You’ve probably never heard of the hand mixer, but if you’re a baker or pastry chef, the hand mixer can be a real game-changer. The small palm-sized tool lets you beat butter, cream cheese and egg whites — and has enough power to whip up some of your most delicate cakes. It’s also better for mixing in small batches of ingredients like dry baking mix and cocoa powder.
On top of all that, using a hand mixer is much quieter than using a stand mixer. The best part? Most hand mixers are relatively inexpensive.
But how does it work?
The hand mixer has a different set of features from a stand mixer: namely, there is no wire whisk to create peaks and valleys. Instead, the beaters crisscross each other instead. This is why a hand mixer works better with soft or liquid ingredients than creams and egg whites, which need a strong battering power to form peaks.
1. It’s better for small batches
A stand mixer works well with large batches of batter because it has a powerful motor and can digest most ingredients that go into it. This makes the stand mixer way better for mixing heavy cookie dough in bulk or larger batches of frosting. But once your cookie dough or frosting gets smaller and you need 3 to 4 cups, it may be time to move over to a hand mixer.
2. It’s quieter
Sometime you just want to beat up some butter or cream cheese without waking the neighbors at 2 in the morning; that’s when a hand mixer is ideal because of its gentler motor.
3. A hand mixer can do everything a stand mixer can do
In fact, many hand mixers have beaters that are interchangeable with those in a stand mixer. You can use the flat beater to mix cake batter or confectioner’s sugar into frosting, or use the dough hook when you’re making small batches of cookie dough. And it’s perfect for whipping up some egg whites for macarons and buttercream frosting too. (Bonus: You don’t have to turn your oven on for the last step.)
4. It’s cheaper
Hand mixers are much cheaper than stand mixers and can start at around $20. And the tool itself isn’t big — it actually weighs less. The best part? You don’t have to buy a new machine every time you want a new one. If you don’t like the mixer you purchased, just take it back to the place of purchase and exchange it for a different one. It’s also better for small kitchens because it takes up less space — something most bakers appreciate!
5. You can use your old stand mixer with your hand mixer
If you already have a stand mixer, chances are that it will work on your hand mixer. Some mixers have the capability to use attachments that go from the stand mixer to the hand mixer; if you don’t have a set-up like this, you can still use your stand mixer by attaching it with a hang strap.
Making a hand mixer work with your stand mixer isn’t difficult but it’s important that the two tools match up. The best way to do this is to make sure you are buying the same brand name for both, and that the model numbers match up. The brand name will also be on a sticker on each individual tool.
Which is better a hand mixer or stand mixer?
Another option to consider is a hand-held mixer. This mixers can do all the same things as a hand mixer, but it’s slightly larger and weighs about a pound or two more.
Consider its size and weight before purchasing one, but if you’re looking for an alternative to a stand mixer that’s even more versatile, this is it. Plus, some models come with beaters that are interchangeable with those in your stand mixer — just check the packaging before you buy!
Is KitchenAid Stand mixer worth it?
Your KitchenAid Stand Mixer is an investment you will not regret.
KitchenAid Mixers have been family owned for over 100 years. I remember mixing together my grandmother’s recipes with her hand-me-down mixer and the quality has stood the test of time. The KitchenAid Artisan Design Series 5 Quart Stand Mixer is a beautiful classic piece of kitchen equipment that can be passed down from generation to generation, as it is both durable and versatile.
The Design Series 5 quart stand mixer is as aesthetically appealing as it is functional, with a glossy pearl finish and chrome accents. It features a power hub for additional attachments, including the ice cream maker, pasta roller, fruit juicer and food grinder.
Why use hand mixer instead of stand mixer?
A hand mixer may seem like an odd thing to keep around when you already have a stand mixer, but it’s actually a useful tool for small kitchens or for when you want to make less than two dozen cupcakes (which may be the case if you live in an apartment with other bakers).
The hand mixer is lighter and takes up less space than a stand mixer. If you’re making a small batch of frosting or whipping cream, it minimizes clean up as there isn’t any excess batter or frosting to deal with. You can also use the hand mixer for delicate ingredients that need careful whisking like egg whites, cream cheese or mayonnaise.
Before deciding between a hand mixer or a stand mixer, think about how many people will be using the appliance and make sure it fits in your kitchen. Make sure you can reach everything easily on the countertop and that it is small enough to fit under your cabinets.
A hand mixer takes up less space than a standard full-sized stand mixer, but can sometimes be more difficult to use because you have to reach around the hand mixer itself while it’s on. I’ve found measuring cups can sometimes slide off of the counter with a stand mixer — not so with a hand mixer.
What is the best hand mixer for your money?
While everyone has their personal preferences, the best hand mixer is one that’s easy to use, comfortable in your hands and can handle most jobs. Extra attachments are nice if you’re using it for specialized tasks like making big batches of frosting or whipping egg whites.
Look at the height of the hand mixer — if it’s too tall to place on your countertop and to reach over when it’s in use, pass on this one. The best hand mixers are lightweight so during extended use they don’t weigh down your arms. The handle should be comfortable to hold when you’re mixing up a large batch of frosting or cookie dough for baking in bulk.
What hand mixers are made in the USA?
If you’re looking to buy a hand mixer that is both durable and made in the US, look no further than the KitchenAid Pro Line 5 Quart Stand Mixer. It’s not only built to last, it also comes complete with a 25 Year Limited Warranty.
If you’re looking to buy an American-made hand mixer, make sure you check the label. When I weigh my options, I like to compare models that are made in the USA versus those made overseas by foreign companies.
I have seen hand mixers from KitchenAid and Bosch — both are made in Germany — that claim they are “USA Made” with pictures of “Made in the USA” printed on their packaging and on their website for proof. The problem with this is that the manufacturing plant that makes the mixer may be in China, but the packaging and website tags are printed in another country.
This isn’t a problem if you’re buying a plastic spoon at Target or something of low value, but if you’re looking at an electric mixer or blender, I recommend you don’t buy a mixer made overseas unless it’s one of KitchenAid’s models. They are typically made here in the United States and proudly show it as part of their marketing campaign.
Does my hand mixer have to be black and silver?
No! That’s one of the misconceptions about hand mixers. There are several different colors that you can choose from for your kitchen tool.
Pink, purple and orange are popular choices for mixer colors. The color does have an effect on the sound of the mixer as it makes a “pinging” sound when mixing a batter or cake mix — another reason I like the white and silver option.
White and silver is probably my personal favorite because it matches my other kitchen tools and cabinets, but if you’d like to rustic up your kitchen, go for something a bit more unique.
What accessories should I buy with my mixer?
Now that you’ve picked out your mixer, you’ll want to consider which attachments you will need to get the most out of it. Lots of people buy a stand mixer and just use it as is, but with all of the different attachments available, your stand mixer can be turned into a busy little workhorse!
Here’s a quick list of the more common accessories you may want to add to your stand mixer:
Wire whisk with flexible wire handle – Sturdy wire whisk helps emulsify or mix cream cheese and egg yolks for pastries or sauces.
- Crank dough hook – helpful for kneading dough
- Pasta roller and cutter – Makes noodles and cuts them with a single motion.
- Paring knife – For cutting fruits, vegetables or cheeses into thin slices.
- Bread knife – For cutting bread and cakes (and cutting cake mix into homemade cupcakes!)
- Blender attachments – For making smoothies, soups, shakes, dips, sauces and more.
Can you use hand mixer in Pyrex bowl?
Yes, you can use your hand mixer in a glass bowl. The best thing to do is to place the bowl in between your hands and mix the batter with the bottom of the bowl. Fold over the batter and then fold again. Rotate the bowl back and forth if necessary. You will notice that you don’t want to use the hand mixer to travel in and out of the bowl because it can create air pockets that make for lumpy batter.
I make my own cake mixes in a glass Pyrex dish, but I use my stand mixer to mix in the bowl as it’s easier. If you’re making a large batch of cupcakes, you can use your hand mixer to turn out the batter into cups or molds. Whatever extra time vs. hand mixing a batter you can save by using your hand mixer is worth it.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re in the market for a new hand mixer, you’ll want to take some time to consider all of your options. I began looking for a mixer years ago and wasted a lot of time with the wrong products.
My advice is to do your research, read customer reviews online, talk to friends that own stand mixers and read reviews from other bloggers. You can also check out my list of top rated jabwhooks.com — make sure it’s easy to use and that it has the attachments you need.
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