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.