How to Choose a Stand Mixer
Do you want a stand mixer that will become your right hand in the kitchen and will serve you well for a number of years? Then make sure to choose carefully. Stand mixers are not cheap, so it would be a pity if your hard-earned money went into an appliance that ultimately only took up space on your kitchen counter. We will advise you on what to look for when buying and how to get the right mixer for your needs.
Stand Mixer Types
Planetary Mixers
Stand mixers with a planetary mixing system ensure more efficient mixing of ingredients.
Modern Mixing System
Food Processors
Mixers with a central mixing system are well-suited for simpler dishes.
Ideal for casual cooks.
Important Parameters When Choosing a Stand Mixer
Bowl Volume
Consider how many people does your household have. The volume of stand mixer bowls generally starts at 0.5 litres, with the largest ones offering up to 7 litres. Households with three people or less will do just fine with a 3-litre bowl or smaller, but if you are buying an appliance for a large family, you will need at least a 4-litre bowl. If you are thinking that you should get a bigger bowl “just in case”, don’t. Keep in mind that large bowls are not designed for mixing small amounts of ingredients, so your mixing results may be rather unsatisfactory.
Basic Attachments and Features
Most mixers come with whisks, kneading hooks, and some stirring accessories. Some appliances are also supplied with vegetable slicing and grating attachments. Check in advance if your chosen model allows you to purchase additional accessories you could find useful (meat grinder, citrus press, etc.). Many mixers give you several mixing speeds to choose from, which is very practical. Also note what mixing system it uses - mixers use either the so-called central mixing system (where the attachment rotates around its axis), or the planetary mixing system (the attachment is carried around the bowl in a circular/elliptical pattern, almost touching the surface of the bowl).
Dimensions and Design
Before buying the particular appliance, think hard about where you are going to keep it. If you want to store it in a kitchen cabinet or a pantry, it should not be too heavy in order to make it reasonably portable. If you plan to keep it on the kitchen counter, consider how large your kitchen actually is – otherwise the appliance of your dreams may very well end up taking half of your kitchen counter. The design of the appliance matters as well. Some models are so beautiful and sophisticated that they fit into modern kitchens perfectly.
Additional Features
Depending on the mixer, you may find extra features such a Turbo Mode button or variable speed control that lets you adjust the performance whenever you need it. If you have a dishwasher, consider investing in a device with dishwasher-safe components – it will save you a lot of time and effort. Also note if the device has any safety features, such as a child safety lock or overheat protection.
Frequently Asked Questions When Choosing a Stand Mixer
What is the difference between a stand mixer and a food processor?
While these two appliances can offer the same functions, they differ in their primary purpose and design. A stand mixer is designed for kneading, mixing, and whipping, while the food processor should, at least in theory, serve mainly to grind and grate various ingredients (hence the “processor” part). However, the range of attachments and accessories available means that the differences are becoming negligible, so mixers and food processors can now generally handle the same tasks.
What can a stand mixer help me with?
In addition to kneading, mixing and whipping, the mixer can also help you with many other activities. Using the right attachments, you can grind, shred, slice, grind, make freshly squeezed juice, or blend. Most manufacturers allow you to buy extra accessories later if you wish, but it’s cheaper to buy one with a decent accessory selection straight out of the box.
Do I want the central or planetary mixing system?
The central mixing system uses either one attachment that rotates around its axis or two attachments that rotate around each other. With planetary mixing, the attachment is carried around the bowl in a circular/elliptical pattern, almost touching the surface of the bowl, making it much more efficient when mixing ingredients.
Does maintaining a stand mixer cost a lot of time and money?
Not if you choose well and then care for it as you should. When choosing, make sure to check whether the accessories are dishwasher-safe – this will save you a lot of time and energy. A damp, soft cloth is all you need to clean the body of your mixer after use, so no problems here, either. However, avoid aggressive detergents or sand-based cleaning products that could damage the surface of your appliance.
Is it worth investing in a really high-quality mixer, or will a cheaper model be enough?
That depends on what you need. A cheap stand mixer can be quite solid, with many features and included accessories, but it will most likely be made of plastic. And let’s face it – plastic won’t last forever. On the other hand, investing a small fortune into a state-of-the-art device is pointless if you don’t even plan to use most of its features. The more expensive ones are more suitable for large restaurant kitchens or other businesses. So consider your personal needs and expectations and then choose the mixer that would meet them.
Power Consumption and Performance
Power consumption tells you how much power the appliance consumes and gives you a rough idea of its performance. If you want your stand mixer to be actually useful, make sure to get an appliance with a power consumption of 500W or more; ideally around 1000W. In terms of design, the mixer’s body can be all-metal, plastic, or some combination of the two. The mixing blades should be made of high-strength stainless steel.