Category: Help & Advice

Everything You Need to Know About the Best Hand Mixers Consumer Reports

When you’re looking to replace your kitchen hand mixer, or buy one for the first time, usually you’ll want to learn about the different products on the market. You can always obtain plenty of information about the kinds you’re looking for from the company’s product description, but that may not tell you everything you want to know.

The best way to determine the product’s true usefulness is to read the best hand mixers consumer reports. Consumer reports will tell you all of the good, the bad, and the ugly about the mixers you’re considering.

Usually, there will be a range of opinions on the various mixers. Some will be extremely positive, while others can be pretty negative. You just have to decide which ones are worth listening to.

Luckily, there are some consumers who will try these out for you to make sure that there are great options available and that you can easily find them. Here, we’ve gathered some of the top consumer reviews for leading brands of hand mixers, so you can find them all in one place.

Here are Some of the Best Hand Mixers Consumer Reports

You need the features that fit what you’ll need in your recipes, and some of them are so versatile that you’ll be amazed at the capabilities of these five mixers. With so many different possibilities, these mixers will blow your culinary mind while perfectly mixing your ingredients to help you craft your best recipes. Let’s get started!

The list begins with the Oster 2500 Inspire hand mixer, which received four out of five stars, and this mixer has been determined to be the best value for the cost. It’s effective, affordable, and super lightweight, with a 240-watt motor and five speed settings.

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

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

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

The Breville BHM500XL Digital mixer snags a spot on the list with four out of five stars. Consumers report that this model features sixteen different speed settings and a no-tip heel to with the timer and brightly backlit screen, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re doing and for how long.

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

Wait! There’s more.

Did you think we were done? No way! We’ve still got the top two best mixers to tell you about. Chances are that you’ll probably like one of these best, since they were rated the highest by consumers. Both of these mixers are rated four and a half stars out of five in the best hand mixers consumer reports. One of these may be the best hand mixer to fit your kitchen needs. Are you ready for this?

The KitchenAid KHM926CU model features nine speeds with a soft start feature, and is light in your hand. This mixer is so easy to use that even your kids can help out in the kitchen.

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

The Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage Plus model has stolen the hearts of consumers. With nine speeds and a storage case, it’s rated four and half stars out of five from over a thousand reviews on Amazon. Customers reported that it’s quiet and effective, so even though it sometimes starts up with a little too much power, it’s the top choice among them. Will it be your top choice as well?

Have You Chosen Yours Yet?

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

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

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

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

Everything You Need to Know About the Best Kitchen Mixers

With so many mixer options on the market, finding the best kitchen mixers can be hard, especially if you’re not looking in the right place.

There are so many different kinds of mixers, like the kind you just drop down in a pot of soup and turn on to mix the ingredients, or the electric one you fight with to get the attachments in and out of, while holding your elbow up in the air to get the beaters down in your cake batter properly.

There’s also the big industrial type mixer that can literally mix anything in huge quantities. Most of us have at least one type of mixer in our kitchens.

As far as the best goes, most consumers prefer stand mixers, the commercial kind, over the smaller, more manual mixers. Stand mixers can take on the heaviest of tasks and mix the largest amounts of ingredients much faster than another mixer, blender, or food processor.

They also look pretty professional, too, so you can daydream about your culinary career while you make the dough for your biscuits. You don’t want just any mixer though, you want the one that’s going to be best for you and exactly what you need.

How Do You Find the Best Kitchen Mixers?

The best kitchen mixers are not easily found in a retail store, since they’re usually a little more expensive than a hand held mixer.

Recommended for you: Best Hand Mixers of 2017

When you go searching online for the best mixers, you’ll find that it’s difficult to hunt down any other type of mixer except a stand mixer, because they’re rated the best all around.

They’re easy to use and pretty easy to clean up, so customers are generally satisfied with them. Mixers make your kitchen life easier, and the stand mixer makes it even more so since you don’t have to hover over the mixing bowl. With a stand mixer, you can walk away while the mixer does the work.

No wonder stand mixers are rated the best! Just drop in the ingredients and walk away? Who doesn’t need that? Some of the best ones come from common household brands, but you usually won’t find these in Walmart. KitchenAid and Cuisinart are among these commonly heard names, and their mixers review pretty well, too. We’ll list the five best ones right here for your convenience.

The Viking Professional VSM700BR mixer grabs a spot for being one of the best with its seven-quart capacity bowl that can hold up to five pounds of flour. It’s fantastic for batters for cakes, pastries, and cookies, and comes with multiple attachments for all of your mixing needs.

It’s super easy to adjust the speeds, and even easier to handle because the bowl, well, has a handle. The head locks into place securely and you can attach other accessories to it as you roll it across the counter on the included wheels. Talk about easy!

Which One Will Take the Cake?

Cuisinart stakes its claim with the SM-55 model and a five-and-a-half-quart capacity that can hold a whopping twelve cups of flour. It handles all sorts of batter and cream really well, and even comes with a DVD to teach you how to use it, if you don’t already know.

It’ll also teach you some new recipes inside the manual and comes with a few different attachments, like the whisk, dough hook, and splashguard. It’s super easy to operate and starts out slow so it doesn’t splatter your ingredients everywhere. With a digital timer and the capability to do literally any task you need, this is one fantastic mixer to consider.

Next up is the Breville five-quart die-cast stand mixer. It deals with batter and dough extremely well, but it won’t quite hold as much dough as most recipes call for. That may be a drawback, especially if you bake a lot of bread.

The controls on this mixer are easy to control, with a guide printed right on the mixer, and a digital timer to make sure you mix for the correct amount of time needed. Are these the best kitchen mixers for your countertop?

And the Winner is…

KitchenAid wins the top two spots with the Ultra Power KSM95ER and the Artisan KSM150PSYP models. Second place goes to the Ultra Power for its capacity to hold eight cups of flour and excellent mixing capabilities.

It handles any task well with the included attachments and the settings are easy to read and adjust, as they click into place so you’ll always be sure of what you’re doing. You can also attach accessories like a pasta maker or a grinder to it, so it might be a bit more than just a mixer.

When we talk about the best kitchen mixers, there has to be one that comes out on top, and KitchenAid did that. The Artisan stand mixer is a huge hit with consumers with its superior sturdiness and awesome variable possibilities. The attachments are easier to put on and take off than most mixers, and it comes in twenty-five different colors for your personal touch.

It won’t slow down while you’re mixing tough ingredients, either, so that’s a pretty big plus because it means it’s still going to get the job done just as fast regardless of what you throw in it. With the five-quart bowl and the beautiful color selections, you can’t go wrong when purchase the KitchenAid Artisan.

Have you found your perfect mixer? We’ve found the best kitchen mixers for you, so all you have to do is decide which one will work the best for your and look the best on your countertop.

Mixing doesn’t have to be difficult, and with any of these mixers, it won’t be. You’ll be able to blend up your batters and doughs in a jiffy and clean up the mess just as easily. What are you waiting for? Go order yourself the best mixer for your needs and budget!

All You Need to Know About the Best Rated Hand Mixer Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Do the Best Rated Hand Mixer Reviews Look Like?

Usually, the best rated mixer reviews are going to be pretty positive, but it’s worth digging a little deeper to see any potential negative ones.

Sometimes you might find a deal breaker in the reviews, but for the five we’ve listed here, it was pretty difficult to find complaints. That’s a great sign, since it means that most buyers are satisfied with their purchases.

The Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage Plus take the fifth spot on our list. With nine different speeds and a storage case, it snagged four and a half out of five stars from over a thousand reviewers.

It’s quiet, but super effective and the storage case easily snaps on to the motor housing to keep up with all of your attachments. The only complaint we could find was that it sometimes starts up a little too fast, causing a little splatter, but that’s not a big downfall.

The next in line is the Sunbeam Mixmaster. Doesn’t that name just scream awesome? It’s vintage style, as if it came from the 1960’s, so if you love a classic, this might be the mixer for you. It can literally do everything, from whipping cream all the way up to kneading dough, so you most likely wouldn’t ever need another gadget to get your cooking on.

It comes with beaters and dough hooks, so you’ll have the attachments you need, as well as the features. Consumers said this mixer has little bit of difficulty with speed selection, but it can be done, and the attachments are dishwasher safe. How easy is that?

With So Many Choices, How Do You Decide?

Don’t fret, we’re not done yet! Have you found the perfect mixer? Perhaps you have, and if so, great! If not, we’ve got a few more of the best rated hand mixer reviews for you read about right here.

Third on our list is the KitchenAid Architect KHM920A model. It’s got a whopping nine speed settings for all the mixing your heart desires and didn’t have any complaints that we could find.

It comes with several attachments: the beaters, a whisk, the dough hooks, and an aerator, so you’ll have every attachment you could need to go along with all the speeds it’s capable of. With an LED display and digital controls, this easy-to-use mixer also brings its own storage bag, so you won’t lose those attachments in the kitchen drawers. Cool, right?

Here Come the Top Two! Which One Will Be Yours?

Which mixer will you decide on? Don’t decide just yet. We’ve covered three out of five so far, but we aren’t done. There are still features you haven’t seen yet coming up in the rest of the list! Here are the top two best rated hand mixer reviews.

KitchenAid does it again with the Ultra Power KHM5APER mixer! It’s got five speeds to use with the wire whisks and dough hooks plus an eject button to drop them in the sink easily.

The beaters and other attachments don’t even have to go in the sink, though, because they’re dishwasher safe, and the motor housing has a rubber grip to make it super comfortable to hold during use. They’re on a roll, aren’t they?!

Topping the list is a pretty nifty mixer that comes from the Oster brand. It’s model number 2577, and it made customers pretty happy with several attachments. It comes with beaters, a whisk, dough hooks, and a drink mixer. This is the only one on the list with that attachment!

It also has an eject button, so you can easily clean up and stick the beaters in the dishwasher. They’ll be safe in there. Did we mention that it also has a power burst option? Well, it does! With all of these features, it’s no wonder it made the top of the list.

Now that you’ve researched the best rated hand mixer reviews, which one will you choose? Do you favor the Cuisinart brands or the KitchenAid? Do you like the Sunbeam mixer better than the Oster one? It comes down to personal preference and kitchen necessity.

What features do you really need? Which features would you like to have? What does your budget look like? What attachments will you need for your recipes? Where would you put it when you’re not using it? Once you can answer all of these with confidence, you’ll know exactly which of these mixers is the perfect fit for you.

The Top Rated Blenders of 2017

It is just about the halfway point of 2017, and as the summer draws closer, you may be looking to work on that beach body. One of the best ways to slim a few pounds is through cold protein shakes and fruit and vegetable smoothies.

If you are going to want to make some of these delicious and healthy treats, then you will need a blender to do it. However, you are not going to want to buy just any blender, right? You want to buy the best blender for your dollar value.

But how do you know what the best blender to buy is? Lucky for you, here is a list of some of the best rated blenders for this year, to ensure you can pick up something that is both new and well-received.

What are Some Highly Rated Blenders, and What are they Like

The Ninja Professional Blender NJ600  model comes with a whopping 1000 watt motor, ensuring that it will never jam, and is long lasting. Has a hefty 72-ounce pitcher, along with a variety of features and settings. It’s  good for families that need a new blender in the kitchen.

If you are looking for something that can serve a lot of people in a short amount of time, but is still budget friendly, that this model is right for you. Not to mention, dishwasher safe! However it does not come with to-go lids, so do not expect to blend and run with this model. Does not give notice if it is about to break, and will die without warning.

Overall, the Ninja model is good for families who need an affordable, strong blender that is on the larger end of the spectrum. However, do not look to take this blender with you, so you will want to have a portable cup on your person with this model.

What If You Don’t Need 72. Ounces?

If that is the case, then the Vitamix Reconditioned Standard Blender comes with a 64 ounce container that works best with medium to large batches, but can still be used for smaller servings. It  comes with a commercial level two-horsepower motor, and for those of you that always find yourself making messes, a vented spill proof lid.

It is very easy to use for the amount of features included, and comes with both a thirty day guarantee and a five-year warranty in case any problems are found. Proven to be in good use for a long period of time.

Is in no way shape or form budget friendly, and only those who are going to use it all the time should consider buying a model of this price. If you are a person who knows that they will definitely use this blender, and also makes a large batch when using the model, than this blender is recommended.

However, if you are looking for something for a more specific purpose, than you may want to look into something more budget friendly.

Looking for Something on the Smaller Side?

Hamilton Beach makes a Power Elite model that is fairly good for smaller batches. As a smaller blender, it still comes with twelve settings. The container is made up of a unique shape, allowing for less spillage once poured. It is dishwasher safe, and does not weigh much, allowing for increased mobility.

It is very budget friendly, and a quality size per dollar value. Has a 700 watt motor to ensure quality cutting and mixing. Does not make large portions, therefore cannot be used for multiple servings at once. Does not have any features for breaking ice listed.

Glass container is prone to shatter if dropped, unlike plastic versions on other models. If you are looking for a blender on a small budget, or just looking for a blender to use in case you need it, and do not have to worry about making many portions all at once, then take a look at this model.

The Cuisinart Compact Portable Smoothie Blender comes with a 350 watt motor, high and low pulse controls to allow the user to feel more in control, as well as a 32-ounce container. It also comes with a set of four, 16-ounce portable containers for a group on the go.

Great for families, especially when both the parents and the kids are off somewhere in a hurry. Comes with a state-of-the-art touchpad, and is a great way to save a few cups around the house.

It is very small, and does not work well in situations in which much material needs to be blended at once. Most of the price does in fact go towards the portable cups that come with it, and it is important to keep this in mind upon consideration.

It is a great blender for family life, but for the price, is not single user friendly, and does not make a lot of smoothies or milkshakes, leaving it with a lonely 3.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

If you are more of an athlete, and look for something that can blend right into a sports bottle, the be sure to check out the  Oster MyBlend Smoothie Blender. This model comes with a 400 watt motor, and allows the user to put a sports bottle right into the blender, removing the need for another container.

For its size, it has a good ice crushing ability. One of the most affordable and budget friendly models on the market, this product is great for those on their way out the door to go for a run, or who live on a tight schedule and need the blending job done quick.

It’s not meant for more than one person, and though it can be used with sports bottles, it does not come with it own container. It is small, and not meant to be used by more than one person at a time.

As stated earlier, if you are athletic, and looking for something to shave a few minutes off of your morning commute to work, than this model could not be more perfect. However, it does not serve much more of a purpose other than that scenario. If you are looking to make a tasty treat for guests, than you may want to look at something a bit more traditional.

In Conclusion, What Should You Look For?

There are many types of blenders, from sports oriented to portable oriented. Perhaps what is most important to think about when looking to buy a new blender is how you plan to use it. That single thought alone with change the price, size, and all other features that come with the blender itself.

If you review what has been said in the analyses above, then you will see that when you know what it is you are looking for, you will find a product that is the right price and the right fit.

Finding Great Blenders That Can Make Soup

The Gist of Soup Blenders

You might think that the summer is not the best time to buy a new soup blender, but that is not always the case. There are plenty of benefits to buying a blender now. Once fall comes and passess, before you know it, wintertime will be upon you. If you commute to work five days a week, then it might be nice to have something hot waiting for you at lunch.

However, there are a lot of blenders out there that come with different features and values. How do you pick the right one? Well, it’s all just about knowing where to look, and what to look for.  Amazon has a large variety of blenders, but it can still seem daunting when they are all thrown at you at once.

Where to Begin?

The Shred Emulsifier brand makes a  Multi-functional Blender that  comes with eight pre-programed settings, so making a nice soup or broth is as easy as ever. It contains a 1500 watt battery to ensure long lasting use, along with a 2-horsepower motor to ensure you get your money’s worth. This is a budget friendly model, one that comes with many variety of uses beyond making soup, and is

Does not come with a portable container, so making soup and taking it with you on the go will be a bit of a difficulty if you do not already have a thermos of some sort.

This model takes most of its pride in being easy to operate, and contains the ability to make a variety of things, however it is not the prime model on the market if you are looking to blend in a minute and be out the door for work. However, it is a good quality buy and is fairly budget friendly.

The Cuisinart SBC-1000 Soup Maker is a great model if you are looking for something to regular the temperature of your soup, as it comes with a temperature controlling knob. Unlike a lot of other models, this blender’s container is both glass and plastic, allowing both easy grip and reinforced build.

It has a good variety of heat settings so that you can cook just about any type of soup, from simmer to boil, in a quick amount of time. Has a hefty container (48 ounces), so if you are cooking for more than one, serving is not much trouble. It is not for drinking soup on the go, as every part of the design is centered around making a large amount of soup, keeping it warm, and serving it as soon as possible.

If you are looking for soup on the go, this may not be for you. Also, this is a very budget unfriendly model, and can seem like a big spend for many. This is a fairly good soup blender, especially if you are cooking dinner for a family and are not in a rush to be somewhere. However, it is important to keep in mind that this blender is designed only for soup really, and does not work well in making milkshakes and other cold based drinks.

What About Hand Blenders?

Hand blenders are a great way to make quick soup if you do not want to buy something bulky or traditional. The KitchenAid KHB1231CU Hand Blender  comes with a soft grip handle, to ensure that it does not slip from your grasp when blending.  Comes with 2-speed settings, and capped portable measuring mug to store in the fridge when you are ready to eat.

A great model if you are looking for a quick blend before work, or just want to have something at the ready when you get home. It’s also very easy to store and bring on the road with you. For other types of situations, a traditional blender may be more profitable, but it is entirely up to you in the end.

As an immersion blender, it is also generally inexpensive. Does not come with many settings, so if you are someone who has trouble judging the consistency at which you want the mixture to be, there could be trouble with accuracy.

What About When You Need Soup Away From Home?

There are many models that pride themselves in their portability. The Bella Rocket Extract Pro Power Blender model comes with a 700 watt base and with over three different containers to blend, with a stainless steel finish.

With a variety of containers, this model is a great buy if you are looking to make different amounts of soups and other meals or snacks. For a traditional blender, this is a very affordable blender, and is fairly good for purposes both on the go and in the home. It is a very loud blender, so be weary if you are trying not to wake others.

There are not many blades in the actual blender itself, so wear and tear can be expected to happen. This is an all around blender that can serve a purpose for just about any individual or household, however, it is not the most reinforced model on the market, so if you are going to be using it every day, be cautious of damage of time.

The Hometech Electric Jug Blender model comes with an automatic blend feature, so that once it hits a specific temperature it will begin to shred. It comes with a large 56 ounce container, and is entirely. It’s a fantastic blender to bring with you on a camping trip or other weekend event. Very clean use, as it comes with a spill reducing lid.

However, not only does it not make a variety of portions, it is very specific with the minimum/maximum amount of soup that can be made. This is perhaps the most specific model on this list, but a good blender nonetheless. If you see a situation in which you would care to bring a lot of soup on the go, this is a good product to have on you, and is fairly budget friendly.

So, What Kind Of Soup Blender Should you Buy

It is not simple to say, “these are blenders that make soup”, as each model comes with different features and purposes. To put in quickly, if you are not sure what blender to buy for soup making consider, the size of the container. If you are looking to make a lot of soup, then looking for something that makes large portions.

If you are always on the move, make sure to get a soup blender with some reliable portability. If you like making a variety of dishes, then consider additional features that it comes with. Always consider the price, and if you are not the best chef in the world, consider the ease of use as well.

Can You Use a Blender as a Food Processor? What You Need to Know!

Sometimes a recipe might call for something you don’t own in your kitchen. Sometimes it can be an ingredient and you need to figure out how to substitute the ingredient or find a new recipe altogether.

Sometimes it can be your equipment that is lacking, and you need to try and figure out a way to get the same end result so you can satisfy your craving. Regardless of what you’re missing, there may be a way to replace it or find another way around it.

Some of the more complicated recipes in the culinary world call for a food processor for specific ingredients or certain ways that something should be ground or mixed a particular way.

What do you do if you don’t have a food processor sitting around? Maybe you did, but something happened and it’s out of commission now. How do you make what you need for the recipe? Do you try to do it by hand or use another appliance in the hopes that it’ll work similarly?

The Answer is Yes, You Can.

Really? Can you use a blender as a food processor? Seriously, you can. Most of us have an old blender stuck in the back of a cabinet somewhere that we hardly ever use.

You might even have never owned a food processor and have been using your blender in place of one for, well, your whole life. There’s no shame in that, since some of us might never see a need to purchase a food processor. Get that old blender out and dust it off, because it might come in handy when you least expect it.

Now, you’ll have to work your recipe in smaller batches because a blender doesn’t have as much capacity as a food processor, so the process is going to take a little bit longer.

Worth it to get your favorite recipes made, though, isn’t it? Sometimes your dusty old blender that hasn’t been used for months or more can do a better job with certain requirements than a super expensive food processor anyway. The only thing that a food processor can do that a blender cannot is make doughs.

Literally, that one recipe is the only one that a blender can’t handle. Doughs can be made by hand pretty easily, so that’s not really even a deal breaker when it comes to what you can and can’t do with blenders and food processors.

Question Answered: Can You Use a Blender as a Food Processor?

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s talk a bit more about how you can use your blender in place of a food processor. Normally, recipes for making certain types of foods, like tough or sticky foods, call for the use of a food processor because the processor may have more power than some blenders and different blades that are tailored to the job.

You can use your blender to make most of these recipes if you don’t have a food processor, like making your own bread crumbs or baby food. Is it any easier? Can you use a blender as a food processor?

Food processors also have a bit of a rough time with mincing and chopping ingredients, and doing those tasks by hand can take a toll with the cramps you’ll get from gripping a knife or a bundle of herbs. Some ingredients are just too hard to chop and mince by hand, like hard nuts or frozen fruits.

Food processers usually have a pretty hard time with ice cubes as well, because they’ll sit on top of the blades, so it’s difficult to chop them up. Blenders do a much better job with these tasks and most ingredients than a food processor can. Why? Because a food processor is much wider than a blender, therefore it’s hard to get the ingredients to stay close enough to the blades.

Save Yourself Some Work!

The way that blenders and food processors are designed automatically makes them insanely different. With blenders being wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, they might even be a better option than a food processor because they can make it so much easier to take on certain jobs.

When the ingredients inside a blender are thrown to the top, they usually fall right back down into the blades, so there usually isn’t much stirring and pushing involved. With a food processor, the blades can sling ingredients to far to the side or they get stuck to the top, and you have to open it up and scrape all of your mixture back to the blades. Crazy, right?

The only thing you really need to be concerned about with using a blender in place of a food processor is the power of the blender you’re using. The higher the power of the blender on hand, the better it’s going to work for your ingredients.

Can you use a blender as a food processor? Most definitely, you just have to be vigilant about the blender you plan to use in place of the processor. Different brands and models have different motor capabilities. Some of them have pretty low wattage in the motors, but some go up as high as a thousand watts.

Has your question been answered? Can you use a blender as a food processor? For all intents and purposes, you can. As long as you have the right blender, you can do just about anything a food processor can do without spending a fortune to buy one.

Blenders are a pretty versatile option to add to any kitchen, just be sure to do your research and ensure that you have the perfect blender for your personal use. Don’t overcomplicate your cooking with all the different blades that a food processor has, just use your blender to take care of the job. Off to the kitchen to make some delicious food without an expensive food processor, just a blender!

To Buy or Not to Buy: Cheap KitchenAid Mixers

When you go hunting for a kitchen mixer, you might have a super small budget, so you need one that isn’t going to put a huge dent in your wallet. It can be hard to find one that fits your budget and actually works the way it’s supposed to, but it’s not impossible.

With all the brands sitting on the shelves at the retail stores close to you, it can be simpler than you might think. From Cuisinart to KitchenAid, there’s a mixer out there that will cover what you need without destroying your bank account.

You can find cheap KitchenAid mixers just about anywhere, including Walmart, Target, and online. They carry the brands and models that most of us see in our mom’s or grandmother’s kitchen, and they’re easy on the price tag. Sometimes you just don’t need a big, bulky, heavy stand mixer to blend up a couple of eggs!

What are My Options for Cheap KitchenAid Mixers?

We’re glad you asked! We hunted down some of the best, but most affordable KitchenAid mixers on the shelves. Luckily, you can find these at most retailers if you have trouble purchasing things online, so you can pick one up on your next trip to buy groceries. Two birds with one stone, yeah?

So let’s make your life a bit easier and show you the ones we’ve found. Coming in at around seventy dollars, we’ve got the KitchenAid KHM512LR model. It comes with five speeds and a locking swivel cord, so it stays out of the way and you can attack the bowl from any angle.

The cord is also rounded so it’s super easy to wipe off if you happen to sling a little mashed potato on it. The beaters are stainless steel and the eject button on the mixer make sit really easy to drop them in the sink or the dishwasher when you’re done using it. It scored four and a half stars out of five, and customers said it was very light, simple to operate, and quiet. They seem to love it!

Is that model a little high for your budget? It’s okay, we’ve got some more cheap KitchenAid mixers to show you! With these two models coming right around sixty bucks, you won’t be shelling out a huge chunk of change to get what you need. They brought the RRHM5WH model to the table with its five speeds and perfect proportions.

It got a nearly perfect rating with a 4.8 out of 5 stars, so it looks as though the customers are super satisfied with it. It’s easy to use and clean, as well, so it’s pretty much a no-hassle mixer. How great is that?

We’re Not Done. Keep Reading!

The second sixty-dollar model we’ve got on the list is the KHM512PK model. This is a pretty basic model and has some similarities to other models that KitchenAid offers. It has a bunch of the standard features that KitchenAid likes to include in their mixers, like the five speed settings and the ejector button.

KitchenAid really likes their stainless steel attachments, too, because they won’t rust like chrome beaters will. They also use Turbo II beaters, so they’re shaped better for faster, more efficient mixing. This one also has the locking cord, and it comes with a one-year replacement guarantee, so if you have an issue with it, KitchenAid will help you out.

This next model rings up at about fifty bucks, so it won’t break the bank and it’s cheaper than the KHM512PK model with all the same features and attachments. Remember how we said the last one was a pretty basic mixer and had similarities to other mixers?

This one is basically the twin sister of that one, but for a lower tag, so you might prefer this one. Since it’s a lesser cost with all the same functionality as the previous model, it seems to be a pretty popular choice. Cheap KitchenAid mixers just get better and better, don’t they?

Hold On, It Gets Better.

As far as cheap KitchenAid mixers go, the four we’ve covered already are pretty fantastic, are they not? But there’s one more we’re going to bring up, and it only costs about thirty-five dollars. Talk about affordability. KitchenAid likes being a top choice among consumers, so they gave us this handy little gadget.

Their three speed Ultra Power hand mixer comes in white to match any set of kitchen appliances, and they gave it stainless steel beaters with an ejector button, so it’s super easy to use. It has a DC motor in it, and it operates effortlessly with a switch just where your thumb sits on the handle.

Some consumers had a hard time getting comfortable with the handle, so it may not be suited for larger hands or arthritic fingers.

With a lightweight design and quiet operation, this mixer earned a 3.9 out of 5 stars, strictly because of the difficulty with the handle, but most customers are extremely happy with it for the price.

It powers through the ingredients nicely, and doesn’t splatter everywhere, so it might be the perfect mixer for most. If you’re truly looking for something that’s going to get the job done and not hurt your finances, this is probably the best option you could have.

Cheap KitchenAid mixers have a tendency to be pretty similar with varying price tags, so it probably won’t hurt to pick out a more affordable option rather than spending half a fortune on one that claims to be better than the rest. It’s going to be based more on what you need and what you have to spend on one.

Are you ready to purchase your newest kitchen gadget? Head on over to your nearest retail store, like Walmart or Target, or pull one up online or any other retailer website to get your order in. Best of luck with your new family member!

Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer Review: Could This Be Your Perfect Mixer?

We all know what it’s like to have to make three separate batches of cookies because we couldn’t fit everything into a regular sized mixing bowl. You can throw all the ingredients in and go at it with your hand mixer, but the bowl will never be big enough and you’ll just have to keep redoing the dough until you get the amount of food you need.

The struggle is real, but it doesn’t have to be. Why should you keep making several batches when all you need is a larger mixer?

With stand mixers, you get a much bigger capacity for your recipes with more powerful mixing. You see them on television all the time, that huge mixer that sits on the end of the chef’s island. They literally walk up, toss in the ingredients, set the mixer speed, and walk away. Don’t you wish you could do that? It’s easier than you think.

See, that giant mixer is just one of many stand mixers on the market, and since we can’t all be professional chefs, we’ve found some affordable and sturdy options that you can buy for your home. They come from Hamilton Beach stand mixer reviews, so you’ll know you’re getting a great appliance at a good price.

Where Can You Get One?

Hamilton Beach makes a ton of different kitchen products, but it makes some pretty snazzy stand mixers, so we’ve pulled Hamilton Beach stand mixer reviews to show you. Did you know that they made a hand mixer that doubles as a stand mixer?  Well, they do!

The hand mixer just pops on to the stand to turn it into a heavy duty mixer, then pops back off to become mobile again. It’s got 290 watts of power to go with its trademark shift and stir bowl for easy mixing. It comes with the usual attachments, the beaters, whisk, and dough hooks, and has six speeds with a quick burst setting.

This nifty gadget also has a bowl rest so you won’t be losing batter all over the counter. The four-quart mixing bowl also makes greater quantities easier to work with.

The hand/stand mixer got three out of five stars because they sometimes have difficulty with the mixing actions and the bowl. They say that they have to continually stop and scrape the bowl, and that the bowl doesn’t stay still on the stand.

Another consumer said that the controls were difficult to change, and that it would jump speeds because the knob is hard to slide. Keep in mind that it is a hand mixer with a stand to double as a stand mixer, and is not a full on stand mixer like some of the other options at hand.

What About a Sturdier Mixer?

While the “kill two birds with one stone” mixer may not be the sturdiest, don’t give up hope because Hamilton Beach has definitely got a mixer you’ll love. One of their popular options is the classic six speed stand mixer. Hamilton Beach stand mixer reviews show that this one gets 4.3 stars out of 5.

There is literally only one bad review on this mixer, and it was because the buyer didn’t quite like the function of the mixer. Some fit and some don’t, and that’s exactly why you have to find the perfect mixer for you.

The Hamilton Beach six speed stand mixer has a 300-watt motor and a three-and-a-half-quart bowl for large capacity mixing needs. It comes with three attachments and a fold setting as well, so you can add flour to the mix without dusting everything within a three-foot radius in white.

The flat beater, whisk, and dough hook are also capable of the machine’s complete bowl coverage feature, so you won’t have to stop and scrape every so often to keep the mixture going. The two-way rotation ensures that you can toss in the ingredients and walk away and it will all be mixed precisely and professionally.

Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer Reviews Show Top Choice

There is one Hamilton Beach mixer that stands out above the others. They have a series called Eclectrics, and they’re fully constructed with metal, so there’s no worry of breakage. They use two-way rotation technology and a constant flow of power from the 400-watt motor to ensure prefect mixtures.

It also has twelve speed settings to use with the three different attachments that are included in your purchase. Who doesn’t need a dough hook, whisk, and flat beater? Those attachments knock out every tasks you could think of when it comes to using your stand mixer.

It also comes with Hamilton Beach’s three-year warranty, so if anything every happens to it, they’ll take care of it. It’s got a quick release button on the head to make tilting it up to remove the bowl super simple and fast. How efficient is that?

With four and a half stars out of five, it seems to be the top choice among the Hamilton Beach stand mixer reviews, with the only complaint being that a buyer in particular didn’t like the sound. They said that the lowest setting sounded terrible, as if the gears hadn’t been greased before the machine was assembled. That’s any easy fix, and Hamilton Beach will take care of it.

Stand mixers can have a pretty serious impact on your mixing and cooking times, so they can be handy for nearly any recipe you might think up. Hamilton Beach stand mixer reviews are all fairly positive, so it’s pretty safe to say that this is a good brand to go for. Whether it’s batter or dough you want to mix up, these mixers can take on the task and get it done quickly and efficiently.

How to Spot the Differences in KitchenAid Mixers

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.

How to Use An Immersion Blender

When you think blender, you most likely think of a device that does not require much human work. You think of hefty container shredding liquid until it is done so that you can pour it in a mug and be off to work, right? Well, there are all kinds of blenders out there.

A popular blender model is the immersion blender. If you don’t know, an immersion blender is sort of like a reversed blender, where the user grips a blending handle, or wand as some people call it, and blend the contents of the mixture in the bowl that it is to be prepared in.

Invented in the 1950’s, immersion blenders have come to claim themselves as a must have in the kitchen for their wide range of uses, as well as their simple design and wide range of features and models. Still in disbelief?  Then check out some of these quick facts about immersion blenders.

There are all sorts of benefits to using a blender of this kind. For example, Immersion blenders offer easy portability for someone who moves around a lot, or needs to do some shredding on the go.

Immersion blenders are among some of the easiest kitchen appliances to clean, so do not worry about complicated clean up. Immersion blenders do a better job of keeping chunks still in the mixer, whereas traditional blenders are better at liquefying ingredients.

Immersion blenders are statistically more budget friendly for the average household. Are you convinced that you should be using one of these helpful appliances? If so, then it is time for you to learn some of the ways that you can use an Immersion Blenders

The Very Basics of Using An Immersion Blender

The basic process of setting up one of these blenders is quite simple. Most models require some assembly, but it is never much more complicated than attaching one end into the other. Plug the blender into into the nearest power outlet, and give it some time to warm up before using it. Prepare the container that you will use to blend and make sure the blender is facing down at a straight angle.

How to Avoid Spillage When Using An Immersion Blender

One of the biggest concerns when one uses an immersion blender is the spillage that can occur. This is natural to the process, but there are simple ways to avoid this issue.

If given the opportunity, use the tallest pot with the thinnest diameter you can find at first, do not fill the contents of the container all the way. Sure you wanna get the blending done as fast as possible, but blending only half the mixture before adding the rest is a great way to ensure nothing goes flying onto your linoleum tiles.

If speed settings are a feature, trying setting it to low first, and use the higher speeds to remove lumps from the liquid finish

Some “Do Not’s” When Using An Immersion Blender

Immersion blenders are not made to be entirely safe. Many people have hurt themselves because they did not take basic precautions upon using such a device. Keep in mind these safety tips. Avoid using glass dishes, or other easily breakable pans.

You may not cut yourself with the blender itself but you could easily end up with broken glass in your hand. Be sure the blender is securely submerged into the mixture; blending from the top and going down is likely to cause spillage and raise other dangers. Make sure to unplug the blender when not operating, as it could accidentally go off and harm someone or something

Endless Possibilities of Use

Immersion blenders are much simpler to use than their traditional counterpart. While many people have only one or two uses for them, there is just about an endless list of things that you can prepare easily with an immersion blender.

Are you tired of having salsas that are too spicy? Too chunky for your tastes? With an immersion blender, you can throw in a few herbs, spices, and tomatoes, mix them all together, and have the best salsa you have ever tasted.

You can also make softer mashed potatoes. It would be very difficult to take a couple of potatoes and olely use an immersion blender to mash them all up, you can take some pre-mashed potatoes that you have already grinded up, and make sure you get some of those troublesome lumps out of the mix.

You don’t have to use your blender for the main entry. It is a tool that can be used for even the slightest of ingredients. Mixing some basil, arugula, spinach and other greens, you can make a healthy load of pesto.

If you have enough flour, eggs, and sugar, then why not whip up something delicious for Saturday morning breakfast? With your immersion blender, you can make fine grain pancake batter that will turn into the fluffiest of pancakes.

Just like traditional blenders, immersion blenders can whip up a delicious cold smoothie in a matter of minutes. Take some fruits, if frozen be sure to defrost them first, and get to work making a healthy tasteful snack.

Smoothies aren’t the only frozen treat you can make with one of these kitchen tools. Why spend loads of money out somewhere on expensive milkshakes, when you can take some ice, a few scoops of vanilla or chocolate, and enjoy some liquid creams in the comfort of your own home.

In today’s world, you never know what you are putting into your child’s body. Using an immersion blender, you are sure to cook up a healthy and organic mash to feed your infant.

So, Should You Buy An Immersion Blender?

While they don’t do everything, immersion blenders are a great means of making some quick and easy meals, ingredients and condiments for later use. From portability, to their inexpensive average prices, they establish themselves as one of the must haves of the kitchen cabinet.