an 800 watt motor. It offers three output function settings; primary, high and low and uses a metal gear transmission. The three function output settings give rise to 12 different speeds along with a max mode and a stirring mode as well.

There is the tilt head design which allows you to lock the head in either position as necessary to make your mixing experience as easy and convenient as it needs to be. You will also find rear wheels on the body of the mixer that make it easy for you to move it around if necessary.

This model does take up a bit of space so you want to ensure that you have the space necessary if you choose to purchase it. It weighs in at around 9 lbs and measures 17 inches by 8.5 inches by 14 inches. You will need to ensure you have enough clearance over the top of the machine as well to ensure that the tilt head will be able to function properly.

A Viking stand mixer will prove to be a very good investment. Not only are they made to the best quality of standards on the inside and the outside but they are also very aesthetically pleasing. They tend to be on the higher side of the price graph but they do offer a lot of value for money. They are high end appliances because they are superior and you will not regret purchasing one.

The KitchenAid 5 Quart Stand Mixer

The KitchenAid Artisan is an affordable yet very capable stand mixer. It is also an aesthetically pleasing model and is a very popular one as well. As a matter of fact most people think of a KitchenAid stand mixer when they hear the words.

It features a very streamlined design and can be considered as stylish and sleek. Most owners of this model use it and have it permanently displayed on their counters since it is such a handsome thing to look at. But these mixers are not only about their stylish exteriors as they are also big on features and performance.

This mixer from KitchenAid comes with a 325 watt motor and provides 10 different speed settings. It can be used for a number of tasks such as making batters for cakes and cookies and dough for breads and so much more. It features a tilt head design which makes it easy and convenient for you to access the mixing bowl.

As the name suggests the bowl has a capacity of 5 quarts and it is made from high quality stainless steel. The bowl also has a pouring shield with two pieces which helps you to get a spill proof way to transfer your batter. Attachments that come standard with the unit include the dough hook, a flat beater and the wire whip.

This stand mixer comes in a number of colors and some of them are very interesting. There is the Buttercup, the almond cream and the empire red among other interestingly named colors.

Another great thing about this is that it doesn’t take up as much space as the Viking competitor. If you are short on space you will love that this model only needs 20 inches of overhead clearance and takes up less than a square foot of space on your countertop.

It is made to be very durable and is a bit heavy. This is not exactly a bad thing. Since it is so heavy then you can be sure that it won’t vibrate or move around on your countertop while in use. Its weight however means that you will need to have a permanent place for it to stay or else you risk your back and you risk muscle strains having to move it around the kitchen.

You will love how easy it is to clean the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer. A moist towel is all that is needed to wipe down the body of the unit after use. All the attachments are easy to remove and are dishwasher safe so that you can toss them into the dishwasher for easy clean up after their use.

When it comes to choosing between the Viking stand mixer vs KitchenAid stand mixer the one you choose is all dependent mostly on your budget. If you don’t have a problem with paying top price for a top product then you will do well with the Viking stand mixer but if you are on a budget you want to choose the KitchenAid. They are both great models and will do well in your home kitchen.

Can You Use the Ninja Blender as a Food Processor?

If you are considering purchasing a ninja blender you want to know that your purchase will be a sound one. So can you use the ninja blender as a food processor? This is a good question to ask because you really don’t want to have two different kitchen appliances that complete the same tasks.

That would be a waste of money and even a waste of kitchen storage space. But even so, the answer is yes, the ninja blender and a food processor can serve similar purposes and they can be used for different purposes as well.

It is a good idea for you to have one of each in your kitchen but sometimes this may not always be possible for various reasons. You can adjust the way you use the ninja blender so that it can do similar work as that of a food processor.

The ninja blender can do a lot of things in the kitchen and is a great tool to purchase if you like to make your own meals from scratch. It is also a great way to start incorporating healthier eating habits into your diet and into the diets of your family members.

Your ninja blender can make you a great smoothie and it can help you chop your onions and some other vegetables such as bell peppers evenly. It will even crush a full pitcher of ice turning it into a snow like consistency making it great for making refreshing slushies for the kids and the kids at heart during the hot summer months.

It can be used to grind your coffee beans and you can even use your ninja blender to make you a tasty and extremely satisfying frozen margarita. If baking is more your thing then you will love the fact that you can also make small batches of pizza dough and can even make cookie dough.

Like anything else, the ninja blender has it downsides and will not be able to perform some tasks very well. You will find the ninja blender struggling to make salsa and it can’t be used as a juice extractor so if those tasks are important to you then you will probably be better off purchasing a food processor or a stand alone juice extractor.

It can’t be used to make true ice cream and when making cookie dough you have to do a lot of scraping. In truth and in fact the ninja blender will work very well for a variety of tasks in your home kitchen. It will not be able to do a ton of things that your food processor can do. This is especially true if you are the type that does a lot of prep work in the kitchen making your meals from scratch.

When you are purchasing a food processor you want to get value for money. The ninja blender definitely offers value for money and it is very sleek when it comes to the appearance. It is made with a very powerful motor which is also very reliable.

The capabilities of your ninja blender are dependent on the model that you select. They can offer you the ability to do a number of tasks including mixing cake batter, mixing cookie dough, kneading pizza dough, grinding coffee beans, grinding pastes and more.

Common Features of the Ninja Blender and a Food Processor

You will find food processors with bowls made with the same quality BPA free plastics that you will find used to make the ninja blender. They are dishwasher safe so they can be cleaned easily and without all the hassle.

The blades found in a ninja blender are high quality made form the best stainless steel. This ensures that the blades will be long lasting and they can also be washed in the dishwasher.

You can find both food processors and ninja blenders that have powerful motors but are easy to operate with just one push of a button. Modern versions are less noisy while not lacking in power so they work well in your home. Most times you can also find attachments and accessories that you can purchase separately to increase the versatility of whichever machine you use.

Unique Features of the Ninja Blender

There are a number of features that are unique to Ninja blenders but not all ninja blenders will have all these features;

Blade technology – the blade technology used with Ninja machines is patented. The blades are not only shaped differently but also aligned differently. The shape and alignment of the blades ensure that the machine will grind faster and will grind more optimally
Speed technology – they feature smart speed technology which allows you to control the speed which is useful when you are grinding ice or kneading dough
Non slip base – this is self explanatory and helps to keep the units in place while they are running

Various Models and Accessories

There are quite a number of different models of ninja blenders that may suit different needs. Different models may be better at doing different tasks but they are all very versatile with the ability to do multiple tasks.

What you get out of your ninja blender is all dependent on what model you use. Each Ninja blender has their own strengths so you want to choose a blender that will meet your needs. Make your choice based on what you will be using the blender to do for the most part.

For smoothies and mainly liquid processing any type of ninja blender can do. However if you will want to use it as the workhorse of your kitchen then you want to choose one that can cover a number of different kitchen prep tasks.

Yes you can use the ninja blender as a food processor if you choose the right model. There are a number of ninja blenders out there and the right one for you will be the one that meets your needs in the kitchen. That is the one you should purchase.

Cuisinart or KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Stand mixers can be very useful in the kitchen if you do a lot of prep work and baking yourself. They are great for experienced cooks and even novices alike. They are great multipurpose items that can help you with all your cooking and baking tasks from cookies to pasta and everything in between. The more popular types of stand mixers on the market come from the brands KitchenAid and Cuisinart.

Each brand has their favorite option. For KitchenAid it is the Classic Series Tilt Head Stand Mixer with a 4.5 quart capacity. For Cuisinart it is the Precision Master Stand Mixer with a 5.5 Quart capacity. When it comes to price, the Cuisinart option is the more affordable one and from the names you will see that it is also the one with the larger capacity.

The Cuisinart option is available in more color options than the KitchenAid model. The Cuisinart model has 12 mixing speeds while the KitchenAid model has 10 mixing speeds. Both models are made from stainless steel and they come with accessories. They both feature a tilt head design that makes it easy for you to add ingredients to the bowl and for you to remove the bowl and replace it.

The KitchenAid stand mixer has a power hub at the front of the unit. Here is where you can attach all the optional attachments that you can purchase separately. The unit comes with the standard six wire whip, a flat beater and a dough hook.

The Cuisinart stand mixer has a power outlet that allows you to attach extras as well and it also comes with the standard flat mixing paddle, dough hook and whisk. In addition to those things it also comes with a pour spout and splashguard to keep your workspace clean and mess free.

Stand Mixer Overview

When looking for a stand mixer you want to get the best one your money can buy because these appliances are really great items for any well used kitchen. They are great as a multipurpose appliance that can work as a food processor and aid in all kinds of food preparation.

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Stand Mixer

Dough Hook Attachment – this should be made from a top quality material and be sturdy enough to do up to two lbs. of dough at a time without damage
Power of the motor – you want a stand mixer to be able to mix dough for bread without burning out, shaking or straining the machine or the motor itself
Whisk Attachment – this is great for quickly whisking egg whites into top quality foams or meringues
Paddle Attachment – this is great for quickly and efficiently creaming egg and sugar mixtures and also doing meatball mixes and mashed potatoes
Planetary motion – this is most efficient and provides the best quality spin power and contact to have the best quality mixes
Port for added attachments is also a great idea since this will mean your stand mixer can do so much more things and take over from other multiple kitchen appliances

Bowl Design and Capacity

You can find stand mixers from both brands that provide you with a capacity of more than 5 quarts but this is not exactly necessary unless you are doing more than 6 loaves of bread at a time. Home bakers will do well with a 4 or 5 quart capacity bowl.

When it comes to the design of the bowl you might find bowls with narrower mouths and taller sides easier to work with. These bowls allow the ingredients to fall to the bottom a lot easier and allows for less scraping on your part.

The downside to the taller narrower bowl is that it will be a bit harder for you to add ingredients while the unit is in use. This is something that can be easily fixed by feed tubes and plastic lid guards – so you can look out for those features.

The wider the bowl the harder it will be for you to work with small amounts of ingredients and you won’t get the even mixture and texture that you need to have a perfect menu item. Of course if you know that you will always be using the bowl to capacity then a wide bottomed bowl could work just fine for you.

Stand Mixer Power

When you compare wattage you must understand that this tells you about how much power the mixer consumes and not how powerful the motor is going to be. So you will find mixers with 800 watt motors and mixers with 325 watt motors.

The bigger number is not better as this means that your mixer will be using up more power to operate. If you find two motors that perform well but have different wattage ratings it is better to take the one with the lower wattage especially if you are trying to have an energy saving kitchen.

Additional Attachments

Both companies offer additional attachments that you can purchase at an additional cost. The types of attachments you may need are going to be dependent on what you plan to use your stand mixer to do. If you plan on using it mainly for baking then the standard attachments that come included with the purchase price are all you need.

However the companies have options for those who want to use their stand mixers as a multipurpose kitchen appliance. You can find all kinds of attachments from food grinders to slicers and more.

Both brands offer these additional attachments but one thing that KitchenAid offers that Cuisinart doesn’t is the ice cream bowl. If you love ice cream and want to do homemade you can get a KitchenAid stand mixer for that.

While you may not need an additional attachment at the time of purchase of your stand mixer you still want to purchase one with the capability to use attachments as your needs may change over time. That way when you are ready to start using the stand mixer for something else then you won’t have to go out and purchase a brand new one and will only need to get the necessary attachment.

So which should you choose, a Cuisinart or KitchenAid stand mixer? Look at your needs and then decide which one will best meet them.

Where to Find the Best Blenders Under 100 Bucks

Finding yourself a great quality blender without spending a fortune on it is a task in itself. There are thousands upon thousands of blenders on the market, and some of them can get pretty hefty on the price tag, while others can be way less expensive, but not be nearly as durable or easy to use.

How do you find the balance between quality and price? Will you sacrifice your wallet for a blender that claims to be the absolute best? Will you give up some of the functions you need it to perform for a lower bill?

Maybe you don’t have to give up either. Some the best blenders under 100 bucks are pretty common household staples, and for good reasons. Every kitchen needs a blender, and there is the perfect one for you out there somewhere.

Perhaps it’s right here, where we’ll show you the blenders with the best features and functions all within your budget, and they’re all under 100 dollars. Have you heard of any of these blenders?

The Best Blenders Under 100 Dollars Made Simple

Two of our blenders come in right at the top of our budget, with positive reviews and amazing functionality. From KitchenAid comes the KSB560 Multi-Speed blender. It has an array of color options to fit your kitchen and five speed settings with ice crush and pulse modes, so it’s more like seven options to go with its 450-watt 0.9 horsepower motor.

It’s constructed with a metal base and a one-piece stainless steel blade for all of your blending needs in the shatter resistant fifty-six-ounce pitcher. You can also disassemble these parts and wash them on the top rack in the dishwasher. Nifty, right?

Next up is the NutriBullet NBR-12 High Speed Compact System. As one of the best blenders under 100 dollars, this blender is perfect for single serving cups. We’ve all seen those infomercials about this, where they put all sorts of ingredients in it and turn it into soup or some sort of super healthy drink, right? It can do that because of its 600-watt motor and high torque capability.

It also comes with flat and emulsifying blades, as well as a tall cup and two short ones with resealable lids. Both the KitchenAid and the NutriBullet are priced right at a hundred bucks, but both of them are worth every penny with all of their capabilities.

Let’s Lower the Budget a Little

The next blenders in line come in at around eighty dollars, and are fit a variety of tasks. Hamilton Beach brings the 56221 Smoothie Smart model in with a 700-watt motor that can crush ice and blend nearly any ingredients with its five functions, smoothie, ice crush, high, medium, low, and pulse.

Being user-friendly and super easy to clean makes it a wonderful kitchen addition. It comes with a heat resistant forty-ounce glass pitcher featuring an easy pout spout so you don’t have to worry about making a mess when transferring your concoction into another container, and it’s been thermal shock tested to be sure that different temperatures won’t hurt it.

The jar, blades, and lids are all dishwasher safe as well, so no worries about cutting up your hand while trying to hand wash it.

With a 1000-watt power motor and Total Crushing Technology, the Ninja Professional NJ600 blender can take on some pretty hard ingredients. The Total Crushing Technology makes it perfect for ice, hard and frozen fruits, and even tough vegetables.

You can put all of those ingredients in the seventy-two-ounce, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe pitcher, too. Talk about some value! The Ninja comes with a one-year warranty as well, so if it messes up, you can have it repaired or replaced. The best blenders under 100 bucks have some pretty amazing possibilities, don’t you think?

Let’s Get a Little Lower

Still a little pricey for you? Not to worry, we’ve got a few more fantastic blenders for you, and all of these ring up at sixty dollars or less. From function to budget, you can find the blender of your dreams without saving for months to get it.

The Oster BVCB07-Z Counterforms Blender costs just under sixty bucks and boasts a 600-watt motor with seven speeds plus a pulse setting. It’s preprogrammed for chopping foods and making frozen drinks with its reversing blade technology for smooth operations.

The scratch resistant, six cup capacity glass pitcher is dishwasher safe, and the blender comes with a one-year warranty plus a three-year satisfaction guarantee.

Cuisinart snags a spot for being super functional for around fifty-five dollars. The SmartPower Blending System CPB-300 has a 350-watt motor with double blades to ensure superb blending and mixing with ease. The touchpad controls and LED indicator lights are a big factor in what makes this blender great.

The safety interlock, auto-stop, and standby mode features make it safe for any user, whether you’re using the high, low, or pulse settings. It comes with an eight ounce chopping cup and four sixteen ounce cups for on-the-go users that are BPA-free. This could be your perfect blender.

Last, but never least, comes the best bargain blender we could find. Black & Decker has the Fusion Blade Digital BL1820SG-P model for about fifty bucks, and it’s perfect for crafting smoothies or milkshakes.

The blade is removable and the touchpad is easy to clean, so this blender isn’t likely to give you a headache while attempting to clean it. It also has a glass jar, so it’s much less likely to stain while you’re mixing up tomato sauce.

You can nearly always find the best bang for your buck with a little help and recommendations from other consumers. The five listed here all have great capabilities as well as being affordable enough to not make you want to cry when you look into your wallet. When you choose one of the best blenders under 100 bucks, you’ll get what you want for a price you can’t turn down.

Everything You Need to Know About the Best Hand Mixers 2017

So, you’re in the market for a hand mixer. Whether it’s your first one or a replacement, we have the best hand mixers 2017 right here! We’ll show you what the best options are, what to consider when you’re looking for one, and how to choose the best one for you and your budget.

Before you run out and buy just any kitchen mixer, you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions. What kind of quality are you looking for in your mixer? How much do you plan to spend on one? Do you have certain brand or style preferences? Let us help you decide with this simple and easy to follow guide.

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.

So Which Ones Are the Best Hand Mixers 2017?

The top five best hand mixers 2017 are coming your way with this list. We’ll explain the features and functions of each one. Let’s get started with number five! Are you ready?

Coming in at number five is the Sunbeam Heritage mixer. This mixer snagged its spot for being the easiest to store because it comes with its own storage caddy. With six speed settings and a power boost, Sunbeam can add a ray of sunshine to your cooking experience with the Heritage mixer.

The number four slot is filled by Proctor Silex, a brand that many of us have heard of but rarely think about. It’s super affordable, so it took home the sticker for being the best for smaller budgets with the 62507 model. They put five speeds in this mixer, and it’s lightweight so there’s less strain on you. Thoughtful, aren’t they?

Hamilton Beach steals the number three spot, and is the best option if you’re concerned about scratching up your pots or mixing bowls. They’ve coated their attachments so they won’t scrape the paint or Teflon off of your dishes, but the mixer will easily sit on the side of the bowl with its nifty bowl rest feature. It also has a storage case so you’ll never have to worry about losing your beaters.

Sliding in at number two is a mixer from Cuisinart. They brought the CHM-7PK PowerSelect to the figurative kitchen party. This mixer has a super sleek design, and is probably the prettiest mixer on the market.

If the seven speed settings, extra-long beaters, whisk, and spatula aren’t enough, how about the LED display? It’s pretty and functional, and could be the perfect addition to your kitchen.

The best of the best goes to KitchenAid with their Green Apple, and twelve other bold colored electric mixers. This model is the absolute best for easy adjustments with the knob located on top.

You just turn it and it will cycle through the five speeds that this mixer is capable of with ease. Easy is usually a big selling point, so we can see why this one made the top of the list.

While Cuisinart and KitchenAid are ruling the world of electric hand mixers, they’re also ruling the reviews! The reviews for both of these brands are almost unanimously positive, with many customers stating that they would buy their mixer again.

Both of them have several different size and style options, as well as attachments and accessories, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be disappointed with either brand.

Now that you’ve got some tips for choosing your hand mixer under your belt, and you’ve seen the best hand mixers 2017, it should be a fairly easy decision to make. Once you’ve sat down and thought about your personal kitchen needs, figured out your budget and what you want, and checked out the top brands, you’ll be confident when you step in to the store to purchase your new hand mixer.

Keep in mind the reviews and top mixers listed here so that you can be positive that you’re getting the best product for your money and your needs. Hand mixers can make your kitchen experience a lot simpler, but only if you’ve chosen the right one, so think about it and consider the best of the best before you purchase.