Kitchen Mixer Buying Guide
Many cooks' favorite Kitchen appliance, the mixer is used for many Kitchen tasks. Mixing up dough for freshly baked bread or whipping up a quick batch of cookies for the kids is simple to do using a mixer. Online shopping for mixers is a bit more complicated than actually using one. How to buy a mixer that will stand up to everyday kitchen jobs and special occasions will be answered in this kitchen mixers buying guide. For every job, big or small, find out which mixers are your best choices.
MODERN AND CONTEPORARY KITCHEN INTERIOR IDEAS
What you need to know
Stand mixers and hand mixers are very popular items with bakers. These small appliances, which aren't always so small, are designed with the cook in mind. Every detail is thought out to make use practical and easy.
Stand mixers
Stand mixer
Stand mixers have larger motors than their hand-held counter parts, and the stand bears the weight of the appliance. Heavy-duty commercial models can have bowl capacities in excess of 100 quarts (95 liters); however, home stand mixers are considerably smaller. In deciding on the best mixer for you, consider these points:
MODERN AND CONTEPORARY KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN
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Quiet operation; your mixer doesn't need to be screaming loud to do a great job, and as with any motorized appliance, your mixer should run as quietly as possible. As your machine mixes, the base shouldn't rattle or whine, and if it is running with the lid in place, more noise should be reduced.
Weight is an issue if you're moving your mixer from place to place. You don't want a feather light machine, which is more likely to topple over. Instead you want a mixer that is sturdy and built to last, but light enough to be moved to another counter, put away in a cupboard or from room to room.
Speeds and controls shouldn't be complicated. Three speeds are generally enough, but you may want more, about six, plus a slow speed to reduce spattering. Controls should be clear and necessary to your intended uses.
Size and capacity will determine the amount of counter space used by your stand mixer. You want a base that isn't large, but sturdy enough to still hold your machine and allow for the capacity you need. Typical bowl sizes and motor strengths for stand mixers are:
* 4.5 quarts/ 250 watts: ideal for cakes and cookies
* 5 quarts/ 325 watts: ideal for bread and pizza dough
* 6 quarts/ 575 watts: a great size for the homemade bread enthusiast who makes large batches of bread
Power ranges from 200 to 1000 watts in typical mixers. The more powerful the motor is, the smoother and better your dough and batter. Remember, for home stand mixers, three to six speeds plus a slow speed, is ample.
Beaters and attachments greatly add to the overall performance of your mixer. Make sure the attachments and beaters will do the jobs you need. A typical home stand mixer will include:
* Wire whip for whipping creams and egg whites
* Flat beater for mixing batters
* Dough hook for kneading
MODERN KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN
Durability is very important; stand mixer motors and parts should be made of high quality materials. All metal components are more durable, but they also weigh more; while part metal/part plastic components are lighter, they may not always stand the test of time.
Design and color is largely based on preference. Mixers come in many colors and several styles so choose one you like the look of that also meets your other requirements.
Hand mixers
Hand mixer
Hand mixers are small, lightweight hand-held versions of larger stand mixers. If you don't want to pull out your large mixer for quick cookie dough or egg whites, a hand mixer is the best solution.
MODERN AND CONTEPORARY KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN
The same considerations apply to hand mixers that apply to stand mixers:
* The hand mixer should feel well balanced and comfortable to hold
* 3-6 speeds, plus a slow speed, is perfect for most mixing (some may have up to 9 speeds)
* Beaters should perform well and be easy to clean
* You want your hand mixer to last so look for durable components when deciding
* Lightweight and easy kitchen storage make these mixers favorites among cooks
Because hand mixers don't include bowls, you can use them with any size bowl you desire. However, if you plan to make a lot of food or large batches, investing in a stand mixer is a good idea.
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Common questions about mixers
Which is right for me: a hand mixer or stand mixer?
As mentioned, if you plan to mix up large batches, opt for the stand mixer. Hand mixers are better for small jobs that are pretty simple. If you make a lot of complicated recipes that require you to add ingredients one at a time while the machine is mixing, you'll find a stand mixer better suited for this. Although, having one of each is a smart way to maximize your cooking.
What are multifunction mixers?
Multifunction mixers are stand mixers that do more than mixing. With special attachments you can turn your mixer into a meat grinder, ice cream maker or even a sausage stuffer. There are a variety of attachments for these mixers and if you want to have a machine that can do it all, a multifunction stand mixer is for you.
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Ideas from Overstock.com
Complete your kitchen
No cook's kitchen is complete without the perfect kitchen appliances from Overstock.com. If you love to bake, take a look at our great deals on bakeware. You'll find all of the bread loaf pans, cookie sheets and pie plates you need to really showcase your culinary skills.
All in the details
A big part of baking is perfect measuring. With measuring cups, spoons and bowls your creations will be mouthwateringly flawless. Kitchen tools shouldn't be overlooked. These are the cooking essentials and details a cook needs to consider having in a home kitchen.
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