Category: Mixer Advice

The cooking and kitchen appliance manufacturer KitchenAid may be most notable for the mixers they produce. Founded way back in 1919 by The Hobart Corporation, the company was first tasked with making stand mixers in quite the competitive market.

Seeing how that was nearly a century ago, you can trust that KitchenAid has got your back when it comes to mixer quality. It may be daunting at first to choose from such a vast collection of models, but once you recognize the differences in the features and add-ons, as well as the situation in which you will be using the mixer itself, you will find that the choice of purchase you make will be a confident one.

For example, the KitchenAid KSM150PSER Stand Mixer comes with 15 attachments and a 5 quart bowl, so you may blend just about anything you throw at it.

The tilt head feature allows for added ingredients at any time, in case you forget after mixing.  Also of important mention, it is dishwasher safe! It possesses a lot of variety in case you are a person who uses a mixer for multiple reasons. The large bowl allows for simple batches if you are cooking or baking for a party or get together.

Many different speeds to ensure that it will not make a mess. All around good if you need to get many culinary projects done efficiently. Keep in mind however, it is very bulky, so if you are looking to move soon, you may want to hold off on buying it.

It is not budget friendly, and is a bit on the expensive side, so if you are not looking for a costly buy it may not be for you.  If you are going to be doing a lot of different culinary tasks, then this is right up your alley. However, if you are looking for something on the simpler side, and do not care much for attachments, then do not waste loads of money on this model.

However, Not Every KitchenAid Mixer is a Bulky One

The KitchenAid KSM75WH Classic Series 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer comes with a tilt head design to easily remove the whisks, 10 speeds, which for a non-bulky mixer is quite a few, a multipurpose power hub to ensure it gets the job done no matter the purpose. It is a larger model for sure, but it is not bulky in size and is overall moderate in weight.

It is a great model for someone who will you use it regularly, but not so often that they will practically be married to it. Is a bit on the more expensive side, though not nearly the most high-priced mixer on the market, and the bowl is not that large for the type of mixer it is supposed to be.

Despite all of that,  it is a fairly average mixer, and good for the individual who will use it plenty, but not necessarily every day.. Do keep in mind however that it does cost a bit of money, and there are models that are cheaper on the marketplace. For example, the KitchenAid Classic Plus Series KSM75SL model.

It comes with a 4.5 quart sized bowl, which for this priced model is quite large. Comes with ten different speeds, so even those on a low budget may use it for a variety of reasons. Comes coated in nylon for better grip.

Comes with long lasting refurbished metal finish. The 275 watt motor is good, but not if you are looking for something that is as long lasting as a larger model. Very lightweight for those constantly on the move. Is very budget friendly.

The bowl does not hold as much as larger models, and it does not come with any attachments. It is good for someone who is looking to buy their first standing mixer, or for anyone who needs a replacement and does not expect to use it too often.

 

What If You Need Something For Everyday Use?

The KitchenAid Professional 600 Series KP26M1XER Stand Mixer comes with a bowl lift feature that allows the whisk to get farther into the bowl. Comes with over 15 optional attachments, as well as a hefty 6 quart bowl and padded grip to keep control over the device.

High wattage (575) allows for extensive use over long periods of time, for those who bake like its going out of style. Burnished aluminum ensures that you are getting quality paid product. This model is in no way budget friendly, and only those who expect to use it by the day should put money into its purchase, as it is about as expensive as it gets.

This is the mixer for a the busy baker. If you are someone who needs every attachment that it comes with, then feel free to purchase, otherwise look for something that is more specific and less extensive. It is called “Professional” for a reason.

Buying a professional mixer does not mean you have to spend hundred upo hundred of dollars though. The KitchenAid KSM105GBCMC Tilt-Head Stand Mixer and Flex Edge Beater comes with a 5 quart bowl, which for this particular model is a value deal. This model in fact comes with a glass bowl, for more accurate portion measuring.

The flex edge beater ensures not a scrap is left of whatever you are mixing. Is a good value buy for someone that will be using it quite often, but does not have the funds to buy something expensive. Has a good number of speeds to keep a variety of purposes.

The glass bowl is at danger of breaking if dropped, but besides that there is nothing that differentiates it from others of its type. Good for an individual who is looking to buy their first professional mixer, but still is not worth buying for casual user

So, What is the Difference Between KitchenAid Mixers?

When buying a standing mixer from KitchenAid, it is important to note the changes in prices versus the amount of attachments that come with it. Apply the amount of product you will be buying to what your situation requires.

If you are looking to simple replace an old mixer  on the corner of the counter, then you should not be buying a mixer with the word Professional in the title.  Also keep in mind what the model is made off, for it will determine how long the product will last, and how much wear and tear it can handle.

KitchenAid has a ton of products on the market. Just about any kitchenware you could need, there’s an option available that they’ve made. From ranges to refrigerators, microwaves to mixers, they’ve surely got at least one appliance you’ll need. Today we’re asking which KitchenAid mixer is best.

With a decent variety of options to choose from, picking out your prefect mixer can be confusing. Which kind should you buy? A stand mixer, a hand mixer or an immersion mixer? Don’t freak out, there’s a way to choose the best one for you.

Finding your perfect kitchen mixer doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Here, we’ll go over the best of each category.

We’ve chosen the top rated mixers made by KitchenAid based on customer reviews, and we’ve done all of the searching to bring you all of the information you could need on all three of them. Of course, choosing which type is best for you is entirely up to you; hopefully, we can help out a bit!

Is the Artisan Five-Quart Tilt-Head Mixer the One for You?

KitchenAid makes several different stand mixers, so it can be hard to decide which KitchenAid mixer is best, but this one was the highest rated by the customers, who gave it four and a half stars out of five.

Consumers really enjoy all of the bold color choices so they can customize their mixer. It comes with a five-quart stainless steel mixing bowl and a whole array of attachments for quick and easy mixing. The pouring shield, dough hook, whisk, and flat beater all come in handy for any recipe you want to make.

While a few customers were a little unsatisfied with the attachments, the build, or the paint job, most of them were pretty pumped about their new mixers. Some wanted attachments that weren’t included, or they stated that the screws were loose or the paint was chipped and scratched.

Some said that the original design of the mixer was better, It’s such a versatile mixer that it fits three- and four-and-a-half-quart bowls as well, which means you can get a little or a lot done depending on what you require. With ten speeds and the 325-watt motor, this stand mixer stands up to most of the other stand mixers on the market.

Which Do You Prefer, Hand or Immersion?

There’s a bit of difference between a hand mixer and an immersion mixer. A hand mixer is usually sort of bulky and requires certain containers to be used in.

An immersion blender is generally slimmer, more compact, and fit a bigger variety of mixing containers. With the few complaints generally being about the weights of the mixers, these two are pretty close to perfect. Which type would you rather have? Which KitchenAid mixer is best for you?

KitchenAid offers their seven speed digital model, and consumers are fairly happy with it, giving it just over four stars out of five. Some of the less positive reviews seem to have come from buyers who don’t quite understand how to use the mixer properly, but that can be remedied by reading the user manual.

It has a built-in soft start function to reduce splattering and come with two turbo beaters, a professional whisk, and two dough hooks, so you’ll have all the kitchen tools you’ll need. Consumers said that the ejector button worked really well, and the lockable swivel cord makes keeping it out of the way ridiculously easy.

The five speed immersion mixer, also called a hand blender, is the top choice among buyers, with a whopping four point nine stars out of five. This easy-to-use mixer comes with several different attachments, including different blades and beaters, guards, storage, and its own one-liter pitcher.

It brings the user manual and a two-and-a-half cup chopper with it as well. The included S-blade and multipurpose blade are perfect for blending and crushing ice, while the beater, whisk, and chopper all take care of any other ingredients.

With a BPA-free pitcher that you can just stick on the top rack of the dishwasher, this mixer is a pretty terrific option to add to any array of kitchen appliances.

So Which KitchenAid Mixer is Best for You?

Do you prefer the stand mixer for heavy duty mixing jobs or is that much power unnecessary for your needs? Would you rather have a more familiar mixer or one with more possibility? The choice is entirely up to you. Based on reviews, it appears as though the hand held immersion mixer is the crowd favorite.

Most of the mixers have dishwasher safe components, so cleaning up is a breeze, regardless of your chosen mixer. If you’re more of a professional chef, and you like to make large batches of foods or have a pretty big family, then the Artisan stand mixer is probably going to be your best bet.

Not everyone is a professional chef or has a big family, so there may not be a need for such a big mixer. If you’re a simpler cook or live in a smaller household, either the digital mixer or the immersion mixer should suffice for any need that may arise.

Both have such a range of what they can do that they both appear to be pretty close as far as customer ratings go. The overwhelmingly positive reviews make both the digital and the immersion tools that any kitchen would benefit from.

With pretty positive ratings from consumers and a lot of variation in what they’re capable of, one of these might be your favorite as well. Whether you’re crafting a cake, mixing up soup ingredients, or blending up a smoothie, we’re sure that at least one of these mixers will be the perfect match for you.

Which KitchenAid mixer is best? All three of these, the Artisan stand mixer, the digital hand held mixer, and the immersion mixer, are wonderful options for your next appliance purchase. Which one will you add to your collection?

Your kitchen needs an update and one of the items on the list is an electric mixer. There are a few questions you need to ask yourself first.

What kind of mixer are you on the hunt for? One that can mix literally anything or just a simple mixer with a couple of attachments? What sort of recipes do you make or plan to make? What are you willing or able to spend for a quality mixer? These are all questions to seriously consider when you’re looking to add to your kitchen tools.

There are so many different types of mixers, and brands that make them, that it can feel nearly impossible to decide on one to purchase. You want excellent quality for a reasonable price, and different mixers offer different features for several kitchen needs.

Wolfgang Puck hand mixers are a seemingly popular option with consumers for a variety of reasons that we’ll discuss right here. Are you considering purchasing a Wolfgang Puck mixer for your kitchen? You’ll want to read this first!

What’s All the Hype About?

Recommendations can come from anywhere, be it reviews online, your family or friends, or even an employee at a store you travel to in order to purchase something.  More often than not, consumers research a product online before they buy. They look for features, pricing, and reviews from other customers.

Searching for the perfect mixer can be stressful, with so many different opinions about different kinds. Where exactly do you plan to buy your mixer? That can be a good starting point. For the Wolfgang Puck hand mixers, you’ll find availability on several websites, such as Amazon, the Home Shopping Network, and the Wolfgang Puck website.

Wolfgang Puck offers two types of hand mixers; a classic electric mixer with five speeds, and the Twist-and-Mix two speed mixer. The classic electric is just that: classic. It’s only a little different than most hand mixers, with its extra attachment in place.

The Twist-and-Mix is bit more interesting. It has a locking handle that locks into three different positions to make any mixing job easier on you and has a stand-up storage base to make putting it away super simple. This company also offers different color options so you’ll be able to decide what look suits you and your kitchen best.

What Else Makes the Wolfgang Puck Hand Mixers So Special?

The electric mixer has standard features, like the attachments and storage. It’s a pretty basic mixer. It has five speed settings with a power boost feature, a 250-watt motor, and chrome plated attachments, while the housing holds three beaters rather than one or two, like traditional mixers.

It also includes three dough hooks in the box and a stable heel rest to keep tip-over accidents to a minimum. Some buyers are pretty satisfied, giving it three out of five stars on Amazon.

The Twist-and-Mix replaces the electric mixer, as well as an immersion blender and an aerator. This one appliance knocks out three other common kitchen tools. That’s definitely something to be excited about. It also features high and low speed settings, and comes with a variety of attachments.

You’ll be getting a beater without a center post, a whisk, a drink mixer attachment, and they all store right into the motor housing and the stand-up base. It runs on thirty watts of power, so it’s great for most of your at-home cooking projects. With the Wolfgang Puck hand mixers, you’ll also get to choose between seven different colors, so you can personalize your mixer to fit the look you’ve picked out for your kitchen.

How do you choose? Simple electric or versatile, three-in-one? Either way, both of these mixers can definitely add some ease to your cooking and save you a good chunk of time in the process. When you’re mixing ingredients by hand, it can get a bit painful, and potentially have long term damage if you do it pretty often.

Manual mixing takes a toll on your joints and muscles, so purchasing a hand mixer could be the difference between easy mixing and burning shoulders. Which would you rather have?

Should You Buy a Wolfgang Puck Mixer?

Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but both of these Wolfgang Puck hand mixers look to be pretty good options for your newest addition to your kitchen. The electric mixer has three out of five stars on Amazon, while the Twist-and-Mix model has very few reviews.

Comments from customers who bought the Twist-and-Mix model seem to be unsatisfied with the availability of repair parts, and some are concerned with the locking mechanism, saying that it doesn’t seem to lock in properly. The company recommends using a repair shop for individual parts, because there are several that they don’t offer.

There were also a few complaints about an included chopper in the set for the Twist-and-Mix model that buyers seem to have a hard time opening, but the company is very accommodating and offers assistance with each issue that their customers face. It’s always a good sign when a company is willing to help their customers with problems that may arise from their products. Good customer service can be a signifier of quality products.

Overall, the Wolfgang Puck hand mixers seem to be a pretty solid option. With the different features and attachments, you’ll be able to complete any recipe you could dream up. From drinks, to soups, to simple mixing jobs, these mixers will get the job done easily and efficiently. They also won’t break the bank, no matter which one you choose.

Related: What is the best hand mixer?

Both options are very affordable for any budget, so you won’t have to worry about feeling guilty for getting yourself a Wolfgang Puck mixer. Adding either of these babies to your kitchen appliance family is going to make your life, and your cooking, easier. To purchase one, you can check out Amazon, the Home Shopping Network, or the Wolfgang Puck website.

The market is full of different types of mixers. One category of mixers is the stand mixer. These type of mixers are generally expensive. However, they can handle some of the toughest blending, mixing, and whisking tasks, which makes them quite popular among cooking enthusiasts.

If you like homemade breads, pasta, and other such things, then you must surely opt for a stand mixer for your kitchen. However, the costly price of these mixers can pose a hindrance in your endeavor of buying a stand mixer.

With our article on best affordable stand mixer, you do not have to worry about the high price of stand mixers. We bring to you the three best stand mixers, which are offered at a reasonable price to fit your budget. So, take a look at these three best reasonably priced stand mixers.

Sunbeam 2371 MixMaster Stand Mixer, White

The Sunbeam MixMaster stand mixer comes in white color. It runs on 350 watts of powerful motor, which ensures thorough mixing. This stand mixer has 12 different speed settings. These different settings allow you to precisely as well as quickly mix all the ingredients of your recipe to perfection, including fold-kneading, stirring, blending, mixing, creaming, whipping, and much more.

This Sunbeam stand mixer is equipped with soft start technology. This mixing function helps in minimizing unnecessary messy and splatter flour puff by lightly accelerating to the chosen speed after starting up. Its soft grip handle allows you to easily hold the mixer and complete all your mixing tasks with ease.

Moreover, the handle of this stand mixer features a burst-of-power function that gives an additional power surge in order to ensure that the ingredients evenly blend at any speed setting. The Sunbeam MixMaster stand mixer has a non-skid rubber for stability while operation. You can easily remove its head in order to easily clean and store it.

The Sunbeam stand mixer has a tilt lock head design and features a bowl selector switch. This stand mixer comes with three different attachments. This includes a pair of chrome beaters through which you can make batter, meat loaf, etc.; a pair of dough hooks through which you can knead and mix yeast doughs; and a pair of whisks through which you can beat mayonnaise, egg whites, creamy salad dressing, and other such air-infused creations. All these three attachments are easily secured and solidly constructed.

The Sunbeam MixMaster stand mixer also comes with two glass bowls of 2-quart and 4-quart capacities. Additionally, you get a user manual with recipes through which you can know how to make different things at your home.

You can use this stand mixer for anything, ranging from regular tasks such as making pizza dough for preparing homemade pizzas to occasional tasks like mixing pancake batter. You can also make cakes, frostings, cookies, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, or other such things in just a few minutes.

Hamilton Beach 63325 6-Speed Stand Mixer

The Hamilton Beach 6-Speed stand mixer comes in two different colors, namely black and grey chrome. It has the same mixing action like the KitchenAid stand mixers.

This stand mixer’s hands-free planetary mixing action spins the mixing head, which allows it to rotate completely inside the bowl without you stopping and scrapping the ingredients from the bowl’s side. This mixes the ingredients in the bowl in a more efficient way as compared to traditional stand mixers with 2 beaters. The bowl that comes with this stand mixer is made of stainless steel and is 3.5 quart in capacity.

The Hamilton Beach stand mixer is equipped with a powerful 300 watt motor, which is great for daily mixing kitchen tasks. This stand mixer comes with three different attachments, namely a non-stick flat beater, whisk, and dough hook that offer mixing versatility, including blending, beating, whipping, mixing, and creaming.

All the attachments that come with the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed stand mixer, along with the mixing bowl, can be washed in a dishwasher as they all are dishwasher safe.

The mixing head of the Hamilton Beach stand mixer can be locked down in order to ensure thorough mixing. The splatter shield of the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed stand mixer guards against messy drops, spills, and drips. It boasts six different speed settings, in addition to a special fold setting, which gives you precise control and maximum flexibility at every speed setting.

Furthermore, the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed stand mixer features nonslip feet, which keeps it at one position while you operate it. This stand mixer has a tilt-up head design that lifts up in order to give easy access to the bowl. This way you can easily as well as quickly add the ingredients of your recipe to the bowl.

You can make a wide array of foods with the Hamilton Beach stand mixer, ranging from sticky bready dough to airy and light egg whites and the thickest cookie dough.

Oster 2601 Euro Style Stand Mixer, 220-240 Volts

The Oster Euro Style stand mixer runs on 220 to 240 volts of power. It comes with a powerful motor of 360 watts for the beaters. This stand mixer comes with a bowl that is made of stainless steel. You can buy this stand mixer in white color.

The Oster Euro Style stand mixer features a quick burst button. It is light in weight, which means you can store it easily as well as take it anywhere with you. You can use this stand mixer as a hand mixer also as it easily detaches from its base. The bowl of the Oster Euro Style stand mixer rotates on its own.

The Oster Euro Style stand mixer comes with a beater, which has a sturdy construction, as compared to wire whisks that are quite common nowadays. Additionally, this stand mixer comes with optional dough hooks.

So, these are the three stand mixers that are quite powerful, yet are offered at an affordable price. You can pick any of these three inexpensive stand mixers and fulfill your dream of making breads, pastas, and other such foods at your home.

There are various types of mixers available in the market, including stand mixers, hand mixers, dough mixers, eggbeaters, etc. Among these, one type of mixer is stand mixer. These type of mixers are quite popular with many people.

When it comes to the working of mixers, all of them work in almost the same way. It’s just that they have a different design and may use some new technology. In general, mixers use a gear-driven mechanism in order to rotate a group of beaters in a bowl in which there is food.

Mixers work on electricity and rotate automatically through electric power. Mixers perform repetitive tasks of whisking, beating, and stirring. Moreover, a mixer can also knead, when you replace its beaters with a dough hook.

Since, we are talking about stand mixers here, they come in various sizes, ranging from small counter top stand mixer models to large capacity mixers. The small ones are also known as floor or bench mixers. These are generally used at homes.

Then, there are the heavy duty larger models of stand mixers, which are used for commercial purposes. These type of stand mixers can have their bowl capacities more than 25 gallons or 95 liters and can weigh around thousand kilograms.

There are also medium sized stand mixers, which can be used for home as well as for light commercial purposes. These types of stand mixers are usually equipped with bowls that weigh nearly 1 gallon or 4 liters.

Working of stand mixers

Stand mixers work in a bit different way. Where hand mixers use a handheld mechanism, stand mixers make use of mixing action in two ways. Either the standing mixer rotates the missing container via spiral mixers or it rotates the mixing device vertically via planetary mixers. These types of mixers mount their motor, in turn driving the rotary movement in a stand or frame that bears the device’s weight.

Stand mixers are quite large and consist of more powerful motors as compared to hand-held mixers. They usually consist of a special bowl, which is locked to the device, when the mixer operates, so that the bowl does not move.

Generally, home stand mixers come with a wire whisk that is used to whip egg whites and creams, a dough hook that is used for kneading, and a flat beater that is used for mixing batters. Stand mixers come in two types, namely spiral mixers and planetary mixers.

Spiral mixers

Spiral mixers are the ones that are used for mixing dough. In these types of mixers, there is a spiral-shaped agitator that remains stationary as the bowl of the mixer rotates. Through this method, the spiral mixers mix the same amount of dough in a much faster speed with less amount of under-mixed dough as compared to a planetary mixer with a similar amount of power.

Additionally, spiral mixers mix dough using less friction of the agitator as opposed to planetary mixers. Through this method, the dough is mixed without any increase in its temperature. This, in turn, allows the dough to rise in a proper manner.

Planetary mixers

Planetary mixers comprise of one agitator and one bowl. In these type of mixers, the bowl remains static, while the agitator rapidly rotates inside the bowl in order to mix the contents in the bowl. Through this method, the planetary stand mixer can mix different types of ingredients, which in turn makes it very versatile as compared to spiral stand mixers.

Moreover, planetary mixers can also be used to blend and whip as opposed to spiral mixers that cannot perform these tasks. Although, these types of mixers are used all over the world, they are most commonly used in Europe, India, and Australia.

What to make with a stand mixer?

With a stand mixer, you can make many things at your home, such as bread, meringues, and cookies. Moreover, you can make these things very quickly and with ease. A stand mixer is a great investment for your kitchen and if you take proper care of it, it can last for many years.

However, still many people are confused as to whether they should buy a stand mixer or not. Let me tell you that a stand mixer comes in handy for making many tasty dishes. These kitchen appliances look great on the countertop.

Stand mixers can perform a variety of kitchen tasks, particularly if you make marshmallows, bread and other such heavy duty recipes on a regular basis. You can make such items with ease and that too pretty quickly. Some of the things that you can make with your stand mixer include pasta, bread, and other such products.

Taking care of your stand mixer

When it comes to taking care of your stand mixer, make sure that you follow some of the tips. These tips are listed below.

Use a towel

You must make use of a towel in order to make sure that there are minimum messes. This is because stand mixers are powerful tools and thus they can create a mess. For instance, if an attachment that moves quickly hits a huge flour pile or powdered sugar and thus drives it out of the mixer’s bowl.

Therefore, you need to drape a towel that you use in your kitchen over the bowl of the stand mixer prior to turning on your mixer. This way you as well as your kitchen counters can stay clean and nice.

Keep the attachments in the bowl

In order to keep all the attachments of your stand mixer at one place, you can store them in the bowl of the mixer. This way they do not get damaged or misplaced. And, when you use the mixer, just put away the additional attachments and keep them back when you clean and dry up everything.

So, this is how a stand mixer works and how you can take care of it. Make sure that you buy a stand mixer only when you are sure that you will use it at least once a week.

KitchenAid stand mixers are in a category all by themselves. They are simply the best – they are the benchmark for the mixer market more than any other kitchen appliance and the brand is known for their bright candy colored mixers.

Let’s face it – a KitchenAid mixer can do plenty of things. It can help you make fresh biscuits, homemade pasta and hot cinnamon rolls. Yes, a KitchenAid mixer will take care of a range of recipes to cover breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything else in between.

Breakfast with Kitchenaid

You can make a fresh batch of buttermilk biscuits with your mixer. You can even make fresh sausages with fresh sage. If you are not into that type of traditional breakfast, then you can use your mixer to make some dough for breakfast bread and whisk up some eggs, and chop up some vegetables for a vegetable frittata.

Lunch with Kitchenaid

During the week a good healthy lunch can be hard to come as people simply don’t have the time to prepare a healthy dish. With a mixer you can get your food preparation done faster as you can do things like shred chicken and chop veggies and meat in your mixer. Envision the ability to prepare food items for wraps and enchiladas and salads that you can throw together quickly prior going through the door.

Appetizer with KitchenAid

Appetizers can be a lot of prep work and the prep work can be made light with the use of the right KitchenAid stand mixer.

Dinner with KitchenAid

Stand mixers are not just for cakes, cookies and other sweet stuff, but for far more than that. They can do the work to help create the base for your meatloaf, pasta and a lot of savory dinners.

Dessert with KitchenAid

We know that mixers are originally made for the sweet stuff. When it comes to dessert, your mixer has an endless list of option to choose, such as sweet bread, cakes, creaming toppings and everything you can imagine.

Conclusion

The KitchenAid mixer is the all-round kitchen tool. It will make all your kitchen tasks that much easier, especially when you have all the attachments for the different uses. With a stand mixer you don’t have to mix until your arms feel like they are falling off. You won’t have to worry about your mixing not being properly and thoroughly done either when you choose to use a KitchenAid mixer. With the flick of a switch or the push of a button you can have a great mixture without all the hard work.

These stand mixers were designed primarily for mixing cake batter and kneading dough, but the manufacturers have gone above and beyond making more attachments to make a more all-round unit. Attachments can add functionality to the mixers and turn them into real kitchen workhorses, giving you the ability to use them as food processors, meat grinders and so much more.

A KitchenAid mixer really provides you with a lot of conveniences and that is the main reason you should buy it. They can be pricey but they are worth every penny when you choose wisely. And when it comes to choosing wisely, you want to compare the cost with how often you will be using it. If you are looking for a mixer that you will be using frequently, then you sure will get your money’s worth.

On the other hand, if you choose something that you will not be using very often, then you may find that it will not pencil out to a good investment. Always read reviews and pay attention to specs so you can make the best comparison to make the best decision. You also need to consider for what you will be using the mixer. Will you be baking cakes for the most part, kneading dough or will you use it as an all-round kitchen appliance by getting additional attachments to turn it into a multipurpose appliance.

There are different types of stand mixers – you have commercial mixers and those that are made for in-home use. Whether you own a small pizza shop or you are just making mashed potatoes once a month, you can find the right stand mixer by going through our guide.

Commercial Mixers

These mixers are the most versatile and useful types of mixers. They are usually made with the most innovative technology and are worth the pricey investment. They are often made with belt drive systems ad feature bowl guards and a number of attachments and features that make them easy to use and very versatile and reliable.

Planetary Mixers

These mixers are also called vertical mixers. These have an agitator which is turned on an offset shaft while the mixing bowl of the machine remains in a stationary position They get the name “planetary” because the move in the same way the planets orbit the sun.

These types of mixers always come with a number of attachments that can be used interchangeably so you can use one appliance to mix all kinds of mixtures, from puddings to making dough. Most planetary mixers have a power takeoff hub that allows you to add other attachments for grating, slicing and chopping. They are very versatile since they can be used for both small and large batches. These mixers are ideal for smaller batches if you use a smaller mixing bowl and vice versa.

Dough Mixers

These types of mixers are also called spiral mixers because their agitator is spiral shaped and remains in a stationary position while the bowl rotates around the blade. They are designed this way so that they can be ideal for larger amounts of dough to knead at one time. The downside to dough mixers is they don’t come with a lot of attachments like the planetary mixer does. Their strong point is that they can mix more dough quickly, so they are ideal for large bread making operations.

Vertical Cutter Mixers

These types of mixers have motors with high horsepower. They have a large mixing bowl that is covered and the agitator is on the inside and can perform a large variety of functions. Vertical cutter mixers are ideal for large production baking within a short period of time. They can mix sauces, batter, can chop nuts, foods for salads, meats and can knead dough. However, they are not as precise as a spiral or planetary mixer.

Other Ways to Distinguish Between Mixers

Mixer types are not the only way to distinguishes between different mixers. You can look at mixture features, the type of drive system the mixer uses, mixer speeds, horsepower and bowl lift.

Mixture Features

• Size – Features that make a difference include the size of the mixer. You can find countertop mixers that have the capacities of less than 10 quarts. Then there are those stand mixers that have the capacities between 10 and 20 quarts. Anything with a larger capacity than that will be considered a floor mixer as they will be stored and used directly on the floor.
• Drive System – Mixers will either have a belt driven or a gear driven system.
• Belt Driven – These are easier and more affordable to maintain than gear driven systems.
• Gear Driven – With these systems there is no risk of the system slipping but repairs can be very expensive.
• Speed – Most mixers have multiple operating speeds. Different speeds are better for different mixes so you want to read the manufacturer’s instruction for your model to ensure you are using it in the right manner. There are some models that allow you to change the speed in the model of the operation and there are others that require you to shut off the unit before changing speeds.
• Horsepower – The larger the mixer, usually the larger the motor and the more horsepower it will provide. These models can mix more and can handle thicker mixes such as pizza dough.
• Bowl Lift – You can find manual bowl lifts and electrical bowl lifts on planetary mixers.
• Manual – These are the most common types of machines. You find this mechanism on the smaller counter top machines. On these smaller units the bowl doesn’t move, but instead it’s the entire top part of the housing that tilts up and allows you access to the bowl.
• Electrical – Systems with this mechanism will automatically raise and lower the bowl at the touch of a button or the flick of a switch. This feature is found in larger standing models which are harder to operate.
• Bowl Guard – This is a nice mechanism for ensuring the safety of your mix. This ensures that the stand mixer complies with OSHA regulations for all the restaurants and bake shows that use such mixers.

Conclusion

No matter which stand mixer you choose, you’ll be sure to have a great cooking experience!

Stand mixer vs. hand mixer machines – which one should you get to bake a perfect cake? Let’s help explain so you can choose the right one. If you have ever used a hand mixer you know it can be a lot of work on your arms, unless you are trying to kill two birds with one stone – getting your cake and building muscles at the same time. Otherwise, you will really appreciate a stand mixer with its hands free ability.

But really the choice comes down to you, what you like to bake, how much money you have available to spend and the amount of storage space you have in your kitchen. So let’s look at the differences between the two.

Stand Mixer

Keen bakers with the need for a machine that multi-tasks will of course prefer the stand mixer. Stand mixers also have more powerful motors so they can handle larger tasks such as making dough and creating thicker mixes. They have a mixing bowl, a fixed stand and an arm that tilts to fit the various mixing attachments.

These types of mixers use planetary mixing action so that the ingredients are mixed around the bowl with an attachment that counter rotates to ensure that the entire mixing process is more thorough. Therefore, they can be really expensive but offer extreme value for money.

Stand mixers typically come with three blades or beaters. The basics is a large balloon whisk that is used for whisking and for whipping. There is a flat beater which is used for pastry and cake mixes, and the dough hook which is used for making bread. Some units come with a standard flexible silicon beater that can scrape the sides to get any of the ingredients that have not been mixed in properly. There are even models that have splash-guard lids to help prevent spills and messes.

Many stand mixers have the ability to be used with other attachments, such as food processors, mincers, jug blenders and even ice cream makers. This is great as they can be the only machine you need in your kitchen and their multipurpose ability makes them all the more worth the high price tag.

Pros

• Included mixing bowl
• Large motor offers more powerful mixing
• Larger capacity
• No manual effort required to get nice even and thoroughly mixed batters
• Hands free operation – set it and forget it
• Up to 12 speed settings depending on the model
• Overheating protection
• Energy efficient

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy and large
• May not be ideal for small baking batches
• Large footprints will take up space in kitchen both vertically and horizontally

Hand Mixer

If you are the occasionally baker and have limited space in your kitchen, then a hand mixer may be the best choice for you. These types of mixers are ideal for lighter jobs which don’t require you to be using the mixer for too long. They are ideal for the occasional cake, whisking eggs for your omelets or scrambles and other small baking tasks.

Pros

• Small footprint takes up less space in your kitchen
• Affordable – you can find good models under $70
• Fancier models have dough hooks and balloon whisks included with purchase
• Easy to store
• Easy to use
• Old school for those who appreciate the value of putting in physical work

Cons

• Mixes in a fixed position so you will have to do all the work
• Suitable for smaller batches of mixes
• Usually only offers 3 to 5 speed settings
• No bowl included with the purchase
• No splash guard included with the purchase
• Less powerful

Conclusion

When it comes to the stand mixer vs. hand mixer you are the only one who knows which one will be the better option for you. We are living in a world where choices are made based mostly on convenience. If you value convenience more than anything else, then we definitely recommend a stand mixer.

Stand mixers come at a higher price but they offer so much more than hand mixers. They are more durable, more sturdy and more powerful while being easier to operate. High tech models are even easier to use with auto shut off features and automatic timers.

If you are an avid baker you already know the benefits of a stand mixer. However, if you are just getting into serious baking you may be weighing your options. Let us help you see why you really should purchase that stand mixer.

#1 Hands Free Operation

With a stand mixer you don’t need to be doing anything with your hands. You simply need to turn the machine on and off and load the ingredients. What this means is less work for you and faster and better results.

Without much effort and without much mess you can blend together the thickest mixture without getting your hands dirty. No need to get flour on your hands when making that bread dough thanks to the stand mixers ability to knead dough to the texture just like your hands would.

Make the tastiest and creamiest frostings without getting a drop of sticky frosting mess all over your counter tops. Add ingredients quickly and easily while the unit is in use without making a mess.

#2 Versatility

Stand mixers are very versatile as they are multipurpose kitchen utensils. Most stand mixers come with three standard mixers that allow you to do different tasks. Most mixers have the ability to work with other attachments which you can purchase separately. You can purchase attachments that give you the ability to make cupcakes, mashed potatoes, and guacamole and pizza dough, to name a few.

#3 Attachments

Stand mixers usually come with a basic set of attachments and often can be fitted with a number of optional ones which you can purchase additionally. These attachments make your stand mixer a lot more versatile than any hand held mixer could be.

#4 Multipurpose

Your stand mixer can serve a number of different purposes in your home kitchen. While the mixer itself may just sit on your counter, the steel bowl that accompanies it can be used for all sorts of things. The bowls can be used as double broilers and the deep narrow bowls can be used as cake molds and ice cream molds as well.

#5 Power and Control

With powerful motors and stand mixers that have up to 12 different speeds you can get all the control and power you need from a stand mixer to make even the heaviest dough. When it comes to controlling the unit you will find most of them with a tilt head or a tilt arm. This allows you to control mixing and adding ingredients as well as adding and removing the bowl and any attachments you want to interchange.

#6 Reliability and Efficiency

These powerful units are reliable and efficient to ensure that they will be long lasting since these are built with top quality materials to ensure longevity. Most stand mixers are traditionally made from die-cast metal which also means they are heavy. Heaviness is an advantage as it allows the bowl to stay in place while it is in use.

#7 Fast

With the right stand mixer you can get your batters and dough done a lot faster and with less fatigue. No longer will you have to be standing circling your mixing bowl for 10 minutes and getting your hands tired. With a stand mixer you can set your ingredients and leave them to mix. If you have a high tech model with a timer you can just set the timer and it will stop once it is done.

#8 Value for Money

Stand mixers aren’t cheap but you can find affordable models that can do what you need it to do. They do offer value for money though because of their durable build. That means even when you invest in a costly machine you will have it for years to come. If you were to divide the cost by the years of ownership, you would easily see the extreme value for money the purchase of a top quality stand mixer brings.

Conclusion

Stand mixers are a great addition to your kitchen if you love to bake. The benefits of a stand mixer go beyond their ability to allow you to mix up a cake batter easily, quickly and without too much mess. They also offer versatility and great value for money.

The true workhorse of a modern kitchen is the stand mixer and if you don’t already have one, you need to know which stand mixer to buy. There are a number of criteria to pay attention to when choosing a stand mixer and we are going to look at those right now so you know what to look out for when choosing this big ticket kitchen item.

#1 Attachments

• If you plan on making bread you will want to ensure that the stand mixer you choose has a powerful motor and comes with a dough hook attachment. If you don’t choose a powerful motor your mixer will be straining and shaking as you try to knead two lbs. of dough.
• A whisk attachment is perfect for making foams and meringues or to whip you up some cream. This attachment needs to spin in planetary motion, orbiting the bowl in one direction around its axis so as to maximize missing power and contact.
• A paddle attachment to make easy work of creaming butter and sugar or making meatball mixes and mashed potatoes.

#2 Low gear port

This is a great option if you want your mixer to do more than just mix up the batter and knead dough. This port is where you can add things like a pasta maker attachment or a meat grinding attachment.

#3 Bowl Design and Capacity

You can find stand mixers with bowls in different shapes and with different capacities.

• You will find mixers with bowls that go as big as 7 quarts but this may not be a necessity unless you have your own little cake or bread shop. If you are a home baker, then you will do just fine with a bowl with a 5 quart capacity.
• When it comes to the shape you will find some mixers have taller bowls that are narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. These allow the ingredients to fall to the bottom easily so less scraping is required. It is a bit harder to add ingredients to these bowls while the machine is in use unless they come with lid guards or feed tubes.

#4 Power

The wattage of the mixer will demonstrate how it ranks within the manufacturers’ lineup of stand mixtures. This number tells you how much power the mixer consumes and not how much power it produces so you want to take that into consideration.

#5 Material

The material that is used to make the mixer is of importance if you want to ensure you get a machine that will last you for years to come you will find mixers made with all steel construction as well as mixers that are made from heavy duty plastics. Steel construction means a heavier mixer but this doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. If you have dedicated space for your mixer and won’t have to move it around, then a heavier mixer is actually a good thing.

#6 Design

The major difference in mixers, when it comes to designs, is the way the attachment contacts the food in the way it spins. You will find some mixers with a lift mechanism which just tilts the head and others that have a lifting mechanism which lifts by tilting at the joint where the base and body of the machine meet. The latter will require more effort and more space to insert and remove the bowl from the machine, so that is something to consider.

#7 Modern Features

More modern stand mixers have more features. For example, you can find stand mixers with an automatic shut off feature. There are also those mixers with a built in timer so that you can set it to stop working based on your recipe. This allows you the convenience to leave the mixer and do some other task. You want to look at the price difference to see if these added features are really worth it when you compare the price with other models without these features.

Conclusion

Which stand mixer to buy is really dependent on your needs, the space you have in your kitchen and the amount of money you can afford to spend on a mixer. When you are hunting down a stand mixer, make sure you look at customer reviews as this will give you a good idea of what to expect from the mixer as well as from the manufacturing company.