Stand Mixers and Hand Mixers Buying Guide

If you love to cook or bake then one kitchen tool you shouldn’t be without is a stand mixer or hand mixer.

source: KitchenAid

What's the difference between a stand mixer and a hand mixer? Hand mixers are small, lightweight hand-held versions of larger stand mixers, but they don't include mixing bowls. Stand mixers are more expensive than hand mixers and take up more space, but a good one will save you time and effort.

Stand Mixers

If you are a serious cook that bakes often, then a stand mixer is a must have in your kitchen. These heavy duty machines are great for beating egg whites, mixing batters, and kneading dough.

Stand mixers consist of a mixer head mounted on a heavy base with a removable bowl and one or two mixing attachments, such as beaters or wire whisks. Basic models feature plastic housing with either metal or glass bowls while top of the line models usually feature all metal construction and are built for heavy-duty use. Most stand mixers have a mixer head that tilts back for easier access to the bowl.

If you're going to be subjecting your mixer to difficult tasks, such as kneading dough, spend a little extra money to get a good quality mixer with added power. If, however, you just want a mixer to whip up the occasional Sunday pancakes, a lower-end model should do you just fine.

Power and Capacity

The basic stand mixer has about 225 watts of power and a bowl large enough to mix a standard batch of cookie dough. Standard mixer bowls range in size from 1.5 quarts to about 6 quarts. As a general rule:

• 4.5 quarts / 250 watts: ideal for cakes and cookies
• 5 quarts / 325 watts: ideal for bread and pizza dough
• 6 quarts / 575 watts: ideal for the homemade bread enthusiast

Speeds

Stand mixers can have as few as three speeds and as many as ten. Lower speeds are good for incorporating dry ingredients, while higher speeds are designed for heavy doughs or for whipping cream or egg whites to stiff peaks.

Planetary Action

The best stand mixers operate with what the industry refers to as "planetary action." Where conventional mixers and most hand mixers have the beaters spinning from a fixed position, the planetary action beater rotates around its own axis while it also rotates around the bowl; this creates better contact between the beater, the ingredients, and the bowl.

Controls

Controls vary from model to model and may consist of a dial that adjusts speeds gradually, slide control levers, or push buttons. Some higher-end models offer touchpad controls with digital displays. A newer feature is a countdown timer, which automatically shuts off the mixer after a specified amount of time.

Attachments and Accessories

Standard attachments typically include wire beaters, dough hooks and one or more mixing bowls. Other accessories may include splatter shields, whisks and/or flat blending rods designed for mixing drinks. Some top-of-the-line models come with additional attachments, such as a grinder, a fruit/vegetable strainer, a rotor slicer/shredder, a grain mill, a citrus juicer, or a pasta maker.

Hand Mixers

If your baking is limited to the occasional birthday cake, then a hand mixer may be a better choice for you.

source: Williams-Sonoma

Hand mixers are small, lightweight hand-held versions of the larger stand mixers, but they don't include a mixing bowl. Much of the same considerations apply to hand mixers that apply to stand mixers, but because they are hand-held they should feel well balanced and comfortable to hold. Typically hand mixers have 3 to 9 speeds and usually a minimum of 175 watts. Look for models with "soft start" or "slow start," which help to reduce splatters.

Caring For Your Mixers

Here are some easy care tips for keeping your mixers in great working order:

• Always unplug your mixer before cleaning.
• Wipe the undercarriage where the beaters attach to the mixer with a damp sponge, to prevent food from gumming it up.
• Clean the bottom where the bowl locks into the mixer to prevent dried-on food from sticking and staining.
• Wipe the top of the mixer to catch food that has flown out of the bowl; use a bit of soapy water and a sponge for tough stains.
• Check your owner's manual to see if attachments are dishwasher safe; if they are, clean them in the dishwasher. If not, simply hand wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse and dry.

Both stand and hand mixers typically carry a 1- or 2-year warranty, while some higher-end models may be backed by longer warranties.

Popular Stand / Hand Mixer Brands

Cuisinart - www.cuisinart.com
KitchenAid - www.kitchenaid.com
Viking - www.vikingrange.com
Hamilton Beach - www.hamiltonbeach.com
Oster - www.oster.com
Black & Decker - www.blackanddecker.com
Blendtec - www.blendtec.com
Breville - www.brevilleusa.com
Braun - www.braun.com
DeLonghi - www.delonghiusa.com
GE - www.geappliances.com
Krups - www.krups.com
Proctor-Silex - www.proctorsilex.com
Sunbeam - www.sunbeam.com
Waring - www.waringproducts.com

Reviews

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