The hand mixer and stand mixer, both are kitchen tools that help you mix, grind and chop a variety of food items. Both tools are versatile gadgets that can be a beneficial unit in your kitchen cabinet. They are easy to use and are perfect for your baking needs. You can prepare the dough, bake batter, and other mixtures. Choosing between a hand mixer and a stand mixer can be tough. It is important to the know the pros and cons of both devices before making any selection.
Is a Hand Mixer the Same as a Stand Mixer?
The answer is NO. The hand mixer and stand mixer are different devices that come with different features and different specifications. You should know what is a hand mixer and stand mixer to understand the difference between both these devices.
What is a Hand Mixer?
A hand mixer is a handheld device that includes a shaft with spinning beaters at the end. The beaters can equip a variety of attachments to offer versatile mixing. The most common attachment is the whisk. You can also use other accessories like a dough hook, strip beaters are others. Visit our blog to learn all about hand mixers.
The beaters rotate at an adjustable speed, usually, the speed is not so high to prevent over beating of the batter. You will have to hold the hand mixer with its handle. You can move it all around your work bowl to ensure even mixing. This can be a little tedious, but there are many lightweight models in the market. Such models make the task easier.
What is a Stand Mixer?
A stand mixer is a popular mixing appliance that needs to be placed on your kitchen countertop space. It has a fixed jar with rotating blades attached to the bottom. This machine uses planetary motion to mix food ingredients. It is easy to use and you do not require moving this device to achieve an even mix.
The appliance is covered with a top lid. This avoids food splashes and allows you to operate your mixer at medium-high or high speed. The stand mixer is perfect for your regular baking tasks and heavy-duty mixing. You can also use this device with other attachments like a flat beater, balloon whisk, and dough hook.
Pros of a Hand Mixer
Portable
A hand mixer has a lightweight and compact design. This makes it a perfect gadget for portable handling. You can carry this device with you on your trips or long travels. This device is also easy to use because of its compact or small design. It easily fits in your hand and you can operate it single-handedly.
Affordable
Hand mixers are the most affordable units in the market. You can get a good hand mixer model for under $30. The Mueller Electric Hand Mixer features a powerful 250-watt motor and comes with 9-speed settings. This model costs just $29.97.
Consumes Less Energy
The hand mixer is often equipped with a less-power-consuming motor. This results in efficient operations and helps you save on your electricity costs. The Aucma Stand Mixer includes a powerful motor that takes only 660 watts of power.
Easy Clean-Up
Hand mixer models like CUSIMAX Stand Mixer are easy to clean because of their compact design. The attachments are easy to remove with the one-touch button option. Many brands also offer dishwasher-safe parts. This allows you to clean your gadgets without facing any trouble.
Cons of Hand Mixer
Not Suitable For Mixing Large Quantities
Hand mixers are not ideal for mixing large batches. This is because getting an even mix in a large batch of ingredients can be tough with a hand mixer model. Operating your device for a longer time will also present difficulties.
Food Material Might Get splashed
There is always a speed barrier with hand mixer devices. The higher speed of the hand mixer can lead to food splashes. It requires you to operate this device carefully and at low or low-medium speed.
Pros of a Stand Mixer
Hands-Free and Mess-Free
A stand mixer gives you hands-free and mess-free operations. You can mix and blend any food item effortlessly. The mixing is done inside the jar and you do not have to get your hands dirty in between the process. It also eliminates the food-splash problem. Make sure you cover your appliance with a top lid.
Versatility
The versatile usage of stand mixers makes them a worth-buying gadget. You can try many recipes in these mixing units. This is because they have a wider speed range that allows you to blend and achieve a smooth consistency. You can prepare pizza dough, wished eggs, cake batters, and mashed potatoes. AXUF Hand Mixer Electric is versatile comes with 5 wider & longer safe attachments..
More Power and Control
The stand mixer offered more power and speed control. It has a more powerful motor that consumes more watts of power. This allows you to process even thick mixtures and food items with ease. The LILPARTNER Hand Mixer Electric comes with a powerful motor of 450W.
Cons of Stand Mixer
Expensive
The stand mixer is a modern kitchen appliance and equips advanced features with a powerful motor. All these features result in higher manufacturing costs. That is why these devices are expensive, but still a worthy purchase for any kitchen space. The KitchenAid KSM150PSAQ is a high-end model you can buy for just $429.
Large and Heavy
The stand mixer usually has a large mixing capacity. This makes it ideal for processing large food batches but also increases its weight. You cannot use this device for portable handling. It is good to use when you have to place it on your kitchen countertop.
Tricky to Clean
Stand mixers may include different shaped attachments and other accessories. Removing them can be a troublesome task. That is why these devices are tricky to clean but many models, today, feature dishwasher-safe heads. Such models are comparatively easier to clean and maintain.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer- Final Verdict
Choosing between a hand mixer and a stand mixer depends on your purpose of use. You should go with a hand mixer model if you are looking to buy for occasional baking and mixing needs. The stand mixer is perfect for your regular usage.
Deciding between Immersion Blender Vs Hand Mixer can be tough. Discover how to buy the best stand mixer in our buying guide.
Globalideas rates and ranks hundreds of best stand mixers and best hand mixers based on design, ease of use, and convenience.